Utahns celebrate birthday of Imam-ul-Mottaqeen Ali (p)

By: Rajab Ali Mikdadi

SALT LAKE, Utah: Monday happens to be the birthday of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (peace be on him) in most of the parts of world while in some others including the United States it fell on Sunday.

Most celebrations to mark the occasion around the world occur during the weekend.

On Sunday night, hundreds of followers of Ahlul Bait (peace be on them) gathered in Salt Lake City's Al-Rasool Islamic Center at 470 Stanley Ave. (3180 E.), to celebrate the auspicious day. Speakers gave speeches on the life of Imam Ali (peace be on him), while a dinner was also arranged.

The group enlisted Maulana Hayder Shirazi, an Islamic scholar based in London, to come to Utah for 10 days to help celebrate Imam Ali (peace be on him)'s birthday, says Ghulam Hasnain, a resident of Utah.

“This is a joyous occasion. Followers of Ahlul Bayt the world over will all be observing that day as a happy day,” Hasnain says.

Most of the Muslims in Utah like their brethren in other global parts have been saying it is not right for [Muqtada Al-Sadr's militia] to take refuge in the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be on him) terming it a political use of the shrine. They say no matter who initiated the fight, it is wrong. They are pleased with the efforts of the senior cleric, Ayatullah Ali Sistani, who returned to Holy Najaf on Wednesday after medical treatments in London.

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