A Decision Rooted in Foresight and Wisdom
Whoever comprehends the essence of imamate and its divine obligations will recognize that Imam Ali’s decision to make Kufa the center of governance was based on deliberate reasoning and profound foresight. The Imam (peace be upon him) himself attested to the character of the Kufa people when he addressed them during his march to Siffin, saying:
“O people of Kufa, you are my true brothers and loyal supporters. With your help, I will strike down the plotters and the treacherous. In your obedience, I place my hope.”
This declaration underscores the Imam’s trust in the people of Kufa and his conviction that they would stand firm in defending truth and justice.
Key Reasons Behind Choosing Kufa
1. Presence of Loyal Companions and Devout Supporters
Kufa was home to the largest number of Imam Ali’s sincere followers and steadfast companions. During the Battle of Jamal, while only about a thousand men from Madinah joined the Imam (peace be upon him), thousands from Kufa rallied to his support against the forces of Basra. The Kufa people’s faith and allegiance to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) were notably stronger than that of the Hijaj people, who had been influenced by the legacy of Saqifah and the political elites of Quraysh.
2. Strategic and Geographical Advantage
Kufa occupied a central location in the expanding Islamic world, providing direct access to key regions from Persia to the Levant. Its geographical position made it an ideal administrative and military hub, facilitating communication, mobilization, and governance across the vast territories of Islam.
3. Proximity to the Levant
Given that Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan had entrenched his rule in Damascus, proximity to the Levant was crucial. Establishing the capital in Kufa allowed Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to monitor developments in Sham closely and respond rapidly to any insurrection or external threat.
4. Testing the Faith and Loyalty of the Kufans
After the turmoil of the Battle of Jamal, one of the Imam’s foremost challenges was to assess the steadfastness of the Kufans amid ongoing political unrest. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) recognized in them a people of courage, discernment, and potential — a community capable of forming the nucleus of a righteous and vibrant Islamic society.
5. Restoring Stability and Security to the Muslim Realm
Following the assassination of Uthman, widespread disorder had destabilized much of the Islamic world, including Madinah and Makkah. The Imam’s relocation to Kufa aimed to reestablish political order and ensure security in Iraq and beyond. Kufa, with its strong administrative infrastructure and committed populace, became the foundation for a new era of governance grounded in justice and spiritual integrity.
Imam Ali’s Praise for Kufa and Its People
Numerous statements from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) reflect his high regard for the people of Kufa and their city:
“Kufa is the intellect of Islam, the treasury of faith, and the sword and spear of God — He directs them wherever He wills. May God grant its people victory in the East and West, just as He granted victory to the people of Hijaz.”
In one of his letters addressed to the Kufans as he journeyed from Madinah to Basra, the Imam (peace be upon him) wrote:
“From the servant of God, Ali, Commander of the Faithful, to the noble companions and dignified leaders of Kufa.”
And upon the arrival of the Kufan army to aid him at Basra, the Imam (peace be upon him) greeted them with words of deep affection and gratitude:
“O people of Kufa, you shattered the strength of the Persians and their kings, scattered their ranks, and inherited their lands. You fortified your region and supported the oppressed against their adversaries.”
In another letter addressed to Muawiyah, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) declared:
“The people of Iraq are more devoted to the Hereafter than the people of Sham are to this world.”
A Capital of Faith and Justice
Imam Ali’s relocation of the caliphate to Kufa was a turning point in Islamic history. It transformed the city into a center of governance, jurisprudence, and intellectual life, shaping the spiritual and political legacy of Islam. Kufa stood not merely as a seat of administration but as the capital of divine justice, from which the Imam (peace be upon him) sought to revive the Prophet’s Sunnah and restore equity to a fractured Ummah.