The ceremony was organized by the al-Nathm Center of the Strategic Planning and Development Department at the Holy Shrine, in cooperation with the Public Relations Department. It took place in the presence of the Custodian of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, Sayed Isa al-Khirsan, his deputy, a number of distinguished guests, administrators, educational staff, and more than 2,700 students from 40 secondary schools across the city of Najaf al-Ashraf. Shrine servants, members of the Shrine’s Board of Directors, and heads of various departments were also in attendance.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, delivered by Ali al-Hadi. This was followed by an address by Sayed Sadiq al-Marouj, a Hussaini preacher, who praised the initiative of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine in organizing this spiritually significant event in the sacred vicinity of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
In his speech, he highlighted a number of invaluable teachings of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), with particular reference to the guidance of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his noble reappearance). He emphasized the importance of adhering to and persevering in these teachings, noting their role in strengthening spiritual ties with the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and serving as a guiding light for adolescents and youth on the path of truth, knowledge, noble character, and avoidance of sin.
The program continued with devotional performances by the Imam Ali Holy Shrine’s choral group, who presented melodious chants and praises celebrating the blessed births within the household of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) during the sacred month of Shaban.
The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Covenant Oath, marking the spiritual climax of the event. During this solemn moment, the students pledged allegiance to Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), committing themselves to follow his radiant path, uphold his steadfast values and conduct, and place the pleasure of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his noble reappearance) at the forefront of their lives.
