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Iranian Ayatollah’s visit important event for Azerbaijan

2 September 2015 10:10 (UTC+04:00)
Iranian Ayatollah’s visit important event for Azerbaijan

By Sara Rajabova

A visit to Azerbaijan by Ayatollah Sheikh Hussein Nuri Hamadani, a well-known religious leader of Iran, will remain in the history of Azerbaijan.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office made the remark at a conference with the participation of Hamadani on September 1.

Hamadani is on a visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of the Caucasus Muslims Office.

Noting that this is the first visit of the Iranian ayatollah to the country, Pashazade said no mujtahid had previously visited Azerbaijan.

“In Soviet times, we secretly studied their works, they did not come and visit Azerbaijan. This is a great event for us. For the first time since Azerbaijan has gained independence, Ayatollah ul Uzma and mujtahid came to the country. Despite the fact that he is already 92 years old, he was able to come to our country. This visit will remain in the history of Azerbaijan,” Pashazade said.

He said Sheikh Hamadani is one of those who have made a great contribution to the overthrow of the Shah's regime in Iran, adding that he was expelled from the country many times, but never gave up his beliefs.

“He was the first mujtahid who is praying for the repose of the souls of the martyrs who were killed in Karabakh and for the liberation of Azerbaijani lands,” Pashazade said.

“Nagorno-Karabakh is an ancient Azerbaijani land, and I wish for it’s soonest liberation,” Hamadani said at the conference.

Hamadani said he was very pleased to be in Azerbaijan, thanking Pashazade for the invitation.

“Islam is a religion of equality. I’ve observed this unity once again in Azerbaijan. Nowadays, Muslim unity is become increasingly important than ever before,” Hamadani said.

Hamadani went on to say that the purpose of his visit to Azerbaijan is to strengthen the unity of Muslims.

During the conference, Hamadani gave some recommendations to the clerics.“Those, studying religion and theology, concentrating on the main issues, must achieve the desired results in their education.”

"Students must know that our profession is very honorable. Before proceeding to our work, we must understand its importance. A man must be trained before the battle. A religious leader must also study science and prepare for this. Honesty and sincerity are essential for the clergy," he said.

Hamedani arrived in Baku on August 31 for a 6-day visit at the invitation of the Caucasian Muslims Office.

Hamedani is scheduled to visit the historic cities of Ganja and Shamakhi. He will meet with local religious leaders in these cities.

The Ayatullah will also visit the Juma mosque in Shamakhi along with the Nizami Ganjavi and Shah Abbas Imamzade mausoleums in Ganja.

Previously, the grand ayatollah had traveled to Russia, Kenya, and, Tanzania.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were reestablished in 1992.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding ties in various fields, including economy, culture, tourism, education and etc.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz

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