Malik-Al-Ashtar, Commander-in-Chief of Hazrat Ali’s Army

[Sajid Zafar]

Malik-Al-Ashtar was a disciple and companion of Hazrat Ali. His real was Malik bin al-Haarth al-Nakhay. He belonged to an old Yamani tribe, and was head of the Bani Nukha’s clan. He embraced Islam during the time of the Prophet (SAW) and became one of the loyal followers of Islam. He took part and fought bravely in the battle of Yarmook. He displayed his valor in stopping the Romans’ attacks against the Muslim army. His eye was hit with sword in this event, leaving a scar on its lower lid. Thus, he was called al-Ashtar (or scare faced).

Ibrahim ibne Malik, was the son of Malik Al-Ashter. He was also a seasoned soldier joined the ranks of Mukhtar’s rebellion army, became commander in chief and fought against Umayyads after the martyr of Imam Husain.


Character

Malik was a brave warrior who had acted as a commander-in -chief of Hazrat Ali’s armies. Hazrat Ali had trained him in the principles of administration and jurisprudence.
His valor had earned him the name of ‘the fearless tiger’. He created fear in the ranks of the enemies of Islam. In his daily life, he looked like a poor man, wearing modest clothing and walked humbly. Some badoowins even made fun of him. He never retaliated. Malik Ashtar was steadfast and a determined man. He invited people to follow Hazrat Ali. He did not kill the wounded and didn’t chase those who run away from the battlefield. He was given the trust by Hazrat Ali to translate into action the Imam’s famous letter to him, which according to the Arab Christian jurist, poet and philosopher, Abdul Masiah-i Anthaki, (who died about the beginning of the 20th century) is far superior and better code than the ones handed down by Prophet Musa and Hammurabi. It explains what human administration should be in relation to the Divine Ruler, God. Malik Ashtar followed Hazrat Ali’s good behavior. Hazrat Ali held Malik dear to his heart, for he was God-fearing.

Governorship of Egypt

Hazrat Ali appointed Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr the governor of Egypt after the complaints of Egyptians for high handedness of the governor appointed by third Khalifa Hazrat Outman.
Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr (631–658) was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first Khalifa. His mother was Asma bint Umais. He became the adopted son of Hazrat Ali after Asma bint Umais came into the marriage with Hazrat Ali. He became one of staunchest supporter of Hazrat Ali (Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr had a son named, Qasim ibn Muhammad. The mother of the Imam, Jafar Al-Sadiq, was the daughter of Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr).
After the Battle of Siffin, Ali ibn Abi Talib appointed Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr as the Governor of Egypt. Political savvy, Muawiyah was watching the development very closely. He knew that loss of Egypt to the supporters of Hazrat Ali could eventually turn over his ambitious career. He sent his general Amr ibn al-As with six thousand soldiers against Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. Muhammad asked Ali ibn Abi Talib for help. Ali realized that the only man, who could save Egypt from the clutches of Muawiya and Amr bin Aas, was Malik Al-Ashter. He, therefore, sent him (Malik) as the new governor of Egypt, and recalled Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr to Kufa.
Realizing the caliber of Malik Al-Ashter, Muawiyah, thus, plotted against him. He thought about the ways to kill Malik, and eventually come up with his known tactics of poisoning. Muawiya's agents, disguised as inn-keepers, were waiting to "greet" Al-Ashter at the frontier. They administered poison to him in honey.
When Malik understood that the honey given to him was poisoned and felt the pangs of death, he said: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We belong to Allah, and we’ll go back to him!” He faced death with the certainty of a believer, who knew that his way was Islam and his destination, Paradise.

The agent who had administered poison to Malik, immediately reported his "exploit" to Muawiya, and Muawiya couldn't believe his own good fortune. In an ecstasy of delight, he exclaimed: "Today Ali has lost his second arm." By killing Ammar ibn Yasir, in the battle of Siffin, Muawiya had cut Ali's one arm; and now by killing Malik, he had cut his (Ali's) other arm also. After the death of Malik, Ali had lost both arms. Muawiya had "cut" Ali's arms with the aid of his secret but powerful weapon – poison!

To Ali, the death of Malik was a staggering blow. If ever there was a man in Arabia who was a one-man army, it was Malik. His presence inspired confidence in his own army, and his name struck terror in the hearts of his enemies. The Arabs never produced a more formidable swordsman than him. By dint of grit and ability, he propelled himself to the top of the tree. It is one of the tragedies of the history of the Muslims that his career was cut short in the prime of life. He was brave, resolute, intelligent, chivalrous and faithful.
Perhaps it is impossible to pay Malik Al- Ashter a tribute greater than the one paid to him by his own master, Ali ibn Abi Talib. In the battle of Layla-tul-Harir, Ali placed his hands on the shoulders of Malik, and said: "You have served me with the same distinction and devotion with which I served my master, Muhammad, the blessed Apostle of God."
Malik Ashtar lived a life committed to jihad. His exemplary behavior will always remain as a model for the young Muslim men everywhere! Malik Al-Ashtar said once: “Death is that in which man is pleased with abasement. And life is that in which man dies and becomes a martyr.”
The Loss of Egypt
Amr bin Aas entered Egypt without any opposition, and when he encountered. Ibn Abi Bakr was easily defeated by Amr. Amr's soldiers were ordered to capture him and bring him, alive, to Muawiyah. However, a soldier named, Muawiya ibn Hudayj, is said to have quarreled with the prisoner and killed him out of hand. Ibn Hudayj was so incensed at Ibn Abi Bakr that he put his body into the skin of a dead donkey and burned both corpses together; so that nothing should survive of his enemy (Shi'a accounts say that the Muawiyah was the actual killer of Ibn Abi Bakr). Amr occupied Egypt, and it became a part of Muawiya's dominions.
Ali loved Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr as his own son. His death was another terrible shock he had to endure. He prayed for him, and invoked God's blessings and mercy upon his noble soul.

[ghulam muhammed]

Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr (631–658) was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first Khalifa. His mother was Asma bint Umais. He became the adopted son of Hazrat Ali after Asma bint Umais came into the marriage with Hazrat Ali. He became one of staunchest supporter of Hazrat Ali (Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr had a son named, Qasim ibn Muhammad. The mother of the Imam, Jafar Al-Sadiq, was the daughter of Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr).

Ali loved Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr as his own son. His death was another terrible shock he had to endure. He prayed for him, and invoked God's blessings and mercy upon his noble soul.

I can see Mubarak's bottom burning and smoke fuming out of all his body's outlets.

[S. Insaf]

The youngest son of Imam Husain and survivor of battle of Karbala, Zainul Abadin Sajjad had two sons Mohammad Baqir and Zaid. Zaid took up arms against Yazid but failed miserably. So he started Zaidi sect in which because he made a mistake the concept that "Imam is not Masoom (not infallible) came, whereas Mohammad Baqir married Hazrat Abu Bakar's grand daughter. Which shows that till than there was no clear split between Sunni and Shia Islam.

[Sajid Zafar]

It is worth to note that Asma bint Umais, mother of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr prepared the Janazah of Bibi Fatima Zehrah after her demise for burial.

[JC]

There was NO rivalry till ver y late AND that too was created for political purposes and for the vested interests of some classes. You can see that before 51st Dictator there was no lanat malat for first three caliphs, now it is getting more day by day ...... all beacuse to keep the vote bank intact and to instigate a bond. IF today they feel the power is slipping, they will go to any end ........

[Mubarak]

Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr (631–658) was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first Khalifa. His mother was Asma bint Umais. He became the adopted son of Hazrat Ali after Asma bint Umais came into the marriage with Hazrat Ali. He became one of staunchest supporter of Hazrat Ali (Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr had a son named, Qasim ibn Muhammad. The mother of the Imam, Jafar Al-Sadiq, was the daughter of Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr).

Ali loved Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr as his own son. His death was another terrible shock he had to endure. He prayed for him, and invoked God's blessings and mercy upon his noble soul.

I can see Mubarak's bottom burning and smoke fuming out of all his body's outlets.

Allah mercy on Molae va Sayyedi va aaka Muhammad (r.a.) ibn Abi Bakr.

Member of house know more about than outsider. An outsider many a times cannot search thing even in strong light, but a house member can get a thing even in dark. Mole Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr, son of Shri Abu Bakr knew by default more about his father and aunt Aaisha then any outsider to Abu Bakr house. So, he knew 'haq' was with Mola Ali (a.s.) and NOT with his father Abu Bakr and NOT with his aunt Aaisha. So he detached from his own father Abu Bakr and aunt Aaisha and went to serve Mola Ali (a.s.).

[ghulam muhammed]

Allah mercy on Molae va Sayyedi va aaka Muhammad (r.a.) ibn Abi Bakr.

Member of house know more about than outsider. An outsider many a times cannot search thing even in strong light, but a house member can get a thing even in dark. Mole Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr, son of Shri Abu Bakr knew by default more about his father and aunt Aaisha then any outsider to Abu Bakr house. So, he knew 'haq' was with Mola Ali (a.s.) and NOT with his father Abu Bakr and NOT with his aunt Aaisha. So he detached from his own father Abu Bakr and aunt Aaisha and went to serve Mola Ali (a.s.).

Another example of "Figment of Imagination" by a Fitnati, thanks to his collections of fabricated, twisted and corrupted piece of history prepared by a bunch of Hasid-e-Rasul (s.a.w.) and enemies of Islam.

[S. Insaf]

Ever thought of comparing Malik-Al-Ashtar, Commander-in-Chief of Hazrat Ali’s Army with greedy, worthless son of Syedna Saheb, Shahzada Malik-Al-Ashtar? The answer could be that "there is absolutely no comparism between them."

[incredible]

I can see Mubarak's bottom burning and smoke fuming out of all his body's outlets.

Allah mercy on Molae va Sayyedi va aaka Muhammad (r.a.) ibn Abi Bakr.

Member of house know more about than outsider. An outsider many a times cannot search thing even in strong light, but a house member can get a thing even in dark. Mole Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr, son of Shri Abu Bakr knew by default more about his father and aunt Aaisha then any outsider to Abu Bakr house. So, he knew 'haq' was with Mola Ali (a.s.) and NOT with his father Abu Bakr and NOT with his aunt Aaisha. So he detached from his own father Abu Bakr and aunt Aaisha and went to serve Mola Ali (a.s.).

well said it is very true...

[Smart]

Ever thought of comparing Malik-Al-Ashtar, Commander-in-Chief of Hazrat Ali’s Army with greedy, worthless son of Syedna Saheb, Shahzada Malik-Al-Ashtar? The answer could be that "there is absolutely no comparism between them."

Actually, the name is not Shahzada Malik-Al-Ashtar, but is Malik-Al-Astara. We have been confusing him and comparing him with the noble and historical Malik-Al-Ashtar. The owner of the razor will do what he is best capable of, and we are seeing it !!!

[asif786]

It is worth to note that Asma bint Umais, mother of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr prepared the Janazah of Bibi Fatima Zehrah after her demise for burial.

Asma bint Umais was a very good friend of Bibi Fatema Zahra and after the death of Abubakr she married Mauli Ali a.s

[Muslim First]

Mubarak abde Raaj said;

Member of house know more about than outsider. An outsider many a times cannot search thing even in strong light, but a house member can get a thing even in dark.

Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr was born in 631 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_ibn_Abi_Bakr ). Hz Abu Bakr died in 634. So he was child of 3 years when his father died. Dumb Ass (donkey) like Mubarak abde Raaj and his supporter Incredible lack common sense of reasoning. Muhammad Abi Baker never spent time in dark light in his memory. He was brought up in strong light of Hz Ali’s house. So by his logic house of Ali was full of Gibat about his predecessor and his own mother told bad things about his father.
It is 21st century now. Access to information is available free on intern ate. History of Islam is more complicated than simple “Hate 3+1 and worship Ahl al bait”.

[incredible]

abi bakar was 3 years old when his father abu bakar(la) died,he grew up in Ali house being with Ali made him confirm that Ali is the only imam and wasi of prophet muhammed (saw) this is the reason he chose the Ali side while fighting with aiesha in the war of jamal.