On Thursday, October 14, 2021, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, met Hojat al-Islam Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon.
In this meeting, while condoling the demise of Ayatollah Abdul Amir Qabalan, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Lebanese Shiites, and also congratulating Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib on his appointment as the Deputy of the Council, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “From the beginning of history until now, there have been three methods of Umayyads, Abbasids, and Alawites to introduce Islam. In the first and second methods, Islam is introduced in a deviant and untrue way. But in the Alawite moderative method, Islam is introduced correctly and truly. Therefore, through the introduction of true Islam by the culture of moderation, we can achieve a deep and accurate understanding of pure Muhammadan Islam.”
In response to the remarks of the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, Hojat al-Islam Ali Al-Khatib, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon, said, “Firstly, I would like to thank you for your condolences on the demise of late Ayatollah Qabalan, and also congrats on my appointment as the deputy chairman of the council. I also would like to congratulate you on the occasion of the "Week of Unity" and the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). I agree with you that the definition of true Islam should be through a culture of moderation. As we have read, after martyring Imam Hussain (a.s.), Yazid ibn Muawiyah denied Islam by reciting some poems.”
Following the meeting, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “Regarding the culture of moderation and the moderation method for introducing true Islam, we need to further define these concepts. Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) views on the establishment of the government concerning these titles, and the introduction of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) definition of these concepts, as well as the establishment of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, are the blessings of pure Muhammadan Islam. We are ready to cooperate with you on this path and introduce a culture of moderation.”
“In communicating with the various religions and denominations in Lebanon, we saw that Imam Musa Sadr implemented the culture and concept of moderation accurately and deeply,” Ayatollah Ramazani added.
In response to the remarks of the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, Hojat al-Islam Ali Al-Khatib, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon, said, “As you said, Imam Musa Sadr tried to confront extremism with the strategy of moderation. He used the culture of moderation for peace and peaceful living. Believing in this style of moderation, he was the first Muslim to enter the church and address Christians.”
“Imam Musa Sadr had a great moderate mind and was familiar with the affairs of his time. After Imam Musa Sadr, the late Shams al-Din succeeded him in the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon. In this position, he also played an active and moderate role in introducing the AhlulBayt (a.s.). During the time of Imam Musa Sadr, after him during the time of the late Shams al-Din, and also during the presidency of Allameh Qabalan, the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon has always taken the path of moderation in introducing AhlulBayt (a.s.) culture and interaction and coexistence with other religions. In the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon, we are ready to cooperate in various fields,” he continued.
“Not only in Lebanon but also in other Arab countries and other countries, the Council has a position and activity, and it has always sought to end the oppression against the Shiites. As in the case of supporting the Shiites of Bahrain and the Shiites of other countries, the Council established contacts with the officials of the Arab countries. We have taken many steps to support the Shiites in the world. Even with the help of the moderate Sunnis, we tried to counter the anti-Shiite actions, and we were able to acquit the Shiites of the charge of converting the Sunnis to Shiites. To convert others to Shiism, we do not need to make them convert to Shiism, but it is enough to introduce the culture of the AhlulBayt (a.s.),” added Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon.
In the final part of the meeting, addressing the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “The West has stolen and redefined our Islamic concepts, including peace, freedom, and moderation. We must cooperate with you to define these concepts correctly. We are aware of the global position of the Supreme Council of the Shiites of Lebanon and invite you to visit Iran and meet Iranian Ulama so that we can take more steps towards achieving our pure goals.”