Under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (pbuh),
the Warith al-Anbiya Foundation for Specialized Studies on the Hussaini Renaissance – Women’s Division, in cooperation with the University of Kufa – College of Basic Education, and in collaboration with the Women’s Relations Division at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (pbuh), held the 117th Women’s Scientific Symposium, entitled:
“The Arbaeen Pilgrimage and Its Role in Confronting the Cultural Invasion Targeting University Students”
The event took place on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in al-Fartousi Hall / College of Basic Education.
Attendance
The symposium was attended by representatives of women's centers affiliated with the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein and al-Abbas (peace be upon them) in Najaf al-Ashraf, a delegation from the Shrine of Maytham al-Tammar (may Allah be pleased with him), as well as a number of female students and professors from the Universities of Babylon, Karbala, and the College of Basic Education.
Opening Ceremony
The symposium was opened by Dr. Maryam al-Yasiri, head of the Women’s Division at the Foundation, who welcomed the distinguished guests. This was followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by reciter Shaimaa Hassan from the Holy Shrine’s Quranic Center.
The program then featured the Iraqi national anthem, followed by the "Call of Belief" anthem, and a moment of silence with the recitation of Surat al-Fatiha in honor of the martyrs of the nation and of faith.
Scientific Presentations
Two scholarly lectures were presented during the symposium:
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“Doctrinal Mobilization through the Arbaeen Pilgrimage”, delivered by Dr. Zahraa al-Saadi from the Department of Educational Guidance for Universities affiliated with the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (pbuh).
Her lecture emphasized the importance of fostering a strong ideological and intellectual foundation among female university students who participate in the Arbaeen walk, highlighting the role of Lady Zainab (pbuh) and the values she upheld. She underscored the necessity of empowering these students to resist efforts that aim to undermine the significance of this spiritual journey. -
“The Role of University Students in Promoting the Culture of the Pilgrimage: Positive Energy as a Tool”, presented by Prof. Ibtisam al-Madani, a faculty member at the College of Basic Education.
Her talk explored the concept of physical and emotional energy—such as conviction, contentment, and love—as it is manifested during the Arbaeen journey. She emphasized the need to raise awareness about the sanctity and spiritual impact of walking towards Imam Hussein (pbuh), and the importance of enabling female students to respond with confidence to misconceptions about the pilgrimage. Her conclusions were based on data collected through a survey conducted among university students, which resulted in key recommendations highlighting the pilgrimage’s role in self-development and intellectual resilience.
Closing Ceremony
At the conclusion of the symposium, the guest speakers and supporting organizations were honored and presented with certificates of appreciation.
The Warith al-Anbiya Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished lecturers for their valuable contributions, and to the participating institutions for their collaboration in organizing this blessed academic event. The Foundation also extended thanks to the attendees for their engagement and thoughtful participation, expressing its hope for continued cooperation in holding similar scholarly activities that serve to promote the noble principles of Imam Hussein’s (pbuh) eternal revolution.