Hazarat Ali is one of the most respected persons in the history of Islam. He was the cousin and the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, which makes him belong to the Ahl Al-Bayt, the household of the Prophet. Later he also took over the Islamic Caliphate and ruled from 656 AD to 661 AD with loyalty and devotion.
The Sunni sect of the Muslims considers Hazarat Ali to be the final Rashidun – a Caliph who is rightly guided. The Shia sect of Muslims considers Hazarat Ali to be the first Imam and honor his descendants to be the rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad.
Hazarat Ali is revered for his deep loyalty towards the Prophet, his courage, his honesty, his knowledge, and also for his generosity which made him forgiving towards his defeated enemies. He is also noted for his flawless interpretation of Quran and clear ideas about Islamic laws. Above all he is loved for treating all Muslims to be equal. According to many Islamic scholars, there are many verses in the Holy Quran that indirectly refer to Hazarat Ali.
- Brief Life Sketch:
Hazarat Ali is believed to have been born on the 13th day of the Islamic month of Rajab around the year 600 AD to Abu Talib and Sayyida Fatima. He was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and is also believed to be the first male to have accepted the religion of Islam. He was also the only person to have ever taken birth within the sacred walls of Kaaba, the Muslim sanctuary in Mecca, which is considered to be the holiest place according to Islam. Hazarat Ali was raised in the household of Prophet Mohammad under the able tutelage of the Prophet himself, and all his life he was extremely devoted and loyal to the Prophet. According to the order of Allah, Prophet Mohammad gave his daughter, Fatimah’s hands to Hazarat Ali in marriage, and through Fatimah Ali had four sons, Hassan and Hussein being the celebrated two amongst them. He ruled over the Islamic Caliphate between 656 and 661 AD as appointed by the Companions of Muhammad (the Sahaba) in Medina. Hazarat Ali participated in almost all the battles fought by the Muslim community in the formative years. During his rule as Caliph, Hazarat Ali had to face Civil War and defiance. In 661 AD Hazarat Ali was attached one morning as he was praying at the mosque of Kufa, and dies from injuries after two days.
- Date:
- In 2014, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Tuesday, May 13.
- In 2015, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Saturday, May 02.
- In 2016, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Thursday, April 21.
- In 2017, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Monday, April 10.
- In 2018, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Friday, March 30.
- In 2019, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Wednesday, March 20.
- In 2020, Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is on Sunday, March 08.
Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is celebrated in accordance with the lunar based Islamic calendar. As such the date keeps on varying each year when plotted against the modern day calendar.
- Type of Holiday:
Hazarat Ali’s Birthday is not a gazetted or national holiday in India. However, people all across the various cities of the country who observe the occurrence have the option of taking a Restricted Holiday on this day to mark the occasion. Government and private offices remain open on this day though. Also, local businesses, banks and transportation systems in the cities operate in full swing. However, certain Islamic institutions may opt to remain closed on this day.
- Observances:
Hazarat Ali’s birthday is attached a lot of significance by the Muslim community for they look up to the former Caliph even after so many years after his death as an embodiment of honesty, vision, knowledge, faith and courage. Muslims uphold him as generosity personified. Hazarat Ali taught to consider all Muslims to belong to an equal platform. As such, houses are decorated and people visit mosques for special prayers. Sermons are given at the mosques that bear teachings of Hazarat Ali. Public meetings are also arranged for to discuss his teachings and beliefs. Unity of Muslims is sermonized on this day at mosques, meets or even in Islamic educational institutions. Qawwalis (devotional music) are held that praise Hazarat Ali. Apart from India, the other place where his birthday is celebrated with much fanfare is the Shrine of Hazarat Ali in Afghanistan, where (according to one set of beliefs) the Twin Blue Domes house the tomb of Hazarat Ali. Pilgrims from all across the world gather here on this day to pay tribute. However, non Muslims are not allowed to enter the Shrine.