Raising hands in prayers; Iran Muslims observe Night of Destiny

Muslims in Iran have observed the Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny), praying that people across the globe will be granted health and prosperity. 

Patients were also seen raising their hands for Dua on that night, with prayers for good health being expected to be their first supplication.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most events held to mark the Laylat al-Qadr took place in outdoor spaces to reduce the risk of infection.

Laylat al-Qadr falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is the night when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) some 14 centuries ago.

The Night of Destiny is also believed to be the night when God determines the fate of everyone for the coming year.

The specific date of that night is not known. Shia Muslims observe it on the 19th, 21st or 23rd of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The 21st day of Ramadan also marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the first Shia Imam, and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) son-in-law and cousin.

Donating blood is also one of the traditions of Iranians during Islam’s fasting month of Ramadan.

Iranians on Monday, which coincided with the Night of Destiny and on the eve of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (AS), went in large numbers to blood transfusion centers to donate blood.

The blood transfusion centers remain open on those nights.

SQ/AG