Birthday of Imam Ali in Iran
Iran observes the Birthday of Imam Ali as a public holiday on 13 Rajab, the date named in the country’s holiday law. The day also has a family dimension in Iran, where it is observed as Father’s Day, and is marked by gatherings and visits to shrines in Mashhad and Qom.[1][4]
Legal status and date
Iran’s law listing the country’s official holidays expressly includes the birth of Imam Ali on 13 Rajab. This makes the occasion part of Iran’s national public-holiday calendar, rather than only a religious observance.[1]
The Labour Law refers to official holidays and, for workers paid by commission, provides for wages on those days. The law’s holiday list gives the date in the lunar Hijri calendar; its provisions cited here do not set out a routine substitute day for when the holiday coincides with a weekly rest day.[2]
Who Imam Ali is
Iran’s Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works describes Ali as the first Imam and leader of the Shi’a, and as a model of justice. The institute’s account says that, according to the commonly accepted tradition it presents, Ali was born on 13 Rajab inside the Kaaba and was the first to believe in Muhammad’s message.[3]
The observance carries particular significance in Iran’s public religious life: the same institute links Ali’s birth anniversary with justice and quotes Imam Khomeini presenting Ali’s example as a guide for government. That emphasis helps explain why the date appears among Iran’s formal public holidays.[1][3]
How the day is observed
The municipal tourism site Visiting Mashhad describes the birthday as Father’s Day in Iran. It says families honor fathers with gifts and gatherings, while pilgrims visit shrines in Mashhad and Qom for prayers and charity.[4]
Families observe the day with family gatherings and shrine visits in Mashhad and Qom for prayers and charity.[4]
Practical effects for visitors
As an official public holiday, the day affects the usual work calendar; the Labour Law treats official holidays separately from workers’ annual leave and provides holiday pay for commission-paid workers.[1][2] Check opening hours with the office or business before you go.
The observance follows 13 Rajab, so its Gregorian date changes. A Japanese External Trade Organization holiday listing notes that dates based on the lunar calendar can be subject to change close to the time; check an up-to-date local calendar before making date-specific plans.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is the Birthday of Imam Ali a public holiday in Iran?
Yes. Iran’s official-holiday law lists Imam Ali’s birth on 13 Rajab among the country’s public holidays.[1]
When is it observed?
What do people do in Iran?
Visiting Mashhad, a municipal tourism site, describes family gatherings and gifts for fathers, as well as shrine visits in Mashhad and Qom for prayers and charity.[4]
Will shops and public transport be open?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Birthday of Imam Ali in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Islamic Revolutionary Council of Iran; hosted by Nezamat
- Labour Law (Labour Code).- International Labour Organization (NATLEX)
- علی(ع) نیاز امروز جامعه- Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works, Qom branch
- Birthday of Imam Ali- Visiting Mashhad, Municipality of Mashhad
- 祝祭日- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)