Al-Mustafa Islamic College hosted a commemoration ceremony marking the 15th century anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), bringing together religious scholars, Islamic leaders, representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ugandan dignitaries, lecturers, students, and members of the Muslim community.

The event provided an important platform to reflect on the life, teachings and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with particular emphasis on mercy, justice, knowledge, peaceful coexistence, Islamic unity, human dignity and solidarity with oppressed people around the world.

Among the distinguished guests were an Iranian delegation led by Hojatul-Islam Dr. Mahdi Mahadipour, Representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Waqf Organization, His Excellency Majid Saffar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, Mr. Rezaei D. Ali Asghar, Iranian Cultural Counsellor, and other invited guests.

The delegation was welcomed by Sheikh Yusuf Mulumba, Director of the Qur’an and Itra Association, together with religious leaders, staff and students of Al-Mustafa Islamic College.

2. Remarks by Sheikh Yusuf Mulumba

In his welcoming remarks, Sheikh Yusuf Mulumba highlighted the central message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a messenger of mercy, referring to the Qur’anic description of the Prophet as a mercy to the worlds.

He emphasized that the Prophet’s mercy extended beyond a particular community or group and included the oppressed, orphans, women, children and even those who opposed him. According to Sheikh Mulumba, the Prophet introduced a message of dignity, peace, justice and peaceful coexistence at a time when societies were affected by division, hatred, injustice and other social vices.

He noted that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transformed society by promoting human dignity, justice and freedom. He challenged Islamic institutions and leaders to examine whether their activities genuinely address the needs of the poor, vulnerable and oppressed members of society.

Sheikh Mulumba also encouraged Shia Muslims to conduct themselves as exemplary members of their communities and to become ambassadors of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Household by demonstrating good character and service to society.

He called upon Muslims to stand firmly for truth, wisdom and justice without discrimination, emphasizing that the greatest tribute to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should not be limited to poetry, songs or written works, but should be demonstrated through practical actions and positive relations with people in the community.

He further appealed to religious leaders to recognize and respect the existence of different Islamic schools of thought. He urged scholars and community leaders to promote mutual respect and avoid unnecessary conflicts, violence and divisions arising from ignorance, intolerance and recklessness.

3. Message on Islamic Unity and Palestine

As part of the programme, a video presentation featuring the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Martyr Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on Islamic unity and the challenges facing Muslim nations was screened.

The presentation addressed the importance of unity among Muslims and the challenges posed by external efforts to divide Muslim societies. It also highlighted the significance of the Palestinian question to the Muslim world and to humanity as a whole.

The presentation encouraged Muslims to strengthen solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing challenges affecting the wider Muslim community.

4. Remarks by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran

His Excellency Majid Saffar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, congratulated Muslim believers for participating in the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Ambassador noted that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation had recently adopted a resolution encouraging member states to commemorate this important occasion. He observed that Uganda participated in the relevant discussions in Türkiye, including through its representatives at ministerial level.

In his remarks, the Ambassador also addressed the recent tensions and military confrontation involving the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. He emphasized Iran’s determination and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests, stating that Iran possesses the expertise and military capabilities necessary to defend itself against aggression.

He further stated that any cessation of hostilities would have to take into account the conditions and position of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

5. Remarks by Hojatul-Islam Dr. Mahdi Mahadipour

Hojatul-Islam Dr. Mahdi Mahadipour, Representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Waqf Organization, conveyed greetings and salutations of peace to all participants.

He delivered greetings from Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and reflected on the historical engagement of the Iranian leadership with the African continent.

He recalled the former Supreme Leader’s visits to several African countries and his speeches addressing issues including apartheid in South Africa and the struggles of peoples seeking freedom and independence.

Dr. Mahadipour emphasized the aspiration for African countries to achieve genuine independence from colonialism, imperialism and external domination. He noted that, for many years, the Iranian leadership had dispatched representatives to African countries with the objective of promoting sovereignty, self-sufficiency and economic independence.

He congratulated the participants on reaching Islamic Unity Week, describing the occasion as an opportunity for Muslims from different backgrounds to come together in remembrance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Prophet of mercy.

6. Education, Knowledge and Human Development

A significant part of Dr. Mahadipour’s address focused on the importance of education and knowledge in the development of Muslim societies.

He observed that one of the greatest challenges facing educational institutions is not merely the establishment of physical structures and infrastructure, but the development of relevant curricula and effective management of human resources.

He argued that Muslim societies continue to face developmental challenges partly because sufficient attention has not been given to the Prophet’s emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding.

He stressed that the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental Islamic principle and that societies cannot achieve meaningful development while suffering from widespread illiteracy.

Dr. Mahadipour further emphasized the importance of integrating knowledge with ethical and religious values. He argued that knowledge without moral responsibility can be misused, pointing to the development of destructive weapons and their use against innocent civilians, including children, as an example of scientific advancement without sufficient ethical consideration.

He therefore encouraged Muslim educational institutions to produce graduates who combine academic knowledge with religious values, ethical responsibility and a commitment to serving humanity.

7. Appreciation for the Iranian Ambassador

Dr. Mahadipour expressed appreciation to Ambassador Majid Saffar and his family for their service during his four-year diplomatic mission in Uganda.

He commended the Ambassador’s contribution to strengthening cooperation between Uganda and the Islamic Republic of Iran in areas including economic, educational and cultural cooperation, as well as people-to-people friendship.

He expressed hope that the bilateral relationship between Uganda and Iran would continue to grow stronger, more stable and more prosperous, supported by the shared values and teachings associated with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.