Paradoxical Manifestations in Imam  Alī's (A.S.) Personality

All the lovers and devotees of Imam ‘Alī (A.S.) try to find their way into the repertoire of his personality, wherein to acquire as much knowledge (ma‘rifa) as a drop from a sea. How come he is generous and big-hearted, and at the same time calculating and equitable; sometimes he is very serious and decisive, and sometimes tolerant and easygoing; sometimes combative, zealous, and revolutionary and sometimes quiet and prudent? Manifesting these attributes has given rise to questions and doubts concerning his unknown personality. Touching upon ten examples of these contradictory manifestations, it will be proved in this article that the criterion in the Imam’s (A.S.) conducts has merely been for obeying God and seeking His pleasure; and that, being a manifestation of the most Beautiful Names of God, he has at different times had a different manifestation.