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Iranian mourners mark martyrdom anniversary of first Shia Imam

Tuesday, 04 May 2021 10:16 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 04 May 2021 10:20 AM ]

Iranians pray for divine forgiveness on the Qadr (Destiny) Night, which coincides with the anniversary of Imam Ali (AS)’s martyrdom, at the courtyard of the holy shrine of the eighth Shia Imam in the city of Mashhad on May 4, 2021. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)

Iranian mourners mark 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.

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.

The night preceding Imam Ali’s martyrdom is considered to be one of the threefold Qadr (Destiny) Nights, when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 14 centuries ago.

Throughout the Night of Destiny, Muslims recite the holy Qu’ran, hold vigils until dawn, and pray.

Religious rituals have been held in Tehran and all cities and towns across Iran: