The International Quranic Week, featuring the 5th Karbala International Award, opened at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine with the participation of representatives from 30 countries. The event was attended by Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, representative of the Supreme Religious Authority; Hassan Rashid Al-Abayechi, Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine; prominent religious scholars; and international guests.

In his keynote address, Sayed Riyadh Saeed Al-Hakim, a professor at the Islamic Seminary (Hawza), emphasized that the Holy Quran is Islam’s eternal miracle and one of the most important pillars in preserving the identity and principles of the Islamic Ummah. He noted that, unlike temporary miracles associated with previous prophets, the Quran’s influence and guidance continue across generations, reflecting the timeless nature of the Islamic message.

Al-Hakim explained that one of the Quran’s central roles is safeguarding the identity of the Muslim community and protecting it from deviation and fragmentation through the preservation of a divinely protected text that secures the foundations and constants of Islam. He noted that, despite more than fourteen centuries having passed since the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), the Quran has remained a key factor in preserving the doctrinal and spiritual identity of Muslims worldwide.

He further highlighted the Quran’s profound impact on the human soul through its eloquence, rhetorical beauty, and powerful style. According to Al-Hakim, the emphasis placed on proper recitation and excellence in Quranic performance is closely connected to the Quran’s mission of guiding individuals and shaping society.

The Hawza professor also pointed to numerous narrations from the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the Imams of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) that stress the importance of beautiful and accurate Quranic recitation. Such recitation, he said, helps convey the Quran’s meanings more effectively and deepens believers’ emotional and spiritual connection to its message.

Al-Hakim affirmed that Quranic gatherings and activities play an important role in strengthening unity among Muslims by bringing them together under the banner of the Holy Quran and reinforcing their shared values. These initiatives, he said, create a common platform that transcends differences in interpretation and opinion.

He concluded by praising the efforts of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine in promoting Quranic culture and serving the Holy Quran. He noted that these initiatives embody the enduring connection between the two weighty legacies—the Holy Quran and the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them)—while contributing to the dissemination of Islamic teachings and values throughout society.