The mourning ceremonies for the heartbreaking martyrdom of Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali (A.S.) and the revival of the Nights of Qadr were held with spiritual grandeur and heartfelt participation at the Islamic Centre of England, uniting Shi’as of various nationalities residing in London.
These sacred ceremonies took place on the 19th and 21st nights of Ramadan, corresponding to 19 and 21 March 2025. Fasting believers began arriving at the Centre from 5:30 PM, preparing for an evening of worship and remembrance. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by a speech delivered in Persian, which continued until the Maghrib adhan. Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimīn Seyed Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Centre, then led the congregational Maghrib prayer.
Following the Iftar meal, the special Night of Qadr programme resumed with content in Arabic, and from 9:00 PM, sessions continued in Persian and English.
In his sermons, Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi spoke on the immense virtues of the Nights of Qadr, drawing on the teachings of Imam al-Baqir (A.S.), who taught that without divine multiplication of rewards, believers would struggle to reach spiritual perfection. He explained that Allah, out of His mercy, multiplies the reward of good deeds during these nights—making these moments a rare opportunity for extraordinary spiritual elevation.
He further noted the wisdom behind the concealed date of Laylat al-Qadr, explaining that this concealment encourages seekers of truth to devote more nights in worship, increasing their proximity to Allah during the final ten nights of Ramadan.
Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi stressed that reflection and contemplation are the highest forms of worship on these nights. He referenced narrations stating that an hour of deep contemplation may be more valuable than seventy years of ritual worship, especially when coupled with the magnified rewards of the Nights of Qadr. He encouraged believers to ponder the creation, the Creator, and the fleeting nature of the material world, reminding them of the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“When you pass by ruins, ask yourselves: where are their people? Where are their builders? Why do they not speak?”
Such reflections, he said, soften the heart and orient the soul toward the Hereafter.
The Imam also encouraged reflection on the life, character, and virtues of Imam Ali (A.S.), whose martyrdom coincides with these sacred nights. He cited a hadith from the Prophet (PBUH):
“Whoever narrates or hears the virtues of Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (A.S.) and believes in them, Allah will forgive their past and future sins.”
Thus, he reminded the audience that spreading the merits of Imam Ali (A.S.) is one of the most effective means of attaining divine forgiveness.
In conclusion, Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi described the Nights of Qadr as a gateway to the nearness of Allah, encouraging worshippers to seize these rare moments with prayer, contemplation, and remembrance of the great personalities of Islam.
During the revival of the Nights of Qadr at the Islamic Centre, attendees engaged in a range of devotional acts, including the recitation of Duʿā Jawshan Kabīr, heartfelt supplications, and speeches in multiple languages. The night also featured religious poetry (madhahīh) in mourning of Imam Ali (A.S.), and concluded with the special ritual of placing the Qur’an over one’s head—a powerful tradition symbolising surrender and connection to divine guidance.
