The 1500th Anniversary of the Prophet's Birth: From Iran's Soft Diplomacy to Global Unity

According to Ashura News, quoted by Mehr News Agency, Mohsen Javadi, Deputy Cultural Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Deputy Secretary of the Headquarters for Commemorating the 1,500th Anniversary of the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), referring to the formation of this headquarters, its structure and activities, and cultural, social, and international programs, said: This year, Unity Week coincides with the 1,500th anniversary of his birth. With the idea of ​​commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of his birth, the first step was to inquire with the "Jeddah Islamic Fiqh Assembly" to clarify the issue of the date of birth in terms of calendar. The Assembly firmly announced that the year 1447 AH coincides with the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet's birth. After that, with the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the issue was raised in the Organization of the Islamic Conference and fortunately, it was included in official documents at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Istanbul.

He clarified: With the finalization of these two issues, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, realizing its importance at the national and international levels, considered the proposal to form a headquarters for commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet's birth. Dr. Pezhakian expressed his agreement in this regard and the matter was referred to Mohammad Reza Aref, then it was approved by the cabinet. The first meeting of the headquarters was held under the chairmanship of First Deputy Mohammad Reza Aref and the Secretary of the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and the duties of the headquarters were defined in the form of five working groups, including the Islamic Diplomacy and Communications Working Group; Responsible: Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Secretary of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization, Scientific and Research Working Group; Responsible: Ministry of Science, Research and Technology to the Secretary of the Islamic Propaganda Office of Qom Seminary, Propaganda and Promotion Working Group; Responsible: Islamic Propaganda Coordination Council to the Secretary of the Islamic Propaganda Organization, Social Working Group; Responsible: Presidential Deputy for Women and Family Affairs to the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor and Social Welfare, and the Art and Media Working Group; Responsible: Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to the Secretary of the Iranian Broadcasting Organization.

Cultural programs in the language of the new generation

The deputy secretary of the headquarters commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: Of course, even before the formation of this headquarters, in view of the history of holding Unity Week, programs related to this occasion had been designed in the Publicity Coordination Council, which were to be followed up in coordination with this headquarters and under the Publicity and Promotion Working Group. A meeting was also held with the Planning and Budget Organization, and it was decided that the working groups would present their programs to be followed up and funded within a one-year period. At the same time, given the country's limitations, the main approach is to use the current capacities of the institutions and public participation.

Referring to the prepared cultural programs, he said: Various programs have been designed, including international film and book festivals, virtual exhibitions of the Prophet's biography, street theaters, and musical productions inspired by the Prophet's biography. Also, scientific seminars will be held with the presence of scholars from all over the world and from different religions. For the younger generation, animations, educational games and short films with prophetic content are planned. Local programs in mosques, schools and universities will also include Quran competitions, speeches and poetry readings. All programs are designed to combine celebration and education, and emphasizing the moral and behavioral beauties of the Prophet (PBUH) is their main focus. These events are also produced in different languages ​​and for a global audience.

Cyberspace as a field to introduce the Prophet

Jawadi pointed to the role of the media and added: The media and cyberspace are one of the most important tools to introduce the Prophet (PBUH) to the younger generation and the world. By producing attractive, documentary, short and shareable content, a true and inspiring image of him can be presented. Religious and cultural influencers will be used to spread positive content. To counter Western distortions, responsive documentaries, #Truth_About_Muhammad campaigns and cooperation with international media are on the agenda. Media training for users to identify false content is also essential. Cyberspace should become a field for dialogue, not insult and distortion. This is an opportunity to present Islam as a religion based on mercy and rationality.

He considered this ceremony to be unifying and effective in this regard, adding: By holding joint ceremonies between Shiites and Sunnis, issuing unity-seeking statements, and the joint presence of great scholars in each other's ceremonies. Creating joint cultural projects such as writing joint books of biography or producing joint films. Emphasizing common ideological and moral issues and setting aside divisive issues. Supporting unification-seeking institutions at the global level and establishing joint scientific and cultural networks. This occasion should be an excuse to invite dialogue, not to exacerbate differences. Unity is not a slogan, but a necessity for the survival and progress of the Islamic world.

Javadi also said: Many Islamic societies have interpreted this concept as meaning mercy limited to Muslims, while verse 107 of Surah Al-Anbiya emphasizes the universality of mercy. This slogan should be translated into domestic and foreign policies: helping the poor, sheltering refugees, dialogue with others, and respecting human rights. At the individual level, by being ethical, kind, and nonviolent. At the international level, by supporting the oppressed of the world, regardless of religion or race. The media should introduce contemporary models of “mercy.” Universities should also offer courses in prophetic ethics and its application in the modern world. “Mercy” should flow into laws, behaviors, and policies, not just speeches.

Using popular participation and existing resources

Understanding the concerns of some concerned people regarding the budget for these types of programs and the need to benefit from public participation, he stated: I must emphasize that these programs are mostly foreseen within the framework of the current budget of institutions and organizations. In fact, each institution has allocated a part of its existing capacities to this issue and we have tried to manage the costs with public participation and using the existing facilities.

The Deputy Secretary of the Headquarters for Commemorating the 1,500th Anniversary of the Birth of the Prophet of Mercy (PBUH) pointed out the role of holding such programs in public diplomacy and added: Commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not simply a domestic program. This event can strengthen the capacities of Iran's public diplomacy. The Prophet of Islam is a global figure, and introducing him properly to nations can be a factor in bringing Islamic countries closer together and reducing misunderstandings. We have tried to hold various programs at the international level in cooperation with cultural and media institutions; From interfaith dialogue sessions to screenings of films and works of art in different countries. This is an opportunity to show a rational, kind and unifying face of Islam.

Referring to some programs in the social sphere, he continued: One of the main axes of activities is the social sphere. We seek to make "Mercy for the Worlds" practical and in people's lives. For this reason, programs such as the "Twelfth Order" campaign to distribute livelihood packages and medicine in deprived areas, free medical services in selected areas, public celebrations in neighborhoods, educational workshops for families and the empowerment of women missionaries have been put on the agenda. These activities show that the remembrance of the Prophet is not only manifested in the form of celebrations and art, but also in service provision and social empathy.

Programs to Continue Until the End of the Year

Javadi did not consider these programs limited to Unity Week and added: These programs will be held both during Unity Week and throughout the year. Unity Week is the starting point, but many activities will continue in the coming months. We have tried to design events in a way that will be effective both in the short term and in the long term.

He listed some programs throughout the year and stated: In the field of books: We have the "Milad Noor" project to promote reading and equip libraries with works related to the Prophet; in the field of music: holding the "Rahmat Lil'Alameen" festival and performing music from Iranian ethnic regions. In street performances: performing theater on the subject of the Prophet's life in provinces and cities. In cinema: producing animations and short films for children and adolescents and film and photo competitions. In the Quran: holding recitation circles and student competitions on "Prophetic Verses." In poetry and literature: The "Prophet of Mercy" poetry festival. In media: Virtual campaigns such as "Ummat Ahmad" and the production of podcasts related to the Prophet's life. In social and popular: The "Twelfth Order" campaign for free medical services and services. In the international: Holding special celebrations for Iranians living in other countries. Scientific and cultural conferences and film screenings, including the screening of the film "Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)," as well as various programs in different countries. In the visual field: Holding visual and calligraphy exhibitions on the theme of Unity Week. In the scientific-research field: Holding numerous meetings with the presence of prominent professors, as well as holding cultural and scientific competitions. These examples are only some of the programs that will be implemented throughout the year. In general, each section includes various programs that there is no room to mention all of them in this discussion.