Having to carry a sword has been a medal of valor for fighting men. It was one of the ancient weapons used in wars. Arabs although were not the ones to initially use the swords, however, they still had tremendous command over them. Talking about the swords makes you think about the best of the swords, Zulfiqar, the sword of the best of the swordsmen. Hazrat Ali (as) is the son-in-law and cousin of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Moreover, he is also known as Lion of Allah, the 4th caliph, and the first Imam. Zulfiqar was the sword given to Imam Ali (a) Ibne Abu Talib(a) by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself in the battle of Uhud, as per narrations. You would be delighted to know 5 amazing facts about Zulfiqar the sword.
5 Amazing Facts to Know About Zulfiqar
When it comes to learning about things that are regarded best in history, you will find amazing facts about them. Just as the other historical masterpieces, Zulfiqar is another thing to have amazing facts we should know. The double-edged sword was just like any simple sword till the end where it turned into 2 blades. This scissor-like depiction of the sword made it distinguished from all swords in history. This as a result became one of 5 amazing facts to know about Zulfiqar.
1. What Does the Name Zulfiqar Mean?
From an easier perspective, the name Zulfiqar means “Cleaver of the Spine”. The twofold edges of the sword made it different from the normal ones. However, the meaning of the name is uncertain. For an instance, ḏhu means “possessor or master” whereas, the idafa means ‘of’ which is common in phraseology of Arabic.
As a result, the word ‘ḏhu al’ or ‘Zu al’ means ‘possessor of’. Moving ahead, the word faqār means “splitter or differentiator”. The word is vocalized as fiqār, faqār on the other hand means “the vertebrae of the back”. Summing the name up, we understand that the name has multiple perceptions.
2. When and Where did Zulfiqar Come From?
It is believed that either it was sent by Allah through Angel Jibrael (a) or was given to Imam Ali (as) by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). According to various narrations, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for help during the battle of Uhud. As a result, the sword was sent to Earth for the aid of Imam Ali (as). Contrary to that, it is believed to be one of the 7 or 9 swords Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) owned. Which he later gifted to Imam Ali (as) to distinguish in battle.
Merits of Zulfiqar the Sword in Battle of Uhud
During the battle of Uhud when Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was attacked by enemies from all sides, Hazrat Ali (a) defended him and all of the infidels were sent to hell and that is when Angel Jibrael (a) descended and praised Imam Ali’s bravery and faithfulness. At this Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said ‘I am from Ali (a) and Ali (a) is from me’. Later on, a voice was heard from the sky honoring Allah’s Lion, said by Angel Jibrael according to historians.
‘La fata illah Ali, la sayf illah Zulfiqar”
There is no man like Ali(a), there is no sword like Zulfiqar
3. Whom was the Sword Zulfiqar Bestowed Upon?
Right up till the present time, Imam Ali’s (as) abilities leave individuals in wonder. The enemies used to be scared of his name. He had won numerous battles including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and Khaibar. In every one of the battles, Zulfiqar was constantly found in the possession of Hazrat Ali (a). Even though it is definite that he would be the best of warriors with an ordinary sword as well. Allah sent a sword nobody had before.
4. How many Battles were Faught with Zulfiqar?
Imam Ali (as) has fought many battles in his lifetime, each of them with the Zulfiqar except for the battle of Badr. It is to account that Hazrat Ali (as) fought all battles except the expedition of Tabuk. Another amazing fact of Zulfiqar is that it was inherited by the sons of Hazrat Ali (as) after his martyrdom. Some of the famous battles in which the sword was used by Imam Ali (as).
- Battle of Uhud
- The Battle of the Trench
- Battle of Khaybar
- Other expeditions during the lifetime of Prophet (PBUH)
- TheBattle of Jamal (known as Battle of Camel)
- Battle of Siffin
- Battle of Nahrawan
Furthermore, after the martyrdom of Imam Ali (as), the sword was given to Imam Hassan (as) his first son. Later on, the sword was passed on to his second son Imam Hussain (as). Who fought the Battle of Karbala with Zulfiqar. According to historians, it is said that the sword was passed to all imams (as) later on. However, the views contradict this account due to various narrations and Islamic perspectives.
5. Where is the Zulfiqar Now?
After Imam Ali’s (as) martyrdom, the sword was inherited by his elder son. The second Imam, Imam Hassan (as), and then Imam Hussain (as). Imam Hussain (a) was subsequently seen in Karbala with Zulfiqar. It is said that the sword was then passed on to Imam Hussain(a)’s sons. Furthermore, it is believed that the sword is now in the possession of the 12th Imam, Imam Mehdi (ajtf).
