Al-Muhyiddin Cultural Council in Najaf bridges heritage and modern thought

NAJAF — The Al-Muhyiddin family’s cultural council is one of the 10 oldest intellectual forums in Najaf, serving as a bridge between traditional heritage and contemporary knowledge. Held nightly during Ramadan, the council hosts discussions on religion, science, literature, politics, and more — drawing scholars, academics, and intellectuals into meaningful dialogue.

“The Al-Muhyiddin Cultural Council in Najaf is a historic gathering that dates back hundreds of years,” said Qasim Muhyiddin, a member of the council. “It has been passed down through generations and is distinguished by its diverse sessions. It combines culture, science, literature, and social discussions, along with other areas of knowledge.”

The forum regularly welcomes notable participants from across Iraq’s academic and religious communities.

“Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, with the participation of leading scientific and intellectual figures in Najaf,” Muhyiddin added. “We also strive to involve young people by allowing them to recite poetry and present their thoughts. There is an initiative to dedicate an entire month to youth-focused lectures and dialogue sessions to strengthen their role in the cultural and scientific landscape.”

While rooted in religious tradition, the council extends its discussions far beyond theology.

“It goes beyond theology and Arabic language studies to include subjects like artificial intelligence, medicine, and media,” said Ali Khudair, an academic. “Recently, we have tackled topics such as parliamentary integrity and the political roles of successive governments after the fall of the former regime. This is a diverse council that welcomes every intellectual and anyone with a broad cultural vision.”

The council fosters an atmosphere of openness and respect for differing viewpoints.

“It provides a space for serious debates and fruitful conversations, encouraging participants to maintain their unique perspectives while engaging in intellectual discourse,” Khudair said.

Researcher Ahmed Ali Majid, a regular participant, described the council as an invaluable institution.

“Al-Muhyiddin is one of the 10 most esteemed councils in Najaf,” he said. “It is a school that contributes to spreading knowledge across various fields.”

The council’s nightly sessions continue for 30 consecutive days during Ramadan and cover a wide array of subjects beyond religious jurisprudence, including genealogy, ethics, politics, chemistry, and physics.

“It serves as a true intellectual platform, attracting scholars and thinkers from various backgrounds,” Majid said. “People flock to it in groups, eager to draw from its wealth of knowledge.”

During the holy month, the sessions hold added meaning for attendees.

“Its sessions cover faith, literature, loyalty, and leadership, making it a true educational institution for young people,” Majid said. “The people of Najaf take pride in this council and see it as an opportunity to invest their time in acquiring knowledge rather than engaging in distractions, especially during this blessed month.”