Hawzah News Agency- The International Conference on the Reconstruction of Al-Baqi’ was convened online via Zoom at the initiative of the Chicago-based Al-Baqi Organization, bringing together scholars, researchers, and social activists from various countries to highlight the ongoing demand for restoring the revered cemetery in Medina.
Marking 100 Years Since the Destruction of Al-Baqi’
Opening the conference, Hojatoleslam Seyyed Mahboob Mahdi Abedi Najafi, head of the Al-Baqi Organization, said the 100th anniversary of the destruction of Jannat al-Baqi’ on April 21 must serve as a catalyst for global awareness and peaceful mobilization.
He urged devotees of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) worldwide to organize legal, peaceful demonstrations within the frameworks of their respective countries, stating that such actions can “expose the reality of the oppression inflicted upon Baqi’ and preserve the memory of this tragedy.”
Honoring the Graves of God’s Saints ‘An Expression of Monotheism’
Speaking from Toronto, Hojatoleslam Seyyed Ahmad Reza Hosseini stressed that the veneration of the graves of righteous figures is firmly rooted in Islamic teachings. He emphasized that honoring the resting places of the Prophet’s family does not constitute polytheism but is instead “a manifestation of pure monotheism.”
He noted the rapidly expanding cultural and social momentum behind the call to rebuild Jannat al-Baqi’, adding that the movement has “now become a global demand heard across continents.”
Historical Roots and Continuing Pain
Indian cleric Hojatoleslam Syed Ehtesham Abbas Zaidi discussed the historical background of Jannat al-Baqi’ and the challenges encountered during the early Islamic mission. Zaidi attributed the destruction of the cemetery to hostile ideological currents that, in his view, held long-standing enmity toward Islam. He said that modern-day visitors to Baqi’ often experience profound sorrow upon witnessing the demolished graves of the infallible Imams (PBUT).
Desecration of Sacred Sites ‘A Betrayal of Islamic Values’
Prominent Indian Sunni scholar Maulvi Obaidullah Khan Azami compared the destruction of the graves of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) to erasing national heritage in any country, calling such acts “a betrayal of religion and Islamic values.” He stressed that despite attempts to erase these sacred markers, “the light of the Ahl al-Bayt remains alive in the hearts of believers.”
Expanding Activities of the Al-Baqi Organization
Hojatoleslam Aslam Razavi, a leading scholar from Maharashtra, praised the extensive outreach efforts of the Al-Baqi Organization, noting that its message has reached homes across the world. He predicted that this year’s protests in the month of Shawwal would be “unprecedented in scale” and historically significant.
Razavi called on participants and supporters to prepare for broad and coordinated demonstrations aimed at reviving awareness of the tragedy of Al-Baqi’ and advocating justice.
Media Coordination and Conference Management
The event was managed by Ali Abbas Wafa, editor-in-chief at SNN, whose coordination was acknowledged by attendees as an important factor in the program’s coherence and success.
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