19th of Ramzan 1432 A.H. – Shab-e-Zarbat of the Commander of the Faithful
Imam Ali (a.s.) and the First Probable Night of Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr)
As per the Islamic calendar, the night of 19th Ramzan begins when the fast of 18th Ramzan is completed in the evening.
19th Ramzan corresponds to the 19th of August in Thailand, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, while it falls on the 20th of August in Pakistan. For other locations, please consult your local masjid or imambargah.
Shab-e-Zarbat of Imam Ali (a.s.)
This night marks immense difficulty for the Ahl-e-Bait (a.s.) and all momineen and mominaat. On the evening of 40 Hijrah, as always, Imam Ali (a.s.) had only salt and water for iftar. He then spent the entire night in prayer, with tears flowing from his eyes.
Throughout the night, he kept reciting:
“I have insufficient belongings for the journey, and the journey is too long.”
He was referring to his imminent departure towards his Lord (swt). His children remained beside him, wondering about the significance of the night. It was only in the morning that they understood—when the commander of the faithful and Wali of Allah (swt), Imam Ali (a.s.), was attacked during the Fajr prayers by a munafiq and mal’oon Ibn-e-Muljim (may Allah curse him). The fatal strike came from a poisoned sword. At that moment, Imam Ali (a.s.) uttered his famous words:
“Fuzto wa Rab-il-Kaaba” – “By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful.”
His sons, Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.), along with close companions, carried him home, weeping. At his house, his daughters anxiously awaited their injured father. Despite his own suffering, Imam Ali (a.s.) was deeply concerned for his daughters and ensured that their cries were not heard outside.
However, in Karbala, the daughters of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) were brutally and savagely mistreated.
(Ala Lanatullahi Ala Qaum-iz-Zalimeen) – May Allah (swt) curse the cruel nation that committed atrocities against the Ahl-e-Bait (a.s.) of Prophet Muhammad (sawaw).
What Happened on the 19th of Ramadan, 40 AH?
At dawn on the 19th of Ramadan in 40 AH, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) was struck on the head with a poisoned sword by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam while leading the Fajr prayer in the Great Mosque of Kufa. As he was struck, the Imam (a.s.) said: Fuztu wa Rabbil-Ka‘bah, “By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have succeeded.” He passed away from his wound two days later, on the 21st of Ramadan, and was buried in Najaf.
How Shia Muslims Mark the Night
- Majalis remembering Imam Ali (a.s.) and his final will (wasiyyah) to Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (a.s.).
- The amaal of the first night of Qadr, including ghusl, prayer, the Qur’an on the head and Dua Jawshan al-Kabir.
- Seeking forgiveness: Astaghfirullaha Rabbi wa atubu ilayh one hundred times.
See the dua for every day of the month on our Ramadan daily duas page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on 19 Ramadan?
Imam Ali (a.s.) was struck with a poisoned sword while leading Fajr prayer in the Mosque of Kufa in 40 AH. He was martyred on 21 Ramadan.
What did Imam Ali (a.s.) say when he was struck?
He said “Fuztu wa Rabbil-Ka‘bah”: By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have succeeded.
Is the 19th night of Ramadan a night of Qadr?
Yes. It is the first of the three nights in which Shia Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr.
