AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, who is visiting Senegal at the invitation of local religious leaders, addressed a gathering of Muslim youth from West Africa in the capital city of Dakar.
Learn from Iran; Faith and Resolve Are Keys to Success
Speaking at the event, Ayatollah Ramazani highlighted the legacy of the late Imam Khomeini (r.a.), stating, “Imam Khomeini taught us, the people of Iran, the powerful lesson of ‘We can.’ We must never underestimate ourselves. We have strength and capability.”
He went on to say, “Imam Khomeini launched the movement in 1963, sixty-two years ago, and it took fifteen years to achieve victory. When asked with whom he would rise up, he would respond, ‘My soldiers are either not yet born or still in their cradles.’ Fifteen years later, those very children were eighteen and took part in the revolution. That’s why you must believe in your own potential, you can, and you will.”
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of pursuing knowledge, adding, “If you want to change your country, you must seek science and education.”
Building Organizations to Resist Isolation and Cultural Domination
Ayatollah Ramazani also underscored the need for collective action, stating, “You must establish organizations and associations. Each of you has a strength, but when that strength is united among a hundred people, no one can defeat you. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) did not form any organization while in Mecca, but when he migrated to Medina, he established a powerful government.”
Commenting on Senegal’s current position, he said, “Thanks be to God, Senegal has gained independence and pushed back against colonialism. It is now one of the most important countries in West Africa. The era of colonialism in Africa must come to an end. From now on, Africa is no longer on the sidelines of global economic, political, and religious affairs—it stands at the center of history.”
Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, continued his address by emphasizing Iran’s transformation after the Islamic Revolution. “Before the Revolution, we were on the margins of history, but the Islamic Revolution brought Iran into the center of global developments. Today, Iran has reached an elevated scientific position. Prior to the Revolution in 1979, we ranked 57th in the world, but now Iran’s average scientific rank is between 15 and 16. In certain fields, we are among the top five countries globally. This scientific advancement is due to the active presence of youth; therefore, scientific jihad is essential.”
Scientific Jihad Guarantees the Honor and Progress of the Islamic Ummah
He spoke about the sacrifices of Iranian youth, stating, “Our young people fought for eight years (during the 8-year imposed war by Ba’athist Iraq) and did not allow even an inch of our land to fall into enemy hands. We did not let the enemy invade then, and we won’t allow it now either.”
Addressing the youth of West Africa, Ayatollah Ramazani said, “You must grow through scientific jihad and not allow your religion and faith to be taken from you. The enemies are trying to strip faith from the younger generation and break apart families. From now on, do not work individually; rather, you need to work collectively. Active youth must come together to form associations and organizations. This is how you can step onto the international stage and defend the independence of your countries.”
This Gathering Marks the Beginning of a Shared Journey Toward a Bright Future: Kalantari
Dr. Abdolhossein Kalantari, advisor to the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, also addressed the gathering, saying, “I hope these meetings and dialogues with youth devoted to the AhlulBayt (a.s.) will lead to the exchange of experiences and the fostering of synergy. This session marks the beginning of a journey; a journey we must begin together.”
Kalantari, who also serves as the Head of the Policy Council of ABNA News Agency, emphasized, “The future of the world belongs to you, the youth. It is you who will build that future. It has always been the youth who have driven forward the course of progress of the world. By mastering modern sciences and technologies, you can shape the horizons of tomorrow in even greater ways.”
During the session, several Muslim youths from West African countries, particularly Senegal, shared their thoughts on the current situation of youth in their regions and offered suggestions for their advancement.
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