During his address at the opening of the Third Khutwa International Photography Competition, the Secretary-General of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain emphasized that photography possesses a profound spiritual and psychological influence on shaping the social and cultural life of Arab and Islamic societies. He highlighted its pivotal role in fostering informed public opinion that contributes to preserving national identity and safeguarding authentic cultural values.

He explained that photography is no longer merely a tool for documentation, but has evolved into a universal language capable of conveying humanitarian and cultural messages, reinforcing concepts of belonging and identity, and contributing to the formation of collective awareness. He also noted its importance in enhancing visual literacy within societies.

The Secretary-General added that the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain places special emphasis on purposeful arts, including photography, due to their ability to truthfully express spiritual and human values and to embody the civilizational message of Islam in a contemporary manner that resonates with diverse audiences.