International Seminar in Chicago Calls for Reconstruction of Baqi’ Cemetery Shrines

International Seminar in Chicago Calls for Reconstruction of Baqi’ Cemetery Shrines
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Religious scholars and researchers at an online international seminar organized by the Baqi’ Organization in Chicago called for renewed efforts to rebuild the graves of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and other sacred burial sites in the Baqi’ Cemetery in Medina.

Participants urged that legal permission be granted for the construction of shrines befitting the religious and historical significance of those buried there.

Held during the Fatimiyyah days marking the martyrdom anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her), the seminar examined the historical and religious dimensions of the destruction of the Baqi’ graves and the continuing campaign for their reconstruction.

The organization’s official, Hujjat al-Islam Mahboob Mehdi Abedi Najafi, described the effort as an ongoing religious responsibility. Other speakers from India, including Hujjat al-Islam Aslam Rizvi and researchers Sayyid Abbas Baqeri, Sayyid Ehtesham Abbas Zaidi, Sayyid Sher Mohammad Jafari and Sayyid Irfan Mehdi Zaidi, also stressed the importance of preserving awareness of the issue and continuing advocacy.

Jafari said the campaign was seeking legal authorization to carry out reconstruction, rather than financial support from the Saudi government. He added that devotees of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) around the world were prepared to fund the project through private donations.

Participants called for continued religious, cultural and media efforts to raise awareness of the Baqi’ Cemetery and coordinate advocacy for the restoration of its destroyed shrines.