Who is Ali ibn Abu Talib ?
The ruler who extinguished a candle The man was the ruler of a large domain, with great power at his disposal. Yet despite the undoubted influence he wielded, he always demonstrated humility and an acute sense of right and wrong. One day, the man was set at work. A candle lit, he sat to undertake government business. Two men arrived, informing the ruler they wished to consult him. The ruler beckoned them in. Before proceeding, though, he extinguished his candle and lit another. Undoubtedly bewildered, the duo are reported to have asked, “Why did you extinguish the candle?” The ruler is said to have replied, “That [first] candle was bought with the state’s money. And as long as I work for the state, I may use it. But as you have come on personal business, I must use a candle paid from my own funds.” This man was Ali ibn Abu Talib, the father of Hussain. Compassion and justice Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, was a uniqu...