Iran-Occasions-Hazrat Ali (AS)
Today, the 13th of the lunar month of Rajab, the Islamic Republic News Agency, felicitates its subscribers and all those aspiring to promote human dignity and humanitarian ideals, on the birth anniversary of the leader of the pious, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).

Imam Ali needs no introduction. Born in the holy Ka'ba, in Mecca in the year 30 Aam al-Fil (600 AD), and martyred some 63 years later in the mosque of Kufa, in Iraq, while in communion with his creator, the life of the cousin of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA), offers the finest example of the values held dear by the human race.

He personified faith, virtue, knowledge, wisdom, asceticism, justice and chivalry, and was the person most nearest to the prophet, from even before the first days of revelation (610 AD) till the departure of the 'Seal of prophethood' from the mortal world (632 AD).

Volumes, not a few hastily scribbled paragraphs, are required to pen down the merits of the noble husband of Fatima (the prophet's daughter), whose portraits used to adorn the halls of Byzantine Christian knights as the symbol of bravery.

The 'gateway to the city of knowledge' (as the prophet called him), has been a source of inspiration for people in all ages and eras.

His nearly five years of rule of justice in Kufa, was the realization of every philosopher's vision of the ideal state.

The image of 'Abol Hassanain' (father of Hassan and Hossein), despite the systematic attempts at character assassination by The Ommmiads, has shone like a supernova throughout the past millennium and a half.

It was the driving force behind the quest for knowledge, birth of states, perfection of literature, scientific discoveries, and the triumph of the individual over his own self and ego.

In our own times, the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its leadership, were inspired by this great man of history, whose immortal legacy should serve as criterion for the country's policies if Iran wants to stand out as beacon of light for the world.

In short, as Islamic Iran and all other freedom loving societies, strive today to tread the trail of justice and equity blazed out by the 'Master of monotheists', his epistle to his governor in Egypt, could well serve as a guiding light for nations struggling to throw off the yoke of oppression and hypocrisy.

The epistle, preserved in the widely translated book 'Nahj al-Balagha' (highways of eloquence) - a collection of his sermons, letters and maxims - is rightly regarded as the perfect ever charter of human rights.

IRNA once again wishes its subscribers a good day on the auspicious occasion and salutes Imam Ali (AS) who defined the meaning of life and sacrifice to uphold the philosophy of creation.

1420**1771

---> Iran-Occasions-Hazrat Ali (AS)