18th ‘Spring of Martyrdom’ Festival Held in Karbala
The representative of Iraq’s top Shai cleric and delegations from 50 countries took part in the festival that was launched at the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS).
The opening of the festival coincided with the anniversary of the birth of Imam Hussein (AS) and included the participation of religious and cultural delegations and figures from inside and outside Iraq.
Sayed Murtaza Kashmiri, the representative of Ayatollah Ali al-Sisatani in the United States and Europe, emphasized in his speech at the opening ceremony that Karbala is not just a geographical location or a historical event, but a living message, a movement, and a global humanitarian project.
He added that the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his family was a turning point in the history of the Ummah and an example of the struggle for reform, justice, freedom and human dignity.
Karbala has become a spiritual, intellectual and cultural center for the Shia world, especially through the millions of pilgrimages such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which has become a civilizational phenomenon that reflects belonging and loyalty to the values of Imam Hussein (AS), he stated.
Seyyed Murtaza Kashmiri added that Karbala brings together diverse groups - Shias, other Muslims and non-Muslims - around the values of justice and human dignity, and acts as a platform for human dialogue and convergence on common humanitarian principles.
He said the revival of the principles of the Husseini movement is not limited to commemoration, but is related to transforming them into practical standards in our daily lives, such as social justice, confronting injustice and preserving human dignity.
Kashmiri emphasized that the two holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) in Karbala, play a role in reinforcing this message and transforming the status of Karbala into a sustainable project through unifying discourse and supporting cultural initiatives and dialogue between people and sects.
Sheikh Abdul Hussein Sadiq, the representative of the Lebanese delegation, also emphasized in his speech at the ceremony that the wise religious authority has formed a comprehensive national framework and has preserved the unity of the Iraqi people regardless of their sects and ethnicities.
Sheikh Sadiq emphasized that moderation, tolerance and dialogue are a consistent approach for Shia Muslims despite injustice and tyranny.
He also stated that the cause of Palestine is still alive in the conscience of the Ummah and that resistance to occupation is a legitimate right. “The values of Karbala are a source of inspiration for striving for justice, unity and defending humanity,” he added.
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Sheikh Anwar Sham Rahmani, director of the Ahl-ul-Bayt Foundation in Turkey, was another speaker at the ceremony. He emphasized that the Spring of Martyrdom Festival combines martyrdom, faith and culture, turning the commemoration of the birth of Imam Hussein (AS) into an educational opportunity where young people learn the meaning of loyalty and standing by the truth, thus preserving the identity of the Ummah and keeping Karbala alive in their hearts and minds.
He added that this festival sends a message to the world and emphasizes that Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) are not just a fleeting memory, but a project for life, morality and responsibility.
The Spring of Martyrdom Festival also includes the 20th International Karbala Book Fair and scientific meetings on the life of Imam Hussein (AS).
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