Imam Mahdi (AS) is known as the Savior among Shias, who believe he will reappear on earth as per divine decree, establishing peace and ridding the world of injustice, discrimination, and other instances of evil.
Imam Mahdi (PBUH)’s father, Imam Hassan al-Askari, would keep his birth and identity from the tyrants of the time, who had learned about the divine prophecy concerning Imam Mahdi. Their efforts and ill intentions, however, failed to either come in the way of the Imam’s birth or harm him afterward.
Shias thus await the Imam’s reemergence, which is expected to transpire on a Friday, with enthusiasm.
Mid-Shaban has special significance for Muslims throughout the world and is marked by devotion and celebration among Muslims, especially the Shia, as they join the celebrations every year to mark the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (PBUH).
Shias around the globe are decorating their houses, mosques, and Shia Islamic Centers, and holding celebrations for the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi, peace be upon him.
Holy shrines in Iraq, Syria, and Iran in addition to mosques, Husseiniyahs, and Islamic centers in Islamic and non-Islamic countries are marking the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi, peace be upon him.
The event, widely known as Jashn-e Nimeh Sha’ban in Iran, is marked by millions of Shia Muslims around the world, including Iran.
Jashn-e Nimeh Sha’ban which is annually being celebrated at Jamkaran Mosque has been registered on the national heritage list.
On February 19, 1992, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei referred to the celebration of the 15th of Sha'ban, noting that there are two outstanding points in our anticipation and our celebration of the 15th of Sha'ban. One is the issue of raising hope on this birthday and for the future, where humanity is waiting as a result of this birthday. This is a source of hope.
Another is that in the world that will be created after the re-appearance of that great Imam (AS), the most prominent characteristic is justice. When you take a look at all the narrations and hadiths that have been recorded regarding that great Imam (AS) and that era, you see that the main focus is not on the people's piety. Of course, people will be pious and religious in that era, but the main focus is on the fact that people will benefit from justice, at that time, and justice and equality will be established.
Hidden by God, Imam Mahdi is an important figure for all Muslims and accordingly, this is an important event for the people as they arrange their wedding ceremonies on this night to bring a life-long happiness to their marital life. Expectedly, wedding halls are all previously booked for the Mid-Shaban night and it is a night for many openings.
Many studies are conducted on Imam Mahdi, as a restorer of the political power and religious purity of Islam, and the academic discipline devoted to these researches is dubbed Mahdaviat, an Arabic term used for anything related in one way or the other to the Savior Imam Mahdi.
The birthday ceremony of Imam Mahdi is Iran's biggest festival of lights and happiness across the country and all Shia and Sunni Muslims and even non-Muslims celebrate the event and share their happiness. According to Islamic beliefs, the Savior Imam Mahdi will be accompanied by Jesus Christ PBUH after his reappearance and in his fight against evil.
Keeping up with the tradition, the people distribute cookies, sweets, and juice on the streets greeting the passers-by with congratulations.
A number of rallies and conferences are held across Muslim countries to commemorate the auspicious occasion, attended by both Shia and Sunni scholars.
Another part of Mid-Shaban ceremonies and celebrations is fireworks the apex of which can be seen in Tehran’s Milad Tower which lights the night sky of the capital.
Reported by Amin Mohammadzadegan Khoyi
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