Ali Al-Hadi - Epithets Given To The Imam

Epithets Given To The Imam

Ali al-Hadi was given a vast amount of descriptive names throughout his life, each with a specific meaning. He was called An-Nasih (loyal), to describe his dedication to his nation. He was called Al-Mutawakkil (reliant on Allah), however he disliked this name because it was the same as the epithet for Ja'far al-Mutawakkil, a known critic of the Ahl al-Bayt. Ali al-Hadi was given other epithets such as at-Taqiy (pious), al-Murtadha (being pleased with Allah), al-Faqeeh (jurisprudent), al-Aalim (knowledgeable), al-Ameen (trustee of religion and life), at-Tayyib (generous), al-Askari (military), al-Muwadhdhih (explainer of the verdicts of the Qu'ran and the sunnah), ar-Rasheed (wise), ash-Shaheed (the martyr), al-Wafiy (loyal), and al-Khalis (pure from defect). These epithets were both characteristic of the way al-Hadi presented himself and the way the Muslims in the 9th century perceived him.