Imam Ali (PBUH), whom Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) declared as “Amir al-Mo’menin” (The Leader of the Faithful) was martyred on the 21st day of Ramadan over thirteen centuries ago.
The first Imam of Shiite Muslims was saying his prayers two days prior to his martyrdom when assassin ibn Muljim hit him in the head with a poisoned sword in the Mosque of Kufa.
Imam Ali (PBUH) was Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)’s highly revered son-in-law and cousin as well as the first Imam of Shiite Islam. He was the leader of the Islamic Caliphate at the time of his assassination.
The martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali is commemorated in Iran as well as other Muslim nations around the world.
The night before his passing is considered the second of the three holy nights - each being known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny). Muslims throughout the world spend the nights worshipping God.
