Assembly News
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16th Seminaries’ Specialized Centers Cooperation Forum Hosted by AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly
The 16th session of the “Seminaries’ Specialized Centers Cooperation Forum” was hosted by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly and held in the Assembly’s conference hall in Qom.
ABWA Official Website – On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the 16th session of the “Seminaries’ Specialized Centers Cooperation Forum” was held at the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Qom.
At the beginning of the session, Mustafa Behbahani-Pour, Director General of Cultural Services and Publications at the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, Sayed Saeed Hashemi, Director of the Office of Studies, and Research, and Ebrahim Amini, Director of the WikiShia Encyclopedia, presented detailed explanations of their activities.
Further, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Mahdi Farmanian, the Deputy for Scientific and Cultural Affairs of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly elaborated on the Assembly’s activities, stating, “The Assembly’s duty is to manage the affairs of Shiites worldwide. Over the past thirty years, significant work has been carried out; however, unfortunately, no reports have been provided to seminary institutions.”
Hojat al-Islam Farmanian added, “The AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly has translated more than 2,000 books into 58 languages, published hundreds of thousands of books, and distributed them to audiences across the globe.”
Discussing potential areas for collaboration with seminary specialized centers, he noted, “The Assembly’s digital library, with a networking-oriented approach, has the capability to host and promote seminary works in various languages. All content from seminary institutions can be made accessible to Shiites and audiences through this platform.”
About the virtual encyclopedia WikiShia, Dr. Farmanian stated, “WikiShia operates in 22 languages and has performed admirably so far. We are ready to collaborate with seminary researchers in authoring and translating of works.”
Explaining the Assembly’s recent approach, he remarked, “Over the past thirty years, the Assembly has taken a ‘line’ approach. Recently, however, we have adopted a ‘headquarters’ approach in various areas. A portion of the Assembly’s responsibilities has been outsourced, and our publication policies have shifted. As such, our works are now published in other countries, and their publications in Iran are very limited. We are prepared to cooperate with specialized centers of seminary in this regard.”
At the end of the session, representatives of specialized centers of seminary shared their perspectives on ways to enhance cooperation and engagement with the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
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Resistance, the Most Critical Factor in the Flow of Certain Divine Traditions: Dr. Tarkhan
The seminar “The Functions of Resistance from the Perspective of Divine Traditions” was held by ABNA News Agency in collaboration with the Department of Theology and Modern Religious Studies of the Islamic Culture and Thought Research Institute, in the conference hall of ABNA News Agency.
ABWA Official Website – On the Monday evening, December 9, 2024, the seminar “The Functions of Resistance from the Perspective of Divine Traditions” was held by ABNA News Agency in collaboration with the Department of Theology and Modern Religious Studies of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought, in the conference hall of ABNA News Agency
During the seminar, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Qasem Tarkhan, a faculty member at the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought, stated, “Divine traditions refer to God’s laws, which are divided into natural and legislative laws, and neither of these categories is directly related to our discussion. What is relevant here are the formative and social laws.”
He continued, “God has established laws for governing societies. These laws can be absolute, conditional, or competitive absolute. In absolute laws, such as the tradition of testing humans, humans will have no role. However, in conditional laws, if individuals or societies exercise their will, these laws take effect, such as the succession of the righteous.”
The faculty member of the Research Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought emphasized that resistance is the most crucial factor in activating some of these three types of divine traditions. “Divine traditions come into effect only when there is steadfastness and perseverance. However, in traditions like the Imdad (divine assistance), God provides special help and support to the believers. Similarly, the establishment of Imamate, where a person becomes a guide and role model for others, depends on steadfastness and resistance.”
“Prophet Abraham (a.s.) became an Imam due to his patience. The Tradition of Inheriting the Earth is fulfilled after divine trials. Likewise, the tradition of Nasr (divine victory) is conditional upon steadfastness and perseverance. However, this tradition of Nasr is only realized when Muslims meet its prerequisites,” he continued.
Further in the seminar, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Naser Jahanian, another faculty member of the Research Institute for the Islamic Culture and Thought remarked, “Divine traditions are methods through which God manages and administers the affairs of the universe and humankind. After creating humanity and the universe, God instituted these laws.”
“From the very beginning of creation, the principle of parity existed, and God established social systems and family structures based on this principle. On the other hand, divine governance and satanic governance have been in conflict,” he added.
Dr. Jahanian identified one of the divine traditions as the institution of Imamate (leadership) and elaborated, “If Muslims neglect the tradition of establishing Imamate, they will face defeat. For instance, during the events of the Arab Spring, the absence of an established leadership led to the defeat of Islamic countries and the emergence of ISIS. Similarly, the Tradition of Inheriting the Earth cannot be realized without a divine perspective. Victory is guaranteed only when Muslims align themselves with the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and the Imam (a.s.) and adhere to all the principles they have outlined.”
“The tradition of Mudawilah, indicates the rotation of territories and positions and implies that if Muslims face defeat in a battle or situation, they should not despair. Instead, they must remain patient and not lose hope,” he further stated.
In conclusion, Dr. Jahanian referred to verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran, which outlines the stages of attaining prosperity. “God commands individual patience, which nurtures a perfect human being who then becomes a role model for leading believers and pioneering the faithful.”
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Students: Responsible, Influential/ Genuine Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through False Spiritualities: Ayatollah Ramazani
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “One of the characteristics of the student generation is vitality, and this vitality must be transmitted to others. Preserving and utilizing vitality across various dimensions and realms is of great significance.”
ABWA Official Website – The ceremony marking National Student Day, specific for international students, was held on Monday morning, December 9, 2024, at the International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.), with the presence of Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly and a member of the Assembly of Experts.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Ayatollah Ramazani congratulated the students and professors of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) University on the occasion of Student Day. “In the new term, various nationalities and academic disciplines at the AhlulBayt (a.s.) University has increased. This university is one of the most successful academic institutions in the country. With the presence of excellent and distinguished professors, we hope the scientific standing of the institution will enhance day by day, placing it among the top universities in the country. Considering the unique features of the International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.), located near the holy shrine of Imam Khomeini (r.a.), we anticipate the realization of this issue.”
On the position of knowledge and scholars in Islam, he stated, “It is our honor that the first divine address to the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) began with the command, “اِقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ اَلَّذِي خَلَقَ” (Read in the Name of your Lord who created.) (Quran, 96: 1) It is our honor that the Almighty God introduced Himself as the teacher, and in the Holy Quran, God swore by the pen. It is our honor that scholars and teachers hold exalted ranks. It is our honor that religion (Islam) has tasked us with building a scholarly society. Moreover, in a religious and Islamic community, it is emphasized that one must either be a scholar or a student.”
“It is our honor that the Almighty God grants authority and power to humanity through knowledge, and the value of our sublime faith is enriched by science and learning. The more knowledge increases, the stronger one’s beliefs become. The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) introduced himself as a teacher, and the pride of religious people is that all prophets were among the greatest educators in human history. They are the ones who recite divine verses to the people. Both the Holy Quran and the prophets emphasize the importance of knowledge, making them the finest educators of humanity,” continued Secretary-General AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Speaking on the true meaning of knowledge, he emphasized, “There is a special type of knowledge in religious discourse, which is light, and one attains it based on worthiness. Knowledge is light and does not enter every heart. Therefore, a person must prepare himself to benefit from this type of knowledge.”
Highlighting that universities are centers for education and character-building, Ayatollah Ramazani added, “A student is responsible and plays a pivotal role. The sense of responsibility is crucial. In this regard, the concept of ‘graduation’ does not exist in its true sense, as humans must always strive to learn and grow. Youth is the best time to acquire knowledge, and students must cherish their youth as well as the blessings of health and security. The Islamic Republic has provided the invaluable blessing of security for international students to study in Iran so that they can return to their countries as beneficial and impactful individuals.”
Raising the question, “Who is a student?” Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “A student is responsible and belongs to a group that influences society both during their academic journey and afterward. The sense of responsibility is highly significant. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) said, ‘There are two groups in society that if are reformed, the entire society will be reformed: seminaries and universities. If these two are corrupted, they will corrupt society’.”
Addressing the students’ requirements, he remarked, “One of the characteristics of the student generation is vitality, which must be shared and maintained. Preserving and benefiting from vitality in various aspects is crucial. The most important form of vitality at universities is academic vitality. Without academic vitality, universities will not progress. In this context, spiritual and intellectual circles contribute to the flourishing of scientific potential in the youth and student generation.”
The professor of the higher levels of Islamic seminary also spoke about the conspiracies of enemies against religion, noting, “The global dominance system seeks to enslave nations, employing neo-colonial strategies to achieve its objectives. Opponents have sought to erase or diminish religion from public life, but they have failed. Religion shines brightly and must manifest itself. In the West, human-made, irreligion forms of spirituality have emerged. We must offer the authentic and genuine version of spirituality because any spirituality disconnected from absolute perfection is imperfect. Making peace with false and counterfeit spiritualities, cannot answer human needs; only “أَلاَ بِذِکْرِ اللّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوب” (for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction!) (Quran, 13: 28) reflects the spirituality that humanity needs.”
Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized the collective responsibility to foster vitality and implement cultural programs at universities. He expressed hope that the AhlulBayt (a.s.) University would achieve the status of an elite institution in the country and gain an international standing while adhering to global standards.
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Lady Zahra (a.s.), Point of Unity Between Shiite and Sunni: Afghan cleric
The Head of the Assembly of AhlulBayt (a.s.) Lovers of Afghanistan stated that Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) is one of the points of unity between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.
ABWA Official Website – During a ceremony held in a remote area in western Kabul, Afghanistan, on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), the Head of the Assembly of AhlulBayt (a.s.) Lovers of Afghanistan delivered a speech about the personality of this noble lady of Islam and the hardships she endured.
Hojat al-Islam Sayed Hussein Alemi Balkhi said in this ceremony, “One of the shared pints between Shiite and Sunni Muslims is Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.). This noble lady of Islam represents a commonality rather than a division between the two schools of thought. Our principles and those of our Sunni brothers are rooted in the Quran and Hadiths. Accordingly, there are numerous shared aspects, including Quranic verses concerning Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.).”
“In Shiite teachings, around 30 Quranic verses refer to Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) and her virtues. Among them, five verses directly relate to her, leaving no doubt that these verses concern Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), a belief shared by both Shiite and Sunni Muslims. For instance, Surah al-Kawthar, according to interpretations, is about Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), through whom the progeny of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) continued,” Alemi Balkhi continued.
The Head of the Assembly of AhlulBayt (a.s.) Lovers of Afghanistan stated, “In a Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), he said: ‘My daughter Fatimah is the leader of the women of the worlds, from the beginning to the end.’ Four women in human history stand out as chaste and great, and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) emphasized that ‘Fatimah (a.s.) is a part of me, the light of my eyes, and the fruit of my heart. Fatimah (a.s.) is my soul and spirit, and she is a heavenly woman in the form of a human’.”
Further in the ceremony, Hoja al-Islam Muhammad Akbari, Deputy of the Shiite Scholars’ Council of Afghanistan, delivered a speech about the birth of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.).
“When Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) was in the womb of Lady Khadijah (a.s.), the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) said: ‘Gabriel descended and informed me that this child is a girl. A blessed girl, chosen by God to be the mother of the Imams (a.s.), and through her, my lineage will continue among the Ummah’.” he said.
The Deputy of the Shiite Scholars’ Council of Afghanistan added, “Whenever the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) went on a journey, the last person he would bid farewell to was Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), and upon his return, the first person he would meet was Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.).”
Referring to the kind treatment of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) toward Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), he noted: “Whenever Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) entered the Prophet’s home, he would rise from his place, kiss her hand, and seat her in his place. Similarly, when the Prophet (p.b.u.h) entered the home of Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), she would rise, kiss his father’s hand, and seat him in her place.”
“One day, the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) entered Fatimah al-Zahra’s (a.s.) house and saw her wearing the simplest clothing, grinding flour with one hand while nursing her child with the other. Tears flowed from the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) eyes, and said: ‘My daughter, endure the bitterness of this world for the sweetness of the Hereafter.’ After the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) demise, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) spent her remaining days in constant grief until she fell ill,” he narrated.
Hojat al-Islam Fahimi, the founder of the Khatam al-Mursalin (p.b.u.h) School, also spoke during the event, addressing contemporary issues related to the defense of Islam and the hijab. “Today, hundreds of statements are made in media and public forums against religion, the Quran, and Imam Mahdi (a.s.), but who is defending them? Unfortunately, under various pretexts, Islamic hijab is being attacked.”
Hojat al-Islam Fahimi also emphasized the necessity of observing hijab by women in western Kabul, stating, “We must defend religion, the Quran, and Islamic values because there are 27 Quranic verses about hijab, and it is a religious and legal matter.”
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Women, Men Originate from the Same Essence/ Women Can Serve as Spiritual Role Models: Ayatollah Ramazani
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, referencing Quranic verses, stated that men and women share the same essence, with no difference in their human value. He emphasized that women have the capacity to attain infallibility and act as spiritual role models in society.
ABWA Official Website – On Wednesday evening, December 4, 2024, during a ceremony commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) at Haj Samad Khan Mosque in Rasht, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani remarked, “In the Jahiliyyah (the era of ignorance in pre-Islamic Arabia), there existed a narrow and limited perspective towards women, denying them any defined status. On the other hand, an unrestrained perspective arose, granting women absolute freedom from all directions. Both views are deviant interpretations of the nature of women.”
Pointing out that “without considering the spiritual and emotional aspects of human beings, it is impossible to provide an accurate understanding of humanity,” the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “Equality in women’s rights means recognizing that men and women share the same essence. The essence of women is identical to that of men, rooted in their souls and spirits.”
“If society upholds its boundaries, it will undoubtedly advance. God created men and women from the same essence, with no differences. The true essence of humanity lies in the soul, while the body is merely a tool. Human faculties must also be properly managed,” he added.
Emphasizing that the faith, piety, and dignity mentioned in the Quran apply equally to men and women, Ayatollah Ramazani affirmed, “A woman can achieve infallibility and spiritual authority, like Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), who communicated with divine angels and was thus called Muhaddithah.”
“Women can serve as role models for men. They must recognize their greatness and strive for self-elevation,” he continued.
The representative of the people of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts clarified that differences between men and women in creation are not discriminatory. “In essence and spiritual growth, women are no different from men. In worship and perfection, women can progress to the same level as men, if not higher,” he noted.
“In women, the path of the heart, which is one of the most effective routes to spirituality, is often more than in men. The differences between men and women complement each other, creating a mutual dependence in society,” he further explained.
Ayatollah Ramazani remarked that anyone who has piety will achieve greater growth, adding, “The fact that women do not lead prayers in mosques does not imply their inferiority to men.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (p.b.u.h) World Assembly stressed that God Almighty granted Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.) the role of Shifa’a (Intercession).
On the issue of inheritance, he stated, “The share allocated to women is less than that of men because the financial responsibilities of the family rest primarily on men.”
“Women have the responsibility of nurturing children, and motherhood is not a minor task. Without this role, families cannot be properly nurtured. Men, in addition to economic responsibilities, also bring moral guidance to the family,” he further noted.
Ayatollah Ramazani asserted that Lady Fatimah (a.s.) was a complete and comprehensive figure in the true sense of the word. “We have achieved the misconception that a woman’s role is limited to staying at home and working there. However, women should be proactive and participate in fields like medicine and education,” he added.
The member of the Assembly of Leadership Experts concluded by highlighting the need to create opportunities for the growth and responsibilities of women and girls. “These capacities can lead society toward civilization. Women can attain the highest levels of faith and moral development.”
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