Imam Ali and the Downfall of the Dictator of Libya

We have been celebrating the nights of Ghadr or "value".This has been an opportunity to gather and pray together.  Imam Ali Ibn Abitalib was martyred on such a night in the month of Ramazan  40 years after the hejira. He was then, the leader or khalifa of the  Muslim  society . Ali had a unique status among the companions of the Prophet , his attractive and strong personality, his thirst and sacrifice for the truth and for justice were qualities  revered among both enemies and friends. Ali had proven to be reliable, and trustworthy. He was considered to be the most qualified successor to the Prophet of Islam in personal attributes and behavioral traits. He had the substance and compassion to forgive his enemies and to withstand the oppressors. However, those who  claimed to be Muslim but only in name, those who could not tolerate his justice  and his values became aligned against the symbol of righteousness . The hypocrites had begun a smearing campaign against Imam Ali which led to his martyrdom.

The unique personality of this man, his lifestyle and his teachings, gathered as the Nahjul-balaghe, have been studied and reviewed by scores of scholars from all faiths and backgrounds. Many point to his four- year government as an example of a just and efficient system of governance, unprecedented in those ages. Many examples of Imam Ali's practices are now taken by Reformists as cases that prove that certain practices of the current Iranian government are not in tune with what they claim to be as followers of Imam Ali.  The self criticism of Imam Ali and his respect for those who criticized him and his struggle against despotism and tyranny are among some of the issues that Reformists point to.
The coincidence of these nights of Ramazan with the transformations in Libya and the downfall of one of the most despised dictators of our age is also interesting.

With astonishing speed overnight,  revolutionary forces have entered Tripoli, signaling the end of  the reign of a four decade old dictator. After months of struggle and hundreds of martyrs, the Libyan Revolution against tyranny and oppression is coming to a culmination. It seems that Dictators, like Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Saddam Hussein, Ben Ali, Mubarak, Ali Saleh and now Ghazzafi have awakened to the reality only when it was too late. This is a common feature of unlimited, endless and unregulated power in the hands of men who were actually at one time revolutionaries themselves.
The footage emerging from Benghazi and Tripoli shows the jubilation of the people, the calls of Allah o Akbar and the religious atmosphere among the revolutionaries indicates that religious beliefs are key factors in this movement. They now feel that the suffering and sacrifices they experienced was worth it. It seems that the Libyan people expect NATO to leave the future of Libya to the people and Western forces are expected to refrain from interference. We all hope that the revolutionary forces learn from the lessons of other revolutions and fill the power vacum with a transitional government to bring order and pave way for democratic and constitutional changes.

Ghadir, Discord or Unity

In my acceptance address, in the 2006 Champion of the Earth Award Ceremonies in Singapore, I made the point that we need to search for the genuine champions. I referred to a narration from Imam Ali Ibn Abitalib which says that: " The true champion is he who exercises control over his self" . In his simple words of wisdom, Imam Ali has made a point that relates very closely to our current global conditions. Currently, we precisely lack leaders who have gained control over their egoistic desires and their selfishness.


Today is a religious holiday and eid (joyous celebration) in Iran and some Islamic countries.Many people travel or go to visit and greet friends and relatives . We were in Isfahan last night, where there were a lot of fireworks and celebrations and people were enjoying the beautiful riversides of Zayanderood. Isfahan is a beauty.

Returning from his farewell pilgrimage to Mecca, 63 years after his birth, in a place called Ghadir Khom, the Prophet of Islam indicates that he might be leaving this world. This creates much worry, but questions also arise on the future of this rapidly growing religion, and the road map the Muslims should take afterwards. The Prophet Muhammad who is the final messenger as well , points to the Holy Quran and His True Successors as the road map that would take humanity to its ultimate destiny. He points to the illustrious personality of Ali Ibn Abitalib as one who could lead humanity to salvation.

The paradox lies in the fact that contrary to certain interpretations that set grounds for discord and misunderstandings among Muslims on the basis of the Ghadir event, this event is the theoretical basis for unity among all sincere followers of Divine religions. Jewish prophecies in those days predicted that a sign of for Ahmad( the alternate name for Mohammad) is that the Messenger will appoint Elia(Ali in Hebrew) as his successor. In addition, the verse attributed to Ghadir is the 67th verse of Sura Maida chapter from the Quran. It is interestingly located between verses concerning Jewish and Christian traditions and practices. Collectively , the verses indicate that Ghadir is the connection between divine teachings. Can we say that Ghadir is an extension of Islam into the future? Can Ghadir provide a road map for the bewildered generations of our time but also for truth seekers and freedom lovers from now to eternity?