Annual Women’s Gathering Held at Residence of Grand Ayatollah Shirazi During Ramadan

The residence of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq Hosseini Shirazi hosted the annual women’s gathering during the days commemorating the demise of Lady Khadijah al-Kubra (peace be upon her).

This ceremony took place on the evening of Wednesday, the eleventh of Ramadan, corresponding to March 12, with the attendance of women and important statements from Grand Ayatollah Shirazi.

The gathering was broadcast live across six channels of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Media Group and other channels affiliated with the Religious Authority. During the event, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi addressed key points that held particular importance for Muslim women and youth.

His Eminence emphasized the significance of utilizing the opportunities of Ramadan for spiritual growth and seeking divine forgiveness. He referenced the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), stating that anyone who passes through Ramadan without attaining forgiveness will not be forgiven until the next Ramadan. He urged attendees to take advantage of the divine mercy before the end of the month.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stressed the need for women and youth, who possess health and energy, to show greater diligence in seeking forgiveness for their sins during this time. He also encouraged women to learn religious laws, either through following their religious authority or through studying in religious seminaries, so they can fulfill their religious duties with full awareness and understanding.

The Supreme Marja recommended that women study the book “Rayahin al-Shari’ah,” which details the lives of learned Shiite women written by Sheikh Zabihullah Mahalati. The book discusses the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and the exemplary lives of figures such as Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her), and Lady Zainab (peace be upon her).

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi further stated that a Muslim woman can achieve high levels of knowledge and if she is resurrected as a jurist on the Day of Judgment, she will receive special attention from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

He advised women to ensure they perform their religious obligations and avoid any sins during Ramadan. He highlighted the importance of “piety” and caution, explaining that piety means being vigilant against divine prohibitions and not committing any sins or neglecting obligatory acts.

He noted that fulfilling religious obligations during Ramadan carries a reward equivalent to seventy times that of other months. He also emphasized the necessity of defending Islam and countering doubts raised by those who seek to sow confusion.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi specifically urged women to gain knowledge to effectively respond to doubts about Islam and Islamic laws. He pointed out that one of the doubts raised by the enemies of Islam pertains to “inheritance for men and women,” stressing that Muslim women should be adequately informed to defend their rights.

He highlighted that, from an economic perspective, God has granted women more than men. He stated that it is obligatory for men to provide for the needs of their lives and their wives, thus if Islam allocates half of what is allotted to men for women, it signifies a significant gift to women.

Moreover, he mentioned that during Ramadan, performing one obligatory act is rewarded seventy times more than in other months, encouraging Muslim women to engage in worship, address doubts, and educate themselves about the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

He concluded by asserting that defending the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and Islamic laws is an essential duty for all Muslims, especially women, and they should not neglect this responsibility. Grand Ayatollah Shirazi emphasized that through learning and addressing doubts, women can take effective steps in promoting religious knowledge and will receive special attention from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) on the Day of Judgment.