Prophecy of his Martyrdom

The Holy Prophet (sa) had foretold the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra). Hazrat Ubaidullah (ra) has narrated that the Holy Prophet (sa) said to Hazrat Ali (ra), “O Ali! Are you aware of the most unfortunate individual from among those who came before us and also from among those who will come after?” Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, “Allah and His Messenger (sa) know best.” Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “The most wretched person from among those before us was the individual who hamstrung the she-camel of Hazrat Salih (as). And O Ali! The most unfortunate person from among the latter ones will be the one to attack you with a spear.” The Holy Prophet (sa) then indicated where he would be struck.

The narration of Umm-e-Ja‘far, a maidservant of Hazrat Ali (ra), is as follows:

“I was pouring water over the hands of Hazrat Ali (ra) when he lifted his head, held his beard and pulled it up to his nose and addressing the beard, he said, ‘How fortunate you are! You will most certainly be coloured with blood.’ And on a Friday, he was martyred.”