Ali is a jewish originated name, it was made
popular by Prophet Muhammads uncle, Ali Ibn Abu Talib. Cousin and son-in-law of
Muhammad. In 656 he became the last of the "rightly guided" caliphs. The fourth of the caliphs or successors of
Muhammad, was born in Mecca. His
father, Abu Talib, was an uncle of the Prophet, and Ali himself was adopted by
Muhammad and educated under his care.
While a boy, he distinguished himself by being one of the first to declare his adherence to the cause of Muhammad. Some years afterwards he married the Prophet's daughter Fatima Zahra. Ali proved himself to be a brave and faithful soldier, and when Muhammad died without a male heir, some thought Ali to have the best claim to succeed Muhammad. Not until 656, after the
murder of Uthman, the third caliph, however, did Ali assume the title of caliph. Certain conspirators later claimed that he took no steps to prevent this murder, but other sources claim that Ali sent his sons to defend Uthman, and was angered when they were unable to protect him.
The question of Ali's right to succeed to the caliphate is an article of
faith which divided the
Muslim world into two great sects, the Sunni and the Shia. The Sunnis believe that the prophet chose Abu Bakr to be the first caliph, while the Shia believe that he chose Ali. Ali did not challenge Abu Bakr or any of the later caliphs, however, but rather served as an advisor to them.
