The Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe, Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar, joined a multitude of Zimbabwean women drawn from Harare’s various faith-based organisations to commemorate the happy birthday anniversary of Lady Fatima Zahra (sa), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (saww), that was held at Fatima Zahra (sa) Women Centre in Harare this Wednesday (3 January 2024).

Mr Bakhtiyar while congratulating Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra on her birthday, reminded the women and the other guests present at the commemorations of the suffering of the women and children in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza who are under daily attacks by the brutal Israeli army.

Thousands of women and children have lost their lives since the barbaric Israeli army started the war in October 2023.

He implored the peace-loving women of Zimbabwe to think of the Palestinian women and the girl children, who continue to bear the brunt of the unjust war which has brought untold traumatic, psychological and material suffering to the people of Palestine.

He encouraged the women to extol the virtues of good sisterhood, motherhood and womanhood bestowed on humanity by Lady Fatima Zahra (sa).

Also, the Cultural Chancellor, referring to the fourth anniversary of General Soleimani's martyrdom, honoured his memory and pointed to the role of this great martyr in the fight against the ISIS terrorist group. He mentioned General Soleimani's bravery in Syria and Iraq and added: that General Soleimani did not only defend Muslims. Rather, he even defended Christians and other religions who were under the attack and oppression of ISIS.

Pastor Daka from the Zimbabwe Council Churches praised Muslim Women for undertaking charity work in Muslim communities meant to unify all women as well as to defend their rights.

In a show of unity amongst women, women from various Schools of Thought and communities in Harare attended the highly oversubscribed commemorations.

In appreciation of the enormous role played by the Director of Fatima Zahra Women’s Centre Mrs Hajar Makwinja in uplifting and fighting for the rights of women in Zimbabwe, the region and internationally, the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, through the Cultural Counsellor, Mr Bakhtiyar, presented her with a Certificate of Commendation highlighting the good work and service to Islam as a whole.