“Mankind in Imam Ali’s (AS) Thought” Investigated in Latakia, Syria

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - A forum featuring “Mankind in Imam Ali’s (AS) Thought” was held on October 17 by Iran Cultural Center in Latakia, Syria.   Abuzar Ghafari Mosque of the city hosted the forum which was attended by Ali Khayyat, Iran cultural attaché in Syria, Mohsen Taqavi, cultural representative and a number of scientific, religious and cultural figures from various tribes of the region.  Addressing the program, Khayyat referred to Quran’s verses and said that humans of all races and nations are equal and piety is the only criterion making a person better and greater than others. “The Holy prophet (PBUH) and the infallibles (AS) treated everyone the same.”  He further mentioned some parts of Nahj-ul-Balaqa and Imam Ali’s (AS) letter to Malek Ashtar, his companion, explaining how to treat people and distribute public treasury (beyt-ol-mal).  Also speaking at the program, Sheikh Mohammadreza Hatam, a Syrian scholar, referred to some other parts of Nahj-ul-Balaqa and the letter and highlighted the Imam’s (AS) piety and the way he treated people.  He stressed that the letter clarifies the real status of humans and their rights.  Ibrahim Tamer, Christian figure, Sheikh Valid Ibrahim, Sunni Muslim and Imam of a mosque in Latakia and Ramez Mohammad, lecturer of Tashrin University also presented speeches at the program.  They expounded on Imam Ali’s (AS) virtues and the status of human beings in his view.  Sumer Abdullatif, eminent poet of the region, then recited poems in praise of Imam Ali (AS)./129