Al-Sahla Mosque Launches 19th Annual “Baqiyat Allah Cultural Festival” with Large Public Turnout

Al-Sahla Mosque Launches 19th Annual “Baqiyat Allah Cultural Festival” with Large Public Turnout
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The Secretariat of the Grand Al-Sahla Mosque in Kufa inaugurated the 19th edition of the annual “Baqiyat Allah Cultural Festival” on Tuesday, February 3, coinciding with the observance of the mid-Sha‘ban night marking the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

According to reports seen by Shia Waves Agency in Najaf, the opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by poetic performances expressing devotion to Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). The program formed part of broader religious and cultural activities held at the mosque to mark the occasion.

One of the main features of the opening event was the lighting of 1,192 candles, symbolizing the number of years traditionally associated with the age of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). The candles were arranged over an area of approximately 150 square meters to form the phrase “Peace be upon you, O Qa’im of the family of Muhammad.”

The opening ceremony drew a large crowd of worshippers and visitors, who filled the courtyard of Sayyida Narjis Shrine as well as the inner and outer courtyards of the Grand Al-Sahla Mosque. Attendees included visitors from different parts of Iraq who had traveled to the site to take part in the religious commemorations.

Participants in the event offered prayers for security and stability across the Muslim world, with a particular focus on Iraq, and called for the hastening of relief associated with the awaited Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him).