He used to take solace in the loneliness of dark nights.

He used to take solace in the loneliness of dark nights. Tears used to flow from his eyes and he used to be immersed in thoughts. He preferred dress that was modest and liked simple food. He lived with us like an ordinary person. Whenever we asked anything, he would reply with patience. By Allah! Despite all the nearness, we used to hold him in awe before we opened our mouths to speak with him. He respected men of learning and gave the poor the privilege of his company.

The powerful could never expect his support in their waywardness and the weak was never disappointed with his justice. Allah is witness that I have seen him, in dark nights, restlessly holding his beard and wincing as would a person bitten by a snake and saying “O world! Go and deceive someone else! Do not come to flatter me. How is possible for me to reconcile with you that I have already divorced you thrice! You are transient and your importance is but little!

It is a pity that the provision for the journey is meager, the destination is distant and the way frightening!”[1] This was the Voice of Truth that reverberated in the Dardar al-Sham, a court where sycophants were gathered to flatter the tyrant. None could dare there to speak out the truth. This was a unique situation that a person of courage did speak! The books of history record that the courtiers cried copiously hearing the talk of Dirar and even the eyes of Mu`awiyah watered.

This was the magnetic effect of the high morality and veracity of actions that even the hearts of enemies melted like wax. Amir al-Mu’minin was an ideal mixture of awe and dignity, kindness and compassion. He was as hard as a mountain and as soft as the cloud in flight. One of the companions of `Ali (a.s), Sa`sa`ah ibn Sawhan, has said: “(Imam) `Ali used to live amongst us as an ordinary person.

Despite his humility and softness, we used to be hesitant and subdued in his presence, like the prisoner who had a sword of the executioner over his head!”[2] In view of these characteristics of `Ali (a.s), Mulla `Ali al-Adhrabayjan has something wonderful to say: “He used to challenge the enemy and attack him like Allah’s Tiger!

And while doing charity and good deeds he looked like the parent of the orphans!” [1] Al-Istī`āb, Vol 2, Page 463 [2] Preface Sharh Nahj al-Balāghah by Ibn Abi’l-Hadīd Previous…