Yawm-e Ali

This week, Ismailis and other Muslims mark Yawm-e Ali. The festival commemorates the birthday of Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him), who is revered by many Muslim communities for his wisdom, piety, and leadership.

Yawm-e Ali – literally the “Day of Ali” – marks the birthday of Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), and who, in accordance with Shia Muslim tradition and interpretation of history, is the first in a line of hereditary Imams from the family of the Prophet.

According to tradition, Hazrat Ali was born on 13 Rajab in the year 599 CE. It is reported that on this day, Hazrat Ali's mother visited the holy Ka‘ba to pray, and it was there that he was born.

In both Muslim tradition and modern scholarship, Hazrat Ali is recognised as one of the most important spiritual and intellectual authorities in Islam after the Holy Prophet. He is also revered by all Muslims as the last of the four “rightly‐guided caliphs” (al-khulafa al-rashidun).  

Hazrat Ali occupies a special position in Muslim traditions and is often addressed by titles such as ‘al-Murtaza’ - the preferred one; ‘Shah-i Awliya’ - the king of the saints; ‘Shah-i-Mardaan’ - the lord of the brave; ‘Sher-i-Yazdan’ - the lion of God; and ‘Mushkil Kusha - the one who alleviates difficulties.  The mention of Imam Ali’s name brings solace, courage, and hope to those facing difficulties and hardships.  This is also expressed in the prayer of Nad-e-Ali.

The occasion of Yawm‐e Ali grants us the opportunity to dwell on the distinctive virtues of Imam Ali, who is venerated by hundreds of millions across the globe.  His grace, courage and optimism to face difficulties, are key attributes we can apply as principles in our lives.  Let us renew our commitment to the principles that Hazrat Ali exemplified, particularly the ethics of care, compassion, generosity, integrity, tolerance, forgiveness, brotherhood, and service to others.

“As the 49th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, I often look back to the words of the Fourth Caliph, who was also the first Imam of the Shia Muslims, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Listen to Hazrat Ali’s words: “No honour is like knowledge. No belief is like modesty and patience. No attainment is like humility. No power is like forbearance. And no support is more reliable than consultation”.”

~ Mawlana Hazar Imam, Tanzania, August 17, 2001

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam, the direct descendant of Imam Ali, continues this legacy to guide the interpretation of the faith and to improve the quality of life of individuals globally.

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About the image:

This splendid calligraphic lion is an example of zoomorphic writing where calligraphers blended the arts of writing and drawing by using words to form animal and human shapes. The choice of the lion here is quite pertinent since the Arabic text is a supplication to Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, who was the fourth caliph and first imam. Because of his courage and valour, Ali was known to Sunni and Shia Muslims by the epithet “The Lion of God.” The prayer, known as Nad-e Ali, is typically used by Shia Muslims to seek Ali’s help and support in times of stress and sorrow. 

From the Aga Khan Museum:

• Accession Number: AKM526
• Place: India (Historic Hindustan)
• Date: 17th century
• Materials and Technique: Opaque watercolour, ink, and gold on paper

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