The two holy shrines are holding the 26th Candle Festival in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his holy reappearance)

The holy shrines of Imam al-Hussayn and al-Abbas (peace be upon them) held the activities of the 26th annual Candle Festival, celebrating the birth of Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his holy reappearance).

The festival was held at the Bab al-Qibla of the shrine of Aba al-Fadl al-Abbas (peace be upon him) under the slogan: "The Mahdi is a unbroken Promise," with the presence of the officials of the two holy shrines, religious and official figures, and a large crowd of visitors.

The festival included the lighting of (1192) candles, corresponding to the years of the Imam Al-Mahdi's (may Allah hasten his holy reappearance) age, arranged artistically to form the phrase "And the earth shone with his light." It began with the recitation of Quranic verses, followed by a speech from the two holy shrines, delivered by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Safi, the head of the Religious Affairs Department at the Imam al-Hussayn's (p) Holy Shrine, who congratulated the believers on this blessed occasion.

Al-Safi emphasized the necessity of following the Islamic and ethical principles, teachings, and values advocated by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and of emulating and applying them in daily life as part of the culture of conscious waiting for relief; they also contribute to the reform of individuals and society and the promotion of righteous behavior.

The festival celebrates the birth of Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his holy reappearance) and includes various activities, such as reciting poetry and religious hymns, in addition to honoring the winners of the electronic cultural competition organized for the occasion by the holy shrine.