RNA – Throughout the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Shi’ite Muslim world, people marked the death anniversary of the demise of Prophet Muhammad and the anniversary of martyrdom of his grandson and the second infallible successor and divinely-appointed Imam, Hasan al-Mujtaba.
The holy shrine of the eighth Imam, Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha in Mashhad, was packed with mourners who had gathered at this Holy Shrine from different regions of Iran and the world, to hold mourning ceremonies.
Shi’ites throughout the world marked the sorrowful occasion by attending mosques and Islamic centres where they listened to lectures, Quran recitations, poetry and lamentations about their religious leaders.
In the holy city of Qom, black-clad mourners were held mourning ceremonies at the Holy Shrine of Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah, Jamkaran Mosque and many other mosques and husayniyahs throughout the city.
The Prophet Muhammad passed away at 63 years of age and 23 years of disseminating the message of Islam after a short illness on the 28th of Safar, 11 AH (632 CE) after completing his divine mission.
Imam Hasan was martyred on the 28th of Safar, 50 AH (670 CE) due to the conspiracy of Mu’awiyah who secretly contacted one of Imam Hasan’s wives, Ja’da bint al-Ash’ath ibn Qays, and incited her to poison her husband. Ja’dah did as Mu’awiyah suggested, giving her husband poison mixed with honey.
The martyrdom anniversary of Imam ar-Ridha, the eighth Imam of the Shi’ites, who was martyred on the last day (30th) of the month of Safar, will be commemorated on December 23.
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