Highlight the contributions of ‘ Ali b.Abi Talib to Islam.

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Contributions of 'Ali b. Abi Talib to Islam

'Ali b. Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (S.A.W.), the fourth Rightly-Guided Caliph, and one of the earliest converts to Islam. His contributions include:

1. Early acceptance of Islam: He was the first youth (child) to embrace Islam, boldly standing with the Prophet when the message was still weak.
2. Sacrifice on the night of Hijrah: He risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet's bed to deceive the Quraysh assassins, enabling the Prophet's safe migration to Madinah.
3. Bravery in battles: He fought valiantly at Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and Khaybar, where he was given the banner and Allah granted victory through him; he earned the title Asadullah (the Lion of Allah).
4. Scribe of revelation: He was among those who recorded the Qur'an and preserved it in writing.
5. Deep knowledge and judgement: He was renowned for his learning in Qur'an, Hadith and jurisprudence; the Prophet said, "I am the city of knowledge and 'Ali is its gate." He served as a judge and adviser to earlier caliphs.
6. Marriage to Fatimah: He married the Prophet's daughter Fatimah and fathered Hasan and Husayn, continuing the Prophet's lineage.
7. Leadership as Caliph: As the fourth Caliph he upheld justice, simplicity and firmness, striving to maintain the unity of the Muslim community during a turbulent period.