“ His father, Abū Talib, was an uncle of the prophet, and Ali himself was adopted by Mahomet and educated under his care. As a mere boy he distinguished himself by being one of the first to declare his adhesion to the cause of Mahomet, who some years afterwards gave him his daughter Fatima in marriage. Ali proved himself to be a brave and faithful soldier, and when Mahomet died without male issue, a few emigrants thought him to have the best claim to succeed him. ”

“ The Turks, consequently, hold his memory in abhorrence; whereas the Persians, who are generally Shi‛as, venerate him as second only to the prophet, call him the “Lion of God” (Sher-i-Khudā) , and celebrate the anniversary of his martyrdom. ”

“ Abu Musa was appointed umpire on the part of Ali, and ʽAmr-ibn-el-Ass, a veteran diplomatist, on the part of Moawiya. It is said that ʽAmr persuaded Abu Musa that it would be for the advantage of Islam that neither candidate should reign, and asked him to give his decision first. Abu Musa having proclaimed that he deposed both Ali and Moawiya, ʽAmr declared that he also deposed Ali, and announced further that he invested Moawiya with the caliphate. This treacherous decision (but see Caliphate, ib.) greatly injured the cause of Ali, which was still further weakened by the loss of Egypt. ”