Syrian Contestant Says Nahj al‑Balagha Inspires Her to Deliver Powerful Sermons
The event — covering Quranic knowledge, Nahj al-Balagha and other religious texts — recently opened in the holy city of Qom, Iran. This competition brings together dozens of contestants from across Iran and abroad.
From Syria, 23-year-old Raghad Hassan‑Abbas joined the contest’s knowledge segment for the first time.
She has been studying Islamic sciences for a year at the Bint al‑Huda Institute in Qom.
Hassan-Abbas told IQNA she chose Nahj al-Balagha because of her interest in sermon-making and her desire to compete in the “language with sermon focus” category.
“The source of inspiration for my speeches is the Ahl al-Bayt. When we speak of them, we must express the words with full ability.” She added that for her, the Ahl al-Bayt represent not only patience and strength but also epic spirit and commitment.
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She noted that such a specialization does not exist in her home country. “In Syria, we were not familiar with these teachings,” she said. Only a few Iranian expatriates tried to introduce religious knowledge, but in general, she became acquainted with the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha only after coming to Iran.
Hassan-Abbas praised Iran’s religious and cultural environment. She said she has witnessed progress across many fields since her arrival. “One of these areas is Quranic activity and the holding of Quran competitions,” she said.
This year’s competition includes 24 women and 24 men in the knowledge tracks (covering Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, and the Sahifa Sajjadiya). In addition, more than 30 international students participate, giving non-Iranian reciters and scholars a chance to present their knowledge.
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