Aligarh, The 73rd Ali Day celebrations commemorating the birth anniversary of Imam Ali were held at the Kennedy Auditorium of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) under the aegis of the Ali Society. The programme was presided over by the AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Naima Khatoon.
Dr. Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi from Iran attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the virtues of Imam Ali and underscored the ethical values and principles of social justice advocated by him. “Today, we are not merely commemorating a historical figure whose name is inseparable from reason, justice, responsibility, and human dignity; rather, we are engaging with the living moral legacy of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib,” he said.
Elaborating on the qualities and worldview of Imam Ali, Dr Ilahi stated that rationality, justice, and human dignity form the foundation of authentic faith and sound moral judgment. “Faith without reason leads to unacceptable action, while reason without ethics leads to domination. For Imam Ali, justice was not a political slogan or a strategic instrument, but the very pillar upon which human society stands,” he remarked. He further added that at the height of political authority, Imam Ali declared that power holds no value if it is not grounded in justice. “Justice is the life of social order. For him, justice was non-negotiable, as the ruler is the servant of the people,” he said.
Dr. Ilahi also spoke about the interfaith and intercultural ethics of Imam Ali, emphasizing their relevance in a plural and diverse society like India. He noted that Imam Ali emerges as a deeply unifying figure who emphasized social harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Expressing delight over his first visit to Aligarh Muslim University, the Iranian scholar congratulated the University and the Ali Society for organizing the commemorative event and for sustaining the tradition of intellectual vibrancy and cultural diversity.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, exhorted the audience to imbibe the ethical values of Hazrat Ali, who consistently stood for justice, peace, non-discrimination on the basis of faith and creed, excellence for the betterment of society, and raising one’s voice against injustice.
In her presidential address, Professor Naima Khatoon extended greetings to the audience on the occasion of Ali Day and emphasized that the day holds great significance in Islamic history as it is associated with a revered personality who illuminated new paths of Islamic thought and vision.
She said that Hazrat Ali was unparalleled in his personal qualities, noble character, insight, wisdom, God-consciousness, and fearlessness, and that the blessings and affection of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) were abundantly bestowed upon him. “Hazrat Ali was a flourishing garden of knowledge and wisdom and the trustee of the Prophet’s scholarly legacy. He was not distinguished only in the field of knowledge; his bravery was equally unmatched. In knowledge and action, morals and character, humility and modesty, patience and perseverance, generosity and courage, Ameer-ul-Momineen stood unique in every aspect,” she said.
Professor Khatoon further stressed the need for deep introspection in the present times and called upon the audience to redirect their thoughts and actions towards the Seerat-e-Tayyaba of the Holy Prophet and his devoted companions. “We are associated with a great seat of learning, and Hazrat Ali himself was a fragrant garden of knowledge. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let us pledge to seek beneficial knowledge, for it alone can elevate us and help establish our distinct identity,” she said, urging students to uphold high moral values and character as the key to a successful life.
The Vice Chancellor also noted that Aligarh Muslim University shares special academic relations with Iran and mentioned various academic programmes conducted in collaboration with Iranian institutions.
Pro Vice Chancellor Professor M. Mohsin Khan highlighted the relevance of Hazrat Ali’s teachings in contemporary times and congratulated the organizers for holding a meaningful and well-organized commemorative programme. He said that Hazrat Ali is an exemplary figure in the history of human civilization whose efforts were devoted to establishing a system based on equality and justice. From every perspective, he added, the virtues and excellences of Hazrat Ali remain unparalleled. He extended greetings on the occasion of Ali Day and emphasized the need to follow his teachings.
The guest speakers, Maulana S. Najeebul Hasan Zaidi from Mumbai and Dr Syed Faizan Warsi, Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah Zaidiya Warsiya, Allahabad, eloquently narrated the noble qualities of Imam Ali. They quoted several significant sayings of Imam Ali and exhorted the audience to follow his teachings, describing him as a moral beacon for humanity and a bridge between faith, culture, and human values.
Dr Asghar Ajaz, Patron of the Ali Society and faculty member in the Department of Shia Theology, welcomed the dignitaries, while Professor Mazhar Abbas, President of the Ali Society, proposed a vote of thanks.
Guest poets Syed Meraj Zaidi and Mr Hilal Naqvi recited poems in praise of Hazrat Ali, captivating the audience.
During the programme, winners of poster-making, essay-writing, and speech competitions were felicitated. In the poster-making competition, Syeda Ale Zehra, Aman Khan, and Sajid Abbas Rizvi secured the first, second, and third prizes respectively. In the essay-writing competition, Alina Naaz, Tanu Yadav, and Syed Meesam Raza Zaidi won the first, second, and third prizes respectively. In the speech competition, Abu Daud, M. Qayem Hussain, and Insia Hussain were awarded first, second, and third prizes respectively.
Shahab Kausar presented the annual report of the Ali Society, and a documentary showcasing the activities of the Society was also screened for the audience.
Faculty members, students, and other dignitaries attended the programme in large numbers.
Source : Aligarh Muslim University News