Ali Fighting to Take the Fortress of Qamus

During the taking of the fortress of Qamus, Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, especially distinguished himself. It is said that he single-handedly ripped off the door of the fortress, using it first as a shield to fend off attackers, and then as a bridge to allow his fellow Muslims to cross the moat. This painting is from a Book of Divinations made for Tahmasp, ruler of Iran (r. 1524-76). Ali stands on the shoulders of an angel and a flaming halo emerges from the saddle of his mule.