'Ali
Caliph, 656-661 AD

Silver Drachm, 31 mm.

Issued c. 36 AH = 656-7 AD
Obverse:  Head of Khusru II, a Sassanian emperor who had been dead for 20+ years.  Legends in Pahlavi.  In the margin, there is an Arabic inscription, "In the name of Allah"
Reverse:  Fire Altar flanked by two attendants.  Dated Year 25 of the reign of Yezdigird III, the last Sassanian emperor, deposed by the followers of Mohammad
This is copy of a common coin of the fallen Sassanian Empire, with the addition of the Arabic inscription to the margin on the obverse.

The Four Rashidun, or "Rightly-Guided" Caliphs were those rulers who came to power in the thirty years immediately following the death of the prophet Mohammad.  The period of their rule is considered the golden age of Islam. 'Ali was the fourth and last of the Rashidun. He is considered by Shi’ites to be the first Imam.

'Ali was the cousin of Muhammad. When Muhammad was orphaned, 'Ali’s parents took Muhammad into their house. When Muhammad reported that he had received a divine revelation, Ali, then only about ten years old, believed him and professed to Islam. 'Ali is considered the first male convert to Islam. Later, he married Muhammad’s daughter and therefore was the son-in-law of Muhammad.

'Ali was proclaimed caliph following a revolt and the murder of 'Uthman in 656 AD. Under his rule, there was continued conflict, in large part because of his reluctance or inability to punish the murderers of 'Uthman. After a brief reign, 'Ali was murdered by a breakaway group of his own followers, bringing the period of the Four Rashidun to an end.

The continuing struggle between the supporters of 'Uthman and those of 'Ali, known later as 'Alids or Shi'ites, produced profound effects on the history of Islam including the division into Sunni and Shi'ite sects which continues to this day.

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