Imam Ali (AS), cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is regarded in Shia Islam as the first Imam and the Prophet’s rightful successor, directly appointed through divine command. He was born inside the Ka‘ba in Mecca and is considered the first male to embrace Islam. Ali (AS) was the husband of Lady Fatima (SA) and father of Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS), from whom the rest of the Shia Imams descend.

Shia traditions hold that numerous verses from the Holy Quran and hadith highlight his virtues, knowledge, and infallibility. He was a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH), present in nearly all major battles of Islam, and famously risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet’s bed during the Hijra to Medina.

Despite the Prophet’s declaration at Ghadir Khumm appointing him as successor, political circumstances led others to assume leadership after the Prophet’s death. Ali (AS) became caliph only after the rule of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman. He was assassinated in 661 CE while praying in the mosque of Kufa and was buried in Najaf, which later became a major center of pilgrimage.