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Definition
Ali ibn Abi Talib
Ali ibn Abi Talib, or simply Ali, (l. 601-661 CE) was among the first Muslims, a cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (l. 570-632 CE), and later reigned as the fourth Caliph of Islam from 656 CE to 661 CE, when he was...

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Outside View of Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq
Facade of the Meshed Ali, Najaf, Iraq Original description: 030408-N-5362A-002 Near Al Najaf, Iraq (April 08, 2003) -- The holy Shiite Muslim shrine (Dareeh) of the Caliph/Imam Ali (r. 656-661 CE) sits in Najaf. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's...

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Ali & Aisha at the Battle of the Camel
A painting from manuscript of the "Rawdat al-safa" (Persian for "Gardens of Purity") made in Iran c. 1571 - 1572 CE. The painting depicts Ali (r. 656 - 661 CE) and Aisha (c. 613 - 678 CE), who led the opposing factions at the Battle of the...

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Calligraphic Depiction of Ali as a Lion
Shiite calligraphy depicting Caliph Ali (r. 656-661 CE) as the Lion of God.

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Calligraphy of Ali's Name
A beautified calligraphic rendition of the name of Ali, the fourth Rashidun Caliph (r. 656-661 CE).

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Minaret Top, Ali Mosque, Isfahan
The minaret of the Ali Mosque Manar, Isfahan, Iran (1118-1157 CE). Erected during the reign of Seljuk sultan Sanjar (118-1157 CE). Decorated by two balconies. The shaft below the balconies embellished with interlocking stars in recess, altering...

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Minaret, Ali Mosque, Isfahan
The minaret of the Ali Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Erected during the reign of Seljuk sultan Sanjar (118-1157 CE). Decorated by two balconies. The shaft below the balconies embellished with interlocking stars in recess, altering to a diamond pattern...

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Gold Coin of Mamluk Sultan Al-Mansur Ali
Gold dinar of Mamluk sultan al-Mansur Ali minted in Cairo in 1258/59 CE.

Definition
First Fitna
The First Fitna (656-661 CE) was the first civil war of the Islamic Empire fought between the fourth Rashidun Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661 CE), and the governor of Syria, Muawiya (later Muawiya I; r. 661-680 CE). Deep fissures divided...

Definition
Fatimah bint Muhammad
Fatimah (born between 605 and 615 CE, died sometime in 632 CE; date of death is disputed) was the youngest daughter of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (l. 570-632 CE) and his first wife Khadija (l. 555-619 CE). Taking up after her father, Fatimah...