Millions of Muslims across the globe commemorate the birth anniversary of Imam Ali
Hundreds of millions of Shia Muslims around the globe have commenced the much-anticipated celebration of the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS), the First Shia Imam. This revered occasion marks a significant event in the Shia Islamic calendar, drawing participants to engage in various observances and commemorations worldwide.
The festivities kicked off on Monday, marked by ceremonies filled with chants and jubilant gatherings. Attendees were treated to the distribution of sweets and sherbet, as part of the eulogistic celebrations.
Today marks the celebration of Father’s Day in Iran, an occasion where families honor and express gratitude towards fathers for their unwavering dedication and love.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) was born 23 years prior to the Hejira, the significant event that signaled the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s migration from the sacred city of Mecca to the city of Medina.
The Imam holds the distinction of being the initial appointee by the Prophet Mohammad to the revered position of Imamat within the Shia Muslim community.
During the event at Ghadir Khum, the Prophet Muhammad proclaimed Ali as his successor, stating, “Whoever considers me their master, Ali is also their master.”
Imam Ali holds a revered status across numerous religious traditions, including within Sunni Islam.
He is the spouse of the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Hazrat Fatima Zahra, and the father to the Second and Third Imams revered in Shia Islam, namely Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS). Additionally, he is the father of Hazrat Sayyida Zaynab and Umm Kulthum.
The Imam’s tenure as Caliph lasted for a period of fewer than five years.
He is regarded as a distinguished figure among Muslims due to his remarkable courage, disregard for peril, and steadfast commitment to justice and equality.
Imam Ali valiantly defended against numerous wars initiated by adversarial forces, including those led by Muawiya. Muawiya’s tyrannical son, Yazid, ultimately martyred Imam Hussain (AS) in a profoundly imbalanced conflict.
On the 19th of Ramadan in the year 40 AH (27th January 661 AD), Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, was fatally wounded during his prayers at the Great Mosque of Kufa in present-day Iraq. His attacker, Ibn Muljam, struck him with a poisoned sword. Ali succumbed to his injuries two days later, becoming a revered martyr in Islamic history.
The eve before the martyrdom of Imam Ali is regarded as one of the sacred Qadr (Destiny) Nights, a period of profound significance in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the revelation of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad over 14 centuries ago.
