In cooperation with Women’s Empowerment Unit, Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Department at Al-Zahraa University for Women carried out an inspection visit to Al-Warith Shelter located in the holy city of Karbala and met with the shelter’s director, Dr. Iqbal Abul-Heb. The visit was conducted as part and parcel of the ongoing field initiatives performed by the President of the University along with its departments to keep abreast of the modus operandi put in place by other institutions affiliated with Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. Moreover, the visit was also intended to promote partaking in both special and general events as expressions of solidarity and community engagement. The visit included a celebration for the shelter’s residents in honor of Eid Al-Ghadir; (Shia Muslims hold that Allah Almighty designated Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as the rightful religious authority and leader in the aftermath of the Prophet's demise). The event also commemorated the Day of Mubahala, (a crucial moment in history when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) engaged in a profound religious dialogue with a Christian delegation from the city of Najran). Dr. Nasreen Ali Al-Gailawi, Head of Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Department, delivered a lecture underscoring the significance of Eid Al-Ghadir, the event of Mubahala, as well as the story of Ali’s ring charity. Additionally, she highlighted both the spiritual and historical importance of these events, particularly the venerated stature of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and Hadith of Al-Thaqalayn , (a narration attributed to prophet Mohammad that identified the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, along with his family, as the sole sources of divine guidance after his demise), as well as the concept of allegiance (Wilayah). Dr. Al-Gailawi also facilitated a dogmatic Q&A session with the shelter's beneficiaries, aimed at enriching their religious knowledge related to those significant events. The participation in the session was enthusiastic as the residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. For her part, Dr. Abul-Heb commended the University’s efforts in organizing such humanitarian and social activities, which cultivated an atmosphere of warmth, care, and belonging, thereby reaffirming the residents’ connection to the broader community.

Translated by Zahra' Ala', revised by Asst. Lect. Inam Mohammed