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Ali ibn Abu Talib elected the 4th Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate

Ali ibn Abi Talib (600 – 661 CE); born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, raised in his household and was among...

Ali ibn Abi Talib (600 – 661 CE); born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, raised in his household and was among the first Muslims to accept his teachings. Ali was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from 656 CE until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam in Islamic historical accounts.

In islamic tradition, Ali plays a pivotal role in the early years of Islam when Muslims were severely persecuted in Mecca. After the immigration (hijra) to Medina in 622, Muhammad gaves his daughter Fatima to Ali in sacred marriage.

Historical Significance

Ali ibn Abi Talib (600 – 661 CE); born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, raised in his household and was among the first Muslims to accept his teachings.

Events Before

  1. Theodore I's reign as Catholic Pope ends with his death

    Theodore I's reign as Catholic Pope ends with his death

  2. St Martin I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

    St Martin I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

  3. Eighth Council of Toledo begins at the praetorian church of Saints Peter and Paul in Toledo, will issue the Liber Iudici

    Eighth Council of Toledo begins at the praetorian church of Saints Peter and Paul in Toledo, will issue the Liber Iudiciorum, a twelve-book law-code under Visigoth King Recceswinth

  4. Pope Eugene I elected to succeed Martinus I

    Pope Eugene I elected to succeed Martinus I

  5. The death of Paganism in England: Pagan King Penda of Mercia and his allies are defeated at the Battle of Winwaed by Chr

    The death of Paganism in England: Pagan King Penda of Mercia and his allies are defeated at the Battle of Winwaed by Christian king Oswiu of Bernicia (as told by Bede)

Events After

  1. Battle of Siffin occurs during the first Muslim civil war between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I beside the Euphrates

    Battle of Siffin occurs during the first Muslim civil war between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I beside the Euphrates River

  2. St Eugene I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

    St Eugene I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

  3. St Vitalian begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Eugene I

    St Vitalian begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Eugene I

  4. Forces from the Mayan city of Palenque, under its leader Pakal, defeat nearby Santa Elena and take its ruler captive

    Forces from the Mayan city of Palenque, under its leader Pakal, defeat nearby Santa Elena and take its ruler captive

  5. BC Traditional date for the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu

    Emperor Jimmu, dʑim.mɯ ten.noꜜː]) was the legendary first emperor of Japan according to the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. His ascension is traditionally dated as 660 BC.

More from the 650s

Battle of Siffin occurs during the first Muslim civil war between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I beside the Euphrates

Battle of Siffin occurs during the first Muslim civil war between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I beside the Euphrates River

St Eugene I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

St Eugene I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

St Martin I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

St Martin I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

St Vitalian begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Eugene I

St Vitalian begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Eugene I

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 17, 656?
Ali ibn Abi Talib (600 – 661 CE); born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, raised in his household and was among the first Muslims to accept his teachings. Ali was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from 656 CE until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam in Islamic historical accounts. In islamic tradition, Ali plays a pivotal role in the early years of Islam when Muslims were severely persecuted in Mecca.
Why is Ali ibn Abu Talib elected the 4th Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate significant?
Ali ibn Abi Talib (600 – 661 CE); born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, raised in his household and was among the first Muslims to accept his teachings.

Explore More

June 17 in HistoryYear 656