A commemoration ceremony marking the nights of Qadr and the martyrdom anniversary of the Master of the Faithful Ali (a.s.) at the Islamic Centre of England – 2023

Upon the occasion of the nights of Qadr and the martyrdom anniversary of the Master of the Believers Imam Ali (a.s.) hundreds of Shia Muslims residing in London were present at the Islamic Centre of England participating in the mourning and night worshipping ceremonies.
The nights of the 19th and the 21st of Ramadhan 1402 (Solar Calendar) equivalent to the 9th and 11th of April 2023 (Gregorian) felt a special breeze of spirituality this year in which love and affection with the Holy Quran and also placing the Quran over heads in sincere repentance was witnessed.
A great number of Shia Muslims of various ethnicities, particularly youth holding deep rooted love with the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) were present.
Young aged children were also dressed in black and contributed a special impact to this event. In addition to their participation, surprisingly these young children were also witnessed grieving and shedding tears in the grief of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali(a.s.).
HIWM Seyed Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Islamic Centre of England, enlightened the gatherings with his words explaining the benefits and virtues of the nights of Qadr.
He said that “Repentance (seeking forgiveness), recitation of the holy Quran and thinking about one’s religion are three key and important actions for the nights of Qadr”
He concluded that repentance paves the way of life. It opens the way towards happiness. Understanding the Qur’an with a sincere intention and a purified heart forbids the pathway to sin, and also thinking about one’s religion regulates their path of life.
HIWM Moosavi had also mentioned regarding the eternal lights of Allah swt in the nights of Qadr: In the holy month of Rajab, Allah swt forgives so many people that there is nothing left for the month of Ramadhan. However, the revival of the night of Qadr is very important because Allah the Almighty is waiting for his servants in these nights that they ask him for forgiveness and if his servants are negligent, He calls out “Oh my servant, do you not have anything to request, call upon Me and I will answer your call.”
Also in the nights of Qadr, Hujjat-ul-Islam Muhammad Khani delivering an English speech referred to the importance and necessity of paying attention to the day of resurrection. He said that the heart’s understanding of truth and of the concept of life of the hereafter is very effective for human life, and according to the Amir ul Momineen, Imam Ali (a.s.) the criterion for paying attention to the hereafter is rationality.
The children’s Qur’anic educational programme is also among the activities of every night of the holy month of Ramadhan at the Islamic Centre of England, which is being implemented with a much wider diversity and ability this year.