The Almighty God in several verses in holy Quran has advised man to go to the nature and see how He makes the signs of Allah’s rebirth in the seasons and nature. “Say: travel in the earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things.” (29:20)

In the book “Asma ul-Alam” written by the celebrated Iranian Islamic thinker and philosopher, Alameh Majlesi, he has quoted Imam Sadeq (AS) in a narration as having said that Hazrat Adam (AS) was created in the first day of Farvardin and this day is an auspicious occasion to perform prayers to Almighty Allah for achieving our expectations.
Abdul Samad ibn Ali in a tradition narrates that during Noruz, a silver plate of ‘halvah’ sweets was offered to the holy Prophet Muhammad (S). The prophet asked to which tribe it belonged and what was the occasion? “This is a gift from Persia marking Noruz, the greatest Iranian festival.” The prophet replied: “Yes, Almighty Allah revived the dead and ordered the clouds to rain. Here, sprinkling of water became a custom this day.” The Prophet of Islam then ate the halvah sharing it with his companion.
During the era of caliphate of Umar ibn Khattab, Hormezgan, the governor of Khuzestan, sent gifts for Imam Ali (AS). The imam asked what the occasion was. His followers replied that it was a Noruz gift from Iranians. The Imam then said: “Make everyday Noruz!”
The choice of Imam Ali (AS) as Osman’s successor, coincided with the celebrations of Noruz. It is astounding that according to some traditions, the first Imam of Shi’as, Imam Ali (AS), was appointed fourth caliph of Muslims on the eve of new Iranian year. Even Alamah Majlesi, one of the greatest Shi’a scholar in his book “Bahar ul-Anwar has mentioned several such hadiths (traditions) supporting this claim.
Noruz and universal humanitarian values
Ancient Iranians, based on the teachings of Prophet Zoroaster, believed that happiness is one of the beautiful manifestations of divinity which is harmonious with life and held that they should drive away grief and sorrow on special occasions.
For long years, these people under the influence of the Zoroaster's teachings showed a tendency toward greenery, development, progress, and proper thought and behavior, and had a happy, calm and prosperous life.
They used to avoid lying, showing anger and hatred, envying people, and waging war. They were also bound to truthfulness, love, affection, and cooperation in order to keep the world full of energy and activity.
Our virtuous ancestors had established festivities based on their precious religious beliefs and consistent with their natural surroundings in order to gather together and enjoy themselves, pass the life more pleasantly and joyfully, and foster their solidarity.
On the eve of the new Iranian year, people across the world have a great responsibility to understand the universal message of Noruz, since this noble tradition has been passed from generation to generation, with its deep philosophical heritage heralding universal humanitarian values.
The promising message of Noruz is social interaction, solidarity, unity, social justice, joy, companionship, happiness, and peace and prosperity for humanity, which can be seen on a bas-relief located in the slope of Mount Alvand in Hamedan’s Ganjnameh resort. It reads: “… And Ahura Mazda (God) Created Joy for Man…”
Celebrated Persian poet, Hakim Omar Khayyam, said that whoever jubilates and enjoys the occasion will spend the whole year in joy.
Photo: Blooms of a cherry tree bespeak spring’s approach.
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