Mourners Mark Martyrdom Anniversary of First Imam

Date: 04 May 2021 - 21:38

News ID: ۸۹۸۸۹

TEHRAN (Dispatches) -Iranian mourners marked the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the first Shia Imam, in outdoor events while observing social distancing rules due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Every year, the mourners converge in mosques, places of worship and religious sites nationwide to mark the solemn occasion. During the ceremonies, poems are recited and sermons delivered in honor of one of the most revered figures of Shia Islam.
This year, however, people have been avoiding gatherings indoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
The holy shrines of Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq, were among the places that hosted Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Qadr) rituals.
Parts of the mausoleums were covered with black banners and cloth sheets ahead of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (AS).
The rituals included mourning processions ahead of the sad occasion, the 21st day of the holy month of Ramadhan.
Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Destiny, is described in the Quran as being "better than a thousand months” (97:3).
It is the night when the Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The specific date of Laylat al-Qadr is not mentioned in the Quran. Shia Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is to be found in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan but mostly on the 19th, 21st or 23rd of Ramadan with 23rd being the most important night.
Imam Ali, a cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), was struck in the head with a poisonous sword by Ibn Muljam while he was saying his prayers in the Great Mosque of Kufa, which is located in Iraq now, on the 19th of Ramadan 40 AH (27 January AD 661). He passed away two days later.
Throughout the Night of Destiny, Muslims recite the holy Qu’ran, hold vigils until dawn, and pray.