Iranians across the country are commemorating the anniversary of the martyrdom of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali.

Imam Ali was martyred on the 21st of the holy month of Ramadan more than thirteen centuries ago.

Imam Ali was hit 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 and passed away two days later.



[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"] Iranians pray and hold vigils on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny), the night when God is believed to decide the destiny of people for the coming year.[/caption]

Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and cousin, Imam Ali is highly respected for his courage, knowledge and deep loyalty to the Prophet as well as  for administering justice.

The night before his passing is believed to be one of the holy nights known as Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny), during which Muslims hold vigils until dawn to pray and worship God.



[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"] Iranians pray and hold vigils on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny).[/caption]

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world commemorate Imam Ali’s martyrdom.

In Iran, millions of black-clad people also gather inside mosques and other religious sites nationwide to mark both Imam Ali’s martyrdom anniversary as well as Laylat al-Qadr, which is believed to be the night when God decides the destiny of everyone for the coming year.

Imam Ali’s martyrdom which falls on July 8th this year is a national holiday in Iran.

By Press TV