Masculinity and Imam 'Ali

In The Name Of God

Praise Belongs To Him Alone

Peace Be Upon Muhammad And His Family

The term 'masculinity' is frequently used these days, “masculinity refers to a collection of qualities linked with males”, and the contemporary world is challenging the male gender and diminishing its traditional and cultural sense of masculinity. A man is often deemed less masculine if he lacks certain expected traits.

The prevailing societal system encourages men to be submissive and obedient in all situations, regardless of the moral or ethical context. These times are not only challenging but also dark, essentially signaling the End Times, we express this view because the balance established by God is being disrupted by evil forces, leading us away from our fundamental roles and virtues and resulting in an unstable society.

---

When dismantling or altering an object, specific aspects must remain unchanged for it to preserve its identity. Without these essential parts, it transforms into something else. And when it comes to Masculinity “Strength, Courage, Mastery, and Honor” are those aspects!

Strength, Courage, Mastery, and Honor represent the ‘alpha’ virtues of men. These virtues are foundational and paramount, as they serve as the fundamental principles without which higher virtues cannot be embraced.

---

As Muslims, we look up to our own set of role models for inspiration, and at the forefront of this list is, without a doubt, the Prophet (ﷺ). Prophets are chosen by God, and God chooses the best.

However, our intention here is to highlight a figure who, while not a prophet, can be considered as the most exemplary individual after the prophets, and that person is Imam 'Ali (عليه السلام).

In this article, we have undertaken the task of defining these virtues—strength, courage, mastery, and honor—and examining how Imam 'Ali exemplified each. And the Battle of Khaybar serves as a compelling illustration of these virtues in action.

The Battle Of Khaybar

A concise summary

At Khaybar, a Jewish colony and military base, the Prophet (ﷺ) led 1,400 troops in a siege. While capturing its forts, the fort of Husn al-Qamoos resisted for two days. On the 3rd night, the Prophet declared, "Tomorrow I'll give the flag to one destined for victory and who is loved by Allah and His Messenger and who loves Allah and His Messenger", So, the people wondered all night as to who would receive the flag and everyone hoped that he would be that person. In the morning Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) called 'Ali and gave him the flag and asked him to lead. (Bukhari)

During the Battle of Khaybar, Imam 'Ali, despite facing the formidable warrior Marhab, swiftly defeated him, a blow on his head, Marhab laid dead. Later, 'Ali exhibited remarkable strength by lifting the fortress gate with his bare hands that even seven men couldn't move, creating a bridge for the Muslim army to enter the fortress and secure victory. (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Bayhaqi and others)

---

Strength

Strength constitutes a fundamental biological distinction between males and females. While women can also exhibit strength, it remains a defining quality of masculinity, setting men apart through greater physical prowess.

Weak men are regarded as less manly, whereas the physical strength of a woman often receives less scrutiny. Female athletes showcasing strength are admired, yet a woman's femininity isn't questioned if she lacks physical strength, even if she is weaker compared to her peers. Strength is a prerequisite for a man, as it is integral to defining his masculinity.

“Strength comes from the body”

Testosterone, the foremost acknowledged androgen, shares a symbiotic connection with heightened strength. Men who boost their testosterone through exercise and nutrition often develop a more masculine appearance.

Imam 'Ali surpassed his peers in strength :

The strength of Imam 'Ali that he exihibited at Khaybar was palpable as he single-handedly lifted a door unmovable by seven men [some narrations suggest that the door was deemed immovable even by forty men, although this appears to be an exaggeration.] This physical strength symbolized his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reflecting the resilience that defined his character. Imam 'Ali was a figure under whose protection the weak could find refuge. God bestowed upon him such strength, and he consistently utilized it for the sake of God and His Messenger (ﷺ).

To our fellow brothers in Islam, prioritize your fitness and physical well-being by maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating at least an hour of workout at the gym everyday. Physical weakness is inappropriate for a man; therefore, invest in your strength and health. And also remember a man who refrains from self-stimulation or masturbation is suggested to potentially maintain higher level of testosterone and greater strength compared to a man who engages in such activities.

Courage

Strength represents a straightforward physical concept—it's the ability to withstand external forces and move steadfastly. Courage, on the other hand, is kinetic; it initiates movement and action, exercising strength. The ‘cowardly Lion’, the imposing figure who stands aside while others engage in the battle, take risks, and do the work, holds less value than the man who steps into the arena.

“Courage comes from the heart”

Courage is an exertion of will, yet not all exertions of will should be regarded as courageous. For instance, using strength to pick up a glass and lift it to your mouth doesn't require courage. Courage is measured against danger, the greater the danger, the greater the courage.

One who is forced to fight is less courageous than the one who willingly jumps into the battlefield. Courage is a conscious decision to move forward rather than a forceful push.

“Courage embodies the enlivening essence of masculinity”

Imam 'Ali's courage was always exceptional:

At Khaybar, as he walked towards the formidable Marhab, he displayed not only courage but also the bravery to confront challenges with unwavering fearlessness. Imam 'Ali was a volunteer and risk-taker, he consistently participated in one-on-one duels before battles with absolute toughness, he vanquished Waleed and Shaybah at Badr, defeated Amr at Ahzab, and took down Marhab at Khaybar. Imam 'Ali was a person to whom fear was only reserved for God.

We would only repeat what God has said,

وَلَا يَخْشَوْنَ اَحَدًا اِلَّا اللّٰهَ ؕ

and do not fear anyone but Allah.

33:39

If this is instilled in our hearts then courage becomes a trait.

Mastery

Mastery, in its essence, refers to the relentless pursuit of profound skill and knowledge. The pursuit of excellence provides a meaningful narrative to life, anchoring men in a purpose-driven existence.

“Mastery comes from the mind”

Men don't “go with the flow”, they have the desire and ability to use reason and to develop skills that allow them to gain mastery over their circumstances.

Mastery is the embodiment of continuous improvement. Through the pursuit of mastery, men contribute not only to their personal development but also to the betterment of society, leaving a lasting legacy and inspiration for generations to come.

Imam 'Ali was renowned for his mastery in various fields:

From eloquent oratory to strategic military tactics, he demonstrated an exceptional proficiency that set him apart. The Prophet (ﷺ) called him the "Gate to the City of Knowledge." In battles, his martial prowess was unmatched, exemplified by his triumphs at key encounters like the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Khaybar. Imam 'Ali's mastery extended beyond the battlefield; the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “'Ali will always be with the truth and the truth with 'Ali”, he was a just, insightful leader and judge. He would also offer profound guidance in governance and ethical conduct. Perfection was found in everything Imam 'Ali did. His legacy continues to inspire, reflecting a rare blend of intellectual acumen, spiritual insight, and unmatched mastery in various facets of life.

Remember, “the more things you can do, the more value you will have among your peers”

Honor

Honor, in its broadest context, encompasses esteem, respect, and status. Being honored entails earning the respect of one's peers. While everyone aspires to be honored, it is reserved for those who demonstrate specific qualities.

When you embody fundamental virtues such as strength, courage, and mastery, your value among peers increases. It's essential to recognize that honor is intricately tied to morality; using power for nefarious purposes will not garner respect or recognition.

In essence, honor is not merely a desire for recognition but a reflection of one's adherence to virtues and ethical principles. Those who embody such qualities naturally command respect and, in turn, attain the status of being honored among their peers.

Imam 'Ali was honored by the Prophet (ﷺ):

What more of an honor would one wish for when the Prophet (ﷺ) himself declared, “'Ali, is to me like Harun was to Musa, except that there would be no prophet after me”? (Bukhari)

Implying that in the absence of the Prophet (ﷺ), the one who is worthy to oversee the affairs of the nation is 'Ali, akin to Prophet Harun (عليه السلام) who took charge of Bani Israel in the absence of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). Furthermore it is proposed that if there would be a prophet after prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) it would be 'Ali.

The prophet himself recognised the leader in 'Ali, and the leader is the most honored person among his people.

Honor is something earned, not bestowed freely. Demonstrate strength, courage, mastery, and earn your honor. Additionally, it's worth noting that while there are other virtues, the ones we've highlighted are directly associated with masculinity, embodying the qualities essential for a man.

---

Imam 'Ali (عليه السلام) radiates these virtues like a lighthouse guiding ships through the darkness of the sea, illuminating the path of those who look up to him for inspiration.

May Allah make us truly dearer to Him and His Messenger. May Allah make it easy for us to embody great virtues and demonstrate them for His sake.