Why are the sources about the biography of the Companion Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, considered few, and what is the recommended source for learning about his biography?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The biography of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) is widely available in history and biographical books. It is also included in the biographies of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in the works of Al-Suyuti, Al-Dhahabi, and Mahmoud Shaker.
Among the specialized sources on his biography are: - "Al-Khasa'is fi Fadl Ali ibn Abi Talib" by Al-Nasa'i. - "Manaqib Ali ibn Abi Talib" by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. - "Manaqib Ali ibn Abi Talib" by Abu al-Mu'ayyad al-Khawarizmi. - "Bahr al-Ansab Mukhtasar fi Aal Ali ibn Abi Talib." - "Sirat al-Imam Ali" by Khalid Muhammad Khalid.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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