Iran’s Leader Pardons, Commutes Sentences of nearly 600 Convicts

On the anniversary of Eid al-Mab’ath, the day Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was chosen as God’s messenger, Ayatollah Khamenei granted clemency or eased the sentences of 593 convicts sentenced by various Iranian courts.

Article 110 of the Constitution grants the country’s Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.

The clemency, however, does not apply to all types of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.

The Leader granted the pardon on Monday on the occasion of Eid al-Mab’ath, which is a public holiday in Iran. On this day, Muslims gather at holy cities and sites to mark the occasion, which falls on the 27th of the month of Rajab on the lunar calendar.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often retreated to the Hira cave outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to pray to God, to reflect on life.

He was nearly 40 on August 10, 610 CE when the angel Gabriel descended and asked him for three times to read the holy Quran revealed to him. Muhammad, who did not know how to read and write, was then able to read in full and began to teach others the holy words of God.