The phrase
"La Fata illa Ali, la saif illa Zulfiqar" (Arabic: لا فتى إلا علي ولا سيف إلا ذو الفقار), meaning "There is no hero but Ali, and no sword but Zulfiqar," is historically attributed to the
Archangel Gabriel
(Jibra'il).
According to Islamic tradition, particularly within Shi'a and some Sunni sources, the declaration occurred during the
Battle of Uhud (625 AD). After Imam Ali's sword broke while defending the Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet gave him the legendary sword,
Zulfiqar. As Ali fought with exceptional bravery, a voice was heard from the heavens—attributed to
Gabriel
—proclaiming this praise.
Key Attribution Details:
-
Archangel Gabriel
: Most narrations identify
Gabriel
as the speaker who lauded Ali's chivalry (futuwwa) to the Prophet.
-
Angel Ridwan
: Some specific hadiths, such as those from Imam al-Baqir, mention an angel named Ridwan uttering the phrase during the Battle of Badr.
- Historical Sources: The event and phrase are recorded in prominent historical and biographical works, including:
- Tarikh al-Tabari
- Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya by Ibn Hisham
- Fada'il al-Sahaba by Ahmad ibn Hanbal
- Sharh Nahj al-Balagha by Ibn Abi al-Hadid
The phrase has since become a central symbol of Ali's spiritual authority and bravery, often inscribed on swords or used as a talisman.