According to the report by the public relations office of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, despite adverse weather conditions, mourners from the Asmat and Tahart families, hailing from distant locations, gathered for this event. They came together to honor the memory of the great Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and the revered Imams, Imam Hasan Mojtabi (PBUH) and Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Reza (AS).

 

This ceremony was organized through the collaborative efforts of the cultural counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Philippines and the coordination with Astan Quds Razavi. Notably, on the night of Imam Reza's (AS) martyrdom, direct communication was established with the Holy Shrine of Razavi, allowing the attendees to connect spiritually with the holy precincts of Imam Reza.

 

The distinguished gathering included the honorable ambassador of the Islamic Republic, embassy staff, a group of devoted followers of the family of purity and innocence from India, Pakistan, Iraq, the Philippines, as well as students and Iranian residents in the Philippines. This event took place on the evening of Friday, September 15, 2023, corresponding to the 24th of Shahrivar, 1402. The ceremony commenced with the screening of selected video clips, followed by a speech by the cultural counselor, Mr. Abul Qasmi.

 

Mr. Abul Qasmi extended his condolences to the attendees on the occasions of the Prophet's (PBUH) passing and the martyrdom of the two luminous Imams, emphasizing their significant presence in the mourning ceremonies of Muharram and Safar. He then invited the mourners to visit the holy shrine of Razavi.

 

A live connection was established with the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), allowing the attendees to witness live images of the sacred site of the 8th Shiite Imam. The program's host conveyed greetings and condolences to the participants in English from the vicinity of the holy shrine. He also invited a respected cleric present at the event to elucidate the reasons and philosophy behind Imam Reza's (AS) journey from Mecca to Khorasan.

 

While extending greetings and condolences on the demise of the beloved Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and Imam Athar (PBUH), the cleric provided insights into Imam Reza's (AS) life and the compelling reasons for his journey to Khorasan in English. He emphasized that the journey was necessitated by political circumstances. Furthermore, he discussed Imam Reza's (AS) profound affection for Iranian Shiites and his central role in addressing religious, social, and political developments, shedding light on the complexities of the era.

 

Regarding the historical significance of such events, the speaker acknowledged that historical occurrences convey messages and philosophies of their own. He drew parallels between Imam Hussein's (AS) journey from Mecca to Karbala and Imam Reza's (AS) journey from Medina to Khorasan. Both journeys aimed to authenticate Islam and expose the nefarious intentions of their adversaries. The speaker cited similar instances from the journeys of other infallible Imams, highlighting their love for the Ahl al-Bayt and their unwavering commitment to pleasing God Almighty.

 

The speaker also shared anecdotes related to the tragedies of Imam Hussein (AS) and his loyal companions, as well as the martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS), with the audience who were part of this live communication.