Cultural-Literary Book Reading Festival ‘Farzand-e Zaman’ to be Held in Khuzestan

Mohaddeseh Almasi, speaking to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Ahvaz, referred to the topic of the book reading festival and stated: “Recognizing, promoting, and deepening the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha in simple language, suitable for the understanding of children and young adults, is being done using the book ‘Prayer of Trees’, based on selections from Nahj al-Balagha chosen by Mostafa Rahmandoust and Afsaneh Shabannezhad.”

Almasi explained that familiarizing the present generation with the pure thoughts of Imam Ali (AS) and the constructive role of Nahj al-Balagha in nurturing ethics, thought, and spirituality plays an important role. She emphasized: “Efforts should be made to introduce and study the book ‘Prayer of Trees’ in an intimate and dialogue-centered environment among children, young adults, and adults.”

She continued: “The accompaniment of mentors, teachers, and parents in interpreting and explaining the concepts of this book can pave the way for a deeper understanding of Imam Ali’s (AS) messages and provide a ground for dialogue, thought, and creativity in the minds and hearts of children.”

The literary expert of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults of Khuzestan said: “This festival is an opportunity for adults and children to be inspired by the beauties of Imam Ali’s (AS) words together and experience them as a sweet and tangible language in their lives.”

Almasi stated that the goal of the book reading festival is to promote reading culture among children and young adults, adding: “Familiarity with ethical, social, and human teachings in the words of Imam Ali (AS), encouraging thought, creativity, and personal expression of the profound concepts of Nahj al-Balagha are among the most important goals of this festival.”

Referring to the formats of the festival, she stated: “This festival is for age groups 7 to 11 and 12 to 16 years (specifically for members and interested individuals in Khuzestan province) and will be held in the form of creative book introduction clips, audio book introduction podcasts, letters addressed to Imam Ali (AS) about one of the wisdoms in the book, including: ‘Why is this wisdom important to me? How do I want to implement it?’, painting, calligraphy, and answering multiple-choice questions.”

Almasi said: “The method of submitting works is through the website of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults of Khuzestan, and the deadline for participation in the festival is November 15th, with winners being announced concurrently with Book and Reading Week.”