(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Hujjatul-Islam Mr. Salar, Deputy for International Affairs at the Ahlulbayt World Assembly has issued a message on the occasion of 39thAnniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
The full text of the message is as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
I would like to extend my greetings on the blessed days of commemorating the39thanniversary of the victory of Islamic Revolution to the Supreme Leader, the noble Iranian nation, and all the freethinking and truth-seeking people of the world. I also honor the remembrance of martyrs of Islamic Revolution and the late Imam Khomeini, may Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him.
Over the past years, so many revolutions have taken place in the world. We have seen or studied the revolution of China, Russia, Cuba, France, Algeria and other revolutions, but none of these revolutions are comparable to the Islamic Revolution of Iran with regard to their magnitude and importance.
No doubt, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has certain characteristics, which have made it distinct and unique in comparison to other revolutions. This revolution brought many achievements. Social justice, religious democracy, independence, authority and influence, dignity, and creating Islamic unity and solidarity are among its most important components.
Our Islamic revolution has triumphed over the tyranny through Islamic unity and brotherhood. The continuation of this revolution, too, is certainly dependent upon the preservation of this unity and avoiding any kind of division.
The noble and glorious nation of Iran as the centerpiece of Islamic unity and brotherhood, inspired by the Holy Quran and the Ahlulbayt, overthrew the tyrannical regime.
Today, the only factor that can eliminate ethnic, tribal, and religious differences and create solidarity, unity and harmony in Islamic societies is the principle of monotheism and holding fast by the covenant of Allah and Quranic commands, as we read in the Holy Quran: “And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited.” (Surah Al-Imran, Verse 103)
The Qur'an addresses all peoples and nations and emphasizes the necessity of unity.This is a divine commandment and a believer cannot deny it.
The Holy Quran, as an invitation to all the followers of Abrahamic religions, says: "{O’ Prophet :} Say, ‘O People of the Book! Come to a common word between us and you: that we will worship no one but Allah, that we will not ascribe any partner to Him,.." (Surah Al-Imran, verse 64)
This verse is an invitation to unity, which the Holy Quran declares to all religions and tribes. The message is:“We have something in common; that is, monotheism; so let's put aside all our differences and be united in worshipping God”.
Today, the issue of unity is more about the unity between Islamic sects such as Shiite and Sunni. Of course,under the present sensitive circumstances, this must be taken care of; however, first of all, the unity of approacheswithin each sect and avoidance of extremism in each of them must be focused on, because unfortunately it is the main cause of division.
Imam Khomeini, the great founder of the Islamic Revolution, insisted that there would be no controversy if all the prophets were living together. The reason is that they all invited people to obey God and not themselves. The important issue of the Islamic world today is that the seniors and leaders of current Islamic branches, based on their wisdom and prudence, should obey the verses of the Holy Qur'an. Instead of inviting people to themselves and creating tensions, which will eventually create the takfiri-terrorist satanic schools, they should invite all people to God, and they must heed the Holy Prophet’s instruction who said: “Unity isa blessing, while division is agony”.
The triumph of the Islamic Revolution of Iran led by Imam Khomeini had a great impact on the countries of the world, especially in North Africa. Today, the Islamic awakening in Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen and other regions is due to the great Islamic Revolution of Iran.
The victory of the Islamic Revolution was in fact the victory of Islam, and as a milestone in restoring Islamic thought, created a fresh hope and dynamism in the hearts of Muslims, freedom-loving people, and those who soughtjustice in the world. It revived Islam and caused a deep intellectual and cultural development; all nations in the Islamic world benefited from its blessings.
Today, the voice of the movement of Imam Khomeini (RA) is heard in the most remote parts of the world. All over the world, from Pacific area to Africa and Latin America, we can see the new spirit that the Islamic Revolution of Iran has created in the twentieth century.
Islamic awakening as well asIslamic and anti-colonialism movements that we see in different parts of the world are all because of the influence of the Islamic revolution and the inclination of the oppressed and colonized people towards the pure Mohammedan Islam and culture. The message of the Islamic Revolution is the message of unity, Islamic solidarity, seeking the truth, liberty, and supporting the oppressed and the disadvantaged.
Today, on the eve of the 39thanniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Iran is witnessing tremendous progress in industry, medicine, militaryweapons, culture, economy, science, and space technology. These great developments in various fields have brought about the pride, glory, and honor for the Islamic Republic. In spite of different conspiracies and the evil plans, the Iranian loyal nation, graced with divine power,has stood against the enemies and prevented them, especially the United States and Zionists, from realization of their plots.
Now, we are all obliged, while preserving our alertness and Islamic insight, to keep up our unity and solidarity in order to thwart the evil plans of the enemies. The main purpose of the United States and its dependent mercenaries and allies is to hurt the Islamic Revolution and to bring about insecurity in the region to attain their evil goals and safeguard the security of the usurper regime of Israel.
In fact, the reasons for the interference of the United States and Western countries in the Middle East region can be summarized in four axes:
1. Protecting the Zionist regime’s security
2- Instilling fear of Muslims into people worldwide (Islamophobia) and creating an ideological war
3- Supporting reactionary countries and their allies in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Bahraini governments
4. Providing supports for all radical organizations and factors for annihilation of Islam
Although the United States and its allies have suffered defeat by the divine power and will continue to be defeated; Islamic vigilance and insight, however, urges us to be steadfast in confronting and resisting against the wicked plans of the enemies by keeping our unity and following the commands of the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution.
Undoubtedly, the only way to achieve the Islamic unity is to return to the Holy Quran and the lifestyle of the Holy Prophet of Islam and Infallible Imams, peace be upon them. By following this path, once again the Islamic communities shall be able to attain their glory and grandeur and to witness significant progress in various academic, scientific, moral, cultural and social fields.
Unity between Shiite and Sunni in the light of the Universal Rule of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) and Belief in the Promised Savior
One of the most important and strategic objectives of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is preparing the ground for the universalrevolution of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his return.
The Islamic Revolution led by Imam Khomeini in 1979 could succeed because it was inspired by the promising concept of Intizar, or awaiting the promised savior.
There is no doubt that the growth and realization of the culture of awaiting the savior and getting prepared for the advent of Imam Mahdi (pbuh) will only be possible through fighting the oppression of arrogant powers as well as promoting peace, justice and security and establishing an Islamic government under the Mohammedan law. We have repeatedly heard these goals in the messages of the late Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei before and after the victory of Islamic Revolution as well as in the slogans of the noble nation of Iran.
In fact, the Islamic Revolution of Iran is a preparatory basis for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi. The Islamic Revolution has never claimedto have created a perfect and comprehensive Islamic state; but, it is on the way of preparing the world for the emergence of a true savior.
Imam Khomeini (RA) states in this regard: "Our officials must know that our revolution is not limited to Iran. The revolution of the people of Iran is the starting point for the great revolution of the Islamic world whose torchbearer will be Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). We pray to God to grace all Muslims and the people of the world by hastening his return in the present age". (Sahifeh Noor, vol. 21, dated 2/1/1368 A.H.)
Therefore, one of the missions and responsibilities of the Islamic Revolution and its ultimate goal is to pave the way for establishment of the universal government of Imam Mahdi.
We do hope, by seeking help from Almighty Allah, to deliver the glorious flag of our revolution to the holy hands of Imam Mahdi and to be among his sincere companions and those who honestly await his return.
Relationship of the Islamic Revolution with the Culture of Mahdism
Believing in the promised savior and hope of having a better future is not restricted to a specific religion, nation or certain people. All religions and nations of the world agree on this concept in different ways; and this unanimity can be the basis for the realization of the universal government of Imam Mahdi (pbuh).
The issue of Mahdism and the realization of the universal governmentthat will promote justice worldwide is one of the most important common points between Shiites and Sunni brothers although there are minor differences with regard to the emergence of the savior. However, the common points are more than the cases of controversy. Therefore, in the light of the commonalities and IslamicUnity, we are obliged, by adhering to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet's Infallible Household, to confront the enemies of Islam who seek to sow the seeds of disagreement between Shiite and Sunni brothers.
At this critical juncture when the United States and global Zionism with the help of the evil regime of Al Saud endeavor to break up the Islamic countries and create divisions and differences, we must be alert and reveal the conspiracies of the enemies.
It has been proved that solidarity, unity, and brotherhood among Muslim combatants has been the key element for the victory of the Islamic Revolution as well as the victory of the Islamic Resistance against Takfiri terrorist group of ISIS and its supporters.
Certainly, the continuation of the revolution and its achievements as well as the continuation of Islamic dignity, authority and prestige shall be achieved in the light of the unity of all Muslims and those who care for Islam.
O you who believe! If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make firm your feet. [The Holy Quran: Chapter Muhammad (s.a.): Verse 7]
Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings;
Mohammad Salar
Deputy for International Affairs
The Ahlulbayt World Assembly