Sheikh Ahmed Al-Safi, Head of the Religious Affairs Department at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, stated that the blessed Verse of Purification represents a firm Qur’anic foundation in explaining the status of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and that Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) embodies the practical and human extension of divine values. He made these remarks during his address at the closing ceremony of the 18th Rabi’ Al-Shahada International Festival, held in the courtyard of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Holy Shrine, Mr. Hassan Rashid Jawad Al-Abayachi, along with a number of religious and academic figures.
The head of the Religious Affairs Department said that “we must emerge from this festival with concrete outcomes, especially since our relationship with the cause of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) is not merely emotional, but methodological. Therefore, at the conclusion of the festival, it is necessary to revisit and renew our connection with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).”
He explained that the festival’s activities included research sessions and intellectual lectures that addressed the life of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), his Qur’anic and mission-based status, and highlighted the human and reformative dimensions of his blessed uprising, and what it represents as a renewed ethical and reformist approach.
He added that the festival emphasized the importance of reviving Hussaini rituals as an educational and intellectual methodology that goes beyond the emotional dimension, establishing awareness of truth and the ability to distinguish it from falsehood, and reinforcing the principled values advocated by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). He noted that Hussaini gatherings form a fundamental pillar in building religious and social awareness.
Sheikh Al-Safi also stressed the significance of visiting Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), citing the numerous narrations reported from the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) regarding its virtues. He pointed to its profound spiritual and educational impact and its role in strengthening the continuous bond with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), whether through visiting his holy shrine or offering salutations from afar.
He noted that the festival featured a book fair and a range of cultural and intellectual activities that contributed to enhancing scholarly and cognitive engagement. The event also included announcements on the inauguration of several service and educational projects affiliated with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, focusing on science, knowledge, education, and humanitarian services as part of its vision to serve society and build the individual.
He further highlighted that this edition of the festival was distinguished by inviting a number of international humanitarian institutions, particularly those operating in Europe and affiliated with the office of the Supreme Religious Authority, Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani. These institutions presented their efforts in serving orphans, the poor, and those in need, through humanitarian programs based on comprehensive human principles, free from religious or sectarian considerations.
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Al-Safi reaffirmed that the blessed Verse of Purification stands as a solid Qur’anic basis in clarifying the status of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and that Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) represents the practical and human extension of divine values. He noted that Imam Hussain is “flesh of the flesh of the Messenger of God (may God bless him and his family), his grandson and his fragrant flower,” and that the strong emphasis placed on him by the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) reflects the great role and lofty position he holds in the course of Islam.
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