Mukalla / University Media

The Office of the Ministry of Endowments and Guidance in the Hadramout Coast, in cooperation with the Hadramout Research Center affiliated with Al-Ahgaff University, organized today, Saturday, a scientific symposium entitled “The Prophet’s Birthday: Between Its Religious Significance and Creative Expression.” The symposium was held at the Al-Ahgaff University Faculties Building in Fuwah, coinciding with the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ birthday.

The symposium opened with verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an address from Sheikh Ahmed Al-Saadi, Director of the Office of the Ministry of Endowments and Guidance in the Hadramout Coast. He welcomed the attendees and participants, highlighting the nature and objectives of the symposium and its importance in shedding light on the noble Prophetic biography and drawing inspiration from the values and principles established by the Prophet ﷺ. He also highlighted the role of creative expression in commemorating this occasion through a purposeful academic and creative approach.

Al-Saadi emphasized the importance of organizing such academic and intellectual events that bring together religious, cultural, and literary dimensions. Such events contribute to raising awareness of the Prophetic biography and connecting generations with the life, character, and values of the Chosen Prophet ﷺ, away from traditional approaches and in a manner that strengthens the presence of the Prophetic biography in academic, cultural, and social life.

The symposium sessions then began under the moderation of Professor Sadiq Omar Maknoon, Vice President of Al-Ahgaff University and Executive Director of the Hadramout Research Center. The participants addressed a number of topics related to the symposium’s theme, presenting academic, intellectual, and literary perspectives on the Prophetic biography and the significance of commemorating the Prophet’s birthday.

The symposium featured three main presentations. Dr. Zain Mohammed Al-Aidroos presented a paper entitled “Following and Loving the Noble Prophet,” addressing the concept of love for the Prophet ﷺ and following his guidance, and how such love is translated into practical conduct and emulation of his character and guidance in the life of a Muslim.

The second paper, entitled “The Prophetic Biography in Hadrami Literature,” was presented by Dr. Ahmed Hadi Baharithah, who highlighted the presence of the Prophetic biography in Hadrami literary works and the contributions of Hadrami writers and poets whose works reflect the deep connection with the Prophetic biography and its place in the cultural consciousness of Hadramout society.

The presentations concluded with a paper entitled “Lessons Learned from the Prophetic Biography,” presented by Dr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Saqqaf. He addressed the most significant lessons and values that can be drawn from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including principles related to morality, interpersonal relations, and the building of individuals and communities.

The symposium witnessed active interaction and discussion of the various topics presented by a number of academics and interested participants, enriching the discussions and providing an opportunity for academic and intellectual dialogue. The participants also emphasized the importance of applying knowledge of the Prophetic biography to strengthen faith-based and moral values.

The symposium was attended by Professor Ahmed Saleh Kharrad, Dean of Quality and Academic Accreditation at Al-Ahgaff University; Engineer Faiz Ahmed bin Shamla, Secretary-General of the University; Professor Abdullah Saeed Al-Juaidi, Director of the Hadramout Center for Studies and Publishing; Dr. Mohammed Salem Al-Bouri, Director of Training at the Hadramout Research Center; Mr. Abdullah Omar Al-Attas; as well as a number of academics, researchers, and Al-Ahgaff University students.

At the conclusion of the symposium, the presenters of the academic papers were honored by Sheikh Ahmed Ali Al-Saadi, Director of the Office of the Ministry of Endowments and Guidance in the Hadramout Coast, and Professor Sadiq Omar Maknoon, Vice President of Al-Ahgaff University and Director of the Hadramout Research Center.