Empathy in the Light of Alawite Wisdom،Interfaith Gathering of Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists at the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Colombo
Marking the beginning of the Gregorian New Year and the birth anniversary of Imam Ali, an interfaith gathering of Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists was held at the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Colombo, highlighting shared values of empathy, justice, and coexistence
On January 1, 2026, coinciding with the beginning of the Gregorian New Year and the auspicious anniversary of the birth of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) on the 13th of Rajab, a large gathering of Shafi‘i and Shi‘a Muslims, Sufi groups, Buddhists, Christians, members of the Sri Lanka Association for Iranian Studies, as well as cultural and media figures convened at the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo.
The ceremony celebrating the birth anniversary of the Commander of the Faithful began with the skillful moderation and coordination by Mr. Shahini, an official of the Iranian mission, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. The program continued with the screening of a video message by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, highlighting the personality, moral virtues, and eminent status of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), accompanied by English subtitles.
In his address, Mr. Alireza Delkhosh, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka, emphasized the trans-religious and trans-sectarian character of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). He stressed that Imam Ali does not belong solely to Muslims, but stands as a universal model of humanity, justice, and ethics. Referring to Imam Ali’s birth inside the Kaaba, the ambassador underlined that what truly matters is “the path of Ali”—his ethical conduct and moral example in both personal and social life.
Mr. Madani, translator of Nahj al-Balagha, also spoke at the event, highlighting the unique nature of Imam Ali’s birth, noting that he is the only person in history born inside the Kaaba. He elaborated on the esteemed status of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s household) in the Holy Qur’an, explaining that God has explicitly praised this pure lineage. He further emphasized the deep spiritual and moral bond between Imam Ali and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), describing Imam Ali as the “Perfect Human Being” (al-Insan al-Kamil) after the Prophet.
Additionally, Maulvi Dr. Ibrahim Abdullah, Head of the Sufi Spiritual Association, addressed the audience and spoke about the unifying qualities of Imam Ali within the Islamic Ummah. Expressing appreciation for the Islamic Republic of Iran, he described Iran as a model country in courage, independence, and sincere support for the Palestinian people, stating that Iran has consistently stood by oppressed and Muslim nations regardless of sectarian differences. He stressed that today, more than ever, unity within the Islamic Ummah is a necessity, and portrayed Iran as a country rich in economic, spiritual, and social capacities, characterized by solidarity and mutual understanding.
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