The 13th of Rajab is a special day. It marks the birth of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the first Imam and fourth Caliph of Muslims. In 2025, Muslims observe 13 Rajab on 14 January. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned philosopher and poet, had great admiration for Imam Ali (a.s). Iqbal, who led the Muslim Renaissance in British India, often expressed his deep love and respect for the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In his book Asrar-e-Khudi, Iqbal shared his reverence for Imam Ali (a.s). Some of his words are still quoted today:
Muslim e awwal shahe mardan Ali
Ishq ra sarmaya e iman Ali
“Ali is the first Muslim and the king of men. In Love’s eyes, Ali is the treasure of the faith.”
Az wilae dood manish zinda um
Dar jahan misle guhar tabinda um
“Devotion to his family gives me life, so I shine like a pearl in this world.”
Az rukhe uo faal Paighambar grift
Millat e Haq az shikohish far grift
“From Ali’s face, the Prophet drew many a fair omen. By his majesty, the true religion is glorified.”
Quwwat e deen e mubeen farmudaish
Kainaat aaen pizeer az doodaish
“His commandments are the strength of Islam. All things in the universe owe allegiance to his House.”
Mursal e Haq kard namish Bu Turab
Haq Yad Allah khawnad dar Ummul Kitab
“The Apostle of God gave him the name Bu Turab (Father of Soil). God, in the Quran, called him ‘The Hand of Allah.'”
Sher e Haq ien khaak ra taskheer kard
Ien gile tareek ra akseer kard
“Ali, the Lion of God, subdued the body’s clay and transformed this dark earth into gold.”
Murtaza kaz taigh e uo Haq raushan ast
“Murtaza (a.s.), by whose sword the splendor of truth was revealed, is named Bu Turab, for his conquest of the empire of the body (clay).”
Bu Turab az fathe aqleem e tan ast
“Bu Turab, from the conquest of the empire of the body, shines forth.”
Hark e dar afaaq gardad Bu Turab
Baaz gardanad za maghrib aftaab
“Whoever in the world becomes Bu Turab turns back the sun from the West.”
Zaire paaish ienja shikohe Khyber ast
Dast e uo Unja khaseem e Kauser ast
“Here the might of Khyber lies beneath his feet. In the Hereafter, his hand will distribute the water of Kauser.”
Az khud aagahi Yadullahi kunad
Az Yadullahi shahinshahi kunad
“Through self-knowledge, he acts as God’s Hand. By virtue of being God’s Hand, he reigns over all.”
Zaat e uo darwaza e shahre uloom
Zair e farmanish Hijaz o Cheen o Room
“He is the Gateway of the City of Knowledge. Arabia, China, and Greece are under his governance.”
This day serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Imam Ali (a.s), whose wisdom, bravery, and spirituality continue to inspire Muslims worldwide.
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