Mumbai: An international conference was organised via Zoom by Al-Baqi Organisation, Chicago, USA, on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA). The conference was presided over by the eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Ehtisham Abbas Zaidi.

Opening the conference, as per the organisation’s longstanding tradition, its driving force, renowned Quranic exegete Allama Mehboob Mehdi Abidi Najafi, spoke about the significance of the event and called upon participants to renew their commitment to the cause. He urged everyone to remain steadfast until a shrine is rebuilt at Jannat al-Baqi. Continuing his scholarly address, he said that the demolished graves at Baqi continue to bear witness to the oppression and suffering of those buried there.

Speaking from Pune, Maharashtra, Maulana Aslam Rizvi addressed a question often raised by some people: Are there any chances of success for the ongoing movement to rebuild Jannat al-Baqi? He said the answer was clear: “We must understand our duty and responsibility and fulfil them sincerely. The outcome is not in our hands.” He emphasised that it was their responsibility to continue working towards the cause, regardless of the results.

Maulana Syed Abbas Baqri, an active and committed religious scholar from Nagarm, delivered an important address in which he said that those associated with the movement for Jannat al-Baqi would be able to stand before the infallible and purified members of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) on the Day of Judgement and say that they had stood alongside those who participated in the movement during their lifetime.

The distinguished Indian Islamic scholar and researcher, Maulana Syed Ehtisham Abbas Zaidi, delivered an engaging address in which he appealed to the Muslim world. He observed that some people believe that powerful forces would never allow Jannat al-Baqi to be rebuilt. However, he said, the truth is that those regarded as powerful by such people possess no real power of their own. Explaining the meaning of the Quranic expression La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power nor strength except through Allah), he emphasised that all power belongs to Allah alone. He expressed confidence that, Insha'Allah, a beautiful shrine would soon be constructed at Baqi.

From Mumbai, the city often described as the pride of India, the respected religious scholar Maulana Syed Sher Mohammad Jafri delivered a comprehensive and impactful address. He said, “Our only demand from the government is that it grant us permission to construct a shrine at Jannat al-Baqi. We do not even need its financial assistance. Devotees of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) across the world will build the shrine with their own lawful and hard-earned money.”

Addressing the conference from the holy city of Qom, Iran, the eminent scholar Maulana Syed Irfan Mehdi Zaidi said that the land of Baqi continues to bear witness to the injustices committed by the Al Saud rulers. The desolate and ruined shrines at Baqi, he said, remind us that the struggle between truth and falsehood continues to this day. He emphasised that no matter how powerful oppression may become, it can never suppress the power of truth.

Maulana Irfan Mehdi Zaidi has recently been appointed to an important position in international affairs at the Grand Mosque of Qom and the holy shrine of Hazrat Fatima Masuma (SA). At the conclusion of the conference, he arranged a live virtual viewing of the dome and sacred enclosure of the shrine of Hazrat Fatima Masuma (SA) in Qom. He also recited the Ziyarat on behalf of all the faithful.

Maulana Ali Abbas Wafa, Editor-in-Chief of SNN Channel, played a significant role in making the conference successful through his impressive and effective hosting.

The conference concluded with a prayer offered by Maulana Mehboob Mehdi Abidi Najafi.