Hawzah News Agency- The proceedings opened with a Quranic recitation, followed by an address from the General Secretariat of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, delivered by Ahmed al-Qurashi, Advisor to the Secretary-General for Cultural and Media Affairs. He highlighted the role of poetry in expressing love for the Noble Prophet and preserving and conveying the virtues of the Prophet and his Household (peace be upon them). He also welcomed the participating poets to the sanctuary of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
Poets from Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Morocco, Sudan, and Iran are participating in the festival, along with poets from Najaf and other Iraqi provinces. Their works explore themes drawn from the Prophet’s biography, devotion and allegiance (Wilayah) to the Noble Prophet Muhammad, and the virtues of the Prophet and his Household (peace be upon them).
Iraqi poet Ahmed Kadhim Khudair described the festival as “a landmark in the history of literature,” attributing its distinctive character to its setting in the holy city of Najaf and its ability to bring together poets from across the Arab and Islamic world to celebrate the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). He said the festival holds “significant literary value within the Arab literary landscape” and noted that he would participate with a poem titled A Delayed Migration.
Iranian poet Morteza Heidari likewise described the festival as “unique in terms of its execution, the sanctity of the venue, and the manner of the poets’ participation,” particularly within the field of religious and Prophetic poetry.
Heidari expressed his pleasure at participating in the festival for the first time, saying his poem, The Religion of Love, explores the theme of love for the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
The two-day festival is being held alongside the Fifth International “Al-Sadiqeen” Week. Organized by the Imam Ali Holy Shrine to commemorate the birth anniversaries of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and his grandson, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), the week features a diverse program of religious, cultural, and social activities, as well as honoring ceremonies and artistic and historical events.
Source: Karbala Now Agency
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