By Kamal Sikder
Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam, was both the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad as well as his spiritual successor. From a very young age, the Prophet took Ali under his care, nurturing and shaping him in his own image. As a result, much of the wisdom and knowledge possessed by the Prophet was passed down to Ali, establishing a profound connection between them.
The Prophet likened his relationship with Ali to that of Moses and Aaron, with one key distinction: there would be no prophet after Muhammad. In the Qur’an, Aaron is described as a prophet appointed by Moses’ invocation, serving as his spokesperson and right-hand man, particularly given Moses’ speech impediment. When Moses departed for Mount Sinai to meet with Allah, he entrusted Aaron to lead in his absence. Similarly, Ali played a pivotal role in supporting and representing the Prophet.
Ali’s unwavering loyalty was evident when he risked his life during the Prophet’s migration to Medina. On the perilous night of the Hijra, Ali took the Prophet’s place in bed, fully aware that the Quraysh plotters might strike without lifting the blanket, potentially making him a martyr.
In the battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, Ali demonstrated unparalleled valor, earning the fear and respect of the Meccan adversaries. Yet, Ali’s greatness extended beyond his military prowess. He was renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom, second only to the Prophet himself. The Prophet famously said, “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate. Whoever seeks knowledge must enter through the gate.” This statement highlights Ali’s role as the custodian of the Prophet’s knowledge, a gateway for anyone aspiring to comprehend the depth of the Prophet’s teachings.
This article seeks, albeit humbly, to delve into the scientific intellect and acumen of Ali, a figure whose legacy continues to inspire both spiritual and intellectual pursuits.
After becoming Caliph, Ali faced relentless conflict, leaving him no respite from war. He was compelled to fight battles he never sought nor desired. Shortly after his appointment, some companions raised arms against him, making demands deemed unjust. While Islamic scholars often discourage delving into these disputes, labeling them as mere disagreements among the righteous, they overlook a crucial saying of the Prophet: “If a caliph is appointed, and another rises to claim leadership, kill the latter.” Nevertheless, this article does not aim to delve into those controversies.
Despite the turmoil and the necessity to wage battles on multiple fronts against various adversaries, Ali managed to devote time to writing and intellectual pursuits. Tragically, much of his work has been lost to history. The most prominent surviving compilation of his speeches, letters, and teachings is the Nahjul Balagha (“The Peak of Eloquence”). However, even this masterpiece has faced skepticism, with some casting doubts about its authenticity or completeness.
Ali’s perseverance in advancing knowledge amidst such adversity stands as a testament to his unparalleled intellect and dedication, embodying his role as both a warrior and a scholar.
All mammals give birth, and all birds and reptiles lay eggs
During his lifetime, many sought to harm Ali in any way they could. Among them was a man in Kufa who made it his life’s mission to trouble him. However, one of Ali’s remarkable qualities was his unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge. He would never turn away anyone seeking answers, regardless of their intentions.
This man, harboring deep hatred for Ali, devised a plan to humiliate him. He approached Ali at a time when he was preparing to pray, hoping to exploit Ali’s love for both prayer and knowledge. Believing he could delay Ali’s prayer and upset him, the man asked with a smug expression, “Tell me, which animals lay eggs, and which give birth?”
Without hesitation, Ali responded, “Those whose ears are inside lay eggs, and those whose ears extend outward give birth.” He then gone ahead with his prayers, leaving the man stunned. In Arabic, Ali’s reply was even more concise, further displaying his brilliance in both wit and knowledge.
Remarkably, Ali’s answer was scientifically accurate. All mammals, whose ears extend outward, give birth, while creatures like birds and reptiles, whose ears are internal, lay eggs.
Distance between earth and the sun
Once Ali was in the Kufa Mosque when a man approached him and pointed towards the sun. He asked, “What is the distance between our land and the sun?” Ali responded, “If an Arabian horse starts running from here and continues to run for 500 years without stopping, it will reach the sun.” The man was satisfied with the answer and left.
But the matter doesn’t end there. If we calculate, we find the wisdom behind Ali’s response. He mentioned that an Arabian horse running for 500 years would reach the sun. The average speed of an Arabian horse is 22 miles per hour. If it runs for 20 hours continuously, multiplying 22 by 24 gives 520 miles covered in 24 hours. Calculating for a month, we need to multiply 520 by 29.5 (considering the Islamic calendar months). This results in 15,500 miles covered in a month. For a year, as there are 12 months, multiplying 15,500 by 12 gives 186,000 miles in a year. Now, calculating for 500 years, multiplying 186,000 by 500 gives 93,000,000 miles.
This is the distance the horse would cover in 500 years. According to science, the distance between Earth and the sun varies because Earth’s orbit is elliptical. When Earth is closest to the sun, the distance is 91 million miles, and when it is farthest, it is 94.8 million miles. The average distance aligns with what Ali mentioned 1400 years ago.
Aliens or galaxies
In one hadith, Ali said, “These stars which are in the sky are like cities similar to the cities on Earth; every city with another city (every star with another star) is connected by pillars of light.” This profound statement invites multiple interpretations. By referring to “cities of stars,” Ali could have been describing galaxies, vast collections of stars bound together in the universe, or he might have alluded to the possibility of alien life existing on different stars or their surrounding planets. The metaphor is both poetic and visually evocative, likening stars to earthly cities, each vibrant and significant within the grand system of the cosmos. The “pillars of light” symbolize the connections between these stars, which could represent gravitational forces, filaments of gas, or even the light traveling across the vastness of space, weaving the stars together into a cosmic web. This imagery reflects the intricate structure of the universe, where galaxies and stars are interconnected through immense filaments forming the large-scale fabric of the cosmos. Beyond the scientific perspective, the hadith conveys a sense of unity and harmony, emphasizing the interconnected existence of celestial bodies, much like the interconnected societies on Earth. The metaphor also opens the door to speculation about alien civilizations. If stars are likened to cities, the suggestion arises that these “cities” may not be empty but could harbor intelligent life or advanced societies. The “pillars of light” could then represent interstellar communication, energy transfer, or hypothetical transportation technologies, perhaps akin to beams of light or wormholes. This interpretation aligns with the vastness and interconnectedness of the universe, hinting at a cosmos teeming with life, where advanced beings may exist and interact in ways beyond our current understanding. Such a perspective inspires wonder and curiosity about the possibilities of alien life and the ways they might connect across the stars, blending science, spirituality, and imagination into a captivating vision of the universe.
Literary prowess
Another instance among Arabs saw Muslims debating about the most frequently used letter in the Arabic language, which they concluded to be “Alif.” Ali stood and delivered a sermon praising Allah and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad, without using the letter “Alif.” This sermon was exceptionally long and demonstrated extraordinary intellectual brilliance. Similarly, Ali delivered another sermon without using any dotted letters.
Many scientists, philosophers, and researchers have praised Ali’s intellect. George Stock, an author, was so inspired by Ali’s wisdom that he wrote a book on his life. Philosopher Thomas Carlyle, in his book On Heroes, Hero Worship, and the Heroic in History, admired Ali’s qualities, leadership, and personality. Numerous non-Muslim scientists and philosophers have also commended Ali’s wisdom.
The hidden colours of light and the microorganism
Ali stated that only Allah can perceive hidden colours or delicate creations. He explained that there are light waves or hidden colours that human eyes cannot see. He also mentioned that humans are surrounded by living organisms that are invisible to the naked eye, referencing microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. These were discovered in the 17th century by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, but Ali had described them over 1000 years earlier.
The types and nature of sound
Furthermore, Ali explained that besides Allah, every listener is deaf to faint sounds, loud sounds overwhelm them, and distant sounds fade away. He identified three types of sounds: inaudible frequencies below 20 Hz (known as infrasonic sounds), excessively loud sounds above 140 decibels that can cause deafness, and distant sounds like cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) from space. This concept aligns with scientific understanding today.
Carl Sagan, a NASA scientist and author of Cosmos, described in his book how all living beings are fundamentally connected through radiation. Ali’s sermons contain similar insights stated 1400 years ago, long before Carl Sagan, who was born in 1934.
The role of pheromones affecting human behaviour
In another sermon, Ali highlighted that love between parents fosters positive relationships among their children. Conversely, hatred between parents passes down negativity to their children. In the 19th century, it was discovered that human behaviours are transmitted chemically through pheromones. Ali also explained that siblings’ enmity often stems from their parents’ discord.
Marine navigation
Accurate navigation can be achieved; for instance, using the North Star as a reference for geographical alignment. If a line is drawn from this star to the horizon, the point where this line meets the horizon can indicate geographical alignment. The North Star or Polaris, the brightest star in its vicinity, serves as a consistent point in the sky for navigation. It almost perfectly aligns with the Earth’s axis, making it a crucial celestial marker.
If we consider the stars in the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) constellation, there are two stars resembling a bowl. Measuring the distance between them and extending it upward by five equal parts will lead to Polaris. Similarly, like other stars, Polaris can also be aligned with the horizon to determine geographical directions.
Knowledge beyond science
One day, Ali was delivering a sermon from the pulpit of the Kufa Mosque. As soon as he concluded his sermon, a man stood up from the audience and said, “O Ali, I have travelled for months from Sham (Syria) to Kufa to ask you some questions. Will you answer them?” Ali responded, “O son of Adam, ask whatever you wish without hesitation.”
The man then asked the following questions:
- What was the first thing Allah created?
- Name the ten most powerful creations in existence.
- What is something that breathes but has neither flesh nor blood?
- What material did Allah use to create the heavens?
- What are the names of the seven heavens?
- What are the locks of the heavens, and what are their keys?
- What is the best valley on Earth?
- What is the worst and most dreadful valley on Earth?
Ali answered each question:
- The first creation: Allah created light (Noor) as the first creation.
- The ten most powerful creations:
- Stone: The hardest material.
- Iron: Which can cut through stone.
- Fire: Which melts iron.
- Water: Which extinguishes fire.
- Clouds: Which carry water.
- Wind: Which moves clouds.
- The Angel of Wind: Who controls the wind.
- The Angel of Death: Who overpowers all living beings, including angels.
- Death: Which overcomes even the Angel of Death.
- Allah’s Command: The most powerful of all, as nothing can resist it.
- The breathing entity without flesh or blood: It is dawn (Subh), as stated in the Quran. Allah swears by the dawn in Surah Al-Takwir.
- Creation of the heavens: Allah created the first heaven from water vapor or steam, which is the gaseous emission from heated water.
- The names of the seven heavens:
- Rafi: The first heaven, made from water and vapor.
- Kaydum: The second heaven, resembling the color of copper.
- Moom: The third heaven, reddish-brown in hue.
The Seven Heavens, Their Colors, and the Gates of the Skies
The sky we see above us is extraordinary, with its different layers and unique attributes. Each level of heaven has a distinct name and color. The fifth heaven, known as Hun, is silver in color. The sixth heaven, called Aroos, shines like emerald green. Finally, the seventh heaven, referred to as Ajma, radiates with the brilliance of white pearls, symbolizing divine light.
The Locks and Keys of the Heavens
A question arises about the locks and keys of the heavens. The lock of the heavens is associating partners with Allah (Shirk). Anyone who worships anyone other than Allah will never find the gates of the heavens opening for them. The key to these gates is the sincere proclamation of faith: “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah” (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger), either during their lifetime or at the time of death.
As narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Allah has created specific gates between the heavens. Many prophets and messengers of Allah have traversed through these gates to ascend to different levels of the skies. According to the same narrations, Prophet Adam resides in the first heaven, Prophets Yahya and Isa in the second, Prophet Yusuf in the third, Prophet Idris in the fourth, Prophet Harun in the fifth, Prophet Musa in the sixth, and Prophet Ibrahim in the seventh heaven.
The Valleys of the Earth
The next query delves into the most blessed and dreadful valleys on Earth. According to Ali:
The most beautiful valley is Sarandeep, located in modern-day Sri Lanka. It is said that Prophet Adam descended here upon being sent down from heaven.
The most dreadful valley is Bair Hoot in Yemen, described as one of the valleys of hell. This is where the souls of disbelievers and polytheists are tormented after death. These souls cry out for forgiveness, lamenting their worldly misdeeds, but by then, it is too late for mercy.
Historical Origins and Divine Knowledge
When asked about the origins of Dirham and Dinar (ancient currencies), Ali explained that they were first minted by Nimrod, the tyrannical king of Babylon, nearly 4,000 years ago. Nimrod, a staunch enemy of Prophet Ibrahim, ruled Babylon, now a part of modern-day Iraq.
Another question inquired about an individual who married two sisters simultaneously. Ali clarified that this was Prophet Yaqub (Jacob). He married Leah and Rachel, but after this incident, Allah forbade marrying two sisters at the same time. Prophet Yaqub is also known as Israel, and his descendants are referred to as the Bani Israel (Children of Israel).
The Nature of Paradise: Eating Without Bodily Needs
One intriguing question often raised pertains to the state of humans in paradise. How can they eat and drink without any physical needs? Imam Ali (RA) addressed this by drawing an analogy to the earthly experience of a child in the womb. For nine months, a foetus is nourished without expelling waste, an example of divine will and power. Similarly, in paradise, eating will result in a fragrant belch rather than physical needs, symbolizing perfect contentment.
Mystical Queries Addressed by Ali
A Jewish man once approached Caliph Umar and later Imam Ali with profound questions, seeking validation of Islam’s divine nature. Here are the questions and their insightful answers:
- A Being Without Hands, Feet, or Body but Consumes Everything: Ali explained that this represents the fire of hell, which devours all it encounters. It is a reminder of the consequences of disbelief and sin.
- A Constantly Moving Entity: Water, with its perpetual flow, was identified as the answer. Its unyielding motion is a metaphor for the resilience and guidance found in Allah’s path.
- The Tree Grown Instantly: This refers to the tree Allah miraculously provided for Prophet Yunus after he emerged from the whale’s belly, showcasing Allah’s mercy and power.
- Eternal Shade of a Tree: The Shajarat al-Tuba (Tree of Bliss) in paradise spans vast distances, its branches extending to every heavenly dwelling. It exemplifies divine abundance and eternal comfort.
- A Father Younger than His Son: This paradox describes Prophet Uzair, who was resurrected 100 years after his death, while his son aged naturally, making the father appear younger than the son.
- Resurrected Humans: The Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf) were mentioned as those who slept for 309 years, awoken by Allah’s will to demonstrate His power.
- Resurrected Animals: Ali named the dog of the Ashab al-Kahf and Prophet Uzair’s donkey, both brought back to life, symbolizing divine omnipotence.
- A Prophet Neither Human, Angel, nor Jinn: The crow sent by Allah to Cain (Qabil) after he murdered Abel (Habil) served as a divine guide, showing Cain how to bury his brother’s body.
- Divine Dialogue Before Prophet Musa: Imam Ali explained that Allah conversed with every soul before their earthly existence, affirming His lordship in the realm of souls (Alam al-Mithaq). This dialogue underscores humanity’s primordial recognition of Allah.
The Purpose of Creation and the Test of Faith
Ali highlighted the distinction of humans as Ashraf al-Makhluqat (the most noble creation) due to their intellectual capacity to recognize Allah. Unlike angels, who are innately aware of Allah, humans embark on a journey of discovery. The test lies in acknowledging the Creator amidst worldly distractions, which grants them a higher spiritual rank when successful.
The virtues of Ali are far too profound to be fully captured in mere words. While he was literate, like most Arabs of his time, he did not have access to formal scientific education. Yet, his ability to address complex questions about nature and the workings of the world demonstrates a depth of knowledge that seems extraordinary for his era.
Ali’s insights into the natural world, his capacity to explain intricate phenomena, and his profound understanding of science and wisdom suggest that he was granted a unique channel of knowledge by Allah. This divine gift enabled him to bridge spiritual and intellectual realms, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
