IMAM ALI’S GREATNESS DESCRIBED BY MUSLIM SCHOLARS

 Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal says:

“Reading the merits of the companions of the Prophet of Allah, we have received none which exceeds that of Ali. At times they were presented in such abundance that they aroused thejealousy and hatred of Banu Umayyah. All acknowledge that he enjoyed the special confidence of the Prophet.”
Ibne Abil Hadid, the Muttazalite scholar, says:
“The world cannot come with an example of a person other than that of Ali who was a first class warrior, a marshall, a philosopher, a moralist and a scholar in theology all at the same time.
“A study of his life shows that in its early days of struggle in wars of defence, Islam received help only through him.
“For Islam he was the first to go for its defence and the last to come back. Who stood next to him in the battles of Badr, Ohud, Khandak, Khaybar and Hunain?
“This was only one side of his character is seen from his sermons, 
instructions, letters and sayings. They shed light on the knowledge concerning the oneness of Allah. They are rich in philosophy. They explain to rulers how to be righteous and kind, good, benevolent and God-fearing. At the same time they call subjects to be faithful sincere and obedient....
“These are but proofs of his greatness .. Has history produced a greater person with all these qualities of mind and heart?”

Syed Ameer Ali, the famous author describes the character of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the following words:

“Mild, beneficent, and humane, ready to help the weak and distressed, his life had been devoted to the cause of Islam. His forbearance and magnanimity were misunderstood and his humanity and love of truth was turned by his enemies to their own advantage.”

“Ali is described as a man of ruddy complexion, not very tall but extremely strong, inclined to stoutness, with a flowing beard, soft grey eyes, and a look of great amiability and kindness. His bravery had won him the title of the ‘Lion of God’, his learning that of the ‘Gate of Knowledge’. Chivalrous, humane, and forbearing to the verge of weakness, as a ruler he came before his time. Most of the grand undertakings initiated by Omar for the welfare of the people were due to his counsel. Ever ready to succour the weak and to redress the wrongs of the injured, the accounts of his valorous deeds are recited with enthusiasm from the bazaars of Cairo to those of Delhi. How the mail clad knight rescued a stranger beset by lions in the desert; how the poor woman, captured by brigands with her wounded and dying husband, wailed for the succour which never failed, and how the “Lion of God” appeared and saved them, such stories bring back to Arab life the chivalry of the Arabs personified in their greatest hero. With his dying breath he inculcated lessons of charity, love, humility and self-abnegation to his sons. He expressly ordered that no harshness should be used towards his murderer, who should be executed with one blow.”