AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Ayatollah Ramazani, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, who has traveled to Niger, met with a group of scholars, professors, missionaries, and heads of Islamic associations in Niamey, the capital.
In this meeting, Dr. Ali Tasseh, referring to the unity that exists in the society of Niger, stated, “The points of unity and commonality in the society of Niger are more numerous than the points of discord and division. All Muslims are brothers, and we must strengthen this brotherhood.”
He continued, “One of our shared concerns is al-Aqsa Mosque. If Muslims unite, they can overcome the crimes of the Zionist regime. When the mujahideen of Yemen are able to stand up to America and the Zionist regime through their struggle, if we stand together, we can easily confront the regime.”
The Mission of Preaching: Building a Unified Ummah through Dialogue
Dr. Zakariya Rabbani, as the second speaker at this meeting, emphasized the necessity of Islamic unity and asserted, “One of our primary concerns is the issue of Islamic unity, which we have believed in for many years. However, in addition to believing in this issue, we must implement it precisely and practically. In this regard, it is essential to take practical steps and create an atmosphere for dialogue among religions and denominations.”
Dr. Othman Junaid also, in another part of the meeting, stressed the importance of the mission of preaching and said, “The mission of preaching is a heavy responsibility, and the unity of word and unity of Muslim ranks is the principal mission of preaching. Dividing Muslims based on nationality and race is a satanic act that has no legitimacy.”
He added, “The existence of various Islamic sects is an inevitable phenomenon. However, if these sects gather together, interact with one another, and engage in dialogue, they can form a unified Islamic Ummah.”
Another speaker at the meeting, Sheikh Ali Souri, while appreciating Iran’s position on the issue of Palestine, stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran was the first Islamic government to answer the cry of the Palestinian people and come to their aid. I pray to Almighty God for the success of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the people of the country who raise the call of unity.”
Muslims Must Not Be Colonized Again
Further in the meeting, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized the necessity of forming a strong Islamic Ummah. “The Islamic Ummah must move toward independence. Muslims must not allow Islamic countries to be colonized once again. The history of colonialism is dark, and it is enough to colonize nations. Of course, Muslims have awakened and realized that their countries have been colonized and exploited.”
He described Iran as a country on the path to independence, stating, “Iran’s scientific ranking has risen from 57th in the world to an average rank of 15, and in some scientific fields, Iran is among the top five countries globally. The Supreme Leader places great emphasis on science and technology, and Iran has made significant progress in this field, which must continue. Niger is a young country, and this youthful population is a valuable opportunity for the nation. One must start from small steps, continue, and advance. This is the method the Prophet (p.b.u.h) taught us. The Quran was also revealed gradually, and people were educated step by step.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “One of the important teachings of Islam is that individual will must transform into collective will. Islam possesses the most comprehensive teachings, and one of its key dimensions is mysticism and spirituality. All deeds and actions can be directed toward reaching the Truth (i.e., God). It is on this basis that Imam Ali (a.s.) asks God for the opportunity to serve His creation.”
Iran’s Experience: A Model for Africa’s Progress
Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the key pillars necessary to achieve an exemplary Islamic society, stated, “To attain a role model Islamic society, we must strengthen our faith in God. The enemies of Islam seek to strip us of our faith and God, while the greatest trade, according to the Quran, is the trade with God, and the first condition for that is belief in the Lord. The seminarians, scholars, and missionaries of Niger must work diligently to strengthen faith in this country and must not allow the faith of Niger’s youth to weaken.”
He identified the second condition for reaching a model Islamic society as the advancement of knowledge and science. “The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented seven recommendations for the development of the country, the foremost of which was science. You scholars and missionaries of Niger must guide the youth of this country to learn science and technology so they can solve Niger’s problems using that knowledge. Iran is ready to share its scientific knowledge with your youth and children so that they may become specialized and capable of addressing Niger’s challenges. This meeting can be historic, and you can become makers of history, and that depends on your will.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly continued, “Another important point that must be considered is institution-building, especially for the youth and women. Get to know the youth and establish youth organizations. Do not underestimate them; they possess great capabilities and have the necessary strength to build their country. Take women’s organizations seriously as well, and establish them in your provinces. If women’s organizations stand united, they can confront the oppression against Palestinian women and children.”
Ayatollah Ramazani, stating that we are living in a crucial era of history, emphasized, “Wherever there is scientific power, colonialists cannot dominate or exploit. But wherever there is scientific weakness, colonization and exploitation emerge. There was a time when Muslims were the world’s scientific leaders. We must rediscover ourselves and uncover our own power and potential.”
Scientific Development: The Path to the Salvation of Nations
He considered the future of the global economy to be tied to the continent of Africa, stating, “Africa is a wealthy continent, but enemies have prevented this wealth from reaching the African people. Therefore, the youth of Africa must be pioneers in developing the continent. Where else in the world is there land as fertile as that of Africa? How valuable are Africa’s mines? We must recognize these capacities and not underestimate ourselves. We must return to the essence of religion. How highly does religion regard the human being? Because the enemies considered themselves superior to others, they inflicted the greatest oppression on the people of Africa and South America.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “The miracle of the Quran and Islam is that it considers all human beings equal. Thus, in Islam, Bilal al-Habashi stood equal to all other Muslims, and the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) beautiful miracle for Bilal was exactly this. In the contemporary era as well, Imam Khomeini (r.a.) revived us and revived our religion. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) was God’s treasure for this era. A Christian scholar once said that Imam Khomeini (r.a.), with his messianic breath, revived even us.”
At the end of the meeting, Ayatollah Ramazani expressed his happiness at being in Niger, noting, “I consider this place like my own homeland, because all of you are our religious brothers and sisters. Our will must become collective so that it brings forth strength.”
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