ABWA’s Secretary of Book Council: Titles, Objectives of “International Conference of Abu Talib; Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”
Considering the holding the “International Conference of Abu Talib; Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)” as an action to remove doubts and ambiguity about Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Hojat al-Islam Jafari Farahani, the Secretary of the Conference, said, “The sources of emulation consider the commemoration and revival of the character of Abu Talib (a.s.) as the revival of religion.”
International Conference “Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)” will be held by the initiation of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and support and cooperation of the similar institutions, including, “Imam Hossein (a.s.) Holy Shrine”, “Hazrat Aboutaleb Research and Publishing Institute”, “The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought”, “Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy of Islamic Propagation Office”, “Al-Mustafa International University”, “Hawza Language teaching center”, “International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.)”, “Mirath-e Nabowat Cultural Institute”, “Jamiat al-Zahra Seminary University”, “Zorria al-Nabawia Research Center”, “Qasem ibn al-Hassan (a.s.) Religious-Cultural Institute”, and “Abna al-Rasoul Cultural and Artistic Institute”.
In an interview with ABNA News Agency, Hojat al-Islam Abbas Jafari Farahani, Secretary of the Book Council of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and the Secretary of the “International Conference of Abu Talib (AS), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”, explained the reasons, titles and objectives of holding the conference.
ABNA: Why does the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly is to hold an international conference about Abu Talib (a.s.) among the great figures of the beginning of Islam?
Farahani: Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is a very great figure in the history of Islam. The greatness of this figure is specified in historical sources, and even verses of the Quran, part of which is related to the history of the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and his relatives. As some have said, “If it were not for Abu Talib (a.s.) and his activities and support, the Prophet (a.s.) would not have succeeded in his plans.” That is, the support of Abu Talib (a.s.) provided the space for the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to carry out his mission.
After Abd al-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is one of the great figures who is known in Arabic culture as “Sheikh al-Abateh”. He was one of the nobles of his time.
However, after the Islamic Revolution, no conference has been held for this great and influential figure of the history of Islam, and this issue is also one of the oppressions on the great uncle and supporter of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h).
Therefore, at the suggestion of some scientific-religious institutes and centers, the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly agreed to hold the “International Conference of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.); Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.
ABNA: To remove the oppression from Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), what axes have been considered for the conference?
Farahani: After the approval of the Academic Council of the conference, its call was announced in four issues and committees:
First: “History and Life”, includes topics such as the lineage and family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Abu Talib (a.s.) before the Mission of the Prophet, Abu Talib (a.s.) business trips, childhood, during the age of prophethood of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), Abu Talib (a.s.) and the marriage of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), critique of historical comments about Abu Talib (a.s.), social life of Abu Talib (a.s.), lessons from the Abu Talib’s life for today's society.
Second: “Theology and Beliefs”, includes topics such as examining the basics of the reasons for the faith of Abu Talib (a.s.), Abu Talib (a.s.) support and defense of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), reviewing the words of Abu Talib (a.s.) on various occasions in support of Islam and the Prophet (p.b.u.h), examining the words of the Shaba (companions of the Prophet) and Tabi’een (The generation of Muslims who were born after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (.p.b.u.h) but were contemporaries of the Sahabe) about the faith of Abu Talib (a.s.), examining the doubts of the opponents and their complete and comprehensive answer, etc. In this section, doubts such as “The claim that Abu Talib (a.s.) was an infidel” are answered. Because the Wahhabis and the Nasebis make such a claim, while according to the consensus of the Shiite Ulama, there is no evidence to support this false claim. In this section also the statements of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and the Imams (a.s.) on faith and monotheism of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) will be examined.
Third: “Poetry and Literature” section, in two sections:
“Linguistic issues” include the linguistic study of the poetry and literature of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the lexicography of the sermons and wills of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the analysis and composition of the poems of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the study and critique of translations of poetry and prose of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the stylistics of the poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), and so on.
“Literary subjects” include topics such as the literary influence of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) on Arabic poets and poetry, the study of rhetorical and literary aspects of the poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the citing the poetry of Abu Talib (a.s.) for interpretation and explanation, and so on.
Fourth: “Authors”, including the descriptive bibliography of Abu Talib (a.s.), typology of works written about Abu Talib (a.s.), narration and rijals (those who narrate the Hadith) of the poems and wills of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the biography of those who wrote about Abu Talib (a.s.).
For more detailed information on all topics of the call, those interested can refer to the conference website at the following address:
http://www.ahl-ul-bayt.org/en/abutalib
ABNA: What is the progress of the conference secretariat, and how many articles have been submitted to the secretariat so far?
Farahani: The Academic Council has held seven sessions so far, and since the academic call for papers so far, 20 papers from Iran and other countries, such as Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt in has been submitted to the Secretariat in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and English.
ABNA: What is the opinion of the Maraje (Sources of Emulation) and Ulama (Islamic scholars) regarding the holding of the conference? Did you ask for their opinions?
Farahani: Yes, we have had meetings with Maraje (Sources of Emulation) and figures. It should be mentioned that Grand Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani was very delighted with the holding of the conference, and considered it a suitable and appropriate initiative, and emphasized that “The commemoration of Abu Talib (a.s.) is the revival of Shia and Islam.”
Also, “Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi” emphasized that it is a great flaw that after 40 years since the Islamic Revolution, and the holding of so many conferences, no conference has been held for this great figure. He also promised financial and moral support for the conference.
In addition, “Grand Ayatollah Alavi Gorgani” considered this action appropriate. The representative of Ayatollah Sistani in Qom also considered holding the conference desirable, and emphasized on using the capacity of followers of other religions and faiths in this conference and said, “Abu Talib (a.s.) is an international figure. Because most of his life was before Islam, and he played an influential role in history. The works and documents related to the history of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) show his Abu Talib’s high position in the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and this role is not only from family and relative dimension.”
ABNA: How is the calendar of the conference?
Farahani: The deadline for submitting abstracts to the conference secretariat is May 21, 2019, and the deadline for submitting the full text of articles is October 22, 2019. The conference will be held in March 2021 in the holy city of Qom. It should be mentioned that the conference is approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (of Iran), and the submitted articles, if approved by the Academic Committee of the Conference, will be indexed in the Islamic World Science Citation Database.
ABNA: How is the process of the call of the Conference internationally, and attracting articles from other countries and even other religions?
Farahani: The AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly has delegations in more than 150 countries, and through these delegations has announced the call of the conference. Also, the representative offices of the Supreme Leader in other countries, as well as Iran's Cultural attaché offices in different countries, are cooperating with the Assembly in call for the conference.
ABNA: Does the Secretariat of the Conference also consider publishing book of the articles collection?
Farahani: Of course, and in addition to the book of articles collection, so far more than 20 books about Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), from Shiite and non-Shiite sources, have been suggested to the Assembly, and after review, their publication will be supported. These works will also be unveiled during the conference.
Also, an exhibition of works related to the personality of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is planned to be held on the sidelines of the “Conference of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.); Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.
ABNA: What institutions are cooperating with the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in holding this conference?
Farahani: Scientific centers including “Imam Hossein (a.s.) Holy Shrine”, “Hazrat Aboutaleb Research and Publishing Institute”, “The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought”, “Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy of Islamic Propagation Office”, “Al-Mustafa International University”, “Hawza Language teaching center”, “International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.)”, “Mirath-e Nabowat Cultural Institute”, “Jamiat al-Zahra Seminary University”, “Zorria al-Nabawia Research Center”, “Qasem ibn al-Hassan (a.s.) Religious-Cultural Institute”, and “Abna al-Rasoul Cultural and Artistic Institute”; international conference “Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”, and ABNA News Agency are cooperating institutions in holding the conference internationally.
Considering the holding the “International Conference of Abu Talib; Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)” as an action to remove doubts and ambiguity about Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Hojat al-Islam Jafari Farahani, the Secretary of the Conference, said, “The sources of emulation consider the commemoration and revival of the character of Abu Talib (a.s.) as the revival of religion.”
International Conference “Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)” will be held by the initiation of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and support and cooperation of the similar institutions, including, “Imam Hossein (a.s.) Holy Shrine”, “Hazrat Aboutaleb Research and Publishing Institute”, “The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought”, “Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy of Islamic Propagation Office”, “Al-Mustafa International University”, “Hawza Language teaching center”, “International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.)”, “Mirath-e Nabowat Cultural Institute”, “Jamiat al-Zahra Seminary University”, “Zorria al-Nabawia Research Center”, “Qasem ibn al-Hassan (a.s.) Religious-Cultural Institute”, and “Abna al-Rasoul Cultural and Artistic Institute”.
In an interview with ABNA News Agency, Hojat al-Islam Abbas Jafari Farahani, Secretary of the Book Council of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and the Secretary of the “International Conference of Abu Talib (AS), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”, explained the reasons, titles and objectives of holding the conference.
ABNA: Why does the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly is to hold an international conference about Abu Talib (a.s.) among the great figures of the beginning of Islam?
Farahani: Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is a very great figure in the history of Islam. The greatness of this figure is specified in historical sources, and even verses of the Quran, part of which is related to the history of the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and his relatives. As some have said, “If it were not for Abu Talib (a.s.) and his activities and support, the Prophet (a.s.) would not have succeeded in his plans.” That is, the support of Abu Talib (a.s.) provided the space for the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to carry out his mission.
After Abd al-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is one of the great figures who is known in Arabic culture as “Sheikh al-Abateh”. He was one of the nobles of his time.
However, after the Islamic Revolution, no conference has been held for this great and influential figure of the history of Islam, and this issue is also one of the oppressions on the great uncle and supporter of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h).
Therefore, at the suggestion of some scientific-religious institutes and centers, the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly agreed to hold the “International Conference of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.); Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.
ABNA: To remove the oppression from Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), what axes have been considered for the conference?
Farahani: After the approval of the Academic Council of the conference, its call was announced in four issues and committees:
First: “History and Life”, includes topics such as the lineage and family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Abu Talib (a.s.) before the Mission of the Prophet, Abu Talib (a.s.) business trips, childhood, during the age of prophethood of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), Abu Talib (a.s.) and the marriage of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), critique of historical comments about Abu Talib (a.s.), social life of Abu Talib (a.s.), lessons from the Abu Talib’s life for today's society.
Second: “Theology and Beliefs”, includes topics such as examining the basics of the reasons for the faith of Abu Talib (a.s.), Abu Talib (a.s.) support and defense of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), reviewing the words of Abu Talib (a.s.) on various occasions in support of Islam and the Prophet (p.b.u.h), examining the words of the Shaba (companions of the Prophet) and Tabi’een (The generation of Muslims who were born after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (.p.b.u.h) but were contemporaries of the Sahabe) about the faith of Abu Talib (a.s.), examining the doubts of the opponents and their complete and comprehensive answer, etc. In this section, doubts such as “The claim that Abu Talib (a.s.) was an infidel” are answered. Because the Wahhabis and the Nasebis make such a claim, while according to the consensus of the Shiite Ulama, there is no evidence to support this false claim. In this section also the statements of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and the Imams (a.s.) on faith and monotheism of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) will be examined.
Third: “Poetry and Literature” section, in two sections:
“Linguistic issues” include the linguistic study of the poetry and literature of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the lexicography of the sermons and wills of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the analysis and composition of the poems of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the study and critique of translations of poetry and prose of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the stylistics of the poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), and so on.
“Literary subjects” include topics such as the literary influence of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) on Arabic poets and poetry, the study of rhetorical and literary aspects of the poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the citing the poetry of Abu Talib (a.s.) for interpretation and explanation, and so on.
Fourth: “Authors”, including the descriptive bibliography of Abu Talib (a.s.), typology of works written about Abu Talib (a.s.), narration and rijals (those who narrate the Hadith) of the poems and wills of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the biography of those who wrote about Abu Talib (a.s.).
For more detailed information on all topics of the call, those interested can refer to the conference website at the following address:
http://www.ahl-ul-bayt.org/en/abutalib
ABNA: What is the progress of the conference secretariat, and how many articles have been submitted to the secretariat so far?
Farahani: The Academic Council has held seven sessions so far, and since the academic call for papers so far, 20 papers from Iran and other countries, such as Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt in has been submitted to the Secretariat in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and English.
ABNA: What is the opinion of the Maraje (Sources of Emulation) and Ulama (Islamic scholars) regarding the holding of the conference? Did you ask for their opinions?
Farahani: Yes, we have had meetings with Maraje (Sources of Emulation) and figures. It should be mentioned that Grand Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani was very delighted with the holding of the conference, and considered it a suitable and appropriate initiative, and emphasized that “The commemoration of Abu Talib (a.s.) is the revival of Shia and Islam.”
Also, “Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi” emphasized that it is a great flaw that after 40 years since the Islamic Revolution, and the holding of so many conferences, no conference has been held for this great figure. He also promised financial and moral support for the conference.
In addition, “Grand Ayatollah Alavi Gorgani” considered this action appropriate. The representative of Ayatollah Sistani in Qom also considered holding the conference desirable, and emphasized on using the capacity of followers of other religions and faiths in this conference and said, “Abu Talib (a.s.) is an international figure. Because most of his life was before Islam, and he played an influential role in history. The works and documents related to the history of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) show his Abu Talib’s high position in the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and this role is not only from family and relative dimension.”
ABNA: How is the calendar of the conference?
Farahani: The deadline for submitting abstracts to the conference secretariat is May 21, 2019, and the deadline for submitting the full text of articles is October 22, 2019. The conference will be held in March 2021 in the holy city of Qom. It should be mentioned that the conference is approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (of Iran), and the submitted articles, if approved by the Academic Committee of the Conference, will be indexed in the Islamic World Science Citation Database.
ABNA: How is the process of the call of the Conference internationally, and attracting articles from other countries and even other religions?
Farahani: The AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly has delegations in more than 150 countries, and through these delegations has announced the call of the conference. Also, the representative offices of the Supreme Leader in other countries, as well as Iran's Cultural attaché offices in different countries, are cooperating with the Assembly in call for the conference.
ABNA: Does the Secretariat of the Conference also consider publishing book of the articles collection?
Farahani: Of course, and in addition to the book of articles collection, so far more than 20 books about Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), from Shiite and non-Shiite sources, have been suggested to the Assembly, and after review, their publication will be supported. These works will also be unveiled during the conference.
Also, an exhibition of works related to the personality of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) is planned to be held on the sidelines of the “Conference of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.); Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.
ABNA: What institutions are cooperating with the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in holding this conference?
Farahani: Scientific centers including “Imam Hossein (a.s.) Holy Shrine”, “Hazrat Aboutaleb Research and Publishing Institute”, “The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought”, “Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy of Islamic Propagation Office”, “Al-Mustafa International University”, “Hawza Language teaching center”, “International University of AhlulBayt (a.s.)”, “Mirath-e Nabowat Cultural Institute”, “Jamiat al-Zahra Seminary University”, “Zorria al-Nabawia Research Center”, “Qasem ibn al-Hassan (a.s.) Religious-Cultural Institute”, and “Abna al-Rasoul Cultural and Artistic Institute”; international conference “Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), Supporter of the Great Prophet (p.b.u.h)”, and ABNA News Agency are cooperating institutions in holding the conference internationally.