On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Ayatollah Sayed Mohsen Hojjat Kabuli, one of the ulama of Afghanistan, met with the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Qom.
In this meeting, explaining the activities of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani stated, “The Assembly is active in scientific, cultural, international, educational and media sectors. Through WikiShia, the Assembly reflects the principles of Shia and the teachings of AhlulBayt (a.s.). This virtual encyclopedia has 12 million monthly visitors. Also, the Assembly has published about 1270 book titles in 2100 volumes. AhlulBayt (a.s.) News Agency-ABNA publishes and broadcasts Shiite news in 24 languages.”
“We do not consider the nation and country of Afghanistan separate from Iran,” he added, “In Europe, I was associated with the young generation of different nationalities, among them, the Afghan youths enthusiastically participated in religious ceremonies.”
In the meeting, while presenting a brief report on the activities and situation of Shiites in Afghanistan, Ayatollah Hojjat Kabuli said, “On religious occasions, including the months of Muharram and Safar and Qadr nights, we organize programs and mourning for AhlulBayt (a.s.). We have a Takyeh (a building where Shia Muslims gather to mourn on Imam Hussain (a.s.) martyrdom in the month of Muharram) in the west of Kabul and we hold religious programs there. We also organize cultural programs for students, clergies, and shopkeepers, and teach them Islamic rules.”
“Shiites have made good progress in the field of propagation,” he added, “It is our duty to serve Shia and AhlulBayt (a.s.). The Islamic Republic of Iran pays good attention to Afghanistan.”
Then, Hojat al-Islam, Dr. Mahdi Farmanian, Deputy for Scientific-Cultural Affairs of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “25,000 entries and articles in 10 languages have been so far uploaded on the WikiShia website, and since inception, about 700 million people have visited the website. We are to add the three languages Swahili, Chinese and Hindi to this encyclopedia. We are also considering to shift from translation to producing articles and entries.”
While proposing to the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly to add Pashto language to WikiShia languages, Ayatollah Kabuli added, “There are about 70 million Pashto speakers in Afghanistan and Pakistan, therefore adding Pashto language to WikiShia seems necessary. People have many questions and doubts, and it is the duty of clerics and ulama to answer them. Some intend to destroy the clergy, clerics, and religion, and if, God forbid, they get the chance, they will have no mercy. In Kabul, we interact with people, answer their questions, resolve their disputes, and take care of marriages and Ahkam. Close interaction with people is very important and effective.”
In confirmation of Ayatollah Hojat’s words, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “You’re right. Today, in Europe and the whole world, there are about 2 million priests, nuns, bishops, etc., who are promoting Christianity with many facilities, such as radio and television, and they attack Muslims. Compared to them, we are weak in terms of quantity and equipment, but we must work hard to compensate for the shortcomings. Ayatollah A’rafi quoted from the Pope in his recent meeting, “You have come from Iran, which has a brave religious system and people”.”
“Ulama of Afghanistan have good manners and participate in the meetings which is hold by people. They observe the conduct of the clergies, and this method, will definitely attract people. Personally, I have been holding the sessions for Ziyarat Ashura for many years, which is well received by the people,” Ayatollah Ramazani concluded.