HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Mourning rituals marking the anniversary of martyrdom of Amir ol-Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali b. Abi Talib (peace be on him) and aamaal of three Layali al-Qadr (Ramadan 19, 21 and 23) culminated in Iraq and other countries.

Flocks of mourners, worshippers and devotees of Ahl-il Beit (Muslims and Christians) packed the holy shrines of al-Imam al-Hussein and Al-Abbas (peace be on them) in the holy city of Karbala on Ramadan 19 and 21 nights.

Throughout the days, husseini processions marching through the streets of Karbala culminated at the shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (peace be on him) extending their condolence to the imam on martyrdom of his respected father Abu’l Aaimmah (peace be on him).

Aamaal included prayer, recitation of holy Quran, supplications narrated from Ahl-il Beit (peace be on them) – one of these is raf’-ol masahif (putting holy Quran on head) -, zyarah of al-Imam al-Hussein and his brother al-Abbas (peace be on them).

Layla`tul Qadr is the best night among the nights of the whole year. No night, throughout the year, is on a level with this night. On account of its merits, surpassing excellence, superiority, and the superabundant bounties, benefits and favors this night brings for the mankind it leaves behind every night known for blessing.

As revealed in the Holy Quran the Night of “Qadr” is better than a thousand months, therefore, acts done in these nights are better than the acts done in one thousands months. In this night the “Spirit” together with one thousand Angels descends and that which has been decided is shown to the “Imam of Era (atf)”.

Majalis al-azaiyah were also held, elegies were recited and replica coffins of al-Imam Ali (peace be on him) were taken out.