Union of Islamic Students Associations in Europe
Union of Islamic Students Associations in Europe, (English: Union of Islamic Students Associations in Europe) abbreviated as "Union of Europe", is a collection of Muslim student associations, mostly Iranians residing in European countries. This institution operates with the aim of creating cohesion among Muslim students, promoting Islamic rituals, and political-cultural activities in line with the ideals of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
History and Establishment
This union was founded in 1965 AD (1344 SH), by a group of religious and militant students in Germany. Among the prominent figures who played a role in shaping and guiding this movement in the decades before the Revolution, one can refer to Martyr Beheshti, who played a spiritual fatherly and guiding role for this organization.
Goals
Since its establishment, the Union has based its goals on the following foundations:
- Unity of Word: Effort for solidarity among Muslim students of different nationalities and avoidance of division.
- Self-building and Spirituality: Holding Quranic sessions, Kumayl supplication, and religious ceremonies to maintain Islamic identity in Western societies.
- Explaining Islamic Teachings: Introducing the real face of Islam and Shiism to the European society and confronting Islamophobia.
- Supporting the Ideals of the Revolution: This Union has always been known as the intellectual and political arm of the Islamic Revolution abroad.
Organizational Structure
The Union has an internal democratic structure that includes the following sections:
- Annual Meeting: The highest decision-making pillar held with the presence of representatives from associations in various cities.
- Central Council: Responsible for execution and following up on congress resolutions.
- Representative of the Vali-e Faqih: Given the spiritual position of this organization, usually an individual is present in the Union from the Iranian Leadership to take charge of intellectual and religious guidance.
Activities
- Holding Seasonal and Annual Meetings: These meetings are an opportunity for the exchange of views among Muslim thinkers and students.
- Publishing Periodicals: Printing scientific-religious magazines and articles in Persian and European languages.
- Interaction with Islamic Centers: Close cooperation with major Islamic centers such as the Islamic Center of Hamburg.
Unity and Approximation
The Union of Islamic Associations in Europe has been a pioneer in rapprochement of religions in academic environments abroad. This organization, emphasizing religious commonalities, has tried to attract students from various Islamic sects and has always emphasized the necessity of the unity of the Islamic Ummah against the challenges of modernity and colonialism.
Message of Imam Khamenei to the Fifty-Ninth Meeting of the Union
The text of the message of Imam Khamenei is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Dear Youth!
This year, your country, thanks to faith, unity, and self-confidence, gained new credit and dignity in the world. The heavy attack of the army of America and its shameful offspring in this region was defeated by the initiative, courage, and sacrifice of the youth of Islamic Iran. It was proven that the Iranian nation, utilizing its abilities, under the shade of faith and righteous action, and in confrontation with corrupt and oppressive hegemonists, can stand and convey the call to Islamic values to the world with a voice louder than ever. The deep sorrow due to the martyrdom of a number of scientists, commanders, and some of our dear people could not and will not be able to stop the high-minded Iranian youth. The families of those martyrs are themselves among the pioneers of the movement.
The talk is not about nuclear discussion and things like that. The talk is about confronting the unjust order and the imposition of the system of dominance in the current world, and turning to a just national and international Islamic system. This is the great claim that Islamic Iran has raised its flag and has disturbed the corrupt and corrupting tyrants. You students, especially abroad, have a share of this great duty on your shoulders. Entrust your hearts to God, recognize your abilities, and move the associations in this direction. God is with you and complete victory awaits you, God willing[1]. Sayyed Ali Khamenei 1404/10/03
See also
Notes
References
- Encyclopedia of the Islamic Revolution, Vol 1, Tehran: Sureh Mehr, 1384 SH, pp 34 and 35.
- Message to the Fifty-Ninth Meeting of the Union of Islamic Students Associations in Europe, Website of the Office for the Preservation and Publication of the Works of Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei (May God Prolong His Shadow), Date of publication: 3 Dey 1404 SH, Date of access: 8 Dey 1404 SH.