The Al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine launched the activities of the First International Festival "Rahmatan lil-‘Alameen", held in celebration of the (1500th) anniversary of the birth of the Great Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), and in commemoration of his blessed birth, with wide participation from religious, academic, and cultural figures from inside and outside Iraq.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary-General of the Al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine, Mr. Mustafa Murtadha Al-Dhiaa Al-Deen, his deputy, Eng. Abbas Musa Ahmed, members of its Board of Directors and heads of its departments, along with prominent high-ranking personalities. Also participating in the opening was the President of the University of Al-Ameed, Prof. Dr. Joudat Nouri Al-Jashaami, representing the university.
The activities commenced with a fragrant recitation of the Holy Qur’an by the reciter Muhammad Ridha Al-Zubaidi, followed by the speech of the Al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine delivered by Mr. Hashim Al-Milani, in which he emphasized the importance of studying Islamic heritage and drawing inspiration from the great human values of the Muhammadan message. A documentary film was also presented, highlighting radiant episodes from the life of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny).
The festival includes a book fair, a Qur’anic assembly, research sessions, and scientific seminars on the Prophetic biography, in addition to cultural and literary activities such as classical Arabic poetry, and a public celebration held at the Bab Qibla entrance of the shrine of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas (peace be upon him), during which the names of the winners of the First Grand Message Reward Competition will be announced. The event aims to shed light on the humanitarian message of the Great Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), as a symbol of mercy and peace, and as an everlasting beacon of brotherhood and love among nations.
