Hawzah News Agency- The conference commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Hojatoleslam Dr. Sheikh Javad Amini.
During the opening ceremony, Hojatoleslam Dr. Sheikh Hashim Abu Khamsin delivered an address on the role of the pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (PBUH) in building a society grounded in morality and guidance.
Citing numerous narrations on the virtue of visiting the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (PBUH), he stressed that the school of Imam Hussein represents the finest path for nurturing a society based on truth, justice, and self-sacrifice.
He also relayed the directive of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, who stated: "Be Hussainis, remain Hussainis, and walk the path of Hussein (PBUH)."
Following the opening, Sheikh Hussein Mwaravino from Kenya recited an elegy lamenting the oppression suffered by the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), which was met with deep emotion and a strong reception from those in attendance.
Love for the Ahl al-Bayt from the Perspective of Sufi Followers
One of the conference's key lectures was delivered by Hojatoleslam Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Bamba, titled "Love for the Ahl al-Bayt Among Sufis." He elaborated on various Sufi orders and how they express love and reverence for the Prophet's household. He noted that Sufis hold a highly elevated status for the Sayyids, who in many parts of Africa are referred to as "Masharif."
He added that in some African communities, people rise out of respect when a Sayyid enters a gathering, reflecting their high social standing. Their invocations likewise employ special phrases signifying the greatness and status of the Ahl al-Bayt. Sheikh Bamba concluded by stating that true mysticism requires purity of the heart and soul, a purity clearly manifested in the lives of Sufis due to their deep connection with the Prophet's household.
Barriers to Unity Between Sunnis and Shias
Hojatoleslam Sheikh Salem N'ganga from Kenya followed with a lecture titled "Barriers to Convergence Between Sunnis and Shias."
He identified three primary obstacles to achieving unity: doctrinal differences; jurisprudential disagreements; and sedition and propaganda spread by the enemies of Islam to sow division among Muslims, including the levelling of accusations of insulting the companions against certain Muslims.
He emphasized that the optimal path to unity lies in scholarly dialogue conducted with proper principles and debate ethics to avert discord and division.
The Methods of the Ahl al-Bayt in Explaining Religion
Sheikh Misra from Sudan presented a lecture on "The Methods of the Ahl al-Bayt in Clarifying Religion."
He stated that the Ahl al-Bayt employed diverse methods to disseminate Islamic teachings, including: convening scholarly debates such as those held by Imam Reza (PBUH); establishing schools and academic centers like those founded by Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (PBUH); training missionaries and bearers of Islam's message such as Zurarah, Hisham, and other prominent companions; and spreading the faith through virtuous conduct and Islamic ethics, which constitute the very foundation of faith and piety. He urged the missionaries to model their efforts to convey the religious message on the conduct of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Mahdism: Hope for All of Humanity
Sheikh Abdul Karim from the Comoros Islands delivered an address titled "Mahdism Across Religions."
He opened by reciting the Quranic verse, "And it was a promise decreed," and argued that belief in a savior is not exclusive to Islam. Similar convictions regarding the coming of a promised deliverer exist in various world religions and cultures, including Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
He added that in Islam, abundant narrations speak of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) as the savior who will fill the world with justice and equity after it has been filled with tyranny and oppression.
Supporting the Oppressed: An Islamic Duty
Another lecture was delivered by Sheikh Muhammad Bah from Guinea, titled "Aiding the Oppressed."
He began his speech by reciting the Quranic verse, "It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion..." He explained that one of the great objectives of the divine prophets is the establishment of justice and the defense of the oppressed. Citing Quranic verses and narrations of the Infallible Imams (PBUT), he affirmed that Islam calls upon the faithful to stand beside those who are wronged.
He further noted that the great leaders of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini and Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, have demonstrated through their actions the importance of defending the world's oppressed. He observed that Imam Khomeini inaugurated International Quds Day to display solidarity with oppressed nations, particularly the people of Palestine.
At the conclusion of the conference, a prize-giving ceremony was held for children who had participated in a competition on Ahl al-Bayt teachings. Top-ranking winners received special awards, while all participants were given gifts to encourage and motivate the continued study of the teachings of the Prophet's household.
The conference served as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening solidarity among African missionaries, and renewing their resolve on the path of spreading Islam's message founded upon knowledge, ethics, unity, and the defense of the oppressed.
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