He divides those who go to hell from those who go to paradise.

He is the true successor of Mustafa, the Holy Prophet (S).

He is the master of all men and jinns. (Ahmad ibn Edris Shafei, founder of the Shafei school of jurisprudence)

Tomorrow the 13th of Rajab (September 10, 2003) marks the birth anniversary of the Infallible Imam, the first man to believe in Islam, the Commander of the Faithful, the Father of all Imams, the dearest companion of the Holy Prophet (S), the most learned, bravest, and kindest man, the husband of lady Fatemeh (SA), the father of Hassan (AS) and Hussein (AS), infallible Imam for all ages, Ali (AS), the son of Abi Talib.

On this auspicious occasion, we wish most sincere congratulations to all Muslims, to you respected readers of the Tehran Times throughout the world, and especially to the infallible living Imam of the present age, Imam Mahdi (AS), the Awaited, Expected, and Promised one, May Almighty Allah hasten his reappearance. Amir al-Mumenin Ali (AS)

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the first Imam, the cousin of the Prophet (S), was born in the Kaaba in the House of Allah (Grand Mosque) in Mecca on Rajab 13. His parents were Abi Talib and Fatemeh bint Assad. He was the first man to accept Islam and declare his all-out support for Prophet Mohammad (S) and his divine mission.

One of the unique characteristics of Imam Ali (A) is the fact that his sayings on asceticism, piety, and praise and remembrance of Allah are such that when one hears them not knowing that they are the words of a powerful ruler, one believes that they are the sayings of a man who has no interest other than living the life of a recluse and no activity except worship, who lives a solitary life in some secluded house or valley. He would not believe that these are the words of one who plunged into battles with drawn sword, yet was at the same time the first of the ascetics and the chief of the saints. This is the unique character of Imam Ali (AS), indeed a subject to ponder.

Nahj ul-Balaghah, the collection of his sayings, writings, speeches, and letters, provides a glimpse of his personality.

Amir al-Mumenin (the commander of the faithful) Ali (AS), an ardent follower of the Prophet (S), had no rival in bravery. He fearlessly participated in and led jihad to advance the cause of Allah. He was patient, just, courageous, and truthful during the greatest hardships and in the most difficult situations. He was unique in piety and worship of God.

Imam Ali (AS) was also unrivalled in knowledge as he inherited the wisdom imparted to him by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S), for whom Ali (AS) had a deep love. Imam Ali (AS) married the Prophet’s (S) beloved daughter, Fatemeh (SA). Imam Hassan (AS), Imam Hussein (AS), lady Zeinab (SA), and lady Um Kulthum (SA) were the children of Imam Ali (AS) and lady Fatemeh (SA).

Imam Ali (AS) always fought against injustice and oppression and was a staunch supporter and friend of the poor and the weak.

After the Holy Prophet (AS) passed away, Imam Ali (AS) led a relatively lonely life, guiding people to Islam. After the death of Othman, the people flocked to Imam Ali (AS) and implored him to accept the caliphate. Imam Ali (AS) ruled as caliph of the vast Islamic state for four years and nine months.

Amir al-Mumenin Ali (AS) had declared that he preferred to die as a martyr in the cause of Allah rather than in comfort in bed. On the 19th of Ramadan 40 A.H. /661 C.E., while engaged in prayer, Imam Ali (AS) was struck with a poisoned sword by ibn Muljam, which led to his martyrdom two days later on the 21st Ramadan at the age of 63. He is buried in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq. The Holy Prophet (S) and Imam Ali (AS)

Followings are a few of the numerous authentic hadith (traditions) which show that Imam Ali (AS) was the best, dearest, and closest friend of the Holy Prophet (S) and his true successor. The Holy Prophet (S) said: “Of whomsoever I am his prophet, then Ali (AS) is his chief.” The Holy Prophet (S) said: "I and Ali (AS) are one and from the same tree, and the other people are from different trees.” The Holy Prophet (S) said to Imam Ali (AS): “Your position to me is as Haroun (AS) was to Musa (AS), except that there will be no prophet after me.”

The Holy Prophet (S) allowed Imam Ali (AS) to marry his daughter, the best of all women. The Holy Prophet (S) made for Ali (AS) lawful whatever was lawful for himself in his mosque. Then the Holy Prophet (S) entrusted to him his knowledge and his wisdom, saying: “I am the city of knowledge and Ali (AS) is its gate; one who wishes (to enter) the city (of knowledge) and wisdom should enter through that gate.”

Then the Holy Prophet (S) said: “You are my brother and successor and inheritor. Your flesh is from my flesh and your blood from my blood, and peace with you is peace with me and fighting against you is fighting against me.

“And the faith is mixed with your flesh and your blood, and it is mixed with my flesh and my blood.

"And tomorrow, you will be my companion at the fountain of Kauthar.

"And you will pay my debt and you will fulfill my obligations. “And your followers (Shia) will be (sitting) on the pulpits of light. They, with their bright faces surrounding me, will be my neighbors in paradise.” And the Holy Prophet (S) said, “O, Ali (AS), had you not been there, the believers would not have been recognized after me.”

The following quotes are from the most authentic Nudbah supplications. “And Ali (AS) was a guidance

[to prevent people] from deviation after him (the Holy Prophet

[S]) and a light destroying darkness and the strong rope of Allah and his straight path.” “Neither his proximity in ties of relationship (with the Holy Prophet

[S]) can be preceded by anyone, nor his preceding in religion.” “He (Ali

[AS]) follows the path of the Messenger.” "May the blessings of Allah be upon both of them and their family." “And he fights on (the basis of) interpretation, and he causes not any blame by any rebuker in the way of Allah.” “Indeed, he (Ali

[AS]) has spilled the blood of the heroes of Arabia and killed their valiant fighters.” “Then he filled the hearts of those (fighters) of Badr, Khaibar, Hunain, and others with a hatred and malice.” “Then they rose in enmity against him, and (they) attacked to fight against him, till (such time) that he killed the breakers of allegiance, the unjust, and the ignorant.” “The order of the Messenger of Allah, peace of Allah be upon him and his family, was not obeyed about the leaders (Imams

[AS]) one after the other, except a few from them (believers) who remained faithful in observing their rights.” No one can forget the event that happened on the scorching hot day of Ghadir, Zulhajjeh 18, 10 A.H. The Holy Prophet (S) asked Ali (AS) to come to him. He took Ali’s (AS) hand and said, “O, people! Do you know that Allah is my master and I am the master of the believers and I am worthier than they?” They said, “Yes, Messenger of Allah." He said, “Of whomsoever I am his master, then Ali (AS) is his master, too.” “O, Allah, love the one who loves Ali (AS) and bear enmity with the one who bears enmity with him.” Salman (one of his closest companions) stood on his feet and said, “What kind of vicegerency?” He said, “A vicegerency like my vicegerency upon the one whom I am worthier than.” Thereafter, the Exalted Allah revealed: “Today, I have perfected for you your religion…” Maxims of Imam Ali (AS)

Imam Ali (AS), Amir al-Mumenin, was the fountain of eloquence and the source of rhetoric. Through him the hidden delicacies of eloquence and rhetoric came to light and from him were learnt its principles and rules.

Every speaker and orator has to tread on his footprints and every eloquent preacher availed of his utterances.

According to Sayyid ash-Sharif ar-Radi (may Allah be pleased with him and make him pleased, too), the compiler of the Nahj ul-Balaghah, it is divisible into three categories: firstly sermons and decrees, secondly letters and communications, and thirdly maxims and counsels.

Followings are a few brilliant jewels from that ocean of divine knowledge.

1) Recitation of Qur’an is a (good) remedy for the hearts.

2) The bravest man is the one who can overcome his carnal desires.

3) The most perfect man in faith is a person who has the best character (and moral behavior).

4) One’s personality is hidden under his tongue (sayings).

5) Don’t make yourself a slave of others, verily Allah has created you a free person.

6) Meet and fulfill the obligation of trust that was bestowed on you, even if the one who entrusted something to you as trustworthy was a killer of the sons of prophets.

7) Treat people in such a way and live amongst them in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.

8) There is no greater wealth than wisdom, no greater poverty than ignorance, no greater heritage than (correct) upbringing (of children with good character and manners), and no greater friend and helpmate than consultation.

9) Contentment (qena’at) is the capital which will never come to an end. Let us take this golden opportunity to stand facing his holy shrine and with hearts full of love and respect salute him as we are instructed: “Peace be on you, Oh Commander of the Faithful! Peace be on you, Oh beloved of Allah! Peace be on you, Oh choice of Allah! Peace be on you, Oh proof of Allah! Peace be on you, Oh symbol of abstinence from evil! Peace be on you, Oh Qur’anic trustee of authority, virtuous, who feared Allah, who guarded himself against sin, holy and faithful! Peace be on you, Oh father of Hassan (AS) and Hussein (AS)! Peace be on you, Oh leader of trustees of authority and the one confident in the Lord of the world! Peace be on you, Oh my guardian and may Allah confer His mercy and blessings on you.”

Wishing you all a blessed 13th of Rajab, 1424.