Rasa News Agency – Hujjat al-Islam Sayyed Ahmad Hoseyni-Khorasani, a professor in the Islamic Seminary, delivered a sermon to a large group of mourners at the Holy Jamkaran Mosque on the 19th night of the holy month of Ramadhan. The 19th night of Ramadhan marks the first possible “Laylat al-Qadr” (Night of Power) and marks the martyrdom anniversary of the first infallible Imam and the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Hujjat al-Islam Hoseyni-Khorasani explained: “The value of the Night of Power is equal to 1000 months, meaning this single night is as valuable as 84 years and 4 months and on this night, man is under the mercy and grace of God. Some scholars hold the position that on this night a person can reach a level of spirituality that it would normally take 100 years to reach."
“Those who accept the school of thought of Imam Ali (A) and his wilayah (divine guardianship) and follow him will reach true monotheism. Those who engage in worship without accepting the guardianship of Imam Ali (A) have made a step in the wrong direction,” His Eminence explained.
“On the Night of Power, the Quran and angels will be sent down to Imam al-Mahdi (AJ). Thus, this Night of Power is this place of the manifestation of monotheism, imamate (divine leadership), the night of the return to God through repentance, and on this holy night we are placed beneath the umbrella of the Quran,” he added.
In another part of his sermon, Hujjat al-Islam Hoseyni-Khorasani spoke about the life of Imam Ali (A): “Those who claim to be religious leaders in the Islamic world must take the government of Imam Ali (A) as an example. A society which claims to be an Islamic society but acts in contradiction to the life of Imam Ali (A), is not a society of justice. In Imam Ali’s (A) government, rights were restored and justice was implemented in the Islamic government. Thus, Muslim religious leaders must also follow the path of Imam Ali’s (A) government. The short rule of Imam Ali (A) is a clear example for all just governments in the world.”
He pointed to the threat of Takfirism in the Muslim world and said: “At this time, some speak of monotheism for worldly aims and to gain political and military power through criminal acts, insults, aggression, genocide and have spread injustice. In reality, these people have not brought monotheism.”
Hujjat al-Islam Hoseyni-Khorasani explained that Imam Ali (A) is a great role model in regards to worship: “Imam Ali’s (A) habits of worship and night devotions are a great model for believers [to follow].”
The internal hypocrites and external enemies could not tolerate Imam Ali’s (A) just government and attacked him both internally and externally. For this reason, the hypocrites and enemies insulted and disrespected Imam Ali (A) to such a degree that he prayed to God for martyrdom.” ؛
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