Mashhad – The 21st Imam Reza (AS) International Festival concluded with a ceremony in Mashhad on Friday night, paying tribute to Imam Reza (AS), 12 well-known individuals who have dedicated their lives to spreading the teachings and culture of the eighth Shia Imam.
Recognised as “servants of Imam Reza’s culture,” these individuals represent a diverse range of academic, religious, artistic and social efforts, both in Iran and internationally.
In line with the anniversary of the birth of Imam Reza, the ceremony was attended by many cultural officials, state officials, artists, representatives of Astan Kud Razabi, and Minister of Culture and Islamic Leadership.
The event was characterized by a deep sense of gratitude and respect as officials and cultural figures gathered to honor those who have made great contributions to promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage of Imamreza (AS).
This celebration not only strengthened Iran’s commitment to cultivate and disseminate the teachings of Imam, but also highlighted the global reach of Imam Reza’s message through the dedication of these exemplary figures.
Among the well-known figures that were nationally celebrated were prominent religious scholars, researchers and cultural activists. Of these, the Imam of Prayer on Friday, currently representing the leader of Aldabil. Ayatollah Ameli is renowned for the establishment and lead of the International Conference on the Dialogue and Discussion of Imamreza, which attracts scholars from a diverse range of faiths and backgrounds.
Another notable person was Nourollah Hosseinkhani, a university lecturer and author. Hosseinkhani writes a comprehensive three-volume “Razavi Atlas,” an important reference work on culture and history of Imam Reza (AS).
Mahmoud Yazdanka was another recipient. He served as a dedicated servant of the Imam shrine for over 42 years, performing daily tributes and spiritual gatherings for pilgrims at Razabi Shrine, embodying the spirit of devotion and humility.
Poet Mostafa Saber Khorasani for his religious poetry and eulogies, scholar and poet Aalieh Mehrabi for her poetic contributions to Persian literature, Najmeddin Shariati for exploring Islamic teachings and spirituality in his TV shows and actor Mohammad Sadeghi for his portrayal of the historical figure Mamun al-Rashid in the popular series “Velayat-e-Eshq,” and vocalists praised Heshmeddin Seraj for his spiritual songs.
The ceremony also celebrated an international figure who has greatly advanced a global understanding of Imam Reza’s teachings.
Sheikh Zaid Alsalami, a native of Australia, who is a member of Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembl, has been recognized for his innovative virtual outreach and online sermons. He promotes the teachings of the Prophet’s family through social media platforms such as YouTube and hosts numerous cultural tours for young people and children.
From Lebanon, Sheikh Jafar Al Mohaijah is a well-known scholar, author and researcher who has written extensively about Islamic history and Imam Reza (AS). His notable work, “The Secret History of the Imamate,” explores the hidden political and spiritual roles of the Prophet family in shaping modern Shiites.
Sheikh Khaled Al-Mura, head of Iraqi coalition of Sunni Iraqi scholars, is a major supporter of Islamic unity and a solid supporter of Iran’s resistance. His efforts emphasize the importance of Muslim sectarian unity and peaceful coexistence, and are consistent with Imam Reza’s comprehensive spirit (AS).
From Pakistan, Rias Hussein Pilzada serves as a politician and diplomat, and has led the joint Iranian-Pakistan committee, particularly after his recent presidential visit to Islamabad. His work in cultural diplomacy has encouraged close bonds and mutual understanding between the two countries.
These numbers represent a diverse array of ideological, artistic and religious flows that actively promote Imamreza’s messages across various continents and promote dialogue, tolerance and spiritual unity.
In a speech at the closing ceremony, the Minister of Culture’s Islamic leader Seyyed Abbas Salehi emphasized the importance of dialogue in Iran today. He emphasized that Imam Reza exemplified the power of reasoning and tolerance, especially in times of political and social upheaval.
Salehi said, “Imam Reza (AS) has navigated complex social and political landscapes and transformed dialogue into a powerful tool for understanding and coexistence. His discussions and discussions have been documented in many historical sources, indicating that a path of dialogue rooted in reason and compassion is important today.”
He further noted that over 20,000 questions and answers between Imam Reza (AS) and his interlocutors have been documented in historical texts, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to communicate across ideological boundaries.
The Minister argued, “Our society today needs to embrace the legacy of Imam Reza’s dialogue, perseverance and mutual respect. Building a society based on these principles will lead to greater unity and stability.” He called for a new focus on ethical communication, active listening and tolerance in public discourse.
Reflecting the role of arts and media, festival organizers highlighted the importance of cultural production in perpetuating the message of Imam Reza.
“Filmmaking and artistic expression are one of the most powerful tools to introduce the virtues of Imamreza (AS) to the world,” said Mortezasa Edizade, Director of Imamreza (AS) International Arts and Culture Foundation Mortezasa Edizadeh, at the ceremony.
He emphasized that this year’s festival aims to raise the level of cultural works related to religious themes, and aims to compete with Iranian film festivals like Fazir.
The festival is committed to supporting high-quality projects that integrate religious narratives with modern cinema technology, and seeks to produce works that resonate with both religious and general audiences.
The Imam Reza (AS) International Festival is held annually in various states of the country and several other countries.
The festival includes a variety of areas such as articles, theater, scripts, shows, stories, visual arts, books, literary texts, poetry, press, digital works, and radio and television production.
It aims to promote artistic excellence rooted in spiritual and cultural values.
Photo: Seyyed Abbas Salehi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Leader, will give a speech at the closing ceremony of the 21st Imam Reza (AS) International Festival, held in Mashhad on May 9, 2025.
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