“Ahya,”Reviving the Hearts

    The name of ‘ALI’ (High) is one of the divine attributes and it was uttered by the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

    Imam Ali (AS) is the symbol of this great name. He was the only child born in the holy Ka’ba. His birth was a sign from God. He was born 30 years after the event of “Am ol-fil” on the 13th of Rajab.

   History has introduced Imam Ali (AS) as a Miracle of Allah, the spiritual brother, cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

   About the first Imam of the Ahl-ul-Bayt, the Holy Prophet (SAW) has stated:

   “Allah has ordained the children of each Prophet in his own lineage, but my children are ordained in the lineage of Ali (AS).”

   Imam Ali (AS), the one who loved Allah, only lived for his beloved Allah.

  All traditions state that Imam Ali (AS) was the friend and companion of the poor. He struggled with the disbelief of the ignorant Arabs and preached Islam along with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for 23 years, and remained silent for the next 25 years to achieve Islamic unity. Over all these years, Imam Ali’s (AS) main job was guiding people and compiling the Holy Qur’an.

   Nobody was aware of Imam Ali’s (AS) hidden pain except the well of Kufa. The water of the well turned to blood over the oppression he suffered.

   The rich people of Kufa eventually became tired of the justice of Imam Ali (AS). Abdur-Rahman Ibn Moljam Moradi ( May Allah’s curse be upon him) was chosen to martyr Imam Ali (AS).

   At dawn on the 19th of Ramadan, Imam Ali (AS) went to the Kufa Mosque and woke up the people sleeping there for the morning  prayer.

   While Imam Ali (AS) was praying, Moradi struck him on the head with a poisoned sword. He was in bed for two days. Imam Hasan (AS) was appointed to be the next Imam.. Imam Ali (AS) achieved martyrdom on the 21st of Ramadan the 2nd night of Qadr.

   “The Night of Qadr (Majesty) is better than a thousand months.”(97:3).

   Commemorating this Night and carrying out its special ceremonies(Ahya) is better than a thousand months of worship.

   Qadr is the night in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the heart of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), changing the destiny of humanity.

   Based on the Traditions (Hadith), the nights of the 19th, 21st, and 23rd of Ramadan are considered the precious nights of Qadr, and observing these nights is highly encouraged.

   Special ceremonies are held on an ‘Ahya night’ (Shab-e-Ahya), such as praying, reciting

supplications (Du’as), staying awake at night and praying till dawn.