Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. He was the fourth and the last of the Rashidun Caliphs. Raised by Muhammad since a tender age, he became his first male follower. Ali was one of Muhammad’s greatest supporters and assisted him in various conquests and in the spread of Islam. He put his life on the line many times to protect Muhammad from numerous assassination attempts. As he grew up, he led Muhammad’s armies successfully against the enemies. When he was denied the right to succeed Muhammad to become the first caliph, the Muslims split. The section of Muslims that contested that Ali was the rightful heir (by referring to various quotes of Muhammad) is called the “Shia” sect. Ali has contributed to Muslim theology as a writer and an orator. During his rule, he implemented pro-poor policies and tried to end corruption. His reign as a caliph was a turbulent period, and his life ended tragically after he was injured by deceit.