AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Under the auspices of Deputy for International Pilgrims Affairs, a whole raft of cultural and religious programs has been designed for non-Iranian pilgrims visiting Imam Reza shrine in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.
The shrine of Imam Reza is always filled with pilgrims from various countries, with annual numbers ranging between 5 to 7 million. This significant presence necessitates services and programs tailored to the needs of non-Iranian pilgrims, which the management of the holy shrine diligently provides.
Children and teenagers are key audiences for these special programs. The management places special emphasis on them, offering diverse cultural, religious, and joyful packages during various occasions. Most of these programs are based on religious teachings, ensuring that children have memorable and enlightening experiences in this sacred place.
According to Hoj. Seyyed Mohammad Zolfaghari, the Deputy for International Pilgrims Affairs, “During such occasions as the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Imams, we organize diverse and meaningful programs in a spiritual atmosphere for children and teenagers to acquaint them with the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and take effective steps in their religious upbringing and the enhancement of their spiritual values”.
“One of these programs, held during the Ten Days of Velayat and on the occasions of Eid al-Adha, the birth anniversary of Imam Hadi, and Eid al-Ghadir, was a special event titled ‘The Fragrance of Velayat’. This program was conducted for different age groups, categorized by geographical regions and languages, including West Asia, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Europe”.
Besides benefiting from the blessings of these occasions and expressing their love and devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt, children get emotionally closer to each other via these programs.
He added, “As a part of this program, we organized a gathering of children and teenagers titled ‘I am an Advocate of Ghadir,’ performed a play titled ‘Shams al-Ghadir’ in Arabic, and a choir group ‘The Eighth Sun’ performed in five different languages, creating unforgettable moments for the children and showcasing cultural diversity”.
Hoj. Zolfaghari also pointed to a special program dubbed ‘Yawm al-Nasifa’ in Arabic, a traditional event in Arab countries, which provided an opportunity for children to meet with friends and relatives and express their devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt.
The official further explained that the new and creative initiative was carried out on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Savior of Humanity, Imam Mahdi, with some 14 children and teenagers from Arab countries in attendance. “Dressed in their traditional attire, these children met with some officials from the shrine to express congratulations on the occasion and gratitude for their hard work”.
“This celebration not only promotes Islamic culture and love for the Ahl al-Bayt, but also takes effective steps in religious upbringing of non-Iranian children and teenagers, depicting a unique experience of love and unity among Muslims”, the deputy stated.
Hoj. Zolfaghari also talked about a traditional ceremony held in the shrine celebrating the arrival of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, especially in Arab nations.
He elaborated on the celebration, saying, “This ceremony, held for non-Iranian children and teenagers, was filled with grandeur and spirituality. Groups of children and teenagers, holding lanterns, recited beautiful poems in praise of the Ahl al-Bayt and the blessings of Ramadan, offering a unique and beautiful greeting to the pilgrims of the shrine.”
According to the official, this symbolic gesture created an atmosphere filled with light and spirituality on the eve of Ramadan. “Children welcomed the month of God with beautiful hymns.
The presence of children from various nationalities gave the ceremony a global aspect, sending a message of unity and solidarity to Muslims worldwide”.
Another cultural and religious program for young Arab-speaking pilgrims in the shrine is ‘Bashaer al-Milad’, which takes place during the 10 Days of Karamat Razavi celebrations (the period between the birth anniversaries of Imam Reza and his sister Hazrat Ma’sumeh).
“One of the most significant programs that marked the peak of excitement was the coming-of-age ceremony for girls from 15 different nationalities. This unique opportunity allowed young people to become acquainted with the rich Islamic culture and take steps towards spiritual growth. Additionally, children and teenagers from 15 nationalities created the largest painting on the theme of Imam Reza with vibrant colors, showcasing their creativity” added the deputy.
The official also referred to the memorization contest of Ziarat Ashura and Ziarat Warith, which was held during the months of Muharram and Safar (1st and 2nd months on lunar calendar). This program aimed to promote and strengthen religious foundations and educate the younger generation among Arab-speaking pilgrims.
“This program was met with widespread enthusiasm from teenagers and their families, providing an opportunity for children and teenagers to enhance their memorization skills of prayers in the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine. The positive impacts of this initiative on their religious upbringing were evident, as parents expressed their satisfaction with the feedback, indicating the program’s success in strengthening their children’s religious and spiritual spirit”, he maintained.
The deputy also discussed an artistic project, stating, “The project of the largest painting for children in the Islamic world was executed for the second consecutive year at the shrine, becoming one of the most prominent cultural programs of this decade.”
The painting was a massive canvas measuring 80 square meters that was spread in the Ghadir Courtyard, and 650 children and teenagers from 15 different Muslim countries participated in.
Hoj. Zolfaghari added, “One of the highlights of this event was the multilingual choir performance and the joyful program ‘Uncle Cleric,’ which received an overwhelming response from children. This event not only served as a celebration but also as a symbol of solidarity and unity among Muslim children under the aegis of the shrine”.
The official cited the age of religious duty ceremony at the shrine as one of the most important stages in a person’s life. “To mark this occasion, a grand coming-of-age ceremony was held, with over 550 newly matured girls from 17 Islamic countries in attendance. The event aimed to explain the significance of servitude and worship, featuring various programs such as choir performances, cultural competitions, memoir writing, and the reading of oaths”.
Hoj. Zolfaghari concluded his remarks by saying, “One of the most impactful parts of this event was the presentation of the crown of servitude to the newly matured girls, symbolizing the beginning of a new phase in their religious lives. This emotional moment, accompanied by the joyful tears of their families, became a sweet and lasting memory for the participants”.
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