HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: In commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Maulaa Al-Movahiddin Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (A) Ramadan 21 Tuesday, thousands of Haidari mourners in the holy city of Najaf slit open their heads shedding their blood to signify their deep grief over the sorrowful event that had occurred in 40 A.H.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners were gathered at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali (A), cousin and son-in-law of holy Prophet (S), in the Holy Najaf coming from across the country to observe the occasion.

Chanting ‘Ya Aliyo Ya Aliyo’ and pounding their chests and heads with their hands, the black-dressed mourners offered their condolence to the holy family of Prophet (S). Thousands wearing white shrouds struck their heads with swords in front of the holy mausoleum showing their devotion for Ahl-il Bayt (A).

The mourning ceremonies in Najaf, Karbala, Kadhemiyah and other cities began on the eve of Ramadan 19 which marks the anniversary of Dharba of Amir-ol Mo’minin Ali (A). Replica coffin of Al-Imam Ali (A) was also taken out.

History tells that on Ramadan 19 Sehr time (Pre-dawn) in 40 Hijra, a Kharijiite Ibn-e-Moljem (L) struck a poisoned sword at the head of holy Prophet (S)’s first infallible successor and caliph of Muslims Al-Imam Ali (A) while he was offering his prayer wounding him severely as a result of which he drank the drink of martyrdom on the 21st day of Ramadan and making angel Gabriel to declare ‘Qad Qotel Amir-ol Mo’minin’ and ‘Tahaddamat Wallahi Arkan-ol Hodaa’ (Master of believers has been murdered, and By God pillars of guidance have been demolished).

According to traditions, Ramadan 21 night is not less than the night of Ashour – the day when Imam Hussein (A) was martyred on Moharram 10 – in grief as no stone was turned but fresh blood was gushing out of the earth.

Meanwhile, Ramadan 21 night was also observed as second Layla-tol Qadr. Special A’maal of the night - prayers, supplications, zeyarah, adiyah Quran recitation – were performed.