Najaf al-Ashraf – January 1, 2026 

His Eminence Sheikh Ali al-Najafi, the representative of His Eminence the Najafi Marjaʿ (may Allah prolong his life) and Director of his Central Office in Najaf al-Ashraf, participated in a special program broadcast by Al-Ataba Al-Alawiya Holy Shrine Satellite Channel on the occasions of the births of the Pure Imams (peace be upon them). During the program, he delivered a blessed address coinciding with the anniversary of the birth of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), and the advent of the Gregorian New Year, in which he extended his congratulations to those present and to viewers on these auspicious days.

Sheikh al-Najafi affirmed that as soon as a visitor arrives at the thresholds of Najaf al-Ashraf, they feel serenity and tranquility. He prayed to Allah to perpetuate this blessing in this world and the Barzakh, and to grant everyone success in serving this noble sanctuary in the presence of the Commander of the Faithful, his household, and his shrine, day after day.

Ali ibn Abi Talib… Perfection Beyond Measure

His Eminence explained that historical figures are usually distinguished by one or two aspects of perfection; however, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is the sole exception who embodied all dimensions of perfection, with no equal except the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family). He clarified that Imam Ali is the decisive scale between Paradise and Hell, and that salvation on the Day of Resurrection is contingent upon piety.

Justice… Being Fair to Oneself

Sheikh al-Najafi reviewed Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) stances on justice, including the incident involving Aqil ibn Abi Talib and the case of the armor with the Jewish man, where the Imam stood before the judge like any ordinary litigant. He stressed that these positions embodied the highest forms of justice and were the reason for the opponent’s acceptance of Islam.

Supporting the Weak and Consoling the Toilers

His Eminence noted that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was among those who most revived land and dug wells, yet he chose to live the life of the poor to remain close to their suffering, emphasizing that social justice is not a slogan but a practical conduct.

Mercy Even on the Battlefield

Sheikh al-Najafi pointed to Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) stance during the Battle of Siffin, when he returned access to water to his enemies after gaining control over it, as well as his instructions to his soldiers not to finish off the wounded or violate sanctities. He emphasized that such mercy stemmed from strength and confidence, not from weakness.

Humility… the Conduct of the Great

His Eminence explained that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) rejected displays of veneration and bowing, and walked among people without distinction, affirming that true greatness lies in simplicity and humility.

Prayer… A Priority That Is Never Delayed

Sheikh al-Najafi reflected on the scene of Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) martyrdom in the prayer niche, explaining that he instructed Imam al-Hasan (peace be upon him) to complete the prayer leading the people despite his injury—an enduring lesson on the status and priority of prayer.

The New Year… Review, Not Celebration

Sheikh al-Najafi called for the beginning of the new year to be a station for reassessing priorities, likening worldly life to a decisive academic stage whose results affect subsequent stages. He emphasized that investing time in what draws a person closer to Allah is the supreme goal.

Rajab… The Beginning of Spiritual Construction

His Eminence affirmed that the month of Rajab represents the true starting point for self-reform through repentance and seeking forgiveness, noting that purification from sins precedes adornment with acts of obedience.

He also highlighted the role of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (peace be upon him) in consolidating the school of thought despite his young age.

Time… Humanity’s Capital

Sheikh al-Najafi concluded his address by emphasizing that time is a person’s true capital. He urged the youth to engage in daily self-accountability as advised by Imam al-Kazim (peace be upon him), to be exemplary in managing time and setting goals, and stressed that Islamic identity, a radiant history, and the great role model represented by the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) grant a great advantage if properly invested.