Martyrdom of Imam Ali in Iran Date in the current year: March 31, 2024

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the first male to accept Islam and became the first Imam after Muhammad. All his descendants and him are considered to be the rightful successors to the prophet Muhammad. He succeeded to Muhammad after his death in 632.

Imam Ali was a very important figure in the early history of Islam. He was the last of the four Caliphs for the Sunnites, and the Shiites honor him as a saint, warrior, leader and the first Imam.

The Muslims were actually divided into the Sunnites and the Shiites after the death of Imam Ali. He was attacked by Kharijite in the Great Mosque of Kufa and wounded by a poison-coated sword on Ramadan 19. Imam Ali's anguish lasted for two days and he finally died on Ramadan 21.

After Imam Ali's death his followers chose his son Hasan to become the second Imam.