Global celebrations mark blessed birth anniversary of Imam Ali

Millions of Shia Muslims worldwide have begun celebrating the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), the first Shia Imam. Festivities, including eulogistic ceremonies, joyful gatherings, and the distribution of sweets and sherbet, started on Monday.

Imam Ali, born 23 years before the Hejira, is revered for his unparalleled bravery, devotion to justice, and wisdom. He was appointed by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family, as his successor during the Ghadir Khum event, declaring, “Whoever I am his master, Ali is his master.”

As the husband of Sayyeda Fatima Zahra, peace be upon her, and father of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain, peace be upon them, Imam Ali remains a central figure in Islam.

The celebrants, who gathered in Holy Najaf, expressed their great happiness on this occasion and offered congratulations to Imam al-Mahdi, may Allah hasten his honourable reappearance.