Hawzah News Agency- The ceremony was held at the Cultural Counseling Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo and was attended by Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, reflecting the broad, cross-religious appeal of Imam Ali’s moral and humanistic teachings.
The event opened with the screening of a video message featuring remarks by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, with English subtitles, focusing on the personality, moral virtues, and elevated status of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in Islamic thought and human history.
Addressing the gathering, Alireza Delkhosh, Iran’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, emphasized the interfaith and universal dimensions of Imam Ali’s character. “Imam Ali does not belong only to Muslims,” he said. “He is a global model for humanity—an embodiment of justice, moral integrity, and compassion whose teachings transcend religious and cultural boundaries.”
The ambassador referred to the historic birth of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) inside the Kaaba, describing it as a unique event with profound symbolic significance. “What truly matters,” he added, “is the ‘path of Imam Ali’—his way of life and ethical conduct, which offers guidance for both individual behavior and social justice.”
Madani, a translator of Nahj al-Balagha, also addressed the ceremony, highlighting the singular nature of Imam Ali’s birth in the Kaaba and his deep spiritual bond with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He noted that the teachings preserved in Nahj al-Balagha continue to serve as a timeless source of wisdom on governance, morality, and human dignity.
Ibrahim Abdullah, head of the Sufi Spiritual Association, spoke about the unifying role of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) within the Islamic Ummah and beyond. He described Imam Ali as a figure whose spirituality, courage, and justice have inspired Muslims and non-Muslims alike across generations. In this context, he praised the Islamic Republic of Iran as an example of independence, resilience, and principled support for oppressed peoples, particularly the Palestinian nation.
Participants emphasized that the life and teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) offer a shared moral framework for dialogue among religions, especially at a time of increasing global polarization and injustice. They noted that his emphasis on justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity continues to resonate across cultures and faith traditions.
The ceremony concluded with calls for greater interfaith engagement and cultural dialogue, as attendees stressed the importance of honoring figures such as Imam Ali (peace be upon him), whose legacy promotes peace, tolerance, and moral responsibility in today’s world.
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