The sixth annual conference of followers of the Supreme Religious Authority Ayatollah Shirazi, may Allah prolong his life, was held on September 12 and 13, 2026, in Maradi, Niger, under the theme, “Awakening Believers to the Complexities of the Era of Occultation.”

The conference was held under the supervision of Scholar Ismail Gharba, its founder, with participation from believers, as well as scholars, religious speakers, and religious and cultural figures from Niger and several West African countries.

The main focus of the gathering was to increase believers’ religious awareness, explain their responsibilities during the era of occultation, and examine ways of remaining committed to the principles and values derived from the teachings of the Household of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them.

Over the two days, Scholar Ismail Gharba, Scholar Dr. Hafiz Saeed from Nigeria, Scholar Sheikh Abdulrahman Abu Saleh, Sayyid Khidr Loun, Scholar Dr. Nasser Jafar, Scholar Sheikh Muhammad Asher, Scholar Sheikh Jibril Hassan Ada, and Scholar Sheikh Musa Dakourou delivered speeches and presented discussions on a range of topics.

The speeches covered theological, intellectual, and educational topics and emphasized the need to strengthen believers’ awareness, insight, and steadfastness in the face of the intellectual and cultural challenges of the era of occultation.

The organizers also expressed their appreciation for the extensive efforts and cooperation of local believers who contributed their time, abilities, and financial resources to the event, while highlighting the role of scholars, speakers, and participants in achieving the conference’s objectives.