Birthday of ʽAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
Birthday of ʽAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
ʽAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib [may God be pleased with him] was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] and is an important historical figure in Islam. All Muslims celebrate his birthday, but it is especially significant to the Shiite community, who regard him as their first Imam and refer to him as Imam Ali or Hazrat Ali [peace be upon him]. Ali’s birthday is a public holiday in Iran and the Uttar Pradesh region of India. The Shiite community celebrates with decorated mosques, prayer, and gatherings of friends and family for meals.