Zulfiqar, Sword of Ali

Zulfiqar was a sword with two blades Muhammed gave to his bravest warrior Ali. At the Battle of the Trench Ali used it to defeat a fierce Meccan opponent by cleaving through his shield and armor.
How did Muhammed acquire Zulfiqar? Who made it? What happened to it after Ali's death? And did it really have two blades or was it double-edged like a Roman gladius?

Edited by Nick1986 - 15-Apr-2011 at 10:16

Its origins are rather hazy. One account claims it was forged by King David.

Originally posted by Nick1986 How did Muhammed acquire Zulfiqar? Who made it?

In the battle of Uhad Ali was fighting and saving the prophet Mohammad. Due to the continuous attack and the power of Ali general swords were broken again and again. Mohammad prayed for Ali "O God you gave power to Ali now give the weapon yourself". The angel Gabriel appeared, bearing the sword Zulfiqar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulfiqar

or according to some sources, Mukavkas Muhammed (Malik of Eygpt) gave it to Muhammed and he gave it to Ali

Originally posted by Nick1986 What happened to it after Ali's death?

there are two theories about it.

1-Ali throw it into the water in city Najaf

2-Mehdi(=Messiah?) will return Earth with Zulfiqar

Originally posted by Nick1986 And did it really have two blades or was it double-edged like a Roman gladius?

yes, people believe it like that. one blade is for science/wisdom, one of them for justice. It is also a kind of symbol for Alevi people in Turkey. Their most special idiom is "Allah, Muhammed, Ali" and Zulfiqar means Hz. Ali for them.

for more information about Alevis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alevi

Originally posted by Nick1986 Why did Ali throw his sword into the water? Was he mortally wounded like King Arthur, or did he have another reason?

Ali didn't die in battle so I don't believe mortally wound option.

Does that mean Zulfiqar is currently in heaven, or concealed somewhere on earth for the Mahdi to use when he returns?