The Arabic Language Department at the College of Islamic Sciences at the University of Karbala held a scientific symposium on the symbolism in the elegies of Imam Hussein – with the poem “In the Courtyard of Hussein” by the poet Abdul Razzaq Abdul Wahid as an example. The symposium took place on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 10:00 am in the Imam Hussein Hall at the college.

The assistant professor Dr. Faiza Tha’ban Mansi presented the symposium, which was introduced by assistant professor Dr. Hanan Mansour Abbas.

The lecturer explained that in the poem “In the Courtyard of Hussein,” the poet used a variety of symbols and events to express his purposes and clarify his ideas. He left the reader the freedom to interpret the poem’s verses and understand its declared and hidden purposes, relying on shared knowledge that facilitates communication between the poet and the reader of the poem.

She added that the poet began his poem by depicting his arrival, starting with a request for forgiveness as he walks in a broken image that resembles a helpless and powerless prisoner, and a thirsty and broken wanderer who found a safe haven in Imam Hussein, where he could take refuge from the injustices of time.

The symposium was attended by a number of professors and students from the college who enriched the discussion with meaningful interventions and inquiries.