Introduction: The birthday anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) is commemorated on the 13th Rajab. This festival is celebrated by the Shi’te communities and is observed as an occasion to reflect upon the life and teachings of their first Imam. According to the Shi’a doctrine and tradition, Hazrat Ali was the foundation (asas) of the institution of Imamah. His designation (nass) by the Prophet upon the Command of Allah (al-amr), to guide the believers after the termination of the institution of Nabuwah is central to the Shi’a theology. The Imam’s function is to continue the teaching (ta’lim) and interpretation (ta’wil) of Allah’s Final Message after the demise of the Prophet.
Today, the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims, in addition to the celebration of Yaum e-Ali, commemorate the birthday anniversary (Salgirah) of their present living Imam (Mawlana Hazar Imam), His Highness the Aga Khan, who is the direct lineal descendent of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) through Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Bibi Fatima (a.s.).
His Highness the Aga Khan seen giving his commencement lecture at the American University in Cairo on June 15, 2006. The excerpts on Hazrat Ali are from the lecture. Photo Credit: American University in Cairo.
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NADE ALI IN OTTOMAN CALLIGRAPHY
Transliteration
Nade Ali, Nade Ali, Nade Ali
Nade Aliyyan mazhar al-ajaib
Tajidahu awnan lakafin-nawaib
Kullu hammin wa ghammin
sayanj-i Ali Bi wilayatika,
Ya Ali! Ya Ali! Ya Ali!
Naad-e-Ali in Ottoman calligraphy. Photo Credit: The Trustees of the British Museum. Copyright.
Translation
Call Ali call Ali call Ali,
the manifestation of marvels
He will be your helper in difficulty
Every anxiety and sorrow will end
Through your friendship.
O Ali, O Ali, O Ali
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LINKS TO TWELVE READINGS
The Love for Ali by Altaf Hajiyani
Hazrat Ali’s Example: What We Can Do Today by Pervis Rawji
The Naad-e-Ali, “Call Upon Ali….oh Ali, oh Ali, oh Ali” by Hussein Rashid
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Blessed is one
who is humble regarding himself,
whose livelihood is good,
whose inner thoughts are virtuous,
whose character is good,
who spends the surplus from his wealth
and removes superfluity from his speech,
who keeps his evil away from people — Hazrat Ali
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The Wisdom of Hazrat Ali: Selections from Nahj al-Balaghah for Young People (II) – Hazrat Ali
An Englishman Reflects on the Nature of Imam Ali by Barnaby Rogerson
Islam’s Great Striver: Hazrat Ali by Lt. Col ‘Abdullah Baines-Hewitt
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One who perseveres patiently
will not be without success,
even if it takes a long time – Hazrat Ali
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Surrender and Realisation: Imam Ali on the Conditions for True Religious Understanding by James W. Morris
Hazrat Ali’s Principles of Good Governance – Early Muslim Style
The Wisdom of Hazrat Ali: Selections from Nahj al-Balaghah for Young People (I) – Hazrat Ali
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One who is headstrong and opinionated perishes,
while one who seeks the advice of others
becomes a partner in their understanding — Hazrat Ali
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Ethics in the Kalam-i Mawla of Hazrat Ali by Farouk M. Topan
Nasir-i-Khusraw on The Excellence of ‘Ali by Nasir Khusraw
Discourses of Hazrat Ali by Tajdin Dhala
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A MESSAGE BY HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGA KHAN FOUNDATION
“The closer you come, the more you will know him” by Akber Kanji, Toronto, Canada
“This is a time of new freedoms, but it is also one in which new choices must be made wisely. In exercising freedom and making choices, our institutions must be guided, as they have been in the past, by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace of Allah be upon him), and the tradition of our tariqah, which is the tradition of Hazrat Ali: A thinking Islam and a spiritual Islam – an Islam that teaches compassion, tolerance and the dignity of man – Allah’s noblest creation.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 14, 1992.
Date Posted: May 22, 2013.
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