Goharshad Intl. Award to announce winners

Goharshad International Award, coinciding with special days of pilgrimage of Imam Reza (A.S.) on August 31st, will be granted to the winners. 

During the first scientific meeting of the Goharshad International Award, Ahmed Badkoobeh and Dr. Mohammad Hasan Rajabi Davani, two prominent history professors participated in the meeting .“In line with Article 4 of the directive issued by Leader to the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, and to set cultural pace regarding the Charity, the plan for holding the festival and granting Goharshad International Award has been developed,” Sarvari Majd, Secretary of the Goharshad International Award told the meeting.

“The award seeks to appreciate the wise and philanthropist women all around the world with an honor from the Shrine of the Eighth Shia Imam, Ali al-Reda (A.S.). The award is reminiscent of one of the servants of His Holiness, i.e. Goharshad; 8 benevolent women at home and abroad with significant achievements will be awarded,” he reiterated.

“An admission booklet formulate guidelines which would help with the actual selection of the candidates; it codifies issues such as sacrifice and martyrdom, resistance and Islamic Awakening, and positive and groundbreaking record of performance in the cultural, artistic, charity, medical, educational, and research and management fields,” Sarvari Majd detailed. “To promote culture of charity, a permanent Secretariat of the Goharshad International Award was established, and a statutory law will be drafted and approved.”

Mohammad Hassan Rajabi Davani, a second speaker, welcomed the attendants and dedication of the award to the women charity activists; “the names of countless charitable and benevolent women adorn the pages of history, however they are obscure, and this award is an opportunity to recognize these outstanding historical figures and to introduce their constructive and valuable services to the public,” he told the meeting.

“Goharshad, Goharshād Begum, a wife of Shāh Rukh, the Emperor of the Timurid Empire of Herāt, is an example of benevolent women, who stepped in the path to promote religion and Shia views, and Goharshad Mosque in the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) is a symbol of this pious woman’s benevolence and her devotion to Infallible Imams,” the historian said.

SH/PR