Sheikh Sadiq Rajai from Kargil participated in the Seventh General Assembly of Ahlulbait at Tehran, Iran representing Kargil. He was among the three person from India who were invited in the conference. The other two were Syed Jalal Naqvi and Syed Mohsin Taqvi from Delhi. On his arrival in Kargil people gave him a warm welcome and Syed Kazim Sabri congratulated him during the Friday sermon. Voice of Ladakh conducted an interview with Sheikh which is enumerated as below.

VOL: What is the General Assembly of Ahlulbait and how did you reach to the conference?

Sheikh Rajai: In the introduction of the conference in Iran it was informed that the conference is not conducted by the Iran government but it is an initiative taken by the leader (Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei) himself. Long ago, the leader had emphasised on some key issues that are inter-religious discourse, week of unity and General Assembly of Ahlulbait. But, after the success of Islamic Revolution they got the opportunity to reflect their plans into action and as a result this events took place. The current conference held three years late; otherwise the conference held once in every four year. The conference was attended by Scholars from different religions and ideologies who discussed to make the world a peaceful place to live in. The conference maintained that unless the system propounded by the Ahlulbait is introduced to the world, other ideologies would not solve the actual purpose.

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The theme of the conference this year was “AhlulBayt (a.s.), the axis of rationality, justice and dignity”. We got the opportunity to listen to the leader directly where in the conclusion, the leader instructed to introduce Shia and protect Shia.

In the invitation, I was invited in individual capacity. But after consultation with the Executive Body of IKMT, I decided to represent the organisation in particular at the Assembly.

VOL: How many people and how many countries attended the conference?

Sheikh Rajai: According to the organisers, participants from 117 countries attended the conference out of around 185 countries invited. Most of the participants were from Latin America, North America, South America, Libya, Algeria, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India extra. Such a mass participation is result of a small revolution that the oppressed people across the globe, who have no one to hear their screening have realised Iran as a resort. I got opportunity to involve in discussion with a scholar from Latin America on daily basis during the tour. He said that the narrative regarding Imam Mehdi (a.s.) in Shia traditions and Quran are similar to that of unpolluted and undisturbed books of Christianity. Thus, there are lot of queries in mind of people in the west and to answer them, this assembly has made a commendable effort.

VOL: What are the key issues and topics discussed in the Assembly?

Sheikh Rajai: The whole Assembly was consist of four days which were hosted by prominent personalities of Iran. The Host on first day was Iran President Ayatollah Ibrahim Raisi. Addressing the assembly he emphasised on rationality, justice and dignity which are the basis of Shia. No other religion has such a great importance as in Shia for these three things.

On second day, the host was Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Amir Abdullahian who maintained that belief is imperative in their relations with other countries. He said that the relations of Iran with other countries shall be based on rationality, justice and dignity. Third day host was speaker of the parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the last day was hosted by leader himself (Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenai). We all got the opportunity to listen directly to the leader himself where he enlightened on some essential issues.

VOL: Can you please share some valuable ideas from the Assembly as your gift to the readers?

Sheikh Rajai: After returning to Kargil when I thought on the messages from the Assembly I reach on the conclusion that the key message for the youth and people of Kargil is to build network and strengthen relation between each other. It is also imperative to develop platforms. A series of conference held on different topics and they also asked us about our achievements and developed resources. They appreciated our region level small achievements more, than some other country level achievements. They said seminaries should prosper; I replied seminary are functioning well in Kargil. We have separate seminary for girls and boys. We have a traditional theology college named Madrasa Isna Ashriya Kargil which is functioning with zeal and zest. The colleges are affiliated with the al-Mustafa International University and in comparison to the small population this number of colleges are enough.

I said, for secular education we have private schools. They said that the students at school must get some important instructions that they mentioned. When they desire for public interest and welfare activities, I told them about Baseej-e-Zaraat (agriculture wing), Zainabiya Women Welfare Society (women wing), Baseej Ruhanion (clergy wing), Baseej Imam (youth wing), Baqirya Health Care and Research Centre (health wing), extra. On hearing this they expressed optimism and satisfaction. I urged them to register these assets with the Ahlulbait Assembly. In reply they said that the Motto of Ahlulbait Assembly is to promote and protect Shia. They have consented and permitted us to open their office in Kargil.

VOL: What is your last message to the readers in regard to this Assembly?

Sheikh Rajai: In brief, my message to the boys, girls, youth and elders is to deliver the true message of the Ahlulbait to all. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says that “if the original beauty of our traditions are delivered, all people will follow us”. If we all strive hard in this direction and support the Assembly, we can reach to new heights. I realise that elder, more learned and experienced people should go to the Assembly. All clerics must sit together and choose the best person to represent the region and its people at Ahlulbait Assembly.