The Fourth Caliph of Islam HAZRAT ALI MURTADHA (RA) After the assassination of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (RA), Sayyiduna Ali (RA) was elected as the fourth Caliph by the Muslims. During the period of the first three Caliphs, Madinatul Munawwarah continued to be the capital of the Muslim world, but Sayyiduna Ali (RA) shifted the Islamic capital to Kufah in Iraq. EARLY Life Hadrat Ali (R.A.) was born some thirty years after the birth of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He belonged to the most respectable family of Quraish, the Banu Hashim (i.e. Hashmites). His father Hazrat Abu Talib was the real uncle of the Holy Prophet (SAW) who brought him up after the death of the Holy Prophet's grandfather. Hazrat Ali’s mother was Fatimah bint Asad, who belonged to Banu Hashim. Hadrat Ali’s patronymic name was "Abul Hasan". The Holy Prophet (SAW) gave him another name, "Abu Turab" which was most liked by Hadrat Ali. The Holy Prophet (SAW) took Hazrat Ali (RA) in hi