The Martyrdom of Imam Ali is a public holiday in Iran on 21 Ramadan.
It commemorates the Martyrdom of Ali ibn Abu Talib, who was the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and considered to be the first Imam by Shia Muslims.
History of Martyrdom of Imam Ali
Imam Ali, also known as Hazrat Ali, is an important figure for all Muslims worldwide.
He was the son of Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asda and was the first male to accept Islam, which some have argued makes him the first Muslim. Ali fought alongside Muhammad in the battles that forged the early Muslim community. After the migration to Medina, he married Muhammad's daughter Fatimah and became Muhammad's son-in-law.
After Caliph Uthman ibn Affan was assassinated, Ali was appointed Caliph in 656 CE. He ruled until 661 CE, when he was struck in the head with a poisonous sword by Ibn Muljam, a Kharijite from Egypt, while he was saying his prayers in the Great Mosque of Kufa, in modern-day Iraq, on the 19th of Ramadan.
The wound proved fatal and Imam Ali became a martyr two days later. Ibn Muljam had been captured after the assassination and was executed in retaliation.
While there are differences in how he is venerated by Sunni and Shia, both agree that Ali was a pious Muslim, devoted to the cause of Islam and a courageous and just ruler in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
