AYATOLLAH
KHAMENEI’S MESSAGE TO HAJJ PILGRIMS - 2011
(2011/11/05)
In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds,
and may blessings and greetings be to the Master of the creatures,
Muhammad al-Mustafa
and his immaculate Family and his elect Companions.
The spiritual spring of Hajj has arrived with its freshness, purity
and God-given grandeur and majesty, gathering again the faithful and
eager hearts like butterflies encircling the Ka’bah of Divine Unity and
Islamic solidarity. Camped at Makkah and Mina, Arafat and Mash’ar are
the fortunate human beings who, having responded to the call of
“proclaim the Hajj to all the people”, are being honored with the
hospitality of the clement and munificent Lord. Here is the blessed
House and the source of guidance from which the manifest Divine signs
radiated and the canopy of safety was set up to cast its universal shade.
Wa sh your hearts in the Zamzam of piety, humility and God’s
remembrance. Open the inner eye to the lights of the Divine signs.
Embrace the spirit of submission and dedication, which are the hallmarks
of true servant hood. Keep on refreshing in your hearts the memory of
that patriarch who, in willing compliance, led his Ishmael to the scene
of sacrifice, thus showing us the clear path of attaining the friendship
of the Glorious Lord and the manner of traversing it with a resolve
infused with faith and an intent imbued with sincerity.
The station of Abraham is one among these manifest signs. The
footprint by the side of Holy Ka’bah of Abraham, may Peace be upon him,
is only a symbol of the station of Abraham. The station of Abraham is
his station of dedication and self-sacrifice, his fortitude and
resistance to personal desires and fatherly feelings as well as against
the domination of unfaith, polytheism and Nimrod, the tyrant of the
time.
Today these two paths of deliverance lie open before each of us,
individuals belonging to the Muslim Ummah. Determination, courage and
firmness of resolve on part of each one of us can advance us towards the
same goals to which mankind have been invited by the Divine envoys from
Adam to the Seal of the Prophets, with the promise of dignity and
felicity, in the world and the Hereafter, for those who take this path.
It will be worthy of the Hajj pilgrims at this great assembly of the
Islamic Ummah to address the most important issues of the Islamic world.
The uprisings and revolutions in some important Islamic countries are at
the head of these issues. The events that have taken place in the
Islamic world in the interval between the previous and present Hajj
pilgrimages can change the destiny of the Islamic Ummah, and they
forebode a bright future accompanied with dignity and progress, material
and spiritual. Dictators and ‘corrupt’ taghoots, allied with foreign
powers, have been overthrown in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, and the stormy
waves of popular uprising in some other countries threaten to bring down
the castles of wealth and power.
This new chapter in the history of Our Ummah reveals certain truths
which are all manifest Divine signs and give us vital lessons. These
truths should be taken into account by Muslim nations in all their
calculations.
First, a young generation has emerged from the bowels of these
nations after decades of political subjugation to foreign powers, which
with its admirable self-confidence, is ready to face dangers, confront
the dominant powers and is determined to change the status-quo.
Second, despite the authority and efforts of secular rulers and their
overt and covert measures to curtail the influence of religion in these
countries, Islam, with its conspicuous and impressive presence, has
become the guiding principle of popular expression and sentiment. Like a
fountainhead effusing through popular discourse and behavior it has
given vitality and freshness to the rallies and activities of the
millions. The mosques and minarets, Islamic slogans and calls of Allahu
Akbar, all are clear indications of this fact and the recent Tunisian
elections provide decisive evidence for this claim. Without doubt, free
elections in any Islamic country will hardly result in anything except
what happened in Tunisia.
Moreover, as revealed for all by this year’s events, God Almighty has
placed such a force in the resolve and determination of nations that no
power whatsoever can withstand it. With this God-given power nations can
change their destiny and partake of Divine help.
Furthermore, during the last decades arrogant powers, led by the
United States, had reduced the regional states to a subjugate condition
through their political and security tactics. They imagined to have
opened an obstacle-free highway for their rising economic, cultural and
political domination over this sensitive part of the world. But now they
are the primary target of the disgust and hatred of the region’s nations.
To be certain, the regimes emerging from these revolutions will never
submit to the disgraceful inequalities of the past, and the political
geography of the region will be drawn by the nations in pursuance of
their dignity and complete independence.
In addition, the crafty nature of the hypocritical Western powers has
become all too apparent for the people of these countries. The U.S. and
Europe made their utmost efforts to retain their pawns in Egypt, Tunisia
and Libya, each of them in a particular way. But when their wishes had
to give in before the resolve of the nations, they cast a wily friendly
smile at the triumphant public.
There are further precious facts and manifest Divine signs embedded
in the regional events of the past year, which are not hard to discern
for reflective minds.
Nevertheless, the entire Islamic Ummah and especially the revolu
tionary nations stand in need of two basic elements:
First, the continuity of their stand and avoidance of slackness in
resolve. In the Qur’an, the Divine summons to the Greatest Messenger,
may God bless him and his Family, are addressed in these words: “Be
steadfast, just as you have been commanded—[you] and whoever has turned
[to God] with you—and do not overstep the bounds (11:112)” and “Be
steadfast, just as you have been commanded (42:15).” The Prophet Moses,
may peace be upon him, is quoted as telling his people: ‘Turn to God for
help and be patient. The earth indeed belongs to God, and He gives its
inheritance to whomever He wishes of His servants, and the outcome will
be in favor of the God-fearing.’ (7:128)”
At the present, the most significant aspect of God-fearing for the
risen nations is not to halt in their auspicious movement, and not to
let themselves be diverted by the achievements of this phase. This is
the important part of the God-fearing and piety whose possessors are
rewarded with the “favorable outcome.”
Second, vigilance with regard to the plots and gimmicks of the
arrogant international powers who have suffered a setback from these
uprisings and revolutions. They will not sit idle. They will reenter the
arena with all their political, financial and security outfits to
reestablish their influence and control in these countries. Their
outfits are carrot and stick and deceit. Experience has shown there are
some among the elite who are susceptible to these gimmicks. Fear, greed
or negligence prompt them to serve the enemy. The vigilant eyes of the
youth, intellectuals and religious scholars should be closely watchful.
The biggest danger posed by the Camp of Unfaith and arrogant powers
lies in its intervention and influence over the structures of the new
political systems in these countries. They will do their utmost to see
that the new systems do not take on an Islamic and democratic identity.
All the concerned people in these countries and all those who cherish
their homeland’s honor, dignity and progress should work to ensure the
complete and perfect Islamic and democratic character of the emergent
polity. In this regard, the role of the constitutions will be prominent.
National unity and official recognition of sectarian, tribal and ethnic
differences are a precondition of future success.
The valiant revolutionary nations of Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, as
well as other awakened and combatant nations, should know that the sole
means of deliverance from the oppression and guile of the United States
and other Western hubristic powers is to establish a global balance of
power conducive to their interests. The Muslims should bring themselves
on a par with the great world powers in order to be able to reach a
serious solution of their problems with the World-devourers. This cannot
be achieved except with the cooperation, understanding and solidarity of
Islamic countries. This was an unforgettable advice of the great Imam
Khomeini.
For months on, the United States and NATO dropped bombs on the heads
of the Libyan people making Gaddafi, a vicious dictator, an excuse.
Gaddafi was someone who was considered their close friend before the
valiant uprising of the Libyan people. They used to coddle him, steal
the wealth of Libya through his hands and press or kiss his hand in
order to dupe him. Following the people’s uprising, they made him an
excuse to destroy the entire infrastructure of Libya. Which state could
stop the tragic massacre of the Libyan people and destruction of the
country at the hands of NATO? Until the claws and fangs of the
bloodthirsty and barbaric Western powers are not broken, such dangers
will remain conceivable for Islamic countries. Their safety from such
dangers is not possible except by forming the Islamic world as a
powerful pole.
Today the West, United States and Zionism are weaker than ever before.
Economic troubles, successive failures in Afghanistan and Iraq,
deep-running public outrage in America and other Western countries with
its daily widening scope, the struggles and sacrifices of the people of
Palestine and Lebanon, the daring popular uprisings in Yemen, Bahrain
and some other countries under American influence—all these are
significant portents for the Islamic Ummah, especially for the emergent
revolutionary nations. Faithful men and women throughout the Islamic
world, particularly in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya should make the most of
this opportunity for the formation of an international Islamic power
block. The vanguard and the elite of the uprisings should place their
trust in Almighty God and, with reliance on His promise of help, adorn
the new chapter in the history of the Islamic Ummah with their lasting
achievements, thus earning God’s approval and fulfilling the
prerequisites of His help
May Peace be upon God’s right eous servants!
Seyyed Ali Hossaini Khamenei
29 Dhul Qa’dah, 1432
5 Aban, 1390
27 October, 2011
'
West seeks to defeat Muslim's revolutions'
(2011/09/17 - 20:29)
Imam Chamene'is Speech at the Confenrence of
Islamic Awekening 17.9.2011
بسمالله الرحمن الرحیم
السلام علیکم و رحمة الله و برکاته
الحمدلله رب العالمین و الصلوة و السلام علی سیدنا محمد و آله الطیبین و
صحبه المنتجبین
قال الله العزیز الحكیم : بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم :
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ وَلا تُطِعِ الْكَافِرِينَ
وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا وَاتَّبِعْ
مَا يُوحَى إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
خَبِيرًا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلا
( O Prophet, fear Allah and do not obey the disbelievers and the
hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. (1). And follow that
which is revealed to you from your Lord. Indeed Allah is ever, with what
you do, Acquainted. (2) And rely upon Allah ; and sufficient is Allah as
Disposer of affairs.(3) Surat Al-Ahzab )
I welcome our honored audience and dear guests. What has brought us here
together is the Islamic awakening, which comes from the stronger
inspiration and greater understanding among Muslim ummah. This awakening
has led to a major development among nations of our region and has
brought about uprisings and revolutions that could never have been
contemplated in the calculations of the dominant regional and
international satanic powers. These are momentous uprising that have
razed to the ground the autocratic and imperialist strongholds and
vanquished the tyrants guarding them.
There is no doubt that colossal social upheavals have always relied on
solid foundation of history and civilization and are products of
accumulation of wisdom and experiences. Over the past 150 years, the
presence of great intellectual and jihadi personalities that have been
opinion leaders and behind Islamic movements in Egypt, Iraq, India and
other countries in Asia and Africa has served as precursors and pioneers
for the present situation in the Islamic world.
The developments in the 1950’s and 60’s led to coming to power of
regimes that were mostly inclined to materialistic ideologies and
thoughts, and because of their inherent character fell into the trap of
Western imperialist and colonialist powers. These are experiences that
are lessons to learn from, and have contributed substantially to
evolution of general and profound understanding in the Islamic world.
The Islamic Revolution in Iran that was hailed by Imam Khomeini as
“victory of blood over sword”, and establishment of the lasting, robust,
courageous and progressive Islamic republic, and its impact on present
Islamic awakening is itself a long story that deserves to be debated and
researched. There is no doubt that Islamic Revolution of Iran will be
accorded a thorough and comprehensive chapter in the analysis and
writings of history of the present situation of the Islamic world.
For that reason, the present and mounting facts and truths in the
Islamic world are not simply events that are severed from the past
historical roots, social and intellectual backgrounds to allow our
adversaries and the shallow-minded to present them as a passing wave and
short-lived phenomenon in order to snuff out hope in the hearts of
nations by their warped and biased analyses.
In this brotherly dialogue with you I want to place greater emphasis on
three areas:
1. Taking a glance at the identity of these uprisings and
revolutions
2. Major threats and harms lying on their way.
3. Recommendations to find solutions and prevent these threats and
harms.
Regarding the first point, I believe the most important element in these
revolutions is the actual and mass presence of people in the arena of
action, struggle and jihad. They were present, not only with their
heart, desire and faith, but also with their body and souls. There is a
big difference between this presence and the presence of a military
group or even armed combatants in front of uncaring people or even
concerned people.
In the events of 1950’s and 60’s in some countries of Africa and Asia,
the heavy load of the revolution was not on the shoulder of diverse
segments of population and the youth from all parts of the country, but
rather on the shoulder of coup d'etat or small and limited armed groups.
They decided and acted, and they themselves or the succeeding generation
changed their ways as a result of certain motivations. The revolution
became its own enemy and the enemy managed again to prevail over their
countries.
This is totally different than the change that comes from the people. It
is the people that bring their body and soul to the arena of action, and
by their jihad and devotion push back and defeat the enemy. It is the
people that make the slogans and set the goals, identify and introduce
and pursue the enemy. They draw their desired future, although not
comprehensively, and as a result do not allow departure from the path of
the revolution or conceding to the enemy, or change of course by
compromising and the tainted few with special interests, and above all
thwart the schemes of enemy’s agents.
In such a grass-root movement, the revolution may be slowed, but can
stay away from short-sightedness and being on shaky ground. Quran says
“Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good
word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches
[high] in the sky?
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللّهُ مَثَلاً كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرةٍ
طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاء
( Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a
good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches
[high] in the sky?
(24" Ibrahim )
When I saw the brave body of the proud people of Egypt on television in
Tahrir Square, I became convinced that their revolution will triumph.
Let me confess something to you. After the victory of the Islamic
Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic republic in Iran which
caused an earthquake among the worldly materialistic rulers in East and
West and brought unprecedented uproar and joy to Muslim nations, we
expected that Egypt would be next in line to rise. The reason was the
history of jihad, progressive thinking and presence of great mojahids
and intellectuals in Egypt. I was reciting in my heart this poem by Abu
Faras:
أراك عصيّ الدمع شیمتك الصبر ما للهوی نهی علیك و لا أمر
؟
When I saw the people of Egypt in Tahrir Square and squares in other
cities, I knew I have received my response. The people of Egypt told me
with words coming from their heart:
بلی أنا مشتاق و عندي لوعة ولكن مثلي لایذاع له
سرُّ
…This sacred secret was nothing but the motivation and resolve to
rise, and gradually people of Egypt cemented this thought in their mind
and at a historical juncture they manifested their resolve and entered
the arena in a magnificent show of their power.
Tunisia, Yemen, Libya, and Bahrain are no exception to this general rule.
In these revolutions principles, values and goals are not written in
prefabricated manifestos of groups and parties, but written in the minds,
hearts and desires of each and every person present on the scene and are
declared in the context of their slogans and behaviors.
With these signals one can clearly tell that the principles of current
revolutions in the region, in Egypt and other countries, are first and
foremost the following:
- Revival and renewal of national dignity and respect that have been
broken and trampled during long years of dictatorial and corrupt rule
and the political domination of America and the West.
- Keeping up the banner of Islam which is the profound faith and
longstanding attachment of people and being able to enjoy peace of mind,
justice, progress and prosperity that could only be achieved under
Islamic Sharia.
- Resistance against the influence and domination of the United
States and Europe that have wreaked the greatest damage and humiliation
on the peoples of these countries over the past two hundred years.
- Countering the usurper and fictitious Zionist regime that the
imperialist powers have planted like a dagger in the heart of this
region to serve as a tool to continue their diabolical domination after
expelling a whole nation from their historical homeland.
There is no doubt that the revolutions in the region that rely on and
demand these principles are not to the liking of America, Europe and the
Zionists, and they are going to use all means to deny them, but the
truth will not change with their denial.
The widespread participation of people in these revolutions is the most
important element that constitutes their identity. Foreign powers that
tried everything in their power and used all their schemes to keep in
power the tyrannical, corrupt and subservient rulers in these countries
and only abandoned them when the people left no choice for them have no
right to claim a share in the victory of these revolutions. Even in
Libya intervention by America and NATO cannot distort the truth. In
Libya, NATO has caused irreparable damage. Had it not been for the
military intervention of NATO and America, victory of people might have
been delayed, but all these infrastructures would not have been damaged,
and innocent women and children killed and then enemies that were
accomplices of Qaddafi would not have been able to intervene in this
innocent war-torn nation.
People and the elite that are of the people and others who are from the
people are the true owners of these revolutions that should be trusted
to protect them and draw the path to the future.
2- Regarding the threats and harm, I should first emphasize that
although there are threats, but there are also ways to stay safe. Mere
presence of threats should not scare nations.
إِنَّ كَيْدَ الشَّيْطَانِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا
( Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak)
. Allah says about a group of mojahids of early Islam:
الَّذِينَ قالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ
فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزادَهُمْ إِيماناً وَ قالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ
نِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ فَانْقَلَبُوا بِنِعْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَ فَضْلٍ لَمْ
يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوءٌ وَ اتَّبَعُوا رِضْوانَ اللَّهِ وَ اللَّهُ ذُو
فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ
( Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered
against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and
they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of
affairs." So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm
having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah
is the possessor of great bounty. )
We need to know what these threats are, in order not to be surprised and
to be able to find solutions.
We faced these perils and threats after the victory of Islamic
Revolution and experienced them. With the grace of Allah and the
leadership of Imam Khomeini and sacrifices of our people we managed to
sail through them safely. The plots by enemies still continue but so
does the firm resolve of our people.
I divide the harm to these movements into two groups: those that have
their roots within ourselves and come from our own weaknesses, and those
that have been directly planned by the enemy.
The first group of harms is of the following type:
The sense and thought that after the downfall of the corrupt dictator
the job is over. The peace of mind and comfort that comes after the
victory and afterward the lessening of motivation and weakening of
determination are among the first perils, and the most damaging threat
is when individuals ask for their share of the spoils of victory.
The story of the Battle of Uhud and the defenders seeking the spoils of
victory caused the defeat of Muslims, and the mojahids were reprimanded
by God. This is a good example that should never be forgotten. Being
shocked and awed by the appearances of the arrogant powers and the
feeling of fear from America and other interventionist powers are of
these kinds of harm that should be avoided.
The brave and young should throw out these fears from their heart.
Trusting the enemy and falling into trap of their smiles and promises is
another threat that needs to be avoided by the forerunners and leaders.
The enemy must be identified no matter what cover it uses. The nation
and the revolution should be protected against the designs of the enemy
that at times hide behind the appearances of friendship and supportive
gestures. Another side to this page is becoming overconfident and
overlooking the enemy. Bravery must be combined with wisdom and good
judgment. We must use all treasures of God within ourselves against
Satan, al-Jinn wal–Ens. Causing division and pitting revolutionaries
against one another and penetration behind the battlefront of struggle
is another great harm that needs to be avoided with all your power.
The second group of harm has been experienced by almost all countries of
the region during different events. The first harm is the coming to
power of those who are committed to America and the West. The West tries
after the downfall of its pawns to protect the basic pillars of the
system and levers of power, and change the direction by using the same
foundation, but with a different head, in order to perpetuate its
domination. This means wasting of all your efforts and sacrifices. At
this stage, if they face resistance of the people, they try to introduce
and offer to the movement and people other alternatives that are
designed to divert the course of the movement. This scenario could be
recommending government models and constitutions that will again throw
the Islamic countries into the trap of cultural, political and economic
dependence on the West. This could lead to their influence among the
revolutionaries greater financial and media strength of an unreliable
current and marginalization of the genuine currents in the revolution.
This also means return of the domination of the West and the stronger
grip of then outdated Western models that are far from basic principles
of the revolution.
If this tactic does not produce the desired result, experience tells us
that they will go for anarchy, terrorism, civil war among followers of
religions or ethnic communities and tribes, political parties, or even
among neighboring nations and governments. Parallel to these actions,
they will impose economic siege and sanctions, freeze national assets
and launch all-out media war and propaganda. Their intention is to tire
out and frustrate people and make the revolutionaries disappointed.
Under these circumstances it becomes easy to defeat the revolution.
Assassination of the righteous elite of the society and opinion leaders,
defamation and vilification of others and even enticing some with money
are among usual ploys used by the Western powers and the claimants of
civilization morality.
In Iran, the evidence and documents from the U.S. Den of Espionage that
fell into the hands of the revolution showed that all these plots were
designed by the regime in the United States for the people of Iran for
them bringing back the reactionary and dependant rulers in
revolutionary countries is a principle that prescribes all these dirty
tricks.
In the last part of my remarks, I present recommendations for your
consideration and selection that are based on our tangible experiences
in Iran and what has been gathered from the precise studies of other
countries. Undoubtedly, conditions differ among nations and countries.
Nonetheless, there are truths that can prove beneficial for all people.
The first point is that by placing one’s trust in God and believing in
the repeated promises of divine victories in the Quran and through
astuteness, resolve, and braveness, it is possible to surmount all
obstacles and emerge victorious. Of course, the task that you all have
taken up is quite grave and momentous. Thus, one must bear great
hardship for its sake. The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (`a) says:
“فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمْ يَقْصِمْ جَبَّارِي دَهْرٍ قَطُّ إِلَّا بَعْدَ
تَمْهِيلٍ وَ رَخَاءٍ وَ لَمْ يَجْبُرْ عَظْمَ أَحَدٍ مِنَ الْأُمَمِ
إِلَّا بَعْدَ أَزْلٍ وَ بَلَاءٍ وَ فِي دُونِ مَا اسْتَقْبَلْتُمْ مِنْ
عَتْبٍ وَ مَا اسْتَدْبَرْتُمْ مِنْ خَطْبٍ مُعْتَبَر..”
The important recommendation is that you must always consider
yourself as being present on the scene: فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانْصَبْ (
So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for
worship].)Therefore, when thou art free, still labor hard), always
consider God as present and as your aid: وَإِلَى رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ (And
to thy Lord turn all thy attention), and must not allow your victories
to cause you to become arrogant or negligent:
اِذا جاءَ نَصْرُ اللهِ وَ الْفَتْحُ وَ رَاَيْتَ النّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ
في دينِ اللهِ اَفْواجاً فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَ اسْتَغْفِرْهُ
اِنَّهُ كانَ تَوّاباً
(When comes the help of Allah, and victory. And thou dost see the
people enter Allah’s Religion in crowds. Celebrate the praises of thy
Lord). These are the true foundations of a faithful nation.
Another recommendation is the constant rereading of the principles of
revolution. The slogans and principles must be refined and brought in
line with the foundations and undisputed principles of Islam.
Independence, freedom, justice, refusal to bow to despotism and
colonialism, rejection of ethnic, racial, and religious discrimination,
and the outright rejection of Zionism, which, today, comprise the pivots
of the movements in Islamic countries, are all inspired by Islam and the
Quran.
Write down your principles on paper. Preserve your genuine nature with a
high degree of sensitivity. Do not allow your enemies to formulate the
principles of your future system. Do not allow Islamic principles to be
sacrificed for transient interests. Deviation in revolutions starts with
deviation in slogans and objectives. Never place your trust in the U.S.,
NATO, or criminal regimes such as Britain, France, or, Italy, which for
long plundered and divided your land among themselves. Look upon them
with suspicion and do not believe their smiles. Behind these smiles and
promises lies conspiracy and betrayal. Find you own way by resorting to
the blessed fountainhead of Islam and give back foreigners’
prescriptions to themselves.
Another important recommendation is to avoid religious, ethnic, racial,
tribal, and border disputes. Recognize differences as legitimate and
manage them. Reconciliation among Islamic religions is the key to
salvation. Those who fan the flames of religious division through
apostatizing others are the mercenaries and servants of Satan, even if
done inadvertently.
Creating your own system of governance is your main and seminal task.
This is a complex and difficult undertaking. Do not allow secular or
western liberal or extremist nationalist or leftist Marxist models to be
imposed on you.
The leftist Eastern Bloc collapsed and the Western Bloc is propped up
through violence, war, and deceit, and does not appear to have a bright
outlook.
The passage of time will be to their loss and to the benefit of the
Islamic current.
The ultimate goal must be a unified Islamic Ummah and the creation of a
new Islamic civilization founded upon faith, rationality, knowledge, and
morality.
The liberation of Palestine from the savage claws of the Zionists is
also a great objective. The countries of the Balkans, Caucasus, and
western Asia were liberated from the claws of the former Soviet Union
after eighty years. Why should the Palestinian people not be able to
free themselves from the captivity of the oppressor Zionists after
seventy years?
The present generation in Islamic countries has the capacity to
accomplish such great feats. The young generation of today is a source
of pride for the past generations. As noted by the Arab poet:
قالوا:
أبو الصخر من شيبان قلت لهم كلا لعمري و لكن منه شيبانُ
و كم أبٍ قد علا بابنٍ ذُری شَرَفٍ كما علا برسولِ الله
عدنانُ
Trust your young generation. Revive their feeling of self-confidence
and benefit them by the experiences of the elders.
There are two important points in this connection:
First, one of the most important demands of the people who have revolted
and who have been liberated is to have a decisive participation in the
management of their countries. And since they believe in Islam, their
desire is to have a system of Islamic democracy, i.e. the rulers being
elected through the vote of the people and the dominant principles and
values of the society being based on the Islamic knowledge and sharia.
This can crystallize in various countries, depending on their conditions,
through various methods and forms. However, utmost care must be taken
not to confuse this with the western liberal democracy. The secular, and
at times anti-religious, western democracy is in no way related to the
Islamic democracy which is committed to the values and main principles
of Islam in its system of government.
The second point relates to the fact that Islamic tenets must not be
equated with backwardness, obscurantism, and ignorant and extremist
biases. The demarcation between these two must be pronounced. Religious
extremism, which is usually attended by violence, is the cause of
falling short of the lofty goals of the revolution. This, in turn,
results in the loss of public support and the eventual failure of the
revolution.
In sum, to speak of Islamic awakening is not to speak of a nebulous and
indistinct concept that is amenable to various interpretations. Rather,
it is to speak of a tangible reality in the external world that has
filled the atmosphere and resulted in great uprisings and revolutions
and removed from the scene some dangerous elements of the enemy.
Nonetheless, the scene remains fluid and in need of being shaped and
brought to a conclusion. The verses recited at the outset contain a
complete and effective set of guidelines, especially in this sensitive
and momentous juncture… Though, they are addressed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH),
we all are their interlocutors and responsible for adhering to them. In
these verses, piety (taqwa), in its lofty and broad connotation, is the
first recommendation. Then comes the rejection of the orders of the
infidels and hypocrites, adherence to the divine revelation, and,
finally, trust in God…
Once again, we will review these verses:
بسماللهالرحمنالرحیم يا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ وَ لا
تُطِعِ الْكافِرينَ وَ الْمُنافِقينَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ عَليماً
حَكيماً(1) وَ اتَّبِعْ ما يُوحى إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ
كانَ بِما تَعْمَلُونَ خَبيراً (2) وَ تَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَ كَفى
بِاللَّهِ وَكيلاً.
(In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. O Prophet!
Fear Allah, and hearken not to the unbelievers and the hypocrites:
verily Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. But follow that which
comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: for Allah is well acquainted
with (all) that ye do. And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah
as a disposer of affairs.)
والسلام علیکم و رحمة الله
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