Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Nouri-Hamadani referred to the letter written by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, which was addressed to the youth of the West saying that the words of the Supreme Leader have reached Islamic countries as well as Europe and North America. 

He stated that the Supreme Leader’s letter has great depth and lofty values and added that the letter has created a “new wave” in the world and in public opinion and the international community has realized the facts and truth of what is happening in the world today. 

Speaking in the predominantly Sunni province, the Shi’ite cleric emphasized the necessity of unity between Sunnis and Shi’ite Muslims, saying that one of the ways in which the enemies seek to influence Muslims is to create division and discord among them. “We must be focus on unity and comply with the Supreme Leader to prevent the enemies’ influence,” he said. 

In another part of his speech in Sanandaj, Ayatollah Nouri-Hamadani stressed upon the importance of jihad in the teachings of Islam, adding that jihad is different from war and Islam emphasizes a change from war to jihad as in war, only weapons are given attention, but in jihad, beliefs are also given attention in addition to weapons.

His Eminence added that beliefs are considered as a basic principle in jihad and for this reason, the wars occurring in various Islamic countries involve less weapons than the belligerent side but the reason for their victories are due to their belief and faith in jihad. Muslims are not afraid of death and go forth onto the battlefield in search of martyrdom. 

The revered source of emulation added that this is especially true in regard to the victory of the people of the Gaza Strip during their several wars against Israel, adding that the third intifada has begun in occupied Palestine because of the peoples’ strong faith in jihad.