Sulaymaniyah holds first joint Sunni-Shia Mawlid observance

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Sunni and Shia Muslims gathered on Saturday at the Ibrar Husayniyya in Sulaymaniyah for a joint Mawlid program marking the first such event in the Kurdistan Region city. The observance was held under the supervision of the Kurdistan Region Supreme Religious Authority Representation and was attended by clerics, Sunni and Shia worshippers, Sufi groups and children. The program featured Quran recitations, hymns and naat recitations. Sheikh Imad Zirjawi, the representative of the Kurdistan Region Supreme Religious Authority, said Sulaymaniyah had taken care to host Mawlid ceremonies and stressed the importance of Sunni and Shia participation. Zirjawi said joint programs of this kind should unite Muslims and that the Prophet Muhammad represents a shared value across the different sects. Organizers said the event was intended to strengthen social cohesion within Sulaymaniyah's religious diversity.