AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): During his visit to the headquarters of Senegal’s National Association of Imams and Scholars, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly met with Sheikh Omar Jain, the President of the Association, to discuss issues concerning the Muslim world.
The Need for a Unified Ummah to Attain Global Power
Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “We are pleased to be here. We are all brothers, and your concerns are our concerns. That is why we must move toward realizing the Islamic Ummah. Once this Ummah is established, it will bring power and authority to Muslims worldwide.”
Speaking on Iran’s scientific advancements, he said, “Imam Khomeini (r.a.) taught us a great lesson: we can build our own country. Today, Iran has made significant progress in scientific and other fields. Before the Islamic Revolution, Iran ranked 57th in the world scientifically, whereas now we rank 17th globally, and in some disciplines, we are among the top five. This is the Islamic Republic’s strength, but our enemies do not want us to grow scientifically.”
Islam: A Religion of Mercy; Building Nuclear Weapons Has no Place in our Mindset
Reaffirming the Islamic Republic’s position, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “We have never pursued the development of nuclear weapons. Our Prophet (p.b.u.h) is a Prophet of mercy, and he said he was sent as a mercy to the worlds. Therefore, it is the global community’s duty to disarm those who possess nuclear weapons, yet our enemies constantly seek to dominate.”
Turning to Senegal’s situation, he noted, “Today, Senegal has begun to find its identity, and everyone must help this country advance in faith and knowledge. We told Senegalese officials that they could send their youth to Iran to gain scientific and academic training. We must teach young people that we have the power and the capability—we do not need others to decide for us. We can make our own decisions.”
Ayatollah Ramazani also emphasized the comprehensive nature of Islam, stating, “The future of humanity lies with Islam and its teachings. ‘الاسلام یعلو و لایعلی علیه’ (Islam is superior and nothing surpasses it). What matters is that we introduce Islam in its full scope. Islam teaches us spirituality, mysticism, and responsibility. The greater our spirituality, the greater our responsibility. That is why it is vital to preserve the spirituality of the younger generation. Our enemies, having understood Islam’s true power, seek to distort and manipulate it.”
Global Wealth Inequality; Muslims Unity, Path to Salvation
Highlighting Islamic teachings on strength and preparedness, he added, “The Quran instructs us to be strong and ready in every aspect. We must stand together—and this unity is already beginning to take shape. God willing, the future will favor the Muslims.”
Continuing his address, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “We must never allow injustice to befall any Muslim country. We have been taught that our prayers should include everyone. For instance: ‘O Allah, cure every sick person’ (اللهم اشف کل مریض). If you pray for the ill, you must pray for all who are ill. Likewise, ‘O Allah, enrich every poor person’ (اللهم اغن کل فقیر). Every hungry person must be fed, and every unclothed person must be clothed. We Muslims have been taught that if a non-Muslim asks for help and you are capable of helping but refuse, then you are not truly a Muslim.”
Senegalese Scholars on the Frontline of Defending Islamic Values
Welcoming the Secretary-General, Sheikh Omar Jain expressed his joy over the meeting, saying, “Your presence is a source of happiness for us. We are honored and delighted by this visit.”
Highlighting the emphasis of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) on Islamic unity, he remarked, “The Noble Messenger of Islam called us to unity, and today, more than ever, we are in need of this unity.”
He further noted the important role of imams in guiding society, saying, “Religious scholars in Senegal actively engage in the media, universities, and schools, guiding people toward Islam and an Islamic way of life, especially as modern media often moves in opposition to religious values.”
Sheikh Omar Jain: The Islamic Revolution of Iran Is an Honorable Model for Muslims
Stressing the importance of educating future generations based on Islamic teachings, Sheikh Jain stated, “If we fail to provide Islamic education to children and women, destructive media forces may lead them astray. The family is the foundation of society, and our future depends on the spiritual and intellectual health of our children and youth.”
He also emphasized Iran’s role in the Islamic world, saying, “Iran has carried out a great and honorable revolution, one based on justice and truth that brought dignity to Islam. Since the victory of the Revolution, Iran has lived in our hearts and Fitrah.”
Concluding his remarks, he said, “We work for the sake of God, and God has promised to reward His servants. Iran is a country that boasts great scholars and firm stances in the face of global arrogance. We hope our ties with you grow stronger day by day.”
Senegal’s Scholars’ Association Hall Named After Imam Khomeini (r.a.)
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ayatollah Ramazani presented his personal ring as a gift to Sheikh Omar Jain. The Sheikh had intended to name one of the halls of the National Association of Imams and Scholars after Ayatollah Ramazani, but the Secretary-General respectfully declined and requested instead that the hall be named after Imam Khomeini (r.a.), in honor of the upcoming anniversary of the late Imam.
**************
End/ 345
