HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: A’maal of the three layali Al-Qadr, or the Nights of Glory, (Ramadan 19, 21, 23) were held in all parts of the world with spirituality and devotion, while huge mourning programs marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib (as) were also organized.

According to reports flocks of believers streamed into the holy Shrines of Imam Ali (as) in the holy city of Najaf (Iraq), al-Imam al-Hussein (as) and Abol Fadhl Al-Abbas (as) in the holy city of Karbala (Iraq), Imam Mussa al-Kadhim (as) and Imam Muhammad Taqi (as) in Kadhimiyah (Iraq), Imam Ali Naqi (as) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) in Samara (Iraq), Imam Ali Reza (as) in the holy city of Mash’had (Iran), Fatimah Masouma (as) in the holy city of Qom (Iran), Sayyedah Zainab (as) in Damascus (Syria) as well as mosques, hussainiyaat, imambargahs, aza-khanas, maatam, tombs and Islamic centers in African, Asian, European and American countries to perform A’mal of the Layali al-Qadr and attend majalis-e-aza.

A’maal include offering special prayers, rafa-ol masahif (putting Quran on head), reciting particular adiyah and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Following A’maal of the Night of Glory Majalis-e-aza were held attended by large numbers of followers of Ahlul bayt (as).

Sahour banquets were served.

In some places, majalis-e-aza were held after dawn prayer.

Speakers in their addresses highlighted the elevated status of al-Imam Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib (as) in light of Quran and traditions of holy Prophet (saww) and martyrdom of Maula-e-Kaenaat (as). Mourners extended their condolences to the holy family of prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) marking the occasion.

Mourning processions were also taken out in many countries.

The African Shia Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky commemorated the martyrdom anniversary at Husainiyyah Baqiyyatullah Zaria. The commemoration started on the 19th of Ramadan 1433.