Night of Decree

Project Location | Middle East, Iran, Gorgan
Production Date | 2018-03-10

By Yasaman Dehmiyani

Rituals related to Ramadan are mostly practiced by Shia Muslims in Iran. Ceremonies (Ahya or vigil) are held in mosques across the country on the 19th and 23rd of Ramadan. The 19th is a sad day for Muslims, for it was on this day over 1,300 years ago that Imam Ali, the first Shia imam (fourth for Sunnis) was struck with a sword at suffered grave wound that would take his life two days later. The 23rd marks “Shab-e-Qadr”, or the “Night of Decree”, according to Shias. They believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet on this day. Sunnis believe the Shab-e-Qadr falls on the 27th of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Allah forgives all sins on this day if the person repents.

Rituals related to Ramadan are mostly practiced by Shia Muslims in Iran. Ceremonies (Ahya or vigil) are held in mosques across the country on the 19th and 23rd of Ramadan. The 19th is a sad day for Muslims, for it was on this day over 1,300 years ago that Imam Ali, the first Shia imam (fourth for Sunnis) was struck with a sword at suffered grave wound that would take his life two days later. The 23rd marks “Shab-e-Qadr”, or the “Night of Decree”, according to Shia. They believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet on this day. Sunnis believe the Shab-e-Qadr falls on the 27th of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Allah forgives all sins on this day if the person repents.