The first day of the Fifth International “Rasul al-A’zam” Arabic Poetry Festival, held by the Holy Alawi Shrine as part of the programs of the fifth International Two Sadiqs Week, brought together prominent Iraqi and Arab poets, along with officials and members of the public from various walks of life.
The festival is being held over two days in the courtyard of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her).
The participating poets, expressing their delight at attending this literary gathering, emphasized that the festival creates a cultural space that brings together poets of the Islamic Ummah, in the shadow of the Arabic language and centered on love and devotion to the revered Messenger of Islam (peace be upon him and his family).
Dr. Muhannad Jamal al-Din, a poet from Najaf, said: “It comes as no surprise that the Holy Alawi Shrine holds a ceremony commemorating the birth of the Great Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).”
He added:
“Entering the city of the Messenger of God is possible through the gate of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him).”
He continued:
“Commemorating this occasion over the course of a full week draws the attention of the Islamic Ummah to its own cultural and intellectual role and responsibility.”
He also emphasized the necessity for poetry to engage with the concerns and issues of the Islamic Ummah and to play its part in confronting cultural challenges, saying: “Najaf is among the most fitting cities to hold such an important cultural position.”
Diya Kilani, a poet from the Arab Republic of Egypt, described his presence at the gathering as an opportunity to express love and devotion toward the Great Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), noting that holding this festival at the Holy Alawi Shrine, beside the resting place of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), lent the occasion a special and even greater beauty.
He added:
“Poets are eager to take part in this cultural and spiritual scene, even if only through a single word that expresses their love and solidarity with this blessed occasion.”
Nasser al-Ghassani, a poet from the Sultanate of Oman, also expressed his delight at attending the festival and thanked the Holy Alawi Shrine for holding this gathering. He emphasized that this experience would always remain an important milestone in his poetic journey.
Noting that the Arabic language serves as a bridge connecting nations, he expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warm welcome of the Iraqi people.
Nawfal al-Saidi, a poet from the Kingdom of Morocco, described his participation in the festival as the fulfillment of two great dreams: first, traveling to Iraq and reciting poetry in this land, and second, being present in the spiritual atmosphere of the Holy Alawi Shrine and reciting his poetry before Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him).
Al-Saidi said that such moments remain lasting and defining points in the life of any poet, and emphasized that poets from the land of Najaf carry with them a message of love and peace for the nations of the world.
Ahmad al-Fakhouri, a poet from Libya, likewise expressed his joy and pride at attending and participating in the festival, saying that being present in Najaf, particularly alongside a gathering of prominent Arab and Iraqi poets, is a great honor.
He added:
“This is an exceptional occasion. Iraq is the land of poetry and poets, and within it, the Arab poet finds a genuine space for creativity and inspiration, owing to the land’s deep literary, cultural, and historical legacy.”
The activities of the Fifth International “Rasul al-A’zam” Arabic Poetry Festival continue into their second day, with the participation of a group of poets from Iraq, Arab countries, and the wider Islamic world. This literary and cultural event further affirms the standing of Najaf as a center of knowledge, culture, and literature — a platform that welcomes the voices of the Islamic Ummah and reflects its concerns and aspirations.
