The Psychological Counselling and Educational Guidance Division, in cooperation with the Department of Student Activities and the Department of Continuing Education, organised the second annual festival entitled “Between Devotion and Martyrdom” on 11 April 2023 in Umm Abiha Hall. Furthermore, the said event was on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and in line with the vision of Al-Zahraa University for Women to promote cultural programmes and activities that preserve the legacy, values, and principles of the Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The festival commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by the female student Zainab Muthanna Khalid, followed by the recitation of Surat Al-Fatiha, a moment of tribute to the martyrs of Iraq, and the Iraqi national anthem.

Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, President of Al-Zahraa University for Women, addressed the audience, offering her condolences on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali (PBUH) and highlighting the importance of belonging to his school of thought and understanding the values he calls upon believers to uphold when commemorating his martyrdom.

The programme also featured a video entitled “The Smile of the Orphans”, dedicated to Imam Ali (PBUH), produced and edited by Ruba Al-Obaidi from the Department of Student Activities.

His Eminence Sayyid Sajjad Al-Mudarrisi then delivered a religious lecture in which he spoke about the virtues of Imam Ali (PBUH) and the responsibilities of believers towards him through knowledge, love, and adherence to his teachings.

The female student Tuqa Salem recited an elegiac poem in honour of Imam Ali (PBUH).

The festival also included the announcement of the winners of the electronic competition “An 'Alawi Idea”, organised by the Psychological Counselling and Educational Guidance Division.

The festival concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to Sayyid Al-Mudarrisi and the festival’s distinguished guests.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’