ABWA Official Website – The closing ceremony of the international event “We are Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) Children” and the unveiling of the “Special Poster of Arbaeen in 63 World Countries” were held on Thursday morning, September 18, 2024, in the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Qom.
In his speech at this ceremony, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said that ABNA News Agency has made leaps and bounds. “I hope ABNA News Agency can succeed in Shiite culture and literature and be a news source for other media outlets.”
On the occasion of Shiite and Sunni Unity Week, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly added, “In the week of unity, two characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) – the mercy and the resistance against tyranny – are very prominent. These two features must be considered together. Islam is a religion of mercy alongside resistance.”
“Islam’s Prophet (p.b.u.h) is the prophet of glory and beauty,” he expressed, “In the discussion of attributes, glory, and beauty have been mentioned for God, and these have been manifested in the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h). The beauty of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is revealed in “رحماء بینهم” (Compassionate among each other) and the glory of the Prophet in “اشداء علی الکفار” (Strong against Unbelievers) (Holy Quran, 4: 29). Islamic teachings are also full of glory and beauty. The Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is also the manifestation of the glory and beauty of Islam. Imam Mahdi (a.s.) brings just peace. Today, some people confuse absolute peace with just peace. Peace must be based on justice and this is a Quranic principle.”
“Throughout history, you cannot find a comprehensive narrator like Lady Zaynab (a.s.). As a result of her efforts, a mujahid victory in correct narration was achieved. When we read the words of Lady Zaynab (a.s.), we see the most beautiful narration of a comprehensive type, which addresses different dimensions, such as the spiritual and selflessness dimensions,” Ayatollah Ramazani added, emphasizing that Arbaeen is a great victory; an obvious victory that is the result of an inclusive narration.
“Today Arbaeen is a great and civilizational phenomenon. With a civilizational view of Arbaeen, the task of those active in media and artistic fields will be very bold and heavy,” continued the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Referring to the presence of 21 million pilgrims from 100 countries in Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) Arbaeen, a member of the Assembly of Leadership Experts stated, “Arbaeen is a civilizational issue that the enemy uses every opportunity to distort it. Therefore, by narrating it correctly, we should leave no room for its distortion in any way. A scholar, preacher, and artist must confront heresies.”
“The important aspects of Arbaeen and Ashura can be expressed with the artistic tools. Photos and Ta'zieh are effective in this regard. Depicting the hospitality of the people of Karbala to pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.) with pictures will impress the world,” Ayatollah Ramazani added.
“The political, cultural, and emotional dimensions of Arbaeen are among the dimensions that can be studied a lot,” he said, “The altruistic dimension can also be seen in Arbaeen Pilgrimage. In 61 AH, the captives (of Imam Hussain’s family) were not given food or water on the way from Karbala to Kufa, and from Kufa to the Levant. But in the Arbaeen ceremony, we see the hosts who beg pilgrims to serve them! This kind of service and hospitality is meaningful and impressive.”
“The civilizational view of Arbaeen is of great importance. For this view, a strategy and document can be established, so that the elites gather together and perform great works,” said the AhlulBayt (a.s.) Secretary General of the World Assembly.
Referring to the importance of pilgrimage to Imam Hussain (a.s.), Ayatollah Ramazani said, “In the book Kamil al-Ziyarat (by Ibn Qulawayh), 600 hadiths related to the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.) have been mentioned. What is better than the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.) for the one who is looking for Thawab (reward), guidance, and benefiting from moral characteristics?”
“Ziyarat Ahura is an analysis of half a century of Islamic history. Ashura teaches us how to live. In order for the civilizational phenomenon of Arbaeen to be manifested, the AhlulBayt (a.s.) lifestyle should be taught. One of the characteristics of Arbaeen civilization is moving towards Allah and monotheism, and it educates people to be justice-seeking,” Ayatollah Ramazani said.
“We need to pay the cost of realization of justice. It is impossible to talk about Arbaeen and not talk about Gaza and the massacre of children and women who are martyred,” he remarked.
At the end of his speech, Ayatollah Ramazani expressed his gratitude for holding the international event “We are the children of Imam Hussain (a.s.). “The duty of the media are to explain Arbaeen in different dimensions with artistic tools,” he emphasized.
It is worth mentioning that the international event “We are the children of Imam Hussain (a.s.)” was organized by AhlulBayt (a.s.) International News Agency – ABNA, on the occasion of Imam Hussain’s (AS) Arbaeen, in the forms of photos, selfies, pictograms, video clips, documentaries, documentary reports, interviews, podcasts, and AI content production. The event was widely welcomed by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) followers inside and outside Iran.
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