Srinagar, Oct 1 (KNS): The foundation stone of Hawza Ilmiyya Zainabiya (SA) for girls was laid at Ahmedpora in Pattan on Thursday, with speakers stressing the importance of education and empowerment of women.

The foundation-laying ceremony was held on the 12th death anniversary of Maulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) and was attended by prominent Shia scholars, including Maulana Syed Ahmed Ali Abidi, representative of Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani in India and Imam-e-Juma of the main mosque in Mumbai, and Maulana Mirza Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board.

Addressing the gathering, Abidi appreciated Molvi Imran Ansari for providing land for the project and appealed to the community to contribute towards its establishment. He emphasised the importance of education in Islam and said educating girls was essential for the progress of society.

Abbas said education was the foundation of progress and highlighted the wider role educated women can play in shaping families and society.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelReferring to the example of Bibi Zainab (SA), he stressed the importance of women being educated and spiritually grounded.

He also praised Molvi Imran Ansari for his efforts and said he would extend support to the proposed madrassa. He said efforts would also be made to explore establishing a university for engineering at the site in the future.

All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association president and JKPC general secretary Molvi Imran Ansari said the project was aimed at providing girls with religious, academic and professional education. He thanked the visiting scholars, religious leaders, Zakireen and community members for attending the ceremony.

AJKSA general secretary Abid Ansari, religious scholars, Zakireen and representatives of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also participated in the event.

The gathering concluded with prayers for the success of the proposed institution and for the spiritual elevation of Maulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA).(KNS)