Jawshan Kabeer prayer (the Great Cuirass) is one of the integral parts of vigil ceremonies on Nights of Decree (the nights when Muslims believe the holy Quran was first sent down from heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad).

The prayer contains 1001 names and attributes of God and is widely used by Shia Muslims, particularly on the Nights of Decree, when Muslims ask God (by calling His names) to have mercy on them and condone their wrongdoings.

The special ceremonies got underway in Prophet Muhammad Courtyard on Monday evening (April 1) at 20:30 hrs, with prominent eulogists and Islamic scholars in attendance.

Speaking in the ceremony, Hoj Nasser Rafiee, a famous religious speaker,  pointed to Nahj al-balāgha, a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Imam Ali – the first Shia Imam – saying: “In one of his sermons, Imam Ali pinpointed the four main features of those who can assist him in his mission”.

These include self-restraint, Ijtihad, continence, and honesty.

Hoj Rafiee added: “Self-restraint is both the first and last building blocks of religion. It means refraining from sins; therefore, people need to avoid committing sins for God’s sake, and not attach it to the behavior of rulers, etc.”.

The Islamic scholar continued that Satan is strongly present in three moments and “if we take up self-restraint for God’s sake, we will definitely not be entrapped”.

These three moments include “at the time of wrath, judging others, and at the time when a stranger man and woman are alone together”, said he.