(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) KO photo by Abid Bhat
Srinagar- Thousands of fasting Muslims thronged shrines and Imambargahs on Wednesday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), one of the most revered icons of Islam.
Every year, on the 21st day of Ramazan, devout Muslims gather in mosques and religious centres across the Kashmir valley mourning the martyrdom of first Imam and fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Muslims.
It was on the 19th of Ramazan 40 AH (27 January AD 661), Imam Ali was struck on the head with a poison-coated sword by Ibn e Muljim during the morning prayers in Mosque of Kufa. He passed away two days later.
The biggest gathering is witnessed in Najaf al Ashraf, martyr Imam's final resting place in Southern Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the globe converge in Najaf to pay their respects to Imam Ali who was declared as Babul Ilm or gateway of knowledge by the Prophet of Islam (Pbuh)
In Kashmir major functions on the occasion were held at Dargah Hazratbal, Zadibal and Hassanabad in Srinagar, Mirgund in Baramulla and in Budgam town.
Thousands of people joined the congregation prayers at Hazratbal Shrine where holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was displayed after every prayer to the faithful.
In north Kashmir, thousands thronged Imambargah Abol Fazlil Abbas (a.s) at Mirgund, Pattan.
Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari addressed the gathering ahead of the procession, eulogizing the great personality and highlighting the importance of Imam Ali's teachings for the present era.
“Besides, being honest, dedicated and extremely intelligent, Imam Ali was extraordinarily brave on the battlefield” Maulana Masroor said.
Masroor further said that Imam Ali was guardian of orphans and friends of the poor and needy.
“The need of the hour for our youth is to follow Imam Ali's footsteps for a successful life,” he said.
Peoples Conference leader and President Shia Association Imran Raza Ansari also addressed a gathering at Zadibal Imambargah.
“Imam Ali was the sea of patience and tolerance,” Ansari said.
“Even after being hit by a poisonous sword by his killer, he asked Imam Hassan (a.s) to be gentle with him to quench his thirst. That is the kind of person Ameeral Momineen was” Imran Reza said.
Similarly, mourning congregations were held at Budgam by Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan led by Agha Syed Hassan al Musawi.
Agha Syed Hassan addressed the mourning congregation at Budgam while Agha Mujtaba led the mourning service at Hassanabad.
However, due to the recent crescent sighting controversy, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali will be observed in the twin districts of Ladakh's Leh and Kargil on Thursday. Similarly, a mourning congregation is planned at Bemina Imambargah as a faction of Anjuman-e-Shari Shiayan led by Agha Syed Hadi will be observing 21st Ramazan on Thursday.
Night long congregations were also held to mark Shab-e-Qadr which is observed in the last 5 odd nights of the holy month.
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