Assembly News
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Deputy for ABWA’s International Affairs visited Syria and Lebanon
During an official visit, the Deputy for International Affairs of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly met with various figures in Syria and Lebanon.
ABWA Official Website – Hojat al-Islam Mohammad Ali Moinian, accompanied by a delegation, visited different regions in Syria and Lebanon and held meetings with prominent figures in both countries.
During his visit to Syria, the Deputy for International Affairs met with Hossein Akbari, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria; Hojat al-Islam Nabil Halbawi, a member of the Supreme Council of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly; and Hojat al-Islam Sayed Abdullah Nizam, a Syrian member of the General Assembly of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
In Lebanon, he met with Hojat al-Islam Ali al-Khatib, Hojat al-Islam Ali al-Khazem, Hojat al-Islam Abdul-Hussain al-Sadiq, Hojat al-Islam Mohammad Jafar al-Mohajer, and Dr. Talal Itrisi, who are Lebanese members of the General Assembly of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly. He also met with Sheikh Maher Hammoud, Secretary-General of the World Union of Resistance Scholars; Sheikh Abdullah Jabri, Secretary-General of the Ummah Movement in Lebanon and a Sunni scholar; and Hojat al-Islam Sayed Kumayl Baqerzadeh, Iran’s Attaché Culturel in Lebanon. Additionally, he visited the family of a martyred cleric in Beirut.
During his meetings in Syria and Lebanon, Hojat al-Islam Moinian conveyed the greetings of the Secretary-General, the President, and the members of the Supreme Council of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly. He also presented a report on Iran’s latest public support initiatives for the people of Lebanon.
Furthermore, he used these meetings as an opportunity to articulate the firm and clear stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran in support of the Resistance Axis and Lebanese Hezbollah.
In discussions with religious and influential figures in Lebanon, Hojat al-Islam Moinian received their latest perspectives and views, particularly following the martyrdom of Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Lebanese Hezbollah. These interactions have strengthened the morale of these individuals.
The Deputy for International Affairs also reviewed the latest measures and aid provided for refugees in Syria and Lebanon. He conducted site visits and monitored programs offered to displaced Lebanese in the Lady Zaynab (a.s.) area of Damascus, implemented by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly’s office in Syria.
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Crisis-Stricken Western Civilization is Not a Salvation Model: Ayatollah Ramazani
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, emphasizing that identity crises in the West stem from neglecting women, stated, “Some wish to present the West, which is grappling with a severe spiritual crisis and had over 4,000 false spiritualities, as a salvation model.”
ABWA Official Website – On Tuesday evening, December 3, 2024, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, addressing a gathering for Fatemiyyah mourning at Haj Samad Khan Mosque in Rasht, remarked, “The Fatimiyyah days provide the best opportunity to reevaluate and redefine the role of women in the Quran. Lady Fatimah (s.a.) serves as a standard for thought, belief, ethics, behavior, lifestyle, and servitude to God.”
The representative of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts added, “If we measure ourselves by the standards set by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) and the Holy Quran, it becomes evident that we are far from those ideals and are practicing the religion (Islam) based on personal preferences.”
“We must align ourselves with the lifestyle of Lady Fatimah (s.a.),” he noted.
Ayatollah Ramazani pointed out the historical prevalence of extreme views regarding women, stating, “Throughout history, we have encountered both excessive and deficient attitudes toward women. In certain civilizations, when a man passed away, his wife was burned alongside him.”
“In Islamic thought, a woman is regarded as a cornerstone of the family. In contrast, in the West, women are often treated as mere tools, reflecting an excessive perspective on women’s roles,” emphasized the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Referring to discussions on feminism, women’s rights, and liberty in the West, he asserted, “What has been the outcome of the claim of defending women’s rights after three to four centuries? Ethical values have declined, and women have been distanced from their pivotal roles.”
“In the West, with the transformation of human and ethical values and the loss of human dignity, the definition of family has changed. In Western civilization, women were deprived of their maternal rights. The achievement of this civilization, which claimed to defend women’s rights, was that the value and status of women were reduced to the level of commodities,” he continued.
Identity Crisis in the West: A Consequence of Neglecting Women
Highlighting the concept of liberalism, which promotes absolute freedom for women, Ayatollah Ramazani, the representative of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts, remarked, “In the Ignorance Era (Jahiliyyah in pre-Islam Arabia), women were confined and restricted, which was excessive deficiency. Today, the West claims women should be unrestricted, representing excessive excess.”
“The result of this extremist approach is the prevalence of unrestrained sexual relations in middle schools in the West,” he elaborated.
“With liberalism, it is asserted that if boys and girls in schools cannot engage in sexual relations, they are unhealthy. Unfortunately, the place of values and anti-values has changed, and the good have become vice and the vice have become good,” he added.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly continued, “This identity crisis in the West has led to widespread depression, spiritual death, and solitude, resulting from a lack of attention to women’s spiritual needs.”
“Some wish to present the West, which has reached a severe spiritual crisis with over 4,000 fabricated spiritualities, as a salvation model,” he stressed.
“The faculties of desire and anger in humans are not without purpose, but their excess or deficiency leads to vices. Desire must be cultivated to generate virtues; anger must be refined to produce courage; and reason must be nurtured to foster justice,” Ayatollah Ramazani stated.
Referring to Lady Fatimah’s (s.a.) exemplary character, he added, “Lady Fatimah (s.a.) attained the highest level of refinement in asceticism, worship, and courage. She remains a distinguished figure in Islam and humanity, serving as a role model for prophets, saints, worshippers, and ascetics.”
Western Civilization Promotes Immorality and Nudity
Ayatollah Ramazani further remarked, “Through liberalism, Western civilization propagates immorality and nudity. Islam opposes such practices as they do not elevate human dignity.”
He emphasized the need to expand the culture of hijab and chastity within society, adding, “Institutions such as IRIB, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science have significant responsibilities in this regard.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further stated, “The consequences of mixing genders in the West are identity crises, moral decline, and depression. Today, society faces a plague of depression, spiritual fatigue, and alienation from human identity.”
“Our younger generation is, in many ways, alienated from themselves. Those exposed to unrestrained relationships often resort to solitude and struggle to liberate themselves from the bonds of sexual deviations,” he noted.
Consequences of Women’s Rights Advocacy in the West: Divorce, Suicide, and Loneliness
Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized, “The outcome of defending women’s rights in the Western style has been an increase in divorce, suicide, and solitary living. Statistics show a rise in the number of nursing homes in the West, where human interaction has been replaced with attachment to animals.”
“The West’s current challenges – identity crises, nudity, and depression – are the result of distancing themselves from religious identity, divine guidance, and the AhlulBayt (a.s.) teachings,” stressed the representative of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts.
“Our youth are inherently religious and spiritual. We must convey culture to them in a language they can relate to, which requires artistry and skill,” he said.
“The younger generation seeks role models, and we urgently need to reassess and redefine how we introduce the exemplary figures of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) to this generation,” Ayatollah Ramazani concluded.
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Multilingual Content Package about Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (s.a.) in the International AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network
On the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (s.a.), a comprehensive content package comprising over 380 works in the form of e-books and articles on topics related to this noble lady has been published on the International AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network.
ABWA Official Website – On the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (s.a.), a comprehensive content package comprising over 380 works in the form of e-books and articles on topics related to this noble lady has been published on the International AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network.
This initiative aims to introduce the exalted personality of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (s.a.) to an international audience. The multilingual content package is now available to the public on the International AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network. This thematic collection includes more than 380 works presented in 20 languages, accessible through the provided link.
User Guide
- First, visit the International AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network and select the banner titled Thematic Collection on Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (s.a.).
- By registering on the AhlulBayt (a.s.) Knowledge Network, you can use features such as a personalized profile.
- In addition to advanced search functionalities, you can utilize thematic graphs to locate your desired resources.
- To access resources of the contents, visit the Manifestations of the Work section, and for wiki-style articles, refer to the Access to Text link.
- In the Related Works section, all related materials, including translations in various languages, are readily available.
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Islam Grants Women the Right to Leadership, Education, Upbringing, Decision-Making: Ayatollah Ramazani
The representative of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts, speaking about the status of women in the Quran, stated that there are approximately 300 Quranic verses about women. He emphasized that Islam grants women the right to leadership, upbringing, education, and decision-making.
ABWA Official Website – On Monday, December 2, 2024, during a mourning ceremony commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.) at the Haj Samad Khan Mosque in Rasht, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani highlighted that justice has been the ultimate goal of all divine prophets. “A system based on justice must be established so that society can experience justice in every dimension,” he remarked.
“The spirituality emphasized in the Quran and Hadiths is rooted in religion. Spirituality is not a human invention; its pinnacle must be centered on God. Anything else is but a mirage,” he added.
Ayatollah Ramazani further noted, “Humanity’s greatest pursuit is to achieve security and stability. Until it attains security, it will not find peace.”
There are approximately 300 Quranic verses about women
Referring to the Quran’s focus on women, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Approximately 300 verses in the Quran discuss women and issues related to them. There is a chapter (Surah) named after women, as well as chapters named after prominent women in history, such as Surah Maryam.”
He pointed out the extremes in perspectives toward women throughout history, stating, “Unfortunately, in various historical periods, women have faced neglect and injustice. Yet, the Almighty God has decreed equal rewards for both men and women, making no distinction between them.”
“Islam’s view of women, as well as the Prophet Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h) treatment of women, introduces a new discourse aligned with the divine order of creation,” emphasized the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Women in the Quran as Agents of Change and Activism
Addressing extremist perspectives from civilizations like those of ancient China, India, and pre-Islamic Arabia, Ayatollah Ramazani remarked, “For instance, women in China were denied inheritance.”
He underscored the Quranic perspective on women, stating, “A role model like Lady Fatimah (a.s.) provides us with a profound understanding of the status of women and clarifies our duties toward them.”
“From the Qur’anic perspective, women can align themselves with a monotheistic, justice-oriented system and become agents of change, active contributors, and transformative forces,” he added.
Martyrs Soleimani and Nasrallah Were Inspired by Lady Fatimah (a.s.)
Ayatollah Ramazani highlighted, “The concept of ‘Kawthar’ in the Quran, exemplified by the legacy of Lady Fatimah (a.s.), continues to have a profound impact today. Figures like Martyr Soleimani, Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, and Sayed Hashem Safieddine are fruits of such ideological framework and the teachings of Lady Fatimah (a.s.).”
Stressing the importance of understanding the lifestyle of Lady Fatimah (a.s.), he lamented that many human schools of thought throughout history have failed to regard women as beings with dignity.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly explained, “The Quran portrays humanity as beings with free will. However, during the Ignorance Era (Jahiliyyah), women were denied everything and were treated merely as tools.”
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) Revived Women’s Rights
Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) revived the rights and status of women. During the Ignorance Era (Jahiliyyah), people would become enraged and distressed upon the birth of daughters, burying them alive.”
“In history, there were instances where women were excluded from motherhood’s role in raising children and even denied the right to interact socially. In contrast, Islam granted women the right to leadership, education, upbringing, and decision-making,” he added.
Ayatollah Ramazani remarked, “In certain historical periods, women were denied any form of economic ownership or managerial power. Today, however, we see women occupying ministerial positions.”
The Quran Views Women’s Virtue in Modesty, Purity, and Chastity
“The Quran regards women’s virtue in their modesty, purity, and chastity. It views immodesty and impiety as deviations from the path of perfection. Our holy book, Quran, contains numerous verses addressing this issue,” he emphasized.
Ayatollah Ramazani expressed, “In contemporary family life, unfortunately, even minor issues lead to disputes. However, in the life of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Lady Fatimah (a.s.), there was not a single instance of discord because an ideological framework prevented it.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly concluded, “Islam elevated the status of women. Women, through raising generations at home and contributing outside the home, can lead society toward security and well-being.”
Lastly, he reflected on the relationship between Lady Fatimah (a.s.) and the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), asserting, “Lady Fatimah (a.s.) had a unique position for the Prophet (p.b.u.h), earning her the title of ‘The Mother of Her Father’.”
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Resistance, Jurisprudential Principle Against Occupation: Ayatollah Ramazani
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “Today, we face the issue of oppression and occupation by certain powers. The jurisprudential rule is if we do not stand against them, everything will be destroyed.”
ABWA Official Website – On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the third memorial for over 100 martyrs from Gilan residing in Qom was held at the Sayed al-Shuhada (a.s.) Mosque and Hussainiya in Qom, marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Mirza Kuchak Khan Gilani. The event featured a speech by Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly and representative of Gilan in the Assembly of Leadership Experts.
The Significance of Emulating Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.)
In his address, Ayatollah Ramazani highlighted the exemplary character of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), stating, “We must emulate this great figure of the Islamic world. Not only women and girls, but all of humanity can take inspiration from her life. Though short, the life of Lady Zahra (a.s.) was profoundly blessed and fruitful. God’s emphasis on Kawthar – rooted in Tawhid - is a justice-oriented movement capable of addressing intellectual and social challenges.”
“Islam does not confine women to their homes or restrict their social engagement. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) was a strong supporter of women, and there are nearly 300 Quranic verses about women. In all its addressing, the Quran addresses both men and women equally, affirming no disparity in attaining true ranks and spiritual excellence, and women can also achieve a pure life and be guides for others, and such statuses are not exclusive to men,” he continued.
Ayatollah Ramazani elaborated on the sacrifices necessary for achieving greatness, stating, “If one desires to accomplish something significant, sacrifices must be made. According to Hadiths, if a person dedicates his/her youth to a noble cause, he/she will attain nobility. Similarly, for a society, to achieve justice and escape tyranny, it must bear the associated costs. The Islamic Republic has made many sacrifices over four decades to establish and maintain its religious identity. The imposed war on us (the 8-year Iraq-Iran War) was a sacred defense, as everything about it – from its means to its objectives – was sacred. Sacred goals cannot be achieved through unsacred means. According to Hadiths, jihad is one of the gates to Paradise, open only to selected individuals. Therefore, martyrs had special characteristics to see such beauty in martyrdom. They saw such beauty in martyrdom that wish to return to life to experience it again.”
Shiite Scholars’ Perspective on the Defensive Jihad
Referring to Iran’s historical experience, Ayatollah Ramazani remarked, “About two to three centuries ago, Iran’s territory was far more extensive. With every treaty, portions of it were lost, with Bahrain being the most recent. Yet, even this smaller Iran is noble, as Iranians have always been born noble.”
He explained that jihad is of two types: “Preemptive jihad is a subject of debate among Sunni and Shiite scholars. However, regarding defensive jihad, which is resistance, there is unanimous agreement among Shiite and Sunni scholars. One form of defense involves protecting one’s life and property, while another entails resisting oppressive governments – a jihad that is both legitimate and rational. Only Shiite scholars pursue rational proofs for defensive jihad. Wars motivated by territorial expansion are not aligned with Quranic verses or Hadiths.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “Both the means and the objectives must be sacred; only then can jihad and defense be considered sacred. Without resistance, Islamic nations would be subjected to oppression and tyranny. In this regard, verse 39 of Surah Al-Hajj states, “أُذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقَاتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِيرٌ” (Those who are fought against are permitted [to fight] because they have been wronged, and Allah is indeed able to help them). During the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) time, the command to wage jihad was initially withheld. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) was tasked solely with enlightenment jihad (Jihad Tabyin). However, a few years after his migration to Medina, God permitted Muslims to engage in armed jihad. According to the Quran, if God had not enabled some people to resist oppressors, mosques and places of worship would have been destroyed.”
Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the concept of jihad, stated, “There are approximately 400 verses in the Quran about jihad, more than any other secondary ruling in Islamic jurisprudence. Today, we are facing certain groups who engage in oppression and occupation. The jurisprudential rule is clear: if we do not stand against them, everything will be destroyed.”
“The Archbishop of Georgia once told me, 'You did not witness the 70 years of communist rule when our churches and mosques were turned into storage facilities.' Western powers have adopted two approaches toward religion: one was an attempt to eradicate it, and the other, which continues to this day, seeks to limit its influence. The enemies destroyed Gaza and have now turned to Syria. They are notorious for violating laws,” he said.
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