TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has pardoned or commuted the sentences of 2,654 inmates on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadir celebrations.
The Leader’s decision came in response to a letter from Iran’s Judiciary chief Gholamhussein Mohseni-Ejei regarding prisoners found eligible for receiving clemency by the relevant judicial authority.
Ayatollah Khamenei regularly issues such decrees on special occasions such as religious festivities.
Article 110 of the Constitution Law gives the leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of prisoners upon the request of the Chief of the Judiciary.
The clemency, however, does not apply to all types of prisoners, including those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery, and embezzlement.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, is held on the 10th of Dhul-Hajjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, and commemorates Prophet Abraham’s acknowledgment of a divine order to sacrifice his son.
Upon submitting to God’s will, Ibrahim was exempted from performing the order and was offered a ram to sacrifice instead.
Muslims around the world mark the festival, which comes as the annual Hajj season in Saudi Arabia draws to a close, by sacrificing livestock to be distributed among the needy.
Eid al-Ghadir is considered one of the fundamental events for Shia Muslims as it marks the day when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his successor and the next leader of Muslims.
The event is celebrated annually around the world by Shia Muslims. In Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and several other countries masses celebrate Eid al-Ghadir on the 18th of Dhul-Hajjah.