DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Grand festive gatherings, festivals and galas in connection with the birth anniversary of Amir-ul Mo’menein (Master of Believers) Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) were arranged in every part of the world on Rajab 13 with deep devotion, respect and enthusiasm.

Marking the auspicious occasion, tens of thousands of devotees massed at the mosques, husseiniyaat, imambargahs, ma’atam and Islamic centers in Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, United States, Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Tanzania, South Africa and many other countries to attend these festive programs.

Speakers in their addresses highlighted lofty status of Al-Imam Ali Al-Mortadha (a.s.), his character, deeds, knowledge, bravery, courage, assistance to holy Prophet (s.w.), his eloquence, wisdom and worship.

In British capital city of London, Al-Firdous Center, Britain’s Shia Committee and Al-Husseini Council organized fifth international conference titled ‘Imam Ali (a.s.) and culture of non-violence’. A number of thinkers, intellectuals, religious men, politicians and common people attended the conference. Alhaj Sabah As-Saegh, Dr Ala Al-Husseini, Dr. Bayan Al-Hakim, Ayatullah Sayed Mortadha Ash-Shirazi, representative for Islamic Association for Turkman Iraq Al-Ostaz Nashat Ahmed, Prof Ali Haydar, Dr. Talib Ar-Rimahi, Dr Hashim Ad-Divan and Al-Ostaz Muhammad Al-Jizani addressed the conference while Sayed Khalil Al-Marashi and Sayed Redha Al-Qazvini recited eulogies in praise of Al-Imam Ali (a.s.). The conference made clear that Islam has no link with terrorism rather condemns it.

In UAE, besides many other husseiniyaat and organizations, husseiniyah Ar-Rasol Al-Adham (a.s.) Dubai organized a function opened with recitation of holy Quran by Qari Sayed Ahmed Mukhtar. Sheikh Abdur Rasol Al-Fidayi Al-Haeri spoke on Fadhael of Al-Imam Ali (a.s.). Eulogist band Al-Imam Al-Askari (.s.) As-Saifiyah, poet of Ahl-ul Bayt (a.s.) Alhaj Tasnimaboz Keyalqa and Mulla Ehsan Al-Karbalayi presented eulogies in praise of Ahl-ul Bayt (a.s.).

In Bahrain, big celebrations were held at Al-Mo’men Mosque, Az-Zahra (a.s.) mosque, Husseinyah Al-Imam Ali (a.s.), husseiniyah Alhaj Ahmed bin Khamis, Matam Al-Imam Al-Baqer (a.s.) and many other venues.

In Iran, birth anniversary of Al-Imam Ali (a.s.) is a national holiday. Various ceremonies were held all across the country to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Main programs were held at the holy shrines of Al-Imam Ali bin Mousa r-Redha (a.s.) and Sayedah atemeh Al-Masoumeh (a.s.) in the holy cities of Mash’had and Qom respectively where swarms of devotees flocked to offer greetings to the holy family members of Ahl-ul Bayt (a.s.) marking the occasion.