A number of poets from inside and outside Iraq, following the conclusion of the fifth International Arabic Poetry Festival “The Great Prophet”—held under the auspices of the Holy Alawi Shrine—praised the artistic and media caliber of the program and commended its high level of planning and fitting organization.
They also emphasized the distinctive cultural and literary atmosphere the festival had created in the vicinity of the holy shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), one befitting the stature of the occasion.
Ahmad Kazem Khudhair, a poet from Basra Province, told the News Center: “This festival was a blend of creativity, wonder, and divine mercy, for reciting poetry in praise of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) in the vicinity of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) gives the poet a sense of standing between two great figures of this world and the next. Taking part in such a place is a divine blessing that left its mark on my poetic experience.”
Outstanding Planning
Hasan al-Haj Ukla, a poet from Dhi Qar Province, expressed his delight at attending the festival, saying:
“It is a source of joy and pride for us to be present in this holy place at this blessed time—the anniversary of the birth of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). This festival was organized at a high level in various respects, a factor that contributed to the success of the programs and to holding them at a level worthy of the occasion.”
Muhammad Baqir al-Amili, a Lebanese poet, likewise expressed his delight at attending the festival, saying:
“It is a great honor to enter through the gate of this city and, from the vicinity of the holy shrine of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), in the Courtyard of Lady Zahra (peace be upon her), to offer eulogies through poetry, love, devotion, and loyalty to the wilayah of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family).”
He noted that the festival stood out in several respects, foremost among them its proper and advance planning and preparation—something the poets sensed from the very moment of their arrival. He also praised the media coverage accompanying the programs, considering it effective in introducing the festival and the contributions made to it.
The Poet’s Responsibility
Morteza Heydari, a poet from the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that commemorating this occasion places a great responsibility on the poet regarding the literary works presented, said:
“I felt this responsibility while composing my ode and being present in this holy place.”
Dr. Ahmad al-Aliyawi, a poet from Najaf al-Ashraf, thanked and expressed appreciation to everyone who played a part in the successful holding of the festival, and stressed that this event represents an important cultural and poetic addition to the literary atmosphere of the holy city of Najaf.
He said:
“I extend my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Holy Alawi Shrine for this valuable contribution and initiative, under a sky renowned for nurturing scholars, poets, and men of letters. The level of planning and preparation we witnessed was unparalleled in this field, for we truly felt the high quality of the preparation and planning.”
The fifth International Arabic Poetry Festival “The Great Prophet” was held as a literary and cultural platform that brought together poets from Iraq and a number of Arab and Islamic countries, in commemoration of the birth of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), to recall and revisit his conduct, virtues, and the values of his eternal message.
