Shia Muslims across the world are flocking to holy shrines, mosques, and Islamic centers to mark Laylat al-Qadr, or the ‘Night of Destiny’ -- the night in which the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his progeny.
Shia Muslims, according to various narrations, consider the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights of Ramadan to be the holiest of the year and the faithful are encouraged to spend the time in prayer and devotion to God until dawn. The Quran says the ‘Night of destiny’ is better than 1,000 months, which is more than 83 years.
In the holy land of Karbala, the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and al-Abbas, peace be upon them, are packed with worshippers, including women and children.
During the night, most Muslims recite the Quran, perform extra prayers and make supplications as it is believed to the best time to make invocations to God.