Hawzah News Agency- The 23rd of Rabi’ al-Awwal, marking the arrival of Hazrat Fatima Masoumeh (SA) to Qom, is commemorated in the Iranian calendar as “Qom Day.” This occasion, experts say, is more than a historical remembrance—it is a moment to reflect on the city’s enduring role as a sanctuary of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and to chart strategies for preserving and strengthening its cultural and spiritual identity in today’s world.
Qom: A Pillar of Shia Civilization
Hojatoleslam Seyyed Mahmoud Mousavi, seminary researcher and cultural activist, described the arrival of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA) as a transformative moment in Iran’s history. “Her presence gave Qom its religious and cultural prominence, shaping the identity of the city and Islamic Iran at large,” he said.
According to Mousavi Hasb, Qom today stands as the intellectual and religious center of the Shia world, with undeniable influence on major political and cultural developments, including the victory and continuation of the Islamic Revolution.
Expanding Qom’s Global Narrative
Experts underline the importance of using modern media and art to showcase Qom’s diverse capacities. Beyond its status as the second most-visited pilgrimage destination in Iran after Mashhad, Qom benefits from a strategic location on the transport axis linking 17 provinces and its proximity to Tehran, which together grant it significant economic potential.
The city is also regarded as the most important global base of Mahdism and hosts numerous cultural, social, and charitable institutions that play an active role at provincial, national, and international levels.
Science, Civilization and the Role of the Seminary
Dr. Fatemeh Seyyed Mudalilkar, lecturer at the Women’s Seminary, stressed the need to strengthen Qom’s scientific reputation alongside its spiritual and cultural dimensions. “Qom must be viewed not only as a center of faith but also as a hub of knowledge contributing to the formation of a modern Islamic civilization,” she said.
Highlighting the city’s academic institutions, including Al-Mustafa International University and Jamiat Al-Zahra Seminary, she noted their graduates’ far-reaching impact across the Muslim world.
Mudalilkar further underlined the key role of Qom’s clergy and seminaries in cultural development. “On Qom Day, we must remember both the historical role of the seminaries and the active participation of the people of Qom in cultural and political developments,” she stated.
Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA): A Center of Unity
At the heart of Qom lies the luminous shrine of Hazrat Fatima Masoumeh (SA), described by experts as a focal point for unity and cohesion. “This shrine brings together diverse groups of society around a common axis,” Mudalilkar noted. “Commemorating Qom Day is therefore not only a historical observance, but also a social ritual that strengthens internal solidarity and affirms the city’s identity.”
Preserving and Promoting Qom’s Legacy
Experts agree that without the presence of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), Qom would not hold its current global status. Their spiritual legacy transformed the city into a magnet for scholars, theologians, and Shiite communities worldwide.
Marking “Qom Day,” they emphasize, should serve as a platform to preserve this heritage while introducing Qom’s cultural, spiritual, and scientific capacities to the world.
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