Pakistanis mark Imam Mahdi’s birth anniversary

Nasir Kazmi
Press TV, Islamabad

They lit up the sky with fireworks. This is one of the main traditions in Pakistan when it comes to marking the birth anniversary of the 12th Imam of Shia Muslims, Mahdi.

Imam Mahdi -- known as Imam of Time -- was born on the 15th day of the month of Sha’ban on the lunar calendar around 1,200 years ago.

Imam Mahdi commands special respect among Shia Muslims, who believe he will someday reappear on the earth as per divine decree, establish peace and rid the world of injustice, discrimination, and other instances of evil.

In Pakistan, people decorate and light up streets and gather inside mosques and other religious sites nationwide to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

Every year, thousands of Shia Muslims attend the birthday celebrations of Imam Mahdi with passionate tributes and distribute votive offerings.

They find Imam Mahdi's birthday a chance to pray to God to save them from evil powers and to bring peace and justice to the world.

Besides arranging mass gatherings, people also write letters of love and affection to Imam-Mahdi during the night of the 15th Shaban for the fulfillment of their wishes.

They also call for global unity and solidarity among Muslims.

While using the occasion to reaffirm their allegiance to the last Shia Imam, Pakistanis believe that Imam Mahdi's birthday is a great opportunity to remind Muslims of their duties against tyranny and oppression.

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