Karamallahu Wajhah Speech by Ali bin Abi Talib

QUESTION:

Bismillah, asked the ustadz: Is it true that Karamallahu Wajhah’s speech was only for Caliph Ali bin Abi Talib?
Jazakallahu Khatan ustadz

ANSWER

Yes, generally friends are radhiallahu ‘anhu. As for Ali bin Abi Talib, some of the ulama also prayed with karamallahu wajhah (may Allah glorify his face). Their reason was because Ali bin Abi Talib never even bowed down to idols.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Faqih explained:

Ali bin Abi Talib radhiyallahu ‘anhu was given the title “May God glorify his face” above the other companions, because he never bowed down to idols. Al-Safarini said in Dhuth al-Albab: This spreads and fills ears and ears. The sheikhs said: He chose Ali radhiyallahu ‘anhu with the saying “May God glorify his face” because he never bowed down to idols, and this, God willing, is okay.

Ali bin Abi Talib radhiyallahu ‘anhu was given the nickname “Karramallahu Wajhah” (may Allah glorify his face) especially compared to other companions because he never bowed down to idols at all. As-Safarini in the book Ghiza’ul Albab said, “This has spread widely and is known and filled the pages of books and human ears. The scholars said: Ali radhiyallahu ‘anhu was specifically given the title ‘Karramallahu Wajhah’ because he never bowed down to idols at all, and this, God willing, Ta’ala, is okay.”

(Fatawa Asy Syabakah Al Islamiyah no. 35943)

There are some scholars who don’t like it, on the grounds that it is Shia influence, and has no basis or argument for the distinction of these titles. It should be called like other friends radhiallahu ‘anhu.

Wallahu a’lam