ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Appearance, Bearing and Looks The study of human appearance and bearing is an important branch of psychology. This is based on innumerable studies and experiments. These psychologists study the eyes, nose, forehead and other parts of the body and arrive at a conclusion about the person’s nature and temperament. According to these experts, a bulging forehead is a sign of intelligence and cleverness.

When the arms of a person are firm and wide, he has the qualities of a leader of men. The hardness of hair, according to them, is a sign of valor and big eyes indicate a person who is quick of nature. One who has a short neck might be tricky and querulous. When a person has fleshy calves is generally foolish. One who has small and sunken eyes is tricky and treacherous. One who has weak and thin shoulders is apt to be poor in thinking.

Although these are hypothetical assessments, at best, they give a fair idea about the persons under study. According to the books of history and biography, the appearance of Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) can be described as given here: His body was heavy, his complexion light whitish, his appearance and bearing were very attractive, and his visage was smiling and shiny like the full moon. Abul-Hajjaj Mudrak says, “He was more handsome and attractive than others.” He had a wide forehead.

Ibn `Abbas says, “I have not seen temples better looking than those of `Ali (a.s)” On his forehead, calluses had developed on account of excessive prostration in prayer. He had a delicate and pointed nose and eyes big and dark that reflected determination and boldness. Abul-Hajjaj says that he had seen traces of collyrium in `Ali’s eyes. His eyes were bright, eye brows were bow shaped, eyelashes long, teeth properly spaced and shining.

Zurarah ibn Samarah says, “When he smiled the teeth shone like strings of pearls!” His neck was muscular and long. His chest was wide and hairy. His biceps were well formed. His wrists were strong and firm and finding the joint between the wrists and the arms was difficult. His collarbones were wide and strong. His palms were hard and the knees were neither weak nor fleshy. His tummy was rather bulgy. His beard was dense and wide. The hair of his head was grey.