Ali ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)

The Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, husband of Fatimah and fourth caliph, a central figure of the Ahl al-Bayt.

He was Abu Talib’s son and the Prophet’s cousin, closely associated with his household from youth.

An early Muslim, his biography brings together learning, judgment and courage.

Fatimah was his wife and Hasan and Husayn their sons; his relationship to the Prophet was both by blood and marriage.

He also had other children and marriages; not every child of Ali was Fatimah’s child.

He held military and social responsibilities under the Prophet, then the caliphate from 35–40 AH.

His rule coincided with the first civil conflicts; government and conflict history are distinct from reports of personal virtue.

Bukhari 3706 compares his closeness to the relation of Harun to Musa; this does not create continuing prophethood.

Tirmidhi 3747 names him among those promised Paradise.

He died after an attack in Kufah in 40 AH, followed by Hasan’s period of leadership.

Muslim traditions differ in interpreting his authority; the profile centres on family relationships, chronology and identified hadith.