International Conference in Qom
In a powerful display of unity and remembrance, an international conference convened at Imam Khomeini Seminary School in the holy city of Qom to mark the somber anniversary of the destruction of Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery. Scholars, poets, and prominent figures from across the globe gathered to denounce the desecration of this sacred Islamic site and to renew calls for the reconstruction of its holy graves.
The event, held at the Martyr Aref Hosseini Hall, was orchestrated by the “Tahrir Post” cultural complex in partnership with esteemed Islamic and scientific institutions, including the Al-Yasin Association and the Center for Islamic Thought in India. It served as both a lament for a historical tragedy and a rallying cry to keep the memory of Jannat al-Baqi alive in the collective conscience of the Islamic world.
Jannat al-Baqi, located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is one of the oldest and most significant Islamic cemeteries, revered as the resting place of numerous family members and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Its destruction in 1926 by the Al-Saud regime, which leveled the graves and erased their markers, remains a wound in the hearts of many Muslims, particularly Shia communities who view it as an assault on their heritage.
Voices of Condemnation and Hope
The conference opened with a stirring video message from Hujjat al-Islam Saiyed Mehboob Mehdi Abedi, founder of the “Jannat al-Baqi Reconstruction Movement,” speaking from the United States. Moulana’s words carried the weight of a century-long grievance. “Baqi is not just a piece of land,” he declared, “but a symbol of justice, humanity, and a reminder of the oppression endured by the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT). For a hundred years, we have been indebted to this tragedy, and this silence burdens us all.” His call to action underscored a shared responsibility to confront this historical injustice.
Following Moulana Saiyed Mehboob Mehdi Abedi, Indian poet Ali Mahdavi took over, weaving emotion into verse as he recited poetry dedicated to Jannat al-Baqi. His words painted the cemetery as more than a physical space—a timeless guardian of history and faith. “The cry of Baqi transcends tribe and group,” Mahdavi intoned.“It is a faith-based, humane, and moral duty. These graves, though destroyed, still speak to awakened hearts. This injustice, committed in our time against the infallible Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), makes us all accountable before God.” His poem left the audience visibly moved, reinforcing the urgency of the cause.
A Collective Plea for Justice
The conference drew to a close with a moment of profound unity. Attendees, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to recite the prayer of the Imam of the Time (PBUH), their voices blending in a heartfelt supplication for divine intervention. This was followed by a collective prayer for the reconstruction of Jannat al-Baqi, a plea that resonated deeply with the crowd. Placards were raised, each one a silent yet powerful demand for the immediate restoration of the holy graves. The hall’s walls were adorned with banners and posters that echoed the day’s message. The collaborative spirit of the “Tahrir Post” cultural complex, the Al-Yasin Association, and the Center for Islamic Thought in India was palpable, underscoring a growing movement to reclaim this sacred site. As the event concluded, the atmosphere was not one of despair but of resolve—a shared commitment to ensure that the legacy of Jannat al-Baqi is not forgotten but restored for future generations.
The destruction of Jannat al-Baqi remains a poignant symbol of loss for millions, and the conference in Qom underscored its continued relevance. As scholars and activists emphasized, the silence surrounding this tragedy must end. The event not only honored the past but also set a forward-looking agenda, urging the global Muslim community to reclaim and rebuild what was lost nearly a century ago.