Assembly News
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Photos: Officials of Imam Baqir International Institute in Pakistan meet with Secretary General of AhlulBayt World Assembly
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a) World Assembly - A group of directors of the Imam Baqir (AS) International Institute in Pakistan met with Ayatollah Ramazani, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (AS) World Assembly, during their first trip to Iran.
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“Iʿtikaf, a platform for nurturing resistant, determined individuals and warriors in the path of God”
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a) World Assembly - On the 15th of Rajab 1446, corresponding with January 16, 2025, the spiritual Iʿtikaf ceremony ended at the time of the Maghrib prayer. After three days of prayer, supplication, and fasting, the participants concluded their Iʿtikaf in mosques across Iran and other parts of the world.
On this occasion, the National Iʿtikaf Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its statement, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the organization of this grand ritual and expressed hope that morality and spirituality would be the priority of all human societies and that a world filled with justice, devoid of oppression and arrogance, under the sovereignty of monotheism, would be realized in alignment with the global mission of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
The statement is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Praise be to God, the Most Exalted, who once again granted us the blessing to experience moments filled with spirituality and sincerity in His divine presence. During the blessed days of Iʿtikaf in the month of Rajab, with tranquil hearts and souls illuminated by heavenly light, we gathered in the presence of God to be nourished by His Ma’arifah and to distance ourselves from the distractions of the material world. Iʿtikaf is not merely an individual act of worship but a collective movement demonstrating how religious faith can be transformed into righteous social action, guiding us on the path toward God, the Most Exalted.
Now, as this great spiritual event concludes, we must present a comprehensive statement to review the achievements of this faith-driven movement and to convey the message of spirituality and morality from the mosques hosting Iʿtikaf to the public.
Iʿtikaf was an opportunity to engage in seclusion and reflection on our inner selves, to rebuild our inner being, and to connect our spirit with divine morality and spirituality. During these days, through self-awareness and self-purification achieved by reciting the Quran, prayer, and supplication, we delved into the depths of our souls and realized that monotheistic spirituality is the only path to saving humanity from moral and spiritual crises.
As stated in this year’s slogan, “Iʿtikaf: Spirituality and Resistance,” the comprehensive worship of Iʿtikaf serves as a platform for cultivating resistant, determined individuals and warriors in the path of God. Iʿtikaf symbolizes resistance against carnal desires and worldly temptations. During these days, by distancing ourselves from material pleasures and distractions, we learned how to rely on our faith and willpower to walk the path of truth. On the final day of Iʿtikaf, everyone witnessed how the patience, perseverance, and resistance of the people of Gaza against oppression and arrogance forced the Zionist regime to retreat, bringing dignity and victory to the people of Gaza and Palestine.
This spiritual period provided an opportunity to reflect on oppression and inequality and to practice standing against tyranny and injustice. We firmly believe that with reliance on God the Almighty and trust in Him, we can resist any form of oppression and achieve victory.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this ceremony was the vibrant and enthusiastic presence of adolescents and youth, who participated in this spiritual movement with unwavering faith and determination. Through their active and responsible participation, this generation demonstrated its capability to be true bearers of religious and spiritual values, disrupting the misguided calculations of Islam’s enemies. With God’s help, the future for young people is bright and promising.
Iʿtikaf reminds us of the truth that no ideal is unattainable with reliance on God and sincere effort. Benefiting from this civilization-building act of worship, we are filled with hope and firm resolve to take steps toward serving society and realizing lofty ideals. The guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei (may God protect him), and the lofty spirit of the great struggler, Martyr Sayed Hassan Nasrallah (may God elevate his rank), inspire and motivate us to continue the fight against oppression and arrogance with greater strength and determination. These great figures are symbols of resistance and steadfastness in the face of injustice, and we must benefit from their teachings in our personal and social lives.
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all popular groups, mosques, benefactors, and cultural and executive organizations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who worked tirelessly to organize the comprehensive worship of Iʿtikaf. We hope for the day when morality and spirituality become the priority of all human societies, and a world filled with justice, devoid of oppression and arrogance, under the sovereignty of monotheism, is realized in alignment with the global mission of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
“And peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”
Rajab 1446
January 2025
The National Iʿtikaf Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The spiritual ceremony of Iʿtikaf concluded. On this occasion, the National Iʿtikaf Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a statement expressing gratitude to all those involved in organizing this grand ritual, and expressed hope that morality and spirituality would become the priority of all human societies.
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I'tikaf Strengthens Religious Spirituality: Ayatollah Ramazani
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a) World Assembly - Members of the Central Committee for I'tikaf met with Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, at the assembly’s headquarters in Qom.
Strengthening Religious Spirituality Through the Tradition of I'tikaf
Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, during this meeting, referred to the role of I'tikaf in Islamic civilization, stating, “One of the key features of the new Islamic civilization, or the monotheistic system, is spiritual meaning, and one of the outcomes of I'tikaf is the strengthening of religious spirituality.”
He noted that separating various groups of participants in I'tikaf based on location has both benefits and considerations, adding, “Specialists in sociology should be consulted to study this issue so that decisions can be made regarding its continuation in the future.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “For years, the tradition of I'tikaf has been institutionalized in Iran, and the I'tikaf Committee has reached maturity and capability. The knowledge-sharing circles organized during I'tikaf are of great importance and must be purpose-driven. To this end, heavy discussions with complex terminology should be avoided in these circles and suggested topics should be provided for the speakers. Repetitive speeches and addressing general issues during I'tikaf should be avoided.”
He emphasized, “Imam Khomeini (r.a.) was a pioneer in introducing Ma’arifah and practical mysticism into the social sphere. Historically, our mystics tended to be reclusive, and it was rare for mystics to bring their teachings into society and contribute to its growth. The late Imam had the remarkable ability to bring practical mysticism into the public domain. During the Sacred Defense era, it was said that we saw mystics on the battlefield who hadn’t even grown full beards but truly understood mysticism. When soldiers at the front requested to take a photo with the great mystic Mirza Javad Tehrani, he would reply, ‘I will allow you to take a photo on the condition that you intercede for me on the Day of Judgment’.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “One of the key features of the new Islamic civilization, or the monotheistic system, is spiritual meaning, and one of the outcomes of I'tikaf is the strengthening of religious spirituality.”
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Photos: Unity Prayer between Shia, Sunni scholars of Bangladesh led by Secretary General of AhlulBayt World Assembly
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a) World Assembly - AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A group of Shiite and Sunni scholars from the city of Khulna, Bangladesh, performed evening prayer by leadership of Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly on the sidelines of a meeting.
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Photos: A group of Shiite and Sunni preachers met with Ayatollah Ramezani in Khulna, Bangladesh
A group of Shiite and Sunni preachers and students met with Ayatollah Reza Ramezani, Secretary General of the Ahlul Bayt World Assembly at the Islamic Education Center in Khulna, Bangladesh.
