A view of Najaf city
'Religious significance of this day'
Najaf declares official holiday for Imam Ali’s birthday
NAJAF — The Najaf Provincial Council announced on Monday the suspension of official work for tomorrow, Tuesday, in celebration of the birthday of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, with exceptions for security and essential service departments.
In a statement, Hussein Al-Eisawi, head of the Najaf Provincial Council, stated that, ”This holiday was declared due to the global religious significance of this day and the sanctity and special status of Najaf Governorate.”
The council had previously issued Resolution No. 15 on March 6, 2019, declaring a local holiday for this occasion.
Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib was a prominent figure in Islamic history, known as the first cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. He was the husband of Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter, and the father of Hasan and Hussain, key figures in Shia Islamic tradition.
Imam Ali is revered as the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first Imam in Shia Islam, where he holds a central and spiritual role. Imam Ali was assassinated in 661 while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa, and his shrine in Najaf, remains a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims worldwide.