AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In his address to Shiite worshippers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of following the AhlulBayt (a.s.). “At times, we claim to be followers of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) with our words, but we must show our allegiance through our actions and behavior.”
Elaborating on the duties of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) followers, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani stated, “Our first duty is to increase our knowledge and understanding of the AhlulBayt (a.s.). Our second duty is to increase our love for the AhlulBayt (a.s.) because it will have a profound impact on our lives. The third duty, after knowledge and love of the AhlulBayt (a.s.), is to obey their commands.”
He continued, quoting Imam Ali (a.s.), “Imam Ali (a.s.) said, ‘أَلا وَ إِنَّكُم لا تَقدِرونَ عَلَى ذَٰلِكَ وَ لَٰكِن أَعِينُونِي بِوَرَعٍ وَ اجتِهَادٍ وَ عِفَّةٍ وَ سُدَادٍ’ (You cannot behave like me, but you can assist me with piety, striving, chastity, and guidance). The Quran, just as it emphasizes faith, also places importance on righteous actions. According to the Quranic verses, God grants a pure life to those who have faith and perform righteous deeds. Furthermore, those who possess both faith and righteous deeds are made beloved by God. Martyr General Qasem Soleimani is an example of this principle. General Soleimani became a martyr in the path of security so that Muslims could remain safe from the terrorist ISIS, a group created by the West to foster Islamophobia.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further added, “We must strive to be true Muslims and live as true Muslims. Today, Muslims should live with dignity around the world. The duty of a true Muslim is to act according to the teachings of the Quran and the sayings of the AhlulBayt (a.s.). Anyone who desires a beautiful life must pay its price. Imam Ali (a.s.) was martyred in the pursuit of justice. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said that anyone wishing to achieve any good place – whether it be paradise, wisdom, or knowledge – must do so through Imam Ali (a.s.).”
Pointing out the pride of being Imam Ali’s (a.s.) follower, he said, “God granted us the honor of following him, and everyone should be proud to follow Imam Ali (a.s.). When the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ascended to the heavens, God spoke to him in a voice similar to that of Imam Ali (a.s.), as Imam Ali (a.s.) was the most beloved person to the Prophet (p.b.u.h). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) told Imam Ali (a.s.) that ‘everyone longs for paradise, but paradise longs for you’.”
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