Report of “Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.)” meeting in Tanzania with presence of ABWA’s Secretary General
In a meeting titled “Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.)” held in Tanzania, Ayatollah Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly gave a speech about the individual and social position of women from an Islamic point of view.
ABWA Official Website – During his recent visit to Africa, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly participated and gave a speech in a meeting titled “Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.)” which was held at the Wepaz complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In this meeting, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Women are a remarkable capacity in the world. Almost half of the world’s population consists of women. In addition to the role of home management and raising the new generation, women definitely can play a role in the social arena. With the strong participation of women in social arenas, the presence of men will also be more effective.”
“The women who were educated in Kufa as students in the Quran interpretation classes of Lady Zaynab (a.s.) played a role in Karbala as well. In other words, because the women were disciples of Lady Zaynab (a.s.), their men achieved the honor of martyrdom in Karbala,” added the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Referring to the neglect of women throughout history, he said, “In the last 100 years in Europe, which claims to be the cradle of civilization, the worst crimes against women have been committed. Even feminism, which was created to reclaim women’s rights, failed to do so. Even today in Europe, women are used as tools. Big companies still use women in their commercial advertising, and if they hire them, they pay them less.”
Explaining the story of Adam and Eve, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Some say that “Eve was created from Adam’s left rib, and it was Eve who deceived Adam (causing them to be expelled from Paradise),” which is not acceptable to us at all. The Holy Quran clearly states that Satan swore to both of them that he was their benefactor and deceived them. In another verse, the Quran states that Adam and Eve were led astray by Satan. Therefore, the accusations against Eve are not true.”
Describing the status of women in the Quran, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “In addition to Surah An-Nisa, which means “The Women”, the names of some important women such as Lady Maryam (a.s.) are also mentioned in the Quran. About 300 verses in the Holy Quran describe the greatness and position of women.”
“The Prophet (p.b.u.h) had no son and only Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.) remained from his generation. After Lady Khadija’s demise, whenever the Prophet (p.b.u.h) remembered her, he cried,” he said.
Explaining the role of believing women from the Holy Quranic point of view, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Three women played an effective role in the life and upbringing of Prophet Moses (p.b.u.h): his mother and sister, and Asiya, Pharaoh’s wife, each of them played an important role in their position. In the Holy Quran, wherever the real status of men and women is mentioned, both are mentioned together.”
“Concepts such as humanity, spirituality, courage, servitude to God, piety, and faith are not reserved for men or women, and every human being has the ability to acquire them. Therefore, it can be said that real (spiritual) positions have nothing to do with gender. In this regard, God in the Holy Quran says: “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ” (O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Godwary among you.) (Holy Quran, Surah: Al-Hujurat, Verse: 13). Also, in Surah An-Nahl God says: “مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ وَ هُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً” (Whoever acts righteously, [whether] male or female, should he be faithful, We shall revive him with a good life) (Holy Quran, Surah: An-Nahl, Verse: 97). Therefore, there is no difference between believing men and women in worship and real (spiritual) positions,” added the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Praising Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), he said, “Whenever Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.) went to his honorable father’s house, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) would completely stand in respecting her, go to her, kiss her hands, and make her sit in the best place of the house. There is no higher status for anyone than Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), not because she was the daughter of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), but because of her high spiritual position with God.”
Referring to the events of Ashura day, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Imam Hussain (a.s.), with his high status and positions, asked his sister Lady Zaynab (a.s.) to pray for him in his night prayer, which indicates the high status of this noble lady with the Infallible Imam (a.s.). Also, after the events of Ashura and Karbala, Lady Zaynab (a.s.) had a heavy duty in the absence of Imam Hussain (a.s.), which also points to her high status.”
Addressing the women participating in the meeting, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “Consider your position high, as Islam considers it high. Creating organizations, unions and official associations can convey your voice to the world. You have to react to the atrocities against women. East African countries need to form an official forum and take steps to defend women’s rights in the world.”
“You need to announce your existence to the world, and all international organizations, universities, and scientific centers must notice your presence in different fields. The call of women’s oppression must be conveyed to the whole world. Girls also need to grow scientifically and spiritually in order to be recognized as scientists and religious preachers in all scientific centers,” he continued.
Emphasizing the awareness of Muslims about world events, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “During the last 4 decades, Muslims have had the largest number of victims in the world, and some of these victims are women from Palestine, Myanmar, and Ethiopia.”
“Women need to be active in cyberspace and acquire media literacy. Active presence in cyberspace makes the voice of women heard in the world,” stated the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
At the end of his speech, pointing out the words of Imam Ali (a.s.), he said, “Unity always leads to victory, and division always leads to defeat. Therefore, if you are on the right front, but do not have unity, you will suffer defeat or become weak.”
At the beginning of this meeting, Dr. Roknabadi, Director General of Women’s Affairs of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, explained the plans of the meeting of women followers of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) in the East Africa region and pointed out the position of women in the life of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and AhlulBayt (a.s.).
As the secretary of the meeting of women followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.), while pointing to the establishment of the East African Women’s Association, she emphasized the formation of women’s associations in every country and suggested strategies to facilitate the cooperation and interaction of women who follow the AhlulBayt (a.s.) school.
It is worth mentioning that the establishment of the Regional Association of Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.) in the East African region, centered in Tanzania to create convergence and interaction among Shiite women in this region, was one of the most important achievements of this meeting.
The meeting was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the participation of women from 9 Eastern African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, and Mozambique.
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In a meeting titled “Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.)” held in Tanzania, Ayatollah Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly gave a speech about the individual and social position of women from an Islamic point of view.
ABWA Official Website – During his recent visit to Africa, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly participated and gave a speech in a meeting titled “Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.)” which was held at the Wepaz complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In this meeting, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Women are a remarkable capacity in the world. Almost half of the world’s population consists of women. In addition to the role of home management and raising the new generation, women definitely can play a role in the social arena. With the strong participation of women in social arenas, the presence of men will also be more effective.”
“The women who were educated in Kufa as students in the Quran interpretation classes of Lady Zaynab (a.s.) played a role in Karbala as well. In other words, because the women were disciples of Lady Zaynab (a.s.), their men achieved the honor of martyrdom in Karbala,” added the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Referring to the neglect of women throughout history, he said, “In the last 100 years in Europe, which claims to be the cradle of civilization, the worst crimes against women have been committed. Even feminism, which was created to reclaim women’s rights, failed to do so. Even today in Europe, women are used as tools. Big companies still use women in their commercial advertising, and if they hire them, they pay them less.”
Explaining the story of Adam and Eve, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Some say that “Eve was created from Adam’s left rib, and it was Eve who deceived Adam (causing them to be expelled from Paradise),” which is not acceptable to us at all. The Holy Quran clearly states that Satan swore to both of them that he was their benefactor and deceived them. In another verse, the Quran states that Adam and Eve were led astray by Satan. Therefore, the accusations against Eve are not true.”
Describing the status of women in the Quran, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “In addition to Surah An-Nisa, which means “The Women”, the names of some important women such as Lady Maryam (a.s.) are also mentioned in the Quran. About 300 verses in the Holy Quran describe the greatness and position of women.”
“The Prophet (p.b.u.h) had no son and only Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.) remained from his generation. After Lady Khadija’s demise, whenever the Prophet (p.b.u.h) remembered her, he cried,” he said.
Explaining the role of believing women from the Holy Quranic point of view, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Three women played an effective role in the life and upbringing of Prophet Moses (p.b.u.h): his mother and sister, and Asiya, Pharaoh’s wife, each of them played an important role in their position. In the Holy Quran, wherever the real status of men and women is mentioned, both are mentioned together.”
“Concepts such as humanity, spirituality, courage, servitude to God, piety, and faith are not reserved for men or women, and every human being has the ability to acquire them. Therefore, it can be said that real (spiritual) positions have nothing to do with gender. In this regard, God in the Holy Quran says: “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ” (O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Godwary among you.) (Holy Quran, Surah: Al-Hujurat, Verse: 13). Also, in Surah An-Nahl God says: “مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ وَ هُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً” (Whoever acts righteously, [whether] male or female, should he be faithful, We shall revive him with a good life) (Holy Quran, Surah: An-Nahl, Verse: 97). Therefore, there is no difference between believing men and women in worship and real (spiritual) positions,” added the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Praising Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), he said, “Whenever Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.) went to his honorable father’s house, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) would completely stand in respecting her, go to her, kiss her hands, and make her sit in the best place of the house. There is no higher status for anyone than Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), not because she was the daughter of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), but because of her high spiritual position with God.”
Referring to the events of Ashura day, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Imam Hussain (a.s.), with his high status and positions, asked his sister Lady Zaynab (a.s.) to pray for him in his night prayer, which indicates the high status of this noble lady with the Infallible Imam (a.s.). Also, after the events of Ashura and Karbala, Lady Zaynab (a.s.) had a heavy duty in the absence of Imam Hussain (a.s.), which also points to her high status.”
Addressing the women participating in the meeting, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “Consider your position high, as Islam considers it high. Creating organizations, unions and official associations can convey your voice to the world. You have to react to the atrocities against women. East African countries need to form an official forum and take steps to defend women’s rights in the world.”
“You need to announce your existence to the world, and all international organizations, universities, and scientific centers must notice your presence in different fields. The call of women’s oppression must be conveyed to the whole world. Girls also need to grow scientifically and spiritually in order to be recognized as scientists and religious preachers in all scientific centers,” he continued.
Emphasizing the awareness of Muslims about world events, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “During the last 4 decades, Muslims have had the largest number of victims in the world, and some of these victims are women from Palestine, Myanmar, and Ethiopia.”
“Women need to be active in cyberspace and acquire media literacy. Active presence in cyberspace makes the voice of women heard in the world,” stated the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
At the end of his speech, pointing out the words of Imam Ali (a.s.), he said, “Unity always leads to victory, and division always leads to defeat. Therefore, if you are on the right front, but do not have unity, you will suffer defeat or become weak.”
At the beginning of this meeting, Dr. Roknabadi, Director General of Women’s Affairs of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, explained the plans of the meeting of women followers of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) in the East Africa region and pointed out the position of women in the life of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and AhlulBayt (a.s.).
As the secretary of the meeting of women followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.), while pointing to the establishment of the East African Women’s Association, she emphasized the formation of women’s associations in every country and suggested strategies to facilitate the cooperation and interaction of women who follow the AhlulBayt (a.s.) school.
It is worth mentioning that the establishment of the Regional Association of Women Followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.) in the East African region, centered in Tanzania to create convergence and interaction among Shiite women in this region, was one of the most important achievements of this meeting.
The meeting was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the participation of women from 9 Eastern African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, and Mozambique.
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