Hussainiya in Sayyida Zaynab, Damascus, Celebrates Birth of Imam Ali al-Ridha (peace be upon him)
Hussainiya in Sayyida Zaynab, Damascus, Celebrates Birth of Imam Ali al-Ridha (peace be upon him)
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The Hussainiya al-Hawza al-Zaynabiya, located in the holy district of Sayyida Zaynab (peace be upon her) in Damascus, Syria, hosted vibrant celebrations marking the birth anniversary of the eighth Imam, Ali al-Ridha (peace be upon him). The event was attended by a large number of believers, both men and women, with an atmosphere of joy and devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
The festivities in the male section of the Hussainiya al-Hawza al-Zaynabiya began with the recitation of Quranic verses by Qari Hussam Haj Hassan, followed by a heartfelt poem delivered by poet Mustafa Hani. Sheikh Akram Krabej then addressed the gathering, discussing Imam Ridha’s (peace be upon him) scientific and spiritual stature in Islamic history. The celebration also featured the recitation of the Imam’s noble birth story and religious chants sung by Mullah Haidar Krabej. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners of religious competitions.
A similar celebration took place in the Hussainiya al-Hawza al-Zaynabiya for Women, where the program began with a recitation of the Quran. The event included religious praises and a speech delivered by one of the Hawza teachers, who discussed the moral and human values embodied by Imam Ridha (peace be upon him). A student of the Hawza also recited a poem in honor of the Imam. The program continued with chants led by a female Mullaya and a dramatic performance depicting loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Sheikh Hassan Abdul Hadi al-Shahristani, the director of the Hawza al-Zaynabiya and representative of Ayatollah Sayed Sadiq Hosseini Shirazi, emphasized that commemorating the birth of Imam Ridha (peace be upon him) is a significant occasion to strengthen the bond with the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). He highlighted that these celebrations play a crucial role in spreading the Imam’s values of knowledge, mercy, and community service, as well as enhancing the religious identity and faith among society’s various segments.
The celebrations concluded with the awarding of prizes to the women’s section participants, reflecting the festive spirit and deep affection towards Imam Ridha (peace be upon him), a celebration that has become an annual tradition for believers who express their love and allegiance to the Imam through such events.
