ABWA Official Website – On Monday, September 25, 2023, the opening ceremony of the academic year 1403-1402 (2023-2024) of AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University was held in the conference hall of the university with the presence of Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
In a speech at this conference, while welcoming the new students, Ayatollah Ramazani expressed his hope that their academic career will be accompanied by learning science and ethics and that the best time of their lives will be the days of studying in Islamic Iran.
Continuing his speech, he congratulated the beginning of the academic year and wished success to all students, staff, faculty members, the board of trustees, and the president of the university.
Stating that the best type of synergy can be seen in the AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly expressed, “The Imamate and leadership topic of the Islamic world is manifested in various aspects, such as ethics, spirituality, rationality, thought, development of science, development of human minds, social sphere, and seeking justice. Establishing justice has been the wish of all prophets and saints. Almighty God has saved Imam Mahdi (a.s.) as his last savior (an imam who is absent). When society is ready, he will reappear, and will bring justice to the society in the true sense of the word.”
“In the rule of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), the human society will experience morality, spirituality, purity, sincerity, and humanity in the best way. At that time, there would be no regime to oppress mankind. Therefore, everyone wishes for that day and that rule of justice. But for the Reappearance, the preparation is needed. In this regard, we must improve ourselves, help others to improve themselves, and pave the way,” added the professor of higher levels of the Islamic Seminary.
“There is a need to provide an accurate, deep, and comprehensive interpretation of Mahdism studies,” he added, “Some immature people argue, “When that Imam comes, two-thirds of the world’s people will be killed!” These events may occur before Reappearance. But then, (in the rule of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)) it will never happen. That beloved Imam has been promised by God, and his Reappearance will come true. According to the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), “The tradition of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) as a promised Imam, is like my tradition”.”
Regarding the types and methods of peace, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly continued, “Some use the term “absolute peace.” Throughout history, there were arrogant people who stood against the right front. Therefore, throughout history, there have always been two fronts of right and wrong. But in the end, the earth will be entrusted to the pure and righteous. Throughout history, there were oppressors and tyrants who persecuted the prophets. No prophet was persecuted like Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). When the discussion of resistance is raised in the Quran, it is against tyrants and oppressors. Therefore, we read in the Quran: “Prepare yourselves against them (enemies).” Therefore, resistance is a sacred thing. One should stand and defend against tyranny, as in the era of Holy Defense (Iraq-Iran imposed 8-year war). During the imposed war, the Islamic Republic of Iran had nothing to do with anyone, and it was the enemies who invaded our country, and we defended against them. The United Nations has also confirmed this issue. Therefore, we consider this defense sacred.”
Regarding Islam’s view on war, he expressed, “Islam has never sought war. Rather, it has always sought to establish a relationship between humans so that they can create heaven in the world with their own hands. Heaven is also achieved by transcendent thoughts, human ethics, and helping others. Man has the ability to build heaven and escape from hell.”
Further, on the evil plots of the West towards Muslims, Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized, “All Muslims consider the Quran sacred. Also, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and AhlulBayt (a.s.) are sacred as the axis of Muslim unity. Unfortunately, today the West is looking for sacrilege, and under the pretext of freedom of speech, it is looking for insulting the holy things, such as the Quran and the Prophet (p.b.u.h). The de-sanctification project has been underway for some time. But they will not succeed in reaching their goals. Because desecration and insulting the Quran is an insult to the whole of humanity. When the Quran is insulted, it is an insult not only to Muslims but to the entire humanity. Because the Quran is a human book. In this way, the tendency towards the content of the Quran is increasing day by day in human society. The activities of the West regarding the Quran do not cause the Quran to become less prosperous. Rather, it will increase the tendency towards the Quran, spirituality, and teachings of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and AhlulBayt (a.s.). The teachings of the Quran and AhlulBayt (a.s.) originate from Fitrah (human divine nature) and reason. Therefore, insulting the Quran by the enemies is an insult to human Fitrah and reason, and they will not achieve their goals.”
“We must represent the Quran and act based upon it. Our behavior, words, and deeds must be in accordance with the Holy Quran,” emphasized a professor of higher levels of the seminary.
About the teachings of Islam, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “Islam emphasizes that humanity should achieve two important things: comfort and peace. In this regard, science can play a role in the comfort of human life and provide the basis of comfort for all mankind. From the Islamic viewpoint, the study of science is considered obligatory not only for men and boys but also for girls and women. Those who prohibit education for women and girls do not know the most basic religious and Islamic fundamentals.
“Religion brings peace to various aspects of human life. Peace, in turn, is undoubtedly related to “All Perfected.” It is the name of God that brings peace to mankind. Revelation and religious teachings bring peace to mankind,” he added.
About the mission of the university and academics, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “The duty of academics is to spread knowledge. In the past, Islam was the center of scientific fields, and today, Muslims should try to become the center of scientific fields in the world. Therefore, every student should try to shine as an elite student and as a scientist and intellectual in the field they are studying.”
“Science leads to power and royalty, so it should be developed in the nobility. The need for the advancement of science is not only specific to Islamic Iran. Rather, all Islamic countries must progress scientifically so that their country becomes prosperous. Without action, ethics, and spirituality, no country will grow. Also, if the expansion of science is not accompanied by human and divine morality and spirituality, society will decline. The university has a duty to work diligently in scientific, moral, spiritual, and cultural fields,” he added.
Further, in another part of his speech, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “We hope to see students from different countries and nationalities at the AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University in the academic year 1402-1403 (2023-2024). AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University is an example of cultural diversity. Without meticulous management in this regard, this opportunity may turn into a threat.”
“Considering that 97% of the students at AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University are non-Iranians, this university can be one of the cultural headquarters of foreign students in Islamic Iran. This university has such capacity. There are more than 100,000 foreign students in Iran and the presence of students from more than 30 nationalities at AhlulBayt (a.s.) University is a very suitable platform for cultural activities,” he added.
Stating that the environment of AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University should be international, the seminary professor added, “In this regard, professors and faculty members should be scientifically promoted, and programs should be implemented accordingly. Also, the university staff should have a general view and understanding of the international field. The academic rank of the university should be improved, and we are far from the desired level.”
While emphasizing the importance of using new methods to promote education and research, he said, “Due to the presence of students from different nationalities in AhlulBayt (a.s.) International University, this university can be unique. Also, the university has the merit of increasing scientific research publications and magazines, especially student publications. Students can write about the scientific, geographical, and religious status of their own country in these publications and improve these publications in terms of content. University officials should use these opportunities with proper planning. On the other hand, the publication of scientific research journals should increase in the university.”
Stressing the need for spirituality, morals, and Quranic programs, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “In the month of Ramadan last year, good activities were carried out in AhlulBayt (a.s.) University. But part of it is half finished. During the year, you can invite prominent figures, and pay attention to the holding Quranic programs.”
“There is a need for pathology in education, research, cultural and welfare sectors. After that, appropriate strategies for filling the gaps should be provided,” he added.
Also, Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized on sports activities and said, “You need to have strong teams in different sports, and for this, you need to provide the necessary hardware and facilities in the university.”
Regarding students’ interest in the Farsi language, he said, “Students should not consider the Persian language just a foreign language. Rather, they should consider it as the language of knowledge. Because Persian is one of the most popular languages in the world. Therefore, consider the Persian language as a culture and civilization.”
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