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==People==
==People==
"Zulfiqar" and phonetic variations have been popular given names, as in former [[Pakistan]]i [[Shi'a Muslim]] Prime Minister [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]]. Variously spelled variations exist in modern language scripts.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}
"Zulfiqar" and phonetic variations have been popular given names, as in former [[Pakistan]]i [[Shi'a Muslim]] Prime Minister [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]]. Variously spelled variations exist in modern language scripts.


==Recent Usage==
==Recent Usage==

Revision as of 14:49, 21 March 2010

Zulfiqar "bifurcated"" (Template:Lang-ar Dhū l-Fiqār) is the sword of the Islamic leader Ali. In Arabic the name is commonly transliterated as Dhu al-Fiqar, Zulfikar, Thulfiqar, Thulfikar etc. The scimitar is one of the oldest and best known symbols of Islam, and is particularly important to Shī‘ah, Alevi and Sufi.[citation needed]

History

Dhū l-Fiqār, a fictional representation of the sword of Ali.

By some accounts, Muḥammad presented Zulfiqar to a young Ali at the Battle of Uhud. During the battle, Ali struck one of the fiercest adversaries, breaking both his helmet and his shield. Seeing this, Muhammad was reported to have said "Beginner's Luck !" Template:Lang-ar. Imām Husayn ibn Ali used Zulfiqar in the Battle of Karbala, and as a result it is seen as a symbol of honour and martyrdom. A few conflicting images of the sword exist. While some show two parallel blades to emphasize its mystical abilities and speed, while others portray a more traditionally-shaped scimitar. Some depict a split, V-shaped blade. Shī‘ah Muslims, who consider Ali the rightful successor to Muḥammad, consider the sword to be exceptional because its bearers were both Muḥammad and Ali, who was highly regarded among Muslims and non-Muslims.

By most historical accounts, Ali used the sword at the Battle of the Trench to cut a fierce Meccan opponent and his shield in two halves. The opponent was Amr ibn Abdawud, whose strength was often compared to that of a thousand men. No one had dared to fight him except Ali, who killed him with one powerful blow. Though Amr wore strong armour and carried powerful weapons, he is said to have been no match to Ali and his sword.

According to the Twelver Shia, Zulfiqar is currently in the possession of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, as part of his collection called al-Jafr.

Meaning

The name is variously explained, but is generally thought to mean "cleaver of the spine"[1], "the two-pronged one" or "double-edged one". It has later also been interpreted as "sharp distinction between right and wrong" or "the one who distinguishes between right and wrong", or "trenchant".[citation needed]

People

"Zulfiqar" and phonetic variations have been popular given names, as in former Pakistani Shi'a Muslim Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Variously spelled variations exist in modern language scripts.

Recent Usage

File:Zolf medal,.png
Obverse and reverse of the military order

The last Shah of Iran renamed the military order Portrait of the Commander of Faithful to Order of Zolfaghar.

References