The Islamic University College, Ghana (IUCG) hosted an event to commemorate the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hassan Mujtaba, and Imam Ali Rida.
The solemn gathering, marked by reflections on the lives and sacrifices of these revered Islamic figures, drew scholars, religious leaders, and dignitaries from various communities. The ceremony opened with prayers led by Sheikh Ibrahim Bansi, the Deputy National Shia Imam.
Sheikh Muhammad Munir, a lecturer at IUCG and Hawza, delivered the first address, focusing on the life history of Imam Ali Rida (a.s.).
Sheikh Munir highlighted the spiritual benefits of studying Imam Rida’s life, emphasizing the wisdom and devotion he exhibited throughout his leadership in the Islamic world.
The second speaker, Muhammad Kabir, delved into the historical and political aspects of Imam Hassan Mujtaba’s life. He provided a detailed account of Imam Hassan’s martyrdom, attributing his death to poisoning orchestrated by Mu’awiya, a political rival. Kabir referenced several hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to support his claim, emphasizing that the family of the Prophet and his Imams had long been subjected to martyrdom. He also discussed the intertwining of religion and politics, citing events from the time of the Prophet to Imam Mahdi to illustrate how religious leadership was often political.
The final speaker, Sheikh Abdul Wahab Ali, focused on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His talk touched on the Prophet’s compassionate leadership, including a story about the Prophet’s mercy toward the people of Taif. Sheikh Wahab also discussed the historical context of the Prophet’s death, encouraging the audience to reflect on his legacy of mercy, justice, and forgiveness.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Ibrahim Bansi, Sheikh Mohammed Abu Jajah, Sheikh Abbas Shaban Konda, Sheikh Abdallah Mohammed Kalli, Sheikh Ahmed Ibrahim, and Sheikh Ahmed Nazir Ruhullah—all lecturers at the Ahlul-Bayt Teacher Training Institute.Other notable figures in attendance were Sheikh Adam Naisaburi, Sheikh Nuhu Issah Bandagof from Masjid Rasul al-Akram, Dagomba Chief of Ashaley Botwe, Mohammed Saani, Suleiman Alhassan—Roza Zongo Chief of New Legon, Hamza Muhammad—Assistant Imam ofDagomba, Ashaley Botwe, Hussein Muhammad Mukhtar—Kusunto Chief of Ashaley Botwe, and Nene Abdul Razak Mawunye Portuphy—Adange Muslim Chief. The event also had the presence of Muhammad Awal Iddris, the Municipal Chief Imam ofAdentan Municipality, and Chief Hassan Abdul Rahman Dabir—Amanhia Zongo Chief. IUCG President Dr. Kamal Ezzat, along with the outgoing and incoming Directors of the Cultural Consulate of Iran, also graced the occasion. The event fostered an atmosphere of reflection, learning, and unity, as participants paid homage to the martyrs and drew inspiration from their lives.