AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The Birth Anniversary of Jesus Christ (a.s.) was celebrated on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University in the presence of Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Divine Religions Originate from the Single Truth
Speaking at the event, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani stated that Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and Jesus Christ (a.s.) were messengers of love, salvation, and divine justice, guiding the lost toward the conscious worship of God.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “We, Muslims, believe that all divine religions, like a single entity, originate from a single divine truth. Divine prophets are God’s most complete and exalted creations, chosen by the Almighty to guide and lead humanity.”
He described the prophets as role models for both individual and social aspects of human life, adding that Muslims regard Jesus Christ (a.s.) as one of the five greatest prophets. “Jesus (a.s.) was a herald of mercy, blessing, and divine guidance for humanity, a beacon of light in the darkness of polytheism, oppression, and a world tainted by sin and misguidance, who guided all to the path of God.”
The Secretary-General highlighted truthfulness, trustworthiness, kindness, goodwill, and the fight against oppression and corruption as prominent qualities of the prophets. “For instance, being a trustworthy conveyor of divine revelation, enduring hardship for the sake of God, and migrating in the path of God were distinct attributes of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h),” he remarked.
Referring to the supplications in Sahifa Sajjadiya, he noted that the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) migration and exile were solely for God’s pleasure and obedience to His command.
“Imam Sajjad (a.s.) regarded God’s promise concerning the intercession of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) as definitive, stating: ‘Announce to him the goodness of intercession and acceptance of mediation for his purified household and believing Ummah, beyond what You have promised him’,” Ayatollah Ramazani added.
Jesus (a.s.) Never Hesitated in Fighting Oppression
In another part of his speech, Ayatollah Ramazani referenced the portrayal of Jesus Christ in Saint Augustine’s Confessions, emphasizing, “This work highlights characteristics such as being a guide to tranquility, a savior of humanity, a helper of mankind in the hereafter, sacrificing Himself for the atonement of human sins, and dedicating Himself to their salvation and redemption.”
“Saint Augustine noted Jesus’s (a.s.) selflessness, stating that without His sacrifice, humanity would have remained trapped in the mire of its sins. Augustine further acknowledged that without seeking refuge in Christ, he would face death and annihilation instead of God,” explained the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Ayatollah Ramazani also highlighted Augustine’s view of Jesus (a.s.) as a “sanctified being” of God and a supreme sacrifice, who accepted death to intercede for the descendants of Adam. Jesus (a.s.) is a mediator before God.
“According to Augustine, Jesus Christ (a.s.) is not merely a messenger of divine revelation but the embodiment of divine revelation itself. Just as in Islam, the divine revelation, the Quran, was sent down to the heart of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), in Christianity, divine revelation is manifested in Jesus Christ (a.s.) Himself,” he added.
Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized, “Jesus Christ (a.s.), during His time among humanity, never hesitated in fighting oppression or calling people toward goodness. He was one of the greatest victims of the struggle against tyranny and corruption. This is a lesson for Christians and Muslims alike. If they remain passive spectators of the actions of oppressors, and if the enemies of humanity are left unchallenged, they will leave no trace of places of worship or centers of divine worship.”
At the end of his speech, he said, “The path of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and Jesus Christ (a.s.) leads to justice, humanity, and love. They were the flagbearers of divine justice, guiding the lost and bewildered toward the conscious worship of God and bringing a message of salvation and liberation to humankind.”
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