Hawzah News Agency- The event drew a wide range of scholars, academics, cultural figures, poets, and students to the Kennedy Hall of Aligarh Muslim University, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere of devotion and learning.
Hojatoleslam Abdulmajid Hakimollahi, Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, delivered a keynote address emphasizing that Day of Ali (PBUH) is not merely a historical commemoration, but a living link to the moral and social teachings of Imam Ali (PBUH).
“Societies that separate power from justice cannot endure, for justice is the soul and foundation of every social system,” Hakimollahi said. “The teachings of Imam Ali (PBUH) offer an inspiring guide to strengthening coexistence, enhancing social responsibility, and protecting human dignity in contemporary society.”
Imam Ali (PBUH): Model for Knowledge, Justice, and Ethical Leadership
The conference underscored the multifaceted character of Imam Ali (PBUH), with Prof. Asghar Ejaz, Chair of the Theology Department at Aligarh University, highlighting the symbolic significance of his birth in the Kaaba and martyrdom in the mosque. “These events illustrate a life wholly dedicated to worship, service, knowledge, courage, and justice — an embodiment of faith translated into action,” Ejaz noted.
Shihab Kosar, a leading researcher, presented the annual report of the Ali Society, outlining its scientific, cultural, and social programs over the past year, accompanied by a documentary tracing the history and intellectual legacy of Day of Ali (PBUH).
Seyyed Ruhollah Mahdi, Member of the Indian Parliament from Srinagar, Kashmir, emphasized the practical dimension of devotion to Imam Ali (PBUH): “True love for Imam Ali (PBUH) is not expressed merely in words but through active resistance against injustice, moral steadfastness, and pursuit of social equity.” He stressed the importance of understanding Imam Ali’s authentic message to promote a culture of justice.
Prof. Naeema Khatun, President of Aligarh Muslim University, described Imam Ali (PBUH) as a paragon of knowledge, wisdom, courage, and moral excellence, highlighting his role as the custodian of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) intellectual heritage. She called on students to cultivate self-reflection, moral character, and practical knowledge as essential elements for true human success and identity.
Prof. Mohammad Mohsin Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University, emphasized that Imam Ali’s (PBUH) life provides a practical model for students, showcasing his lifelong struggle to establish a society rooted in equality and justice. Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Najib al-Hasan Zaidi, Imam of the Iranian Mosque in India, echoed these sentiments, describing Imam Ali’s life as a universal example of piety, knowledge, courage, and justice.
Dr. Seyyed Faizan Warisi, custodian of the Zaidiyyah Waqf in Allahabad, underlined the spiritual and intellectual role of Imam Ali (PBUH) in guiding the Muslim community, noting that the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) remain foundational sources of guidance.
Recognition of Academic and Cultural Excellence
The conference also announced the winners of the Day of Ali 2026 academic and cultural competitions, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields. Prof. Mazhar Abbas, President of the Ali Society and faculty member in Orthopedic Surgery, closed the event by expressing gratitude to the speakers, organizers, volunteers, and participants for their dedication.
Relevance of Imam Ali’s (PBUH) Teachings in Contemporary Society
Throughout the event, speakers consistently highlighted that Imam Ali’s (PBUH) ethical, intellectual, and civilizational principles—centered on justice, knowledge, moral integrity, and interfaith coexistence—offer practical guidance for contemporary communities seeking sustainable peace, human dignity, and social progress.
They emphasized that the teachings of Imam Ali (PBUH) are not confined to historical context but possess enduring applicability in addressing the complex challenges of the modern world. Core elements such as justice, pursuit of knowledge, tolerance, respect for human dignity, and the promotion of interfaith harmony provide a strategic framework for managing multicultural societies and fostering constructive interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Speakers concluded that the conscious application of these teachings can help build more balanced, empathetic, and cohesive societies, paving the way for lasting peace, mutual understanding, and productive coexistence in today’s global context.
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