AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): On the afternoon of Saturday, December 28, 2024, a group of male and female Australian students visited the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly and met with Ayatollah Ramazani, the Secretary-General of the Assembly.
Welcoming the guests, Ayatollah Ramazani stressed the importance of learning religious sciences in addition to university studies. “Besides studying religion, we must also practice it, and our behavior should reflect our Muslim identity. In this regard, Imam Musa Sadr (r.a.) has a beautiful expression: Imam Ali (a.s.) can be known in two ways: one through historical accounts, and another through the behavior of his Shiite and followers throughout history”.”
Highlighting the importance of proper conduct and attracting others, Ayatollah Ramazani continued, “We have great leaders, such as Imam Ali (a.s.), who possessed a remarkable character and are recognized as perfect role models for humanity.”
Emphasizing the significance of recognizing Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and seeking his satisfaction, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, stated, “One of our most important responsibilities today is to deepen our understanding of the Imam Mahdi (a.s.), show love for him, and obey him.”
Ayatollah Ramazani underscored the importance of self-improvement, helping others to grow, and reforming society. He also emphasized paving the way for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), considering it a key duty of those awaiting the Imam (a.s.).
Describing the era of Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.) Reappearance, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “When he reappears, he will touch the heads of humanity and bless them, completing their intellects. After his Reappearance, security, and spirituality will encompass the entire society, and justice will prevail across the world. Islam is the religion of spirituality and justice. The spirituality of Islam is one of responsibility, whereas the West promotes a spirituality that evades and opposes responsibility, which contradicts our teachings.”
Advising the attendees to study Letter 31 of Nahj al-Balagha, which contains Imam Ali’s (a.s.) advice to his son, Imam Hasan (a.s.), he said, “Perform your prayers on time and with faith. Timely prayer is the most beautiful and best moment for a servant to connect with their Creator. Therefore, dedicate the best time to the best action. Perform your prayer with full devotion and feel God's presence in it.”
Encouraging the participants to recite the Holy Quran daily, along with its translation and interpretation, Ayatollah Ramazani remarked, “The late Imam Khomeini (r.a.) used to say that the Quran is like the letter of the Beloved. When a person receives a letter from someone he loves, he kisses it before reading it. Therefore, kiss the Quran first and then read it.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly continued, “Make use of your youth. When you grow older, you will regret not making the most of your life. Therefore, seize the opportunities. Study diligently so that you can become impactful Muslim scholars in the world and be included in the prayers of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).”
“A Muslim scholar has a significant impact wherever he is in the world. In the past, science and knowledge were in the hands of Muslims, and the Islamic world was the center of science. Today, we must strive to restore that glory. In the past, Iran ranked 57th in global science. Today, it has risen to 16th, and in some fields, we are among the best,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Always and continually ask the infallible Imams (a.s.) for steadfastness in faith so that you can preserve your religion and youth in these challenging times and remain on the path of faith.”
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