Nowadays, golden opportunity to introduce Islam: Ramazani/ Imam Khomeini’s honesty, reason for the survival of Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Khalid Mulla
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “Today, there is a golden opportunity to introduce Islam that we have never had before. This makes the duty of the scholars heavier.”
During his visit to Iraq, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, met Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Mulla, President of the Iraqi Ulema Association.
Nowadays, golden opportunity to introduce Islam: Ramazani
In this meeting, referring to the role of ulema, Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “Throughout the Islamic history, the role of Ulama (Islamic Scholars) has been prominent at all times. Today, given the current situation in the international arena, this presence can undoubtedly be very important and necessary.”
“In my speech at Imam Khomeini’s house in Najaf, I referred to verse 143 of Surah Al-Baqarah. In this verse, God says, “وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا” (Thus We have made you a middle nation). This verse refers to the role of scholars. In interpreting this verse, Sunni scholars have defined the middle nation as “a moderate nation far from extremism.” Of course, Allameh Tabatabai and our teacher Allameh Javadi Amoli, following Allameh Tabatabai, interpreted the verse differently. He says that the Muslim Ummah is a moderate nation, but this point must be inferred from other verses and hadiths. This verse refers to the fact that just as the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is the mediator between the Creator (God) and the creatures, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) receives the truth of revelation as a divine prophet and conveys it to humanity. But after the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), the mediators between the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and human beings are the Ulama (Islamic scholars),” he continued.
“The middle nation is the scholars who mediate between God and His creatures. The role of scholars is very prominent here. According to verse “وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ” (Thus We have made you a middle nation that you may be witnesses to the people), the scholars receive this knowledge and are witnesses to the people, as the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is witness to them: “وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا” (and that the Apostle may be a witness to you). In this regard, the late Allameh Tabatabai said that here, “witness” means model. Scholars are the role model for the Muslim community, and they are the true heirs of the divine prophets,” added the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
“Islamic scholars, both Shia and Sunni, have a strategic role in showing the path to the destination to the people. If they want to be effective, they must be both jurists in religion and be spiritual. Scholars must be jurists in religion. Religion does not only mean “Osul” (principles) and “Fiqh” (jurisprudence) alone. Rather, it includes all the teachings related to religion, including beliefs, intellectual and moral issues, and discussions of rules and jurisprudence. Scholars must also have spiritual conduct. Sufis pay close attention to this area,” stated Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the role of Ulama.
“The combination of Shari’a, Tariqah (knowing the divine path) and truth, is important, and Imam Khomeini has been a clear example in this regard. He was a jurist, a sage, a mystic, and a had divine morality. He collected a set of realities in himself and was able to become a charismatic figure in the human world. Therefore, some Christian scholars said of Imam Khomeini, “He revived us with his Christ-like breath. The religion of Islam and Muslims are indebted to the efforts of Imam Khomeini.” Today, thanks to Imam Khomeini, the guiding task of Ulama are becoming more prominent day by day,” he continued.
“The secular view is one of the dangers that may infiltrate Shiite and Sunni scholars. However, it has already infiltrated. This is one of the great dangers in today's conditions and society. Some even try to omit some Quranic verses, especially those related to resistance. This is an effort being made both in the West and by some Islamic enlightenment thinkers,” added the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
“Today, there is a golden opportunity to introduce Islam that we have never had before. This makes the duty of the scholars heavier. Martyr Modarres said, “Our religion is our politics and our politics is our religion”. But in analyzing this statement, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli said, “In the school of Imam Khomeini, our Sharia is our politics, and our politics is our Sharia; our Tariqah (knowing the divine path) is our politics and our politics is our Tariqah; our politics is our truth and our truth is our politics”,” said Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the opportunity to introduce Islam.
“The Supreme Leader of the Revolution said, “We are at a historical turning point and we are in a special situation. If we are careful and manage it well, we can place the greatest spiritual power and authority against arrogance among Muslims.” Therefore, the greatest fear of the arrogant flow is Imam Khomeini’s Islam, and if we want to do our duty in this matter, we must be brave,” he continued.
“Today, we must be the example of this Quranic verse: “وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَصِيرًا” (And say, ‘My Lord! ‘Admit me with a worthy entrance, and bring me out with a worthy departure, and render me a favorable authority from Yourself.’) (Quran, Surah Al-Isra, verse: 80) and ask God to: “وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا” (And those who say, ‘Our Lord! Give us joy and comfort in our spouses and offspring, and make us imams of the Godwary.’) (Quran, Surah Al-Furqan, verse: 74). This is achieved by the truth,” pointed out the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Imam Khomeini’s honesty, the reason for survival of Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Khalid Mulla
Following the meeting, Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, Head of the Iraqi Ulama Association, said, “The Jama’at Ulama of Iraq (Iraqi Ulama Association) was one of the first institutions in Iraq to address the issue of Islamic unity. This institution supports Islamic movements in general. It supports both Imam Khomeini and Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.”
“Before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini was also an ascetic and a defender of Islam and Muslims. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, despite all the facilities available to him, he became closer to God. The reason for the victory and survival of this Revolution (Islamic Revolution of Iran), from a mystical point of view, was Imam Khomeini’s honesty with God, which extended the life of the revolution,” he continued.
“Although there are shrines of Imams, mosques, sources of emulations, and Ulama in Iraq, I am very worried about the future of the Islamic movement in this country. In Iraq, we are witnessing the emergence of the anti-Islamic flow, which is supported by the United States and Israel. We are responsible for the youth and their distance from religion. During Saddam’s regime, Muslim Ulama were executed, and after the fall of this regime, we Ulama were released. The fatwa of the Marjaiyat preserved Iraq. But now we are witnessing deviations in Iraq, and (unfortunately) some scholars in this country have approached the secular flow, and they speak in the language of this flow that religion should be separated from politics,” added the Head of the Iraqi Ulama Association.
“In order for the religious movement in Iraq to become more active, we must cooperate with religious institutions active in Iran, such as the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought. Today, if a cleric wants to approach the people, he must follow their way. While this is wrong, and people should follow a cleric, he should not follow people,” stated Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, considering it necessary to activate religious institutions.
“The United States and Israel seek to cast doubt on our religion and religious denominations. Some in Iraq talked about the normalization of the relationship with Israel, these issues affect our youth. In the face of such a flow, we have to be closer to God, to cooperate truly with each other, and not to be afraid of speaking of the truth. This is while our enemies are not ashamed to say false words,” he continued.
“In Iraq, some chanted slogans against Iran. This is while that if we examine the American crimes and Iranian services since the beginning of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, it becomes clear which country we should chant against. We need to inform the people about these issues,” added the head of the Iraqi Ulama Association.
“When we study the life of Imam Khomeini or any other religious figure, we must manifest their conducts in our character. If Imam Khomeini was alive, and he observed the irreligious youth, he would have taken a stand and told the Ulama that they should stand against the secular flow and say that Islam is the solution to all problems,” stated Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, considering it necessary to follow the example of Imam Khomeini.
“Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has been under siege for 42 years, we are witnessing comprehensive progress of Iran in various dimensions, especially the scientific dimension. This progress is visible to everyone. The progress of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not only due to the efforts of manpower, but this progress is also due to divine grace. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the fruit of Imam Khomeini's life,” he continued.
“The Supreme Leader of Iran pays attention to all the affairs of Muslims. We saw that Hamas leaders said they would not forget Iran’s aid. The Bosnian people have said before “We are Sunnis, but if it were not for the help of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, the capital of our country would have fallen”,” added the head of the Iraqi Muslim Ulama Association.
“We are concerned about the aggression against Islamic beliefs, and unfortunately some scholars were also exposed to this danger. To counter this flow, we must act through television networks, cyberspace, holding various programs and strengthening religious gatherings. Meeting Ayatollah Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, is an incentive for us in this regard,” he mentioned.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “Today, there is a golden opportunity to introduce Islam that we have never had before. This makes the duty of the scholars heavier.”
During his visit to Iraq, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, met Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Mulla, President of the Iraqi Ulema Association.
Nowadays, golden opportunity to introduce Islam: Ramazani
In this meeting, referring to the role of ulema, Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “Throughout the Islamic history, the role of Ulama (Islamic Scholars) has been prominent at all times. Today, given the current situation in the international arena, this presence can undoubtedly be very important and necessary.”
“In my speech at Imam Khomeini’s house in Najaf, I referred to verse 143 of Surah Al-Baqarah. In this verse, God says, “وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا” (Thus We have made you a middle nation). This verse refers to the role of scholars. In interpreting this verse, Sunni scholars have defined the middle nation as “a moderate nation far from extremism.” Of course, Allameh Tabatabai and our teacher Allameh Javadi Amoli, following Allameh Tabatabai, interpreted the verse differently. He says that the Muslim Ummah is a moderate nation, but this point must be inferred from other verses and hadiths. This verse refers to the fact that just as the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is the mediator between the Creator (God) and the creatures, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) receives the truth of revelation as a divine prophet and conveys it to humanity. But after the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), the mediators between the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and human beings are the Ulama (Islamic scholars),” he continued.
“The middle nation is the scholars who mediate between God and His creatures. The role of scholars is very prominent here. According to verse “وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ” (Thus We have made you a middle nation that you may be witnesses to the people), the scholars receive this knowledge and are witnesses to the people, as the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is witness to them: “وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا” (and that the Apostle may be a witness to you). In this regard, the late Allameh Tabatabai said that here, “witness” means model. Scholars are the role model for the Muslim community, and they are the true heirs of the divine prophets,” added the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
“Islamic scholars, both Shia and Sunni, have a strategic role in showing the path to the destination to the people. If they want to be effective, they must be both jurists in religion and be spiritual. Scholars must be jurists in religion. Religion does not only mean “Osul” (principles) and “Fiqh” (jurisprudence) alone. Rather, it includes all the teachings related to religion, including beliefs, intellectual and moral issues, and discussions of rules and jurisprudence. Scholars must also have spiritual conduct. Sufis pay close attention to this area,” stated Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the role of Ulama.
“The combination of Shari’a, Tariqah (knowing the divine path) and truth, is important, and Imam Khomeini has been a clear example in this regard. He was a jurist, a sage, a mystic, and a had divine morality. He collected a set of realities in himself and was able to become a charismatic figure in the human world. Therefore, some Christian scholars said of Imam Khomeini, “He revived us with his Christ-like breath. The religion of Islam and Muslims are indebted to the efforts of Imam Khomeini.” Today, thanks to Imam Khomeini, the guiding task of Ulama are becoming more prominent day by day,” he continued.
“The secular view is one of the dangers that may infiltrate Shiite and Sunni scholars. However, it has already infiltrated. This is one of the great dangers in today's conditions and society. Some even try to omit some Quranic verses, especially those related to resistance. This is an effort being made both in the West and by some Islamic enlightenment thinkers,” added the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
“Today, there is a golden opportunity to introduce Islam that we have never had before. This makes the duty of the scholars heavier. Martyr Modarres said, “Our religion is our politics and our politics is our religion”. But in analyzing this statement, Ayatollah Javadi Amoli said, “In the school of Imam Khomeini, our Sharia is our politics, and our politics is our Sharia; our Tariqah (knowing the divine path) is our politics and our politics is our Tariqah; our politics is our truth and our truth is our politics”,” said Ayatollah Ramazani, referring to the opportunity to introduce Islam.
“The Supreme Leader of the Revolution said, “We are at a historical turning point and we are in a special situation. If we are careful and manage it well, we can place the greatest spiritual power and authority against arrogance among Muslims.” Therefore, the greatest fear of the arrogant flow is Imam Khomeini’s Islam, and if we want to do our duty in this matter, we must be brave,” he continued.
“Today, we must be the example of this Quranic verse: “وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَصِيرًا” (And say, ‘My Lord! ‘Admit me with a worthy entrance, and bring me out with a worthy departure, and render me a favorable authority from Yourself.’) (Quran, Surah Al-Isra, verse: 80) and ask God to: “وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا” (And those who say, ‘Our Lord! Give us joy and comfort in our spouses and offspring, and make us imams of the Godwary.’) (Quran, Surah Al-Furqan, verse: 74). This is achieved by the truth,” pointed out the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
Imam Khomeini’s honesty, the reason for survival of Iran’s Islamic Revolution: Khalid Mulla
Following the meeting, Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, Head of the Iraqi Ulama Association, said, “The Jama’at Ulama of Iraq (Iraqi Ulama Association) was one of the first institutions in Iraq to address the issue of Islamic unity. This institution supports Islamic movements in general. It supports both Imam Khomeini and Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.”
“Before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini was also an ascetic and a defender of Islam and Muslims. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, despite all the facilities available to him, he became closer to God. The reason for the victory and survival of this Revolution (Islamic Revolution of Iran), from a mystical point of view, was Imam Khomeini’s honesty with God, which extended the life of the revolution,” he continued.
“Although there are shrines of Imams, mosques, sources of emulations, and Ulama in Iraq, I am very worried about the future of the Islamic movement in this country. In Iraq, we are witnessing the emergence of the anti-Islamic flow, which is supported by the United States and Israel. We are responsible for the youth and their distance from religion. During Saddam’s regime, Muslim Ulama were executed, and after the fall of this regime, we Ulama were released. The fatwa of the Marjaiyat preserved Iraq. But now we are witnessing deviations in Iraq, and (unfortunately) some scholars in this country have approached the secular flow, and they speak in the language of this flow that religion should be separated from politics,” added the Head of the Iraqi Ulama Association.
“In order for the religious movement in Iraq to become more active, we must cooperate with religious institutions active in Iran, such as the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, and the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought. Today, if a cleric wants to approach the people, he must follow their way. While this is wrong, and people should follow a cleric, he should not follow people,” stated Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, considering it necessary to activate religious institutions.
“The United States and Israel seek to cast doubt on our religion and religious denominations. Some in Iraq talked about the normalization of the relationship with Israel, these issues affect our youth. In the face of such a flow, we have to be closer to God, to cooperate truly with each other, and not to be afraid of speaking of the truth. This is while our enemies are not ashamed to say false words,” he continued.
“In Iraq, some chanted slogans against Iran. This is while that if we examine the American crimes and Iranian services since the beginning of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, it becomes clear which country we should chant against. We need to inform the people about these issues,” added the head of the Iraqi Ulama Association.
“When we study the life of Imam Khomeini or any other religious figure, we must manifest their conducts in our character. If Imam Khomeini was alive, and he observed the irreligious youth, he would have taken a stand and told the Ulama that they should stand against the secular flow and say that Islam is the solution to all problems,” stated Sheikh Khalid Abdul Wahab Al-Mulla, considering it necessary to follow the example of Imam Khomeini.
“Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has been under siege for 42 years, we are witnessing comprehensive progress of Iran in various dimensions, especially the scientific dimension. This progress is visible to everyone. The progress of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not only due to the efforts of manpower, but this progress is also due to divine grace. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the fruit of Imam Khomeini's life,” he continued.
“The Supreme Leader of Iran pays attention to all the affairs of Muslims. We saw that Hamas leaders said they would not forget Iran’s aid. The Bosnian people have said before “We are Sunnis, but if it were not for the help of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, the capital of our country would have fallen”,” added the head of the Iraqi Muslim Ulama Association.
“We are concerned about the aggression against Islamic beliefs, and unfortunately some scholars were also exposed to this danger. To counter this flow, we must act through television networks, cyberspace, holding various programs and strengthening religious gatherings. Meeting Ayatollah Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, is an incentive for us in this regard,” he mentioned.