Millions Mark Anniversary of Imam Ali’s Martyrdom as Mourning Ceremonies Begin Across Iraq, Worldwide
Millions Mark Anniversary of Imam Ali’s Martyrdom as Mourning Ceremonies Begin Across Iraq, Worldwide
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Preparations and mourning ceremonies have begun in Iraq and across the world to commemorate the anniversary of the wounding and martyrdom of Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them both), the Commander of the Faithful.
The observance takes place during the final days of Ramadan, when millions of Shia Muslims gather in mosques and shrines to honor his life and legacy.
At the Imam Ali Shrine, authorities raised black mourning banners above the shrine complex to mark the beginning of commemorative rituals. Large crowds of pilgrims and religious figures attended the ceremony, while the shrine administration announced a multi-day program including religious lectures, mourning gatherings, and services for visiting pilgrims.
In Najaf, mourning processions and unified memorial gatherings were held near the shrine, where participants recited elegies and sermons recalling Imam Ali’s role in promoting justice and defending the oppressed.
At the Great Mosque of Kufa, where Imam Ali was struck while leading dawn prayers on the 19th of Ramadan, black banners and commemorative signs were installed as part of preparations to receive large numbers of mourners.
Similar mourning displays have appeared at the Imam Husayn Shrine, where religious gatherings and lectures are being held.
Commemorations are also taking place internationally. Mosques and religious centers in Shia communities worldwide are hosting sermons, recitations, and mourning ceremonies, while religious offices linked to the Supreme Marja in Qom and other countries are organizing similar events.
The period from the 18th to the 27th of Ramadan is widely observed among Shia Muslims as the “decade of commemoration” marking Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) martyrdom. During these days, mosques, Hussainiyas, and religious centers hold sermons, recitations, and mourning ceremonies recalling his life and teachings.
In a statement marking the anniversary, the Shia Waves Agency extended condolences to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family), to Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), to the Imams (peace be upon them) from their lineage, and particularly to the Imam of the Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance), on the remembrance of the wounding and martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). The statement also conveyed condolences to senior Shia religious authorities, including Grand Ayatullah Shirazi, and to believers around the world. The statement described his Majesty as a historical symbol of piety, justice, and devotion who spent his life supporting truth and defending the oppressed.
