The Religious Affairs Department of the Alawi Holy Shrine, coinciding with the arrival of the blessed Eid al-Adha, has announced the commencement of special jurisprudential, guidance, and cultural programs to serve pilgrims.
These programs are being implemented within the framework of a comprehensive plan under the supervision of various staff of this department and its affiliated units, aiming to promote correct religious culture and respond to the religious needs of pilgrims.
Special Programs for the Days of Eid
The Deputy Head of the Religious Affairs Department, Sayed Yusuf al-Mousawi, stated in an interview with the shrine’s News Center:
“This department has prepared a set of special programs for this occasion, including programs by the Pulpit and Minaret unit titled ‘Jurisprudential Pulpit’ Admonition and Advice Pulpit’ which are held every morning and afternoon.”
He added:
“In these programs, topics related to the rulings (ahkam) of Eid al-Adha will be explained, including the rulings of the Eid prayer, sacrifice and its conditions, as well as the importance of sacrifice and related religious issues, which are among the most frequent questions of pilgrims during these days.”
Responding to Religious Inquiries
Al-Mousawi continued:
“A special program has also been designated for responding to religious inquiries, which includes approximately 10 specialized stations for women and men, such that 6 stations are allocated for men and 4 stations for women.”
He explained:
“The special stations for women are located in the courtyard of Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) to respond to religious issues and provide family counseling, while the stations for men will operate inside and around the holy shrine of Imam Ali, including the Northern Square (Maydan al-Shamali), the portico (Rawqa) of Abu Talib, near Bab al-Qibla, and near Sheikh Tusi.”
Strengthening Religious Services During Eid
The Deputy Head of the Religious Affairs Department noted: “To better respond to the potential increase in religious questions during Eid, a group of students of religious sciences who have obtained official permits has been utilized. At each station, two students and clerics will be present to answer pilgrims’ questions and provide necessary religious services.”
Special Programs for Female Pilgrims
He also referred to the activities of the Women’s Religious Propagation Unit, saying:
“This unit has prepared special programs for female pilgrims, including teaching correct ablution (wudu) at the women’s ablution areas. These lessons are provided by guides and instructors familiar with jurisprudential issues and graduates of specialized jurisprudence courses, so that pilgrims can perform their ablution, prayer, and pilgrimage correctly.”
Media and Virtual Space Activities
Al-Mousawi then pointed to the cultural and media activities of this department and said: “The Electronic Publishing Unit, affiliated with the Religious Propagation Department, began publishing educational and guidance content a few days ago through the information platforms of the Religious Affairs Department and the social media networks of the Alawi Holy Shrine on Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and other virtual platforms.”
According to him, this content includes visual, audio, and video materials regarding the rulings for Eid prayer, sacrifice, acts of worship, and recommended deeds for these blessed days.
Preparation of Places for Holding the Eid Prayer
The Deputy Head of the Religious Affairs Department emphasized in conclusion: “This department is also preparing the locations for holding the Eid prayer for both women and men to provide a suitable spiritual atmosphere and necessary order for pilgrims and worshippers during the blessed Eid al-Adha.”
