Why are there narrations in some books about Imam Ali (as) that suggest that he was bald and had a great stomach? Are these fabricated?
The enemies of Imam Ali (AS) have fabricated a meaning of a saying from the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) to Imam Ali (AS) away from the real meaning. The Hadeeth is narrated in Shia and Sunni books that the Prophet (SAWA) told Imam Ali (AS) : Be happy,you are al-Anza' al-Bateen, No Shrik at all in you, and you are full of I'lm knowledge. ( Faraa'id al- Simtain by al- Jowaini 1/308 and a;-Manaaqib by al-Maghaazili 400 and Musnad Zayd Ibn Ali 456).
The enemies of Ahlul Bayt (AS) fabricated another meaning which completely away from the statement of the Prophet (SAWA), and claimed another meaning which suits their ill feelings against Imam Ali (AS).
Imam Ali (AS) is the Anza' الأنزع who has no Shirk at all in him, not the bold as they claimed. He was the Bateen البطين who is full of knowledge , not as they falsely claimed.
Wassalam.