Along with Iranians, Shia Muslims worldwide also pay tribute to Imam Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law.
Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic through his historic messages maintained that Imam Ali (PBUH)'s and established eternal patterns of social justice which should be followed by generations to come over the centuries.
The religious leader of contemporary history maintained that legacy of Imam Ali (PBUH) should be preserved in all fields of human societies. He also urged the whole human societies to follow footsteps of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and other truthful successors of the holy prophet of Islam in order to gain prosperity and salvation.
Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic stressed that in the history of Islam, for very group or stratum of society, there is a suitable role-model who is guiding light for salvation and on the path to perfection.
The role-model for women, as declared by Allah and his holy Prophet of Islam Mohammad (PBUH) is Hazrat Fatimah-Zahra.
“The best of your men is Ali Ibn Abu Talib, and the best of your women is Fatimah Binte Mohammad,” Said the holy Prophet of Islam.
Imam Ali took over the leadership of the Muslim community from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as per a divine decree.
On the 19th of Ramadan 40 AH (27 January AD 661), he was struck on the head with a poison-coated sword during the morning prayers in the Great Mosque of Kufa, in today's Iraq, and passed away two days later.
The night preceding Imam Ali’s martyrdom is considered to be one of the threefold Qadr (Destiny) Nights, when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 14 centuries ago.
Muslims hold night-long vigils on Qadr Nights, reciting the holy Qu’ran and praying until dawn.
It is also thought to be the night when the blessings and mercy of God are abundant, sins are forgiven, supplications are accepted, and God decides the fate of each individual for the coming year.