Ali Day observations at AMU
Aligarh, February 15: Verses and couplets, eulogising the character of Hazrat Ali were read and speeches on his bravery, integrity, beliefs, morals, honesty and his devotion towards the teachings of Holy Messenger of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) were delivered to mark the Ali Day, the birth anniversary celebrations of Hazrat Ali at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Delivering an online talk as the Chief Guest in the Ali Day function of student run, Ali Society; Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi (Islamic Shia Ithna Ashari Jamaat of Toronto) said “Hazrat Ali is considered as an inspiration for the whole world and we should follow his teachings. During his reign there was overall development and everybody had access to food, clothing and shelter. He himself led a very simple life”.
Quoting Imam Ali’s words to Kumayl bin Ziyad, Maulana Muhammad Rizvi said that Hazrat Ali also stressed on spreading and gaining knowledge.
“Imam Ali said, O Kumayl, knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge guards you, while you have to guard the wealth. Wealth decreases by spending, while knowledge multiplies by spending. Knowledge is the ruler while wealth is ruled upon”, he added.
Maulana Muhammad Rizvi emphasised that Maula Ali not only believed in gaining and spreading knowledge, but he also considered that the most complete gift of God is a life based on knowledge.
He further said that the mankind is Islam is considered as the ‘Ashraf-ul-Makhluqaat’ the noblest of all creatures because of the ability of human beings to reason and gain Ilm (Knowledge).
In the presidential address, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor said that Hazrat Ali’s birth on 13th of the Rajab month in the Islamic calendar is unique.
“He was born in the precincts of the Kaaba, the holy sanctuary in Mecca, the most sacred place in Islam”, said Prof Mansoor.
He added that AMU derives its name from Hazrat Ali as it is a university based in Aligarh, the city named after Hazrat Ali.
“And like the teachings of Hazrat Ali on acquiring knowledge, AMU continues to progress as one of the best centres for higher learning in the Country”, stressed Prof Mansoor.
He pointed out: “Traits of the Hazrat Ali’s personality were similar to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) as he was raised by the Prophet and his wife Hazrat Khadijah.”
“Despite his exalted position, Hazrat Ali lived a life of humility. Let us not be complacent and waste precious moments and start following Hazrat by living a simple life in pursuit of knowledge”, said the Vice Chancellor.
He emphasised that Hazrat Ali’s sermons are a treasure of knowledge and his educational discourse extended to medicine, astronomy and philosophy.
“The Messenger of God, peace and blessings on him, said: I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate”, said Prof Mansoor.
The guest speaker, Maulana Habib Ahmed Al Huseni (Founder, Al Hidaya Foundation) said: “During the event of Ghadir Khumm, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) made a declaration for Hazrat Ali saying that ‘He whose Mawla I am, Ali is his Mawla’.
He added: “There are numerous virtues of Imam Ali and his distinctive characteristics reported in Hadith, and historical sources. His birth inside the Kaaba, and his giving charity while he was in the Ruku’ of his prayer are among his exclusive virtues”.
Speaking on what Western scholars have said and written about Hazrat Ali; the Guest of Honour, Syed Madad Ali (President, Fatima University, New York) remarked that a number of writers such as Philip Hitti, Sir William Muir and Prof Nicholson among others have written on how Hazrat Ali was mild and beneficent, wise in council, eloquent in speech, true to his friends and valiant in battle.
He also spoke about George Jordac’s thought provoking book, ‘The Voice of Human Justice’ which gives detailed analysis of the Justice of Ameer-al-Momineen, Hazrat Ali’s impeccable justice as a leader of the Muslim community.
The Guest poet, UAE based, Syed Amaan Haider Zaidi recited eulogies in remembrance of Hazrat Ali’s life. Similar poems were also recited by AMU student, Arsh.
In the welcome address, Prof Tayyab Raza (Chairman, Department of Shia Theology) said that Imam Ali to this day is regarded for his knowledge, loyalty to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), his equal treatment for all people, and his generosity in forgiving the defeated enemies.
Prof Mohd Wasim Ali (Proctor), Prof F S Sherani (Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine), Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi (Director, Sir Syed Academy), Prof Nishat Fatima (University Librarian), Prof.P Q Rizvi, Dr Mohammad Shahid (Deputy Director), Dr S M Mustafa, Dr Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi (Department of Law) and other faculty members attended the program.
Prof Abid Ali Khan (President, Ali Society) extended the vote of thanks.
Raza Haider Zaidi presented the annual report of the Ali Society and Saim Raza conducted the Ali Day observations.
On the occasion, the Maulana Azad Library of the university is also displaying manuscripts related to Hazrat Ali, including a copy of the Holy Quran, handwritten by Hazrat Ali.