Lesson

Ages 9-12
Stories of the Sahabah
Level 3

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) - The Lion of Allah

Learn about Ali (RA), the Prophet's cousin, the fourth caliph, known for his bravery and knowledge.

Lesson & Story

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was the first child to accept Islam. Ali (RA) grew up in the Prophet's household and was known for his bravery, earning the title 'Asadullah' — the Lion of Allah. At the Battle of Khandaq (Trench), Ali defeated the fearsome warrior Amr ibn Abd Wud, a feat that the Prophet ﷺ praised: 'The entire faith faced the entire disbelief, and faith won.' Ali (RA) was also known for his deep knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.' This shows Ali's unmatched understanding of Islam. When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, Ali slept in the Prophet's bed to fool the assassins who wanted to kill him — risking his own life. Ali married Fatima (RA), the Prophet's beloved daughter. Ali (RA) became the fourth caliph and is remembered for his justice, wisdom, and courage.

Qur'an Verses

Surah At-Tawbah (9:100) · Ayah 100

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ

Wa as-sabiquna al-awwaluna mina al-muhajirina wa al-ansar

Translation: And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajirin and the Ansar.

Authentic Hadith

Sahih al-Bukhari 4416 & Sahih Muslim 2404

The Prophet ﷺ said to Ali: 'You are to me in the position that Harun was to Musa, except that there is no prophet after me.'

Explanation

This shows Ali's special status — just as Prophet Musa (AS) left his brother Harun (AS) in charge during his absence, the Prophet ﷺ left Ali in charge of Madinah during the expedition of Tabuk.

Arabic Vocabulary
عَلِيAli — Cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, fourth caliph
أَسَد اللَّهAsadullah — Lion of Allah (Ali's title for bravery)
بَاب الْعِلْمBab al-Ilm — Gate of Knowledge (the Prophet called Ali this)
Moral Lesson

Bravery, knowledge, and loyalty are the hallmarks of a great Muslim. Ali (RA) combined physical courage with deep wisdom, making him one of the greatest companions.

Reflection Questions
  • 1.Why was Ali called 'Asadullah'?
  • 2.What did the Prophet say about Ali and knowledge?
  • 3.What did Ali do during the Hijrah?
Knowledge Quiz (25 Questions)

1. Was Ali courageous?

2. Is Ali considered one of the greatest companions?

3. Who was the first child to accept Islam?

4. What title was Ali known by?

5. Was Ali just as a caliph?

6. Why did Ali sleep in the Prophet's bed?

7. Who did Ali marry?

8. Was Ali among the first forerunners?

9. Did the Prophet ﷺ love Ali?

10. Who was Harun to Musa?

11. At which battle did Ali defeat Amr ibn Abd Wud?

12. Was Ali the fourth caliph?

13. Was Ali known for bravery?

14. What did Ali do during the Hijrah?

15. What does 'Bab al-Ilm' mean?

16. Did Ali risk his life for the Prophet?

17. What do we learn from Ali?

18. What did the Prophet say about Ali's knowledge?

19. What does 'As-Sabiqun al-Awwalun' mean?

20. Did the Prophet leave Ali in charge during Tabuk?

21. What does 'Asadullah' mean?

22. What lesson do we learn from Ali?

23. What did the Prophet say comparing Ali to Harun?

24. Who was Ali ibn Abi Talib?

25. Was Ali known for knowledge?

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