As reported by Sina Media of TUMS, during the event, speeches were delivered by Dr. Faris Al-Lami, President of the Al-Sibtain International Branch of TUMS; Dr. Haidar Al-Abidi, Head of the Health and Medical Education Board of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein; and Dr. Mahdi Shafiei Sabet, Vice President of Al-Sibtain University for Academic Affairs.


The full text of the message is as follows:

the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Dear faculty members, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished students of the Al-Sibtain International Branch of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Karbala,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.

It is with great pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the beginning of the new academic year at the Al-Sibtain International Branch of TUMS, located in the sacred city of Karbala.

Your presence as young, talented, and promising students in this academic center, adjacent to the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) and his loyal companions, is a unique and symbolic opportunity. It represents the profound cultural, historical, spiritual, and scientific connections between the peoples of Iran and Iraq.

I hope this confluence of knowledge and spirituality serves as a bridge to advance medical science and healthcare in the region and worldwide.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences, of which you are now a part, boasts a rich legacy of excellence in scientific, research, and clinical fields. Since the establishment of Dar ul-Funun in 1851 and the formal founding of its medical faculty in 1934, the university has traversed a long and illustrious path, earning its status as the premier medical academic institution in Iran.

Over the years, distinguished scholars and researchers from this university have significantly contributed to the development of modern medicine in Iran and the region. These pioneers, through relentless efforts, not only established and advanced various branches of medical science in Iran but also forged international collaborations and conducted groundbreaking research, cementing the university's global reputation.

Icons such as Professor Mohammad Qoli Shams, a trailblazer in ophthalmology; Professor Yahya Adl, the "Father of Modern Surgery in Iran"; and Dr. Mohammad Gharib, the "Father of Pediatrics in Iran," are just a few examples of TUMS's illustrious alumni. Their contributions, alongside those of many others, have propelled the university to the forefront of knowledge generation, specialist training, and scientific research.

Dear Iraqi brothers and sisters, as students of the Al-Sibtain International Branch in Karbala, you are the inheritors of this remarkable academic and cultural heritage. You now have the unparalleled opportunity to delve deeply into medical sciences, acquire modern skills, and contribute to enhancing healthcare for the people of Iraq, the region, and beyond.

TUMS, leveraging its distinguished history, esteemed faculty, advanced educational and research infrastructure, and global collaborations, is dedicated to meeting these objectives. The Al-Sibtain International Branch in Karbala strives to create an academic environment imbued with spirituality and multiculturalism, equipping Iraqi students to become future leaders in medicine and healthcare in their nation and the region.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to the establishment of Al-Sibtain University. I thank the former TUMS presidents, Dr. Karimi and Dr. Hossein Ghanaati; former vice presidents for international affairs, Dr. Kordi and Dr. Ayati; and Dr. Shariati, Dr. Shafiee, and others involved in this endeavor. Additionally, I express my appreciation to Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Karbalai, the Custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, Dr. Faris Al-Lami, Dr. Haidar Al-Abidi, and all colleagues who have supported this project over the past five years.

May Allah grant you health, success, and the strength to become valuable assets to your nation and faith.