AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in a meeting with Shiite and Sunni scholars in Iranshahr, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani remarked, “All Sunni and Shia scholars emphasize the importance of Imamate and leadership, and for us, Imamate is the axis of unity.”
Referring to the unity between Shiite and Sunni as a blessing stemming from the deep insight of great scholars, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stressed, “We believe in the approach to unity. We must stand together to bring Islamic unity to the world.”
Islam is Being Studied in Depth in Western Countries and Academic Centers
“We never have the opportunity to introduce Islam as favorable as today,” he added. “Currently, Islam is being studied in depth in Western countries and academic centers.”
“Today, Islam has become a global power, and the enemy fears this fact. Wherever there is strength and influence, the enemy devises plots to infiltrate. If we view the enemy superficially, it will exploit our beliefs and principles to harm us,” Ayatollah Ramazani expressed.
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly continued, “One of the distinguishing features of the people of Iranshahr is their recognition of the blessings of the Islamic Revolution and system. We must cherish the great blessings of unity, the Islamic Revolution, and Wilayat (of Faqih).”
The Enemy Seeks to Distract the Minds of the Youth
Speaking about the importance of knowledge, he emphasized, “We must strive to become a global center of scientific excellence and manage this field worldwide. Sensitivity towards Islam increases daily due to its growing influence, and the enemy seeks to distort it.”
“We must establish connections with the youth, understand their language, and recognize that the enemy is attempting to preoccupy their minds,” Ayatollah Ramazani added.
“Today, in the West, they are scheming to replace religious rulings, alter the pillars of prayer and fasting, and change the principles of worship,” he noted.
Addressing Misunderstandings Among Muslims
The representative of Gilan Province in the Assembly of Leadership Experts discussed certain misconceptions among Muslims, saying, “Nowadays, some intellectuals in Islamic countries advocate for a ‘merciful Islam’ and argue that verses related to jihad and resistance should be removed from the Quran and hadiths. On the other hand, extremist Takfiri Islam is active, created by imperialism.”
“Each of these represents one blade of a double-edged sword. Under the guise of ‘merciful Islam,’ they aim to promote absolute peace, which in practice equates to submission to oppressive systems. However, in our religious texts, there is no notion of absolute peace; instead, there is just peace, which entails striving for justice,” he continued.
Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized, “There are approximately 400 Quranic verses about resistance. No other sub-principle of Islamic jurisprudence is covered by this number of verses. Therefore, these verses cannot be dismissed. We must stand firm and resist against tyrants.”
In the end, he concluded his remarks by stating, “The Supreme Leader well knows the language of the youth and communicates effectively with them.”
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