Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali: October 25, 2009
Iran Observes the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Iman Ali.
This day commemorates the anniversary Imam Ali’s martyrdom at Kufa Mosque. Ali is remembered as the first Imam and Ali was also the first successor of Prophet Muhammad.
Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali History
Ali ibn Abi Talib was fourth caliph of Islam and also the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Ali was born in Mecca, he was the son of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle. Ali was the first to be converted to Islam and one of the most devoted followers of the Prophet Muhammad. He married Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter, who bore him two sons named Hasan and Husayn. When Prophet Muhammad died in 632, Ali claimed the right to succeed the Prophet. However, in the caliphate, Abu Bakr, Umar I, and Uthman ibn Affan preceded him. He only became caliph in 656.
Ali’s was forced to deal with a rebellion led by Aisha in the first year of his reign. Aisha, Muhammad’s third wife had bitterly opposed Ali’s claim of succession. In late 656, the rebellion was finally suppressed but disputes over Ali’s right to the caliphate lingered. Muawiyah I, rejected to recognize Ali as the caliph and instead he claimed the caliphate for himself. This row persisted until 661, when a member of the Kharijite sect assassinated Ali at Al Kūfah. As a result, Muawiyah I was became the acknowledged caliph.
Those loyal to Ali’s and his opponents continued to stir the Muslim world. The dissension between the Ali’s supporters and his critics led to the split in Islam. The two major opposing groups in Islam are the Shias, who were the adherents of Ali and the Sunnis who are orthodox Muslims.
Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali Traditions, Customs and Activities
On the anniversary of Imam Ali’s martyrdom, Ayatollah Khamenei of the Islamic Revolution leads the Friday prayers in Tehran.
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