The closing ceremony of the Second International Arbaeen Narrative Festival was held yesterday, December 11, organized by the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in the Faculty of Pharmacy.
In this program, Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Fatemi-Pour delivered a speech, stating:
“Sometimes you create a good event, but it is not seen by society. Because it is not seen, it only has an effect for yourself, but does not leave a public impact on society; it does not promote culture, does not create discourse, does not direct others toward it, and does not allow this culture, this behavior, and this good event to be repeated in society. Hence, the role of narration is very important. Therefore, one of the most significant aspects of Arbaeen is cultural building and civilizational construction. From this perspective, we must pay special attention to Arbaeen.”
Fatemi-Pour further emphasized the importance of ziyarah (pilgrimage), saying:
“The axis of the Arbaeen march is the ziyarat of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him). Why ziyarat? Why have we been asked to perform it? Why has so much reward and encouragement been given for visiting the Ahl al-Bayt? The first purpose of ziyarat is ma‘rifah—knowledge and recognition. Why do we go to visit Imam Husayn? Because he must not be forgotten, and he must be introduced to all. One of the ways of introducing him is through ziyarat. That is why Allah has commanded it, promised reward for it, and encouraged it. When this recognition is achieved, and you come to know Imam Husayn, the beauty and greatness of his character will inevitably draw your love, whether you intend it or not. Knowing Imam Husayn plants his love in your heart.”
He stressed:
“Ziyarat, beyond its rewards, what benefit does it give me? When I go on ziyarat, I naturally ask myself: Who is this person and what happened to him? Thus, I gain recognition of him. Once I know him, love and affection spring forth. This outpouring of love leads me to follow him. If I come to know Imam Husayn and develop love for him, recognition and love lead to obedience. Ultimately, if one obeys the Wali of God, follows his path, and attains recognition, love, and obedience, one will reach the station of companionship (ma‘iyyah) and will be with the Imam.”
He went on to highlight the cultural impact of Arbaeen:
“Looking at today’s society, we see the need to build a better community, to grow, to progress, to make society every day better than the day before. There is no way to build society except by building individuals, and individuals are cultivated through the process of cultural development. In this, Arbaeen plays a vital and fundamental role.”
In conclusion, he said:
“The final dimension of Arbaeen is its role in preparing for the reappearance of the Imam of our time (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Certain developments in society can help hasten the reappearance, reduce the duration of occultation, and grant us the blessing of the Imam’s presence. One of those transformative opportunities is the cultural and spiritual nurturing that can be achieved in society through the days of Arbaeen and under the pretext of ziyarat al-Arbaeen.
