Within the framework of the “Week of Modesty” programs marking the birth anniversary of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her), the Imam Ali Holy Shrine organized the twelfth edition of the annual Rite of Religious Maturity ceremony in the Courtyard of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her).
Diverse Programs
The festival commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by one of the reciters of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine. This was followed by an address delivered by the master of ceremonies, Dr. Muammal Khalifah, who presented the festival program on behalf of the Custodianship of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine. Subsequently, one of the scholars of the Islamic seminary delivered a speech, after which a thematic performance and a chant focusing on modesty were presented.
Address by the Custodian of the Holy Shrine
In his opening address, the Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine extended his congratulations to the Islamic community on this blessed occasion and highlighted aspects of the pure life and exemplary conduct of the daughter of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Message from the Seminary Representative
The seminary scholar, Shaikh Miqdad al-Kabi, delivered a speech in which he elaborated on the lifestyle, chastity, and moral conduct of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her), the significance of devotion to her path, and the importance of upholding chastity while avoiding practices promoted by those who oppose her values.
Honoring the Girls
Three thousand girls who had reached the age of religious obligation attended the festival, accompanied by their parents and educational staff from various schools across the Najaf Governorate. The ceremony also welcomed girls from several European countries, including Ukraine and Sweden, who expressed their happiness at observing the hijab within the sacred precinct of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
Coordination Among All Departments
Multiple departments of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine contributed to the success of the festival. These included the Media Department, which documented and covered the event; the Equipment Department; the Order Center; the Strategic Planning and Development Unit; the Public Relations Department; and the Visitor Services Department, which prepared thousands of blessed meals for participants, distributed by fifty shrine attendants. The event was further supported by the Services Department, the Security Department, and the Investment Authority.
The Activities and Programs Organization Department also played a vital role in managing women’s activities, addressing the essential needs of the girls, preparing ceremonial gifts, arranging rest areas, and ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the ceremony without congestion or delay.
Objectives of the Ceremony
The festival aimed to firmly instill the concept of religious obligation in the minds of the girls through an engaging and clear approach; to strengthen moral values such as modesty, chastity, and responsibility; to introduce fundamental religious rulings including prayer, ritual purity, and hijab; to enhance self-confidence; to encourage the acceptance of new responsibilities; and to create a positive and lasting memory that reinforces the girls’ connection to religious obligation and their faith-based identity.
These programs form part of a comprehensive initiative designed by the Imam Ali Holy Shrine to honor this blessed occasion, create an atmosphere befitting the esteemed status of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her), and consolidate the values of chastity and loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). The initiative includes more than forty diverse activities conducted inside and outside the holy city of Najaf.
