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Social Justice from the viewpoint of Imam Khamenei
Introduction
According to Imam Khamenei, justice is a natural, eternal concern that has existed in human beings throughout history in such a way that a sense of need for justice has been common in people from the beginning of history until today. In particular intellectuals, philosophers and sages have always been asked to discuss and theorize about justice and social justice.[1] However, the role of religion is exceptional, because justice is one of the important goals of the Islamic social system and one of the strategic, valued concepts of divine religions. This is because if justice is ensured, human rights and human dignity will also be ensured and human beings will be guaranteed their rights and freedom.[2] Accordingly, the following op-ed deals with the importance of social justice in society and the role of the people in the realization of justice.
Justice, a prerequisite for human growth and transcendence
Imam Khamenei said, “In the realm of social life, what has been described as being the goal of sending the Holy Prophet of Islam to invite people to God is social justice,[3] ‘so that mankind may maintain justice (qist).’”[4] According to Imam Khamenei, the literal meaning of the word justice is putting everything in its place, without exaggeration and without going to extremes.[5] But the Arabic word “qist” is justice in social relations. This is what is called “social justice” today. Of course, “qist” means justice should be divided into a form of social justice.[6] On the other hand, it is in an environment of justice and qist that human beings can grow, gain lofty, human qualities, and reach to human perfection. Qist and justice are a necessary prelude to the ultimate perfection of humanity.[7] Thus, the goal of the prophets in the realm of social life is a prelude to the attainment of the same goal that exists in the realm of an individual’s life. This means internal transformation, improving oneself and becoming a decent human being.[8]
Establishing a political system is necessary for attaining justice
In Imam Khamenei’s political philosophy, the formation of a government is not the goal. Rather, the formation of a government is a means to an end, which is the rule of religion. And one of the important goals of religion is the realization of social justice.[9] He believes that without power, social justice cannot be achieved. Social justice is not achieved by giving advice and counsel, entreating and pleading. Is it possible to achieve social justice and to eliminate discrimination and oppression in society and the world without power?[10] That is why immediately after stating “so that mankind may maintain justice,” God, the Exalted, says, “and We sent down Iron, in which there is great might.”[11] Thus, in addition to speaking in the language of invitation, the prophets oppose and fight the agents of power that are equipped with weapons and also the corrupt tyrants and power-seekers.”[12] Elsewhere, he considers the meaning of "so that mankind may maintain justice" to be the life of human beings in a just system in which human beings have the opportunity to develop and excel. He also states that the purpose of sending iron is for defending basic values.[13] Imam Khomeini, the founder of Islamic Revolution of Iran, also believed in that "and We sent down Iron, in which there is great might” means if an individual or a group wishes to destroy a society, if they wish to destroy a government that is a government of justice, if we speak to them bringing proofs but they do not listen, and if we speak using rational criteria but they do not listen, they should be dealt with severely.[14] Elsewhere, the term "great might" (ba’s) refers to intensity of action, strictness and the exercise of power.[15]
The role of people in the realization of social justice
Undoubtedly, one of the educational goals of the prophets is for people to grow and excel, and then for them to administer justice. Therefore, Imam Khamenei considers justice to be one of the characteristics of an Islamic society. He believes that if there is no justice in society, the Islamic society should provide it.[16] Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, a Shia Islamic scholar, also believed that following the activities of the divine prophets, the people could reach a stage of growth where they themselves would seek to establish justice so that there would no longer be a need for the prophets to administer justice in society by force. Of course, this method can be used by those who are encouraged to establish justice by the divine instructions, the Holy Book and the divine law. However, there are some who are not affected by these and they transgress against all of them because they are following their own whims and desires to achieve their own interests. These people can and should be forced to accept justice by legal requirements, part of which is the criminal law of Islam. That is why this verse from the Qur’an says, “We sent down Iron, in which there is great might.”[17]
Ayatollah Murteza Motahari, a Shia Islamic scholar, also believed that human beings need justice and that it is only the prophets who can provide this need. Therefore, the Qur’an states that if the prophets had not been sent, there would have been no justice in human life. Nonetheless, since it is not by force, the means—or the Holy Book and "the divine law"—have been given to human beings for them to manage and regulate life themselves.[18] Ayatollah Motahari said elsewhere that this verse does not say that people are given justice. Instead it says that with the guidance provided by God and the prophets, these can be agents for achieving justice.[19]
In a detailed discussion, Allamah Tabatabai, the great Shia philosopher and Quran exegete, cited the verse, “Indeed Allah enjoins justice and kindness and generosity towards relatives,”[20] and said that the command to administer justice in this verse is a command about social justice. He believes that justice in this verse means a social justice such that each member of society is treated as he/she deserves and is placed where he/she deserves. This is a matter that each person in society is obliged to carry out in the sense that God, the Almighty, commands each member of the community to bring about justice. What is required is for this to be a collective responsibility, so that both individuals and society–which is managed by the state–are responsible to obey the divine command.[21]
Individual justice is the root and prelude to social justice
According to Imam Khamenei, “In every human being, one’s personal, internal justice is the support for collective justice, and this is an area where social justice is greatly influenced. It is impossible for anyone who does not have piety within himself and in his personal actions and who suffers from selfish desires and evil whims to claim that he can administer justice in society.”[22] Elsewhere he says, “Although the comprehensive administration of justice depends on these prerequisites, the mere existence of these prerequisites does not bring the administration of justice. We may have the prerequisites but still suffer from injustice. We must beware of this. What ensures justice is determined, God-fearing men and women. If this exists, with the help of varied, good, modern devices we can establish complete justice. If this determination is lacking or undermined, none of these governmental organizations will be able to administer justice by themselves. On the contrary, such organizations will prepare the way for injustice.”[23] He supports his viewpoint by saying, “The establishment of justice, both globally–in the way that the successor of the prophets will establish it—and in all parts of the world, requires that just people and righteous, justice-seeking human beings hold power and speak to the oppressors in the language of power.”[24]
That is why the importance of self-improvement and inner purification of individuals in Islam has made Islamic thinkers believe that individual justice is an introduction to any change, including social justice. Fair-minded individuals are familiar with all the dimensions, components and characteristics of justice and observe all of them in their actions, speech and behavior. They seek their rights and are well acquainted with both their own rights and the rights of others. They act according to the law and try to create a balance and equality in society in order to create a society free from discrimination and unjust privileges. All those who hold official governmental positions in the Islamic government must be just. Of course, the people’s levels vary from person to person.
Conclusion
In Imam Khamenei's view, justice has a special, pivotal importance with particular features. He has repeatedly quoted verse number 25 of Chapter al-Hadid (Iron), which states that the sending down of divine books and prophets was for the realization of qist and justice in various societies. He also considers self-edification to be the highest goal in the sending of the prophets. Furthermore, he believes the establishment of justice and the formation of a government to be the prelude to the achievement of human excellence and growth. Therefore, everything is an introduction to edification and purification. In his opinion, the establishment of justice is ensured if human beings grow to become the executors of justice themselves. This requires self-edification and the moral purification of the masses of the people, and especially that of the country’s officials.
[1] Imam Khamenei’s speech at the second "Strategic Thoughts Forum.” [May 17, 2011]
[2] Imam Khamenei’s Friday Prayer sermon. [Nov. 14, 2003]
[3] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with officials. [Jan. 21, 1993]
[4] Holy Qur’an, 57:25.
[5] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with government officials. [Nov. 10, 2004]
[6] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with government officials. [Mar. 21, 1992]
[7] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with police commanders and personnel. [July 16, 1997]
[8] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with government officials. [Mar. 21, 1992]
[9] Abdul-Hussein Khosro-Panah, Ayatollah Khamenei’s Worldview, p. 1,211.
[10] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with government officials. [Dec. 9, 1996]
[11] Holy Qur’an, 57:25.
[12] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with people from various social backgrounds on the occasion of the 15th of Sha’ban. [Oct. 22, 2002]
[13] Sayyid Ali Khamenei, The General Pattern of Islamic Thought in the Qur’an, p. 389.
[14] Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, Imam’s Sahifah, p. 206.
[15] Nasser Makarem Shirazi, Examples in the Interpretation of God’s Book, vol. 18.
[16] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with government officials. [Dec. 31, 1992]
[17] Muhammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi, Paths and Guidance, p. 136.
[18] Murteza Mutahari, Prophethood, p. 55.
[19] Murteza Mutahari, A Critique of Marxism, p. 324.
[20] Holy Qur’an, 16:90.
[21] Sayyid Muhammad Hussein Tabatabai, A Translation of Tafsir al-Mizan, vol. 12, pp. 478-479.
[22] Imam Khamenei’s Friday Prayer sermon. [Mar. 16, 2001]
[23] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with heads and officials of the Judiciary Branch. [June 28, 2009]
[24] Imam Khamenei’s speech in meeting with people from various social backgrounds on the occasion of the 15th of Sha’ban. [Oct. 22, 2002]
Lady Zainab: The Voice of Karbala
Have you ever wondered why lady Zainab (as) is so revered by the Muslims? What makes her so great that even after 14 centuries we remember her and take inspiration from her? Is she respected just because she was the daughter of Imam Ali (as) and Lady Fatima (as) or because she achieved a great status through her faith, patience, and determination in face of calamities?
Lady Zainab, the daughter of Ali (as)
Lady Zainab (AS) has several attributes and titles such as Al-Aqilah or the noble woman, Al-Aalimah or the most knowledgeable woman, and Aminatu al-Allah, the trustee of Allah (SWT).
She enjoyed the most exalted lineage, her mother was Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (as), who was a reflection of her father in the worship of Allah, piety, self-discipline, virtues, clemency, veneration, and other features of perfection. Her father Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) named her the lady of the women of the worlds. Lady Zainab was nurtured by such a great mother.
Lady Zaynab’s father is Imam Ali (as) who is known as chief of the prophets’ successors, leader of the pious ones, and head of the worshippers. Imam Ali (as) was the representative, successor, and heir to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp). His merits are innumerable and his sacrifices for Islam are unrivaled. He was the most knowledgeable, self-possessed, magnanimous, generous, abstinent, trustworthy, faithful, and pious, and the best worshipper and the bravest among Muslims. In other words, he was the best Muslim after the Holy Prophet of Allah (pbuh&hp).
Lady Zaynab, hence, was born in the most pious family and raised in the care of the best human beings. She learned many things that made up her perfect personality, from the etiquettes of her parents and brothers. From early life, Lady Zaynab was marvelous in her intellect and wisdom. She had learned the Holy Quran by heart as well as the Prophet’s sayings regarding Islamic laws, rules of education, and principles of ethics.
She represented her brother, Imam al-Hussain (as), whenever he was absent. Hence, Muslims used to refer to her in the questions concerning Islamic laws. It was because of her extensive knowledge that Imam Zayn al-Abidin (pbuh), Abdullah ibn Jafar, Lady Fatimah the daughter of Imam al-Hussain (as), Muhammad ibn Amr, and Ata ibn al-Saib used to quote her sayings. In Kufa, during her father’s rule, Lady Zaynab had special sessions to which Muslim ladies came to listen to her lectures on Islam and the exegesis of the Holy Quran. She was thus the most trustworthy reference from whom Muslim women took advice regarding questions about Islam, moral instructions, and general ethics.
Since early life, Lady Zaynab had equipped herself with steadfastness against misfortunes. She witnessed the death of her grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&H), who loved her very much and sympathized with her. She then saw the horrible events that surprised her parents, immediately after the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh&hp) demise. Her father was taken away from the position that Almighty Allah and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) chose for him. Her mother was severely mistreated by people until she left this world at a young age. She then saw the people of Kufa cheat her brother, Imam al-Hasan (as), and abandoned him, thus forcing him to make a peace treaty with Muawiya, the mortal enemy of Islam and the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT). A few years later, this Imam was assassinated by poison. She saw him vomit to blood to death.
As though all these calamities were not enough for her, on the tenth of Muharram, 61 H., she had to witness the most bitter of adversities; her brother, Imam al-Hussain (as), was martyred without any supporter and helper; the wicked and heartless soldiers of Yazid killed every male member of Imam Hussain’s (as) family including Lady Zainab’s two sons and all the companions of Imam Hussain (as). Lady Zaynab stood like an unshakable mountain in face of all these unbearable misfortunes. She faced all these with the weapon of steadfastness and resisted all the events with conviction. She is the perfect embodiment of the ayat (verse) from the Holy Quran:
“and give good news to the patient —those who, when an affliction visits them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him do we indeed return.’ It is they who receive the blessings of their Lord and [His] mercy, and it is they who are the [rightly] guided.” (2:155-7)
Lady Zainab was a flag bearer of truth after all her family members were killed right in front of her eyes in Karbala and took up on herself to spread the true message of Karbala wherever she went. Whether it was the streets of Shaam (Syria) or the Palace of Yazid. She bravely spoke against the tyrant Yazid and invoked public opinion against his ruthless killing of Imam Hussain (as), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp)
She is an immortal role model for all the women of the world who never feared anyone but Almighty Allah (swt). Indeed, we understand from her that patience means standing firmly with determination on the command of Allah (swt).
If Imam Hussain (as) is the leader of the martyrs, his sister Zainab is the shield that defended Imam Hussain’s (as) image after his martyrdom, if Abbas is your role model, Zainab was the strength of Abbas if Ali Akbar is your hero, his aunt Zainab was his source of fortitude and support. The true message of Karbala would never have reached us, had it not been for the sacrifices of Zainab, the daughter Ali.
References:
- Lady Zaynab | Al-Islam.org
- A Summary of Lady Zaynab's Sermon in the Court of Yazid - Al-Islam.org Blog
FM: Iran welcomes negotiations, but will not engage in talks for sake of talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic welcomes negotiations on the revival of the nuclear deal it snatched with world powers in 2015, but will not engage in talks just for the sake of talks.
Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a Thursday phone call with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, during which the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest to both countries as well as ways to bolster bilateral relations.
During the conversation, Iran's top diplomat noted that although the Islamic Republic in essence welcomes negotiations on the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it believes that "engaging in negotiations for the sake of negotiations is not acceptable."
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has kept its end of the bargain in maintaining the JCPOA through its strategic patience in the face of the US withdrawal and the inaction of the European side, and now it’s about time for the other JCPOA parties to cooperate and honor their commitments in a real and practical manner,” Iran's foreign minister said.
Iran and world powers, including the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany, struck the JCPOA on July 14, 2015. Under the accord, Iran agreed to scale back some of its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the US, under former President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reinstated crippling sanctions on the Islamic Republic, although the country had been fully compliant with the deal.
In early April, Iran and the remaining parties to the JCPOA began to hold talks in Vienna, Austria, after the Joe Biden administration voiced willingness to rejoin the nuclear agreement, three years after Trump’s withdrawal.
The negotiations were paused soon after the victory of Ebrahim Raeisi in Iran’s June 18 presidential election.
Elsewhere during the phone call, the Iranian foreign minister praised Iraq for hosting the Baghdad International Conference For Cooperation and Participation, saying the initiative was a good platform for intra-regional cooperation.
“Of course, Iraq and its sovereignty have been the target of meddlesome and irresponsible actions by some parties, including the United States, as we have seen in the cowardly assassination of the internationally renowned counter-terror hero, General [Qassem] Soleimani, and the high-ranking Iraqi commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis,” he added.
Schallenberg, for his part, congratulated Amir-Abdollahian on assuming his new post, and underlined his country’s readiness to boost bilateral cooperation and provide Iran with one million coronavirus vaccine doses within two weeks.
He also thanked the Islamic Republic for its help in transferring Austrian nationals from Afghanistan and highlighted the necessity of exchanging views on the JCPOA and the resumption of the Vienna talks.
‘Negotiations must lead to sanctions removal, meet Iran’s interests’
In a separate phone conversation on Thursday, Amir-Abdollahian told his German counterpart Heiko Maas that any negotiations on the revival of the nuclear accord must lead to the removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
“We agree on the essence of Vienna talks, but we [only] accept those negotiations that would lead to the removal of the [US] sanctions and meet the inalienable rights of Iran,” he said.
The top Iranian diplomat advised the three European parties to the JCPOA, Germany, the UK and France, also known as E3, to change course with regard to the implementation of the deal and end their inaction toward their JCPOA obligations.
Amir-Abdollahian also said the Americans do not have a correct understanding of the region and its people, particularly Iran.
“The Americans need to know that they must speak only through the language of respect, courtesy and logic, and that the language they occasionally use not only does not help resolve the problems, but creates more problems in itself ,” he emphasized.
The Iranian foreign minister then criticized the Americans for their hypocrisy, saying that they have even created obstacles to the delivery of pharmaceutical and vital products such as vaccines produced in Germany to Iran.
He was making a reference to the US claim that the sanctions don’t affect humanitarian activities, while in fact, as repeatedly stated by Iranian authorities, they have restricted Iran’s ability to transfer money, making it difficult to buy medicines and medical equipment from other countries.
Maas said for his part that his country was ready to boost its bilateral relations with Iran in different fields.
He also called for the resumption of the Vienna talks as soon as possible.
The US occupied Afghanistan for 20 years and brought all sorts of oppression against Afghan people
On the occasion of the National Government Week, President Raisi and the Cabinet members met with Imam Khamenei in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah during the first days after the formation of the 13th Administration. In this speech, besides offering important pieces of advice to the 13th Administration, Imam Khamenei spoke about the current situation in Afghanistan and remarked, “In any case, we support the nation of Afghanistan. Governments come and go.” He also referred to the destructive role of the US in Afghanistan and stated, “They [the US] occupied Afghanistan for 20 years and brought all sorts of oppression against the Afghan people.” In addition, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that in regard to the nuclear negotiations the Americans have passed all limits in impudence and brazenness. The following is the full text of the speech delivered on August 28, 2021 by Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in meeting with President Raisi and cabinet members.
In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon his pure household, especially the one remaining with God on earth
You are very welcome dear brothers. I congratulate all of you for the blessing to be present in the main centers of serving the people. God the Exalted has bestowed on you the blessing to be present in the main centers of serving the country, the nation and the Islamic Republic. You should appreciate the value of this blessing. I also wish to thank the Islamic Consultative Majlis for having carried out its duty on time. I hope that this will be a good and auspicious beginning for you and the country.
Government Week is ornamented with the names of Shahid Rajai and Shahid Bahonar. In others words, it is ornamented with the name and remembrance of martyrdom. God’s mercy be upon those two great, outstanding and active men who were blessed with martyrdom. They truly intended to serve. Although their term of service was short, they showed that they had entered the arena with purity and with the intention of rendering services. They had an Islamic, popular and jihadi mentality. This is a lesson for all existing officials.
You dear brothers have accepted your responsibility in a difficult time. I hope that God will help you. I too will pray and I hope that you succeed. These are difficult circumstances considering the high rate of inflation, the people’s livelihood problems, the issue of coronavirus and the various other problems that exist. If on the one hand, you work in a diligent, untiring and round-the-clock way and if on the other hand, you rely on God the Exalted as a reserve and as an investment, you will definitely win and succeed and you will overcome problems.
You should make your intentions divine, and divine intention in this position of yours means having the intention to serve the people. If you enter the field with the genuine intention of serving the people, this is a divine and pure intention, one that will become blessed by God.
I always offered a piece of advice to all officials in previous terms and I would like to offer it to you as well: time passes quickly and these four years will be over very soon! Therefore, you should grasp every hour and every opportunity and you should not allow the time that belongs to the people and to Islam to be wasted. So, you should take advantage of all resources–all temporal resources.
Of course, I seriously believe that as well as working hard and diligently, you should attend to your families. I advise everyone to definitely attend to the needs of your families. It should not be the case that you drift away from your families during your term of service and responsibility.
And you should focus your efforts on carrying out a revolutionary yet rational and wise reconstruction in all managerial areas, God willing. This reconstruction means moving on the revolutionary path in different managerial areas in the country. There should be a revolutionary dynamism in all areas including in the areas of economy, construction, foreign policy and diplomacy, public services, science, culture and the like. As I mentioned before, being revolutionary should be accompanied by rationality because this has been the correct method adopted by the Islamic Republic from the first day until today. This revolutionary movement should be accompanied by a rational and reasonable conduct.
I have a few important pieces of advice that I wish to offer. They are a few keywords about which I will provide a brief explanation. One of them is popularity which is the slogan adopted by Mr. Raisi’s administration. The other keywords are the administration of justice, combating corruption, reviving trust and hope in the people – in particular in youth – and governmental solidarity, power and mastery. These are the important keywords about which I will provide a brief explanation.
As for popularity, well, popularity is an extensive issue with different aspects to it. One aspect of it is showing one’s presence among the people and listening to them directly. The very good and praiseworthy move made by Mr. Raisi yesterday – going to Khuzestan and listing and talking to them – is one aspect of popularity. This is a very good course of action.
Another aspect of popularity is the adoption of a simple lifestyle, like that of the people. This means avoiding acting in an ostentatious and pompous manner and refraining from an aristocratic lifestyle and looking at the people in a condescending manner. This is another aspect of popularity. One should avoid adopting an aristocratic attitude – the kind that is common in the world and which has afflicted all governments and officials – looking at the people in a condescending manner and leading such a lifestyle.
Talking to the people and discussing problems and solutions with them is another aspect of popularity. You should discuss your issues with the people. Sometimes, there is a problem for which a solution exists. Of course, you should take care not to let your words disappoint the people. Some individuals ignore this point, saying improper and untrue things which make the people disappointed. There is a solution for every problem. You should open up to the people, talk to them and ask for their help on various matters – help in terms of thoughts and practical solutions.
Sometimes, a mistake is committed. Well, all of us make mistakes and we are actually not short of mistakes. You should apologize to the people, acknowledging explicitly that a mistake has been made and you should apologize for it. Popularity has all these aspects. You should also present a report about the services rendered: a sincere report without exaggerations. You should genuinely say what has been accomplished. Popularity includes these things. These are its different aspects.
In his very important governmental decree to Malik al-Ashtar, the Commander of the Faithful (God’s greetings be upon him) considered all these aspects. I advise all you friends to go take a look at it. He says, “Then, do not keep yourself secluded from the people for a long time.” Of course, scholars have put forward other variations and other suggestions for this part: “Falaa tutavalana” [Arabic: do not be secluded]. It means that a ruler should not be absent from the people for a long time. Officials cannot, of course, be constantly present among the people, but in some periods of time, they should certainly be present. “Falaa tutavalana” means, “do not lengthen your absence from among the people.”
After expanding on this, the Commander of the Faithful says, “If the subjects suspect you of high-handedness, explain to them your position openly.” If there is a doubt in the minds of people about you, you should present your explanations to them and speak to them openly. Notice that the relationship between the ruler and the people should be like this. This relationship is a brotherly and friendly one. “And remove their suspicion with your explanation” [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 53]. If they have a doubt, you should dispel it with your words and your explanations. These were explanations about popularity. Therefore, you should really try to observe these aspects of popularity. Officials in all sectors should have these qualities.
The next keyword is the administration of justice which is the basis of the Islamic government and the Islamic Republic. Actually, all religions are based on the administration of justice. God the Exalted says that He sent prophets and heavenly books “That people may maintain justice” [The Holy Quran, 57: 25]. The goal was to encourage the people to rise for justice so that society will be a just society. Well, we are behind in these areas and we have to work a great deal. In my opinion, every resolution that you pass and every bill that you draft in the administration and every directive that you issue in your organization should have a section on justice. You should take care not to let your decrees and your methods damage justice and violate the right of underprivileged classes. This caution should always exist. You should ensure this with a written addendum or you should prepare your draft in a way that justice will be ensured.
Sometimes, a managerial method and a common practice do harm. We have really seen these cases. Today too, there are some habits in our affairs that should be corrected. These habits exist in various areas, primarily in the area of justice in distributing the resources of the country. These resources should really be distributed in a fair manner. However, in the present time, this is not the case in some areas. Of course, when I say this, it does not mean that there is an ulterior motive in play, but for example in the area of energy and oil, an official in the previous administration delivered a report to me recently, showing that the hidden subsidies for oil in the year 1399 amounted to 63 billion dollars!
Well, who receives these subsides? Who benefits more from the country’s oil and petroleum resources? A significant and important number of the people do not benefit from this subsidy at all. However, officials have calculated that 63 billion dollars – that is, 1,500 billion tomans – are allocated to this subsidy, which is more than the budget for the year 1399!
Well, this is only an example that I cited. Of course, I am not offering advice on oil. You should examine it on your own and see what you can do. What I want to say is that such a situation sometimes exists. These are actions against justice and measures should be adopted. We should do something to bridge the gap between underprivileged and wealthy classes. In other words, the resources of the country should be distributed in a fair way.
As for the issue of combating corruption, this is a complement to the administration of justice. Corruption should be confronted. One of the grave plights that exists in the country and that is the antithesis of justice is the existence of corruption, economic rents, abuse of power, embezzlement and unnecessary privileges. Sometimes, a person does an important job and you reward him for that. This is alright, but sometimes, some individuals have many special privileges. Well, why? The issue of extremely huge salaries is only a small part of this problem.
Fortunately, in his responsibility as the head of the judiciary branch, the honorable President dealt with this matter, earning him the people’s trust and popularity. However, the main place to address this issue is the executive branch. The main place for combating corruption is the executive branch so as to cut out the main roots of corruption. The judiciary branch plays a secondary role. After you make your efforts and adopt preventive measures and after you destroy the origins of corruption, then it is the judiciary branch’s turn to get involved if something happens. The conflict between personal profits and public interests, bribing, embezzlement and the like should be resolved in the executive branch.
One of the important aspects of corruption is the wrongdoings committed in implementing the policies on Article 44. During his time in the judiciary branch, Mr. Raisi pursued many of these wrongdoings and at that time, he delivered a report to me. The policies on Article 44 – which could have helped the economy of the country to blossom in the true sense of the word – were implemented in a way that such wrongdoings were allowed to appear. Of course, there are instruments for confronting these wrongdoings including the information databases that have become legal for a few years. I frequently advised officials to set up these databases and to link them together because it will give the administration a complete control, in the true sense of the word, over the fight against corruption, but this has not been done yet. It has not moved forward. You should endeavor to establish these databases since they completely enable the government and the administration to have mastery over these affairs.
The issue of reviving the people’s trust and hope is very important as well because the people’s trust is the greatest investment for the administration. When the people trust you and are hopeful about you, they will get along with and help you. The greatest investment for the administration is to earn the people’s trust, but this has been damaged to some extent and you should fix this. The way to do this is to harmonize your words and your actions. If you make a promise and fulfill it, the people will trust you. If you make a promise and fail to act on it or if you claim that something has been accomplished but that the people see has not been accomplished, the people’s trust will be lost. You should really be careful about this.
Mr. Raisi, yesterday, you made certain promises to the people in Ahwaz, Khuzestan and you issued some governmental decrees. You should be careful to seriously follow them up so that the people see that what you want and what you say is realized in practice. These are necessary actions.
There is another quotation from the Commander of the Faithful (God’s greetings be upon him) in his decree to Malik al-Ashtar: “Avoid showing (the existence of) obligation on your subjects for having done good to them or praising your own actions.” First of all, you should not think that the people are obliged to thank you for what you have done and secondly, you should not exaggerate about what you have done. “Or making promises and then breaking them.” This means making promises and then failing to honor them. Imam Ali warns Malik al-Ashtar not to act like this. And this is very important.
Of course, sometimes you make a promise, but later on, you see that there is no possibility to fulfill it. For example, there might be a natural problem. It is alright, you should explain this to the people, saying that although you made that promise, a certain problem arose which prevented you from fulfilling it and ask for their forgiveness. This is another case of speaking to the people. This is another example of popularity, as explained before. However, generally speaking, you should be careful about the promises that you make.
You should impose a deadline for your promises. You should estimate the time that it will take to carry out a task and set a deadline for it and then you must follow it meticulously. I have said many times among executive officials that we have no shortage of rules and regulations. We have an abundance of laws, projects and rules and regulations. What we lack is serious follow-up. This is another point.
It is very important for the administration to have solidarity, power and mastery. The solidarity of the administration means that executive officials should not say contradictory things. If one official says something and another says the opposite of it, the people’s mind and public opinion will change unfavorably. There should be solidarity both in words and action. The affairs of a sector might be interrelated with many other sectors. Your agricultural sector is naturally connected with a few other sectors. There should be cooperation so that the task in hand will be accomplished properly. The same is true of the industrial and many other sectors. So, solidarity is necessary so as to accomplish the task.
Having strength is necessary as well. The administration should show that it has the power to carry out its plans and its decisions. It should not be the case that people feel there is a state of abandonment. If you do not show governmental power in practice and if individuals witness a state of abandonment, your policies will certainly not move forward. This is important. As for mastery, it means that you should be aware of all the details in the administration. Therefore, the administration should carry out its duties with power, solidarity and complete mastery.
And this is part of the endeavor to bring about transformation in the judiciary branch. One of Mr. Raisi’s plans and those of other presidential candidates was to bring about a transformation in the executive branch. A transformation in the executive branch is an important endeavor. This transformation is a perpetual need which should always be placed within sight. Of course, a transformation directed towards progress depends on relying on the law, enhancing transparency, having financial discipline, destroying the roots of corruption, preventing a clash of interests and being serious in implementing decisions and bills.
Of course, it is very important to rejuvenate the administration. The rejuvenation of the administration is an important task for the administration. You should employ youth, as much as you want, in the body of the administration and in mid-management positions as we thankfully have no shortage of skilled youth. This will extinguish the feeling of hopelessness in the country. When the youth see that they can enter the arena and make decisions, there will be no feeling of hopelessness in the country. Moreover, by doing so, you are providing the country with a valuable provision for the future – veteran and experienced managers. The youth who enter the field today will be experienced managers in ten years and this is an important reserve for the country. These competent managers will truly be a valuable provision for the country.
An important point regarding transformation is benefiting from collective wisdom and relying on rationality. You should benefit from experts outside the administration. Whenever you can, you should benefit from the viewpoints of experts and outstanding personalities and you should never pay attention to their political orientations and the like. You should not say that their political orientations are different from or the same as yours. Of course, inside the administrations, there are already experts whose viewpoints are benefitted from. So, you should benefit from the viewpoints of experts.
These are general recommendations. Of course, you should formulate practical plans for them. If you only keep these points in mind or write them down, thinking that this is enough, this is of no use. To think of these points as mere pieces of advice is of no avail. These should be turned into practical plans. When they become plans, they can become implementable.
There are some priorities in the affairs of the country. I wish to stress that the priority of these issues should receive due attention. Perhaps the most important priority is the issue of the economy and other priorities are culture, the media and science. These are the main priorities of the country. We have an urgent matter, namely coronavirus and the issue of health. This has turned into an urgent matter that should be dealt with. Of course, the previous administration made good efforts in the area of health. They carried out good tasks and followed up the matter. They both worked on the production of vaccines inside the country and on the importation of vaccines. There are some rumors here and there, most of which are not true. Good things were done. These measures should be pursued and insisted on. Treatment, preventive measures, healthcare and testing – testing the possibly infected patients is very important – should receive attention. These issues should definitely be dealt with.
Public vaccination is a very important issue which should definitely be carried out. Another issue is imposing a smart lockdown. I have heard that some western countries, which have managed to control their infection rates and whose death and infection rates are lower than ours, have closed their borders in a way that they do not even allow the people in their neighboring country, which is also a developed country but whose rate of infection is high, to come visit their country. In other words, they are careful. We should be really careful about controlling our borders and about preventing the new variants of this disease or other diseases from entering the country because this is a very important matter.
Of course, the people have certain responsibilities as well, as I have frequently said before. Our dear people should undertake these four important responsibilities: one is wearing a mask, another is observing social distancing, the third is using good ventilation systems and the last one is washing hands with soap. These are not difficult tasks. They are all easy. If they observe these, it will definitely be effective in reducing infection, and the high figures of death that ache one’s heart will not occur.
As for the issue of economy, culture, cyberspace, diplomacy and the like, there are some points that cannot be explained in detail in this meeting. Later on, if there is an opportunity, God willing, and if I live long enough, I will raise certain points.
In the present time, there are certain economic problems in the country: the high rate of inflation is one of the major problems. Other problems include budget deficiency, the livelihood condition of people with low incomes – these are the important problems – as well as the devaluation of national currency. This is one of the issues which makes one really embarrassed. We could equally mention a reduction in the people’s purchasing power and the problems in the trade and business environment. Despite the fact that we and officials of economic matters have placed so much emphasis on this matter, there are problems in the area of the business environment. We could also refer to the problems with the banking system. These are the economic problems of the country. There are other problems as well for each of which we should have plans and work hard because resolving these matters is important.
A fundamental point is that our economists and our officials of economic matters in this administration should work in harmony in resolving these problems. An important example of the solidarity mentioned before could be applied here. In other words, they should come to agreement about these important economic matters and work in harmony. Mr. President mentioned that the First Vice President [Mr. Mokhber] is in charge of coordination. This is a very important task. It is very important. There should be coordination in economic areas. I hope that this responsibility will be carried out perfectly, God willing.
If there is a disagreement, I strongly advise you gentlemen not to discuss it among the people. This is because when a disagreement on economy is discussed in public, it will show its real impacts in the business environment. In other words, those imaginary problems will turn into real problems in the market and in the people’s economic environment. If there is a disagreement and a problem, they should resolve it in the administration and avoid discussing it with the people.
An important point about economy is paying attention to the leading economic sectors. Some sectors play a leading role in the true sense of the word. For example, housing is a leading economic sector. Experts say that if housing gets moving, other sectors will get moving as well. Other leading economic sectors include important industries such as steel, car manufacturing, energy, petrochemicals and the like. When these areas begin to work, they play a leading role. These areas should be set in motion. Coordination between the officials in charge of these areas is very important.
Another important economic problem is the issue of monitoring the banking system – specifically, printing money and producing cash. According to economic experts, producing cash should be done in proportion with production. If this proportion does not exist, printing money and producing cash should be stopped. Officials should attach great significance to this matter. If this is done properly, it will have many blessings such as curbing inflation, boosting production, stimulating employment, strengthening the national currency and other such blessings. This is an important point that in my opinion, should be insisted on.
Well, there are other things to be said about economy as well. In my opinion, two points are important here: one is that in solving economic problems, we should not seek temporary solutions, painkillers and the like. This is because such problems sometimes aggravate the problem. These painkillers and temporary cures sometimes worsen the situation. In order to overcome these challenges, we should think of fundamental solutions and begin to take firm steps by relying on God and by adopting good measures.
The next point is that you should not make the resolution of these problems contingent upon the removal of sanctions. The removal of sanctions does not depend on us. It depends on others. Planning on the resolution of problems should be done by assuming that sanctions will be there. You should plan like this so that one can move the task forward. These problems should and will be resolved with your own determination and with your own jihadi effort.
On the issue of culture and media, I believe that the cultural structure of the country needs a revolutionary reconstruction. We have a problem in the cultural structure of the country. And a revolutionary move is necessary there. Of course, “revolutionary move” means a wise and rational move. Being revolutionary does not mean moving rashly and ill-advisedly. The move should be revolutionary and fundamental, but at the same time it should originate from thinking and wisdom. Culture is really an infrastructure. Some of the mistakes that we commit in different areas stem from the wrong culture that dominates our minds. If we consume extravagantly, if we copy others blindly, if we lead a wrong lifestyle, these result from cultural problems and from the culture ruling over minds. That is why these problems emerge in practice. Copying others and leading a flashy and aristocratic lifestyle is rooted in cultural matters. In fact, the software for these events is the culture of the country and the wrong and deviant culture that dominates the minds of some people.
You should significantly improve cultural instruments such as the cinema, art and audiovisual media. The press, books and the like are also cultural instruments. They should blossom in the true sense of the word. Today, a large army of enthusiastic youth are thankfully busy working on cultural matters and in a diligent way.
If administrations and the cultural organizations of the administration help these young enthusiastic groups, great feats will surely be accomplished and ingenious steps will be taken. There are hundreds of innovative projects available to youth. When we sometimes meet with youth, we see that they are capable of accomplishing great things. Well, they need resources and resources are at the disposal of the administration. They should be supported smartly. You should discover talents, support them and ensure their freedom. Of course, I mean freedom within the framework of the law.
And you should confront and fight against moral and cultural corruption without any consideration. The confrontation should be carried out this way. The main way to confront the enemy’s soft war is to support, encourage and appreciate proper moves in the area of culture and to stand up against wrong moves. The arena of media and culture could be and indeed is a great university and on the other hand it is a battle between good and evil, truth and falsehood. It is a cultural battlefield for fighting against those whose culture is to generate corruption in the world. We should look at it from these two perspectives.
I wish to raise a few points about foreign policy as well. Of course, there are many issues that need to be raised about foreign policy, which will be discussed in the right time and place. Briefly, foreign policy is very important and it greatly influences the affairs of the country. We should be more active in the area of diplomacy. In diplomacy, the economic aspect should be strengthened because economic diplomacy is a very important matter. Today, one can see that although many countries have a foreign minister, presidents themselves discuss economic matters with other countries or with a specific country. In other words, economic relations with other countries are very important. Therefore, the economic aspect of diplomacy should be strengthened.
And foreign trade is very important, especially with our neighbors. We have about 14, 15 neighbors, comprised of large populations and offering a big market, but we should not confine ourselves to these countries and we should establish such relations with other countries as well. There are about 200-plus countries in the world. We do not intend to establish relations with only a few countries–one, two countries. We might not be able to establish relations with some countries, but the possibility exists to establish good and constructive relations with most countries. Diligence is necessary to that end.
Another point is that diplomacy should not be overshadowed by the nuclear matter. It should not be the case that the diplomacy of the country is dependent on the nuclear matter. The nuclear matter is a separate matter that should be resolved in a proper manner, but diplomacy is much wider in scope.
On the nuclear issue, the US has truly passed all limits in their brazenness. They have truly passed all limits in brazenness. They withdrew from the JCPOA in front of everyone. Now, they speak as if it was Iran that withdrew from the JCPOA. And they make demands as if we are the ones who violated our commitments. For a long time, Iran did not react to this move made by the US. But after a while and having announced it, we deliberately stopped fulfilling some of our commitments. We only stopped some, not all of our commitments. They did not fulfill their commitments.
European countries went along with the US too. From the point of view of breaking promises and showing malice they are not any less than the US. They are like the US, but they have glib tongues and make extravagant demands. They are always making demands. They talk as if it was us who were mocking the negotiations for a long time and dishonored our commitments. This is what they did. And the current US administration is no different from the previous administration. In other words, what they want at the present time concerning the nuclear issue from Iran is the same thing that Trump wanted. At that time, the high-ranking officials of the country said that it was impossible, unreasonable and such. Today, they want the same thing. There is no difference. Trump said it one way and the current administration says it another way. We should pay attention to this.
Behind the diplomatic scene, the US is truly a predatory wolf. In appearances it is diplomacy. They smile, speak, and sometimes talk with self-righteousness. But in reality, they are a savage, vicious wolf that shows itself in many parts of the world. Of course, they sometimes appear in a wolf’s clothing and sometimes in a fox’s clothing. They take on many forms. One manifestation of this today is the situation in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is our brother country, sharing the same language, religion and culture. The crises and sufferings in Afghanistan truly move one. The incidents that are taking place one after another, the incident that took place on Thursday [at the Kabul Airport], the killings, the problems and the hardships they are going through are the US’s doing. They occupied Afghanistan for 20 years and brought all sorts of oppression against the Afghan people. They bombarded their mourning ceremonies and their weddings, they killed their youth, they imprisoned many individuals without any reason in different prisons and they increased the production of addictive drugs in Afghanistan by tens of times. They did all of these but refused to take one step to help develop Afghanistan. In other words, if today’s Afghanistan in terms of civil rights, construction and other such developments is not worse than those days, it is not better either. So, the US did nothing. Now that they are leaving, it is in such a disgraceful way. Look at the situation in the Kabul Airport, the large crowds and the problems. They only take those who have cooperated with them over all these years and they wish to take. But there are reports showing that their situation is worse than those who stay. There are numerous problems for them in the centers where they are being kept. This is how the US is.
In any case, we support the nation of Afghanistan. Governments come and go. All sorts of governments held power in Afghanistan over these years. So, governments come and go. It is the people of Afghanistan who are permanently there. We support the nation of Afghanistan. The nature of our relations with governments depends on the nature of their relations with us. May God bring the best situation for the nation of Afghanistan, liberating them from this situation and putting them in the best of conditions. I hope that He bestows His blessings on them and on us, God willing.
I hope that God bestows success on the Iranian nation and eliminates the problems. I pray that you honorable officials of the new administration will succeed in the tasks that you have undertaken and overcome the problems. I hope that you fulfill your promises, help the people with their problems and satisfy the people, God willing.
The people’s satisfaction will lead to the satisfaction of God the Exalted as well. Having pure and divine intentions and having the intention to serve will help you. God’s mercy be upon our dear martyrs, upon our magnanimous Imam and upon all those who worked for the sake of God and on the path of the truth.
Greetings be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings
Why it's better to Recite the Holy Quran in Arabic?
Every Muslim agrees on the fact that the Holy Qur'an came down as a revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) in Arabic as we see in the following two verses:
The Holy Quran 43:3
"Surely We have made it an Arabic Qu'ran that you may understand."
The Holy Quran 12:2
"Surely We have revealed it-an Arabic Qu'ran-that you may understand."
Do I need to read the Holy Quran in Arabic or can I just read it in English?
Today with uncountable nationalities embracing the fold of Islam, many read the Holy Qu'ran in their native tongue and thereby pose different questions and arguments about reciting it in their own tongue.
These arguments include the following:
1. It is not wajib (Obligatory) to read the Holy Quran in Arabic because it is not specifically mentioned in the Holy Qu'ran that we must read it in Arabic.
2. Non-Arab Muslims do not understand the Holy Quran in it's revealed language and since Islam is a way of life, then it is more important to understand the injunctions, clear signs, stories of the Holy Prophets (AS) of Allah to gain guidance from these instead of spending time; learning a language, reciting in that language that they believe does not benefit them and that the time in which they would be occupied in reciting a language that is, they feel, not of use to them, then this time although not exactly wasted can be put to better use in acquiring actual knowledge.
Some argue that they can not learn Arabic because they are not good with languages and others still insist that while they read the Holy Quranic interpretations in their native language in the holy month of Ramadan, they have actually completed an entire Quran that month.
And a final argument given is the following:
"I do not understand at all why the Quran should be read in Arabic? Yes, Allah Almighty has said that we sent the Qur'an in Arabic for you to think about, but if we read the Qur'an in Persian, can we not think about it?"
So let's begin to answer these arguments by going directly to the Holy Qu'ran where the word Arabic is mentioned exactly ten times and see what Allah is telling us.
In the Holy Quran 12:2,
"Surely We have revealed it-an Arabic Quran-that you may understand."
In the Holy Quran 13:37,
And thus have We revealed it, a true judgment in Arabic, and if you follow their low desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you shall not have against Allah any guardian or a protector.
In the Holy Quran 16:103,
And certainly, We know that they say: Only a mortal teaches him. The tongue of him whom they reproach is barbarous, and this is a clear Arabic tongue.
In the Holy Quran 19:97,
So We have only made it easy in your tongue that you may give good news thereby to those who guard (against evil) and warn thereby a vehemently contentious people.
In the Holy Quran 20: 113,
And thus have We sent it down an Arabic Quran, and have distinctively set forth therein of threats that they may guard (against evil) or that it may produce a reminder for them.
The Holy Quran 26:193,194,195 and 200
193. The Faithful Spirit has descended with it.
194. Upon your heart that you may be of the warners.
195. In plain Arabic language.
200. Thus have we made it enter into the hearts of the guilty.
The Holy Quran 39:28,
An Arabic Quran without any crookedness, that they may guard (against evil).
The Holy Quran 41:3,
A Book of which the verses are made plain, an Arabic Quran for a people who know.
The Holy Quran 42:7,
And thus have We revealed to you an Arabic Quran, that you may warn the mother city and those around it, and that you may give warning of the day of gathering together wherein is no doubt; a party shall be in the garden and (another) party in the burning fire.
The Holy Quran 46:12,
And before it, the Book of Musa was a guide and a mercy: and this is a Book verifying (it) in the Arabic language that it may warn those who are unjust and as good news for the doers of good.
As we see from the ten verses above, Allah has a specific message that he wants to imprint on our minds and hearts by the adjectives which he brings with the word Arabic in the same verses. However, let us not rely on our own assumptions or interpretations as I can already hear the arguments that may arise that, yes, it may be that it was revealed in Arabic because the people of the time were Arabs and how could they understand another language but today we come from many different nations and tongues. So let us continue by looking at a clear hadith from Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as).
Imam Sadiq (as) said:
"Learn Arabic, which is the word of Allah, and Allah has spoken to His servants in that language (the meaning of the Qur'an), and speak your jaws in Arabic and pronounce the end of the words clearly". (Al-Khesal. Vol 2. P 258)
In this above tradition, we see that the words of Imam As-Sadiq (as) are not advising or recommending us towards an action or a behavior, rather the words are decisive - a command. What is our Imam telling?
He says: "Learn Arabic", these are final and conclusive words from the sixth Imam (as). He further tells us that Arabic is the word of Allah, he does not say the Quran is the word of Allah but Arabic itself. He tells us that Allah has spoken to His servants in Arabic "That language" and finally, he explains the physical aspect of the recitation - how we should recite in Arabic? "Speak your jaws in Arabic and pronounce the end of the words clearly."
The above tradition coming from the Sixth Imam himself should also instill into our hearts that there is a science to the recitation of the Arabic Quran and when something has a science, then there is a cause and an effect. By mentioning the jaws, we see that there is some physical benefit for our actual body that comes from reciting the Holy Qur'an in Arabic but what more does he tell us about this recitation?
The following tradition, answers this question.
Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (as) said "Try your best to read the Qur'an correctly in true Arabic pronunciation in the same way that Arabs read it."
p 270 The life of Imam Al-Sadiq (as) Allama Baqir Sharif al Qarashi.
By the mentioned verses of the Holy Quran and the clear tradition (without even touching on the benefits of Arabic), there should be no doubt left about the actual command from our Imams and the guidance in the words of Allah himself that although we must understand the Holy Quran (reading in our native tongue), still there is nothing that can replace the function and role of the word of Allah in His own language.
Dozens of Palestinians injured in Israeli crackdown on protests
Tens of Palestinians were wounded as Israeli troops attacked several anti-settlement protests across the occupied West Bank on Friday.
Two Palestinians were hit by rubber bullets fired by the Israeli troops at a weekly anti-settlement rally in the flashpoint town of Beita, south of Nablus. The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance service said 26 others suffered breathing difficulties due to inhaling tear gas fired by the Israeli forces.
Since May, Beita has seen intensified clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians protesting against a settlement outpost that has been recently established on Sobeih Mountain by settlers under the protection of Israeli forces.
Israeli forces also fired rubber bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas at participants in an anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya City. During the clashes, eight Palestinians were hit by rubber bullets, while scores of others suffered breathing difficulties from inhaling the toxic fumes.
Israeli troops also suppressed a protest against settlement expansion and settlers’ ongoing attacks on Palestinians and their properties in the Umm al-Shaqhan Village — which is threatened with Israeli seizure — south of al-Khalil (Hebron). The demonstrators stressed their determination to protect their land and to thwart Israel’s plots to expand settlements.
During the protest, a number of Palestinians and foreign activists as well as eight journalists were detained.
More than 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.
All Israeli settlements are illegal under international law as they are built on occupied land. The United Nations Security Council has condemned Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied territories in several resolutions.
Israel killed nine children in two months: UNICEF
In a report issued on Wednesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said nine Palestinian children had been killed in the West Bank and East al-Quds by the Israeli forces in just two months.
“Tensions continue in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem [al-Quds]. Nine Palestinian children were killed between 7 May and 31 July, and 556 children were reported injured, including by live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, concussion grenades, and tear gas,” the UNICEF report said.
According to the report, at least 170 Palestinian children were detained in East al-Quds during the same period.
The UNICEF said 2.5 million people, including 1.2 million children, living in the besieged Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East al-Quds, currently needed humanitarian assistance. It said the humanitarian situation had deteriorated recently with the rise of tensions in East al-Quds, the Israeli aggression on Gaza in May, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“In light of the recent escalation, the 2021 Humanitarian Appeal for Children needs has increased to US$ 46,202,701 in total, with a gap of US$ 31,548,342 (68%),” it said.
Weeks of Israeli harassment of Palestinians in al-Quds and attempts to appropriate Palestinian lands in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood was followed by the Israeli bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip in May this year. The Israeli aggression on Gaza killed over 250 Palestinians and wounded more than 1,900 others, before a ceasefire came into effect on May 21.
Leader holds first meeting with President Raeisi’s cabinet
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has held a meeting with Iran’s President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi and his cabinet members who recently won a vote of confidence at the parliament.
Saturday’s meeting was the first between Ayatollah Khamenei and members of the 13th Iranian government.
The Leader called on the new administration to use its time in office to serve the people to the best of its ability and improve their livelihoods.
"I had a recommendation to all the officials in different periods, I also offer you this recommendation; time passes quickly. These four years will end soon, so use every hour, every opportunity. Do not let time be wasted when it belongs to the people and to Islam," he said.
The new administration, Ayatollah Khamenei said, should focus its efforts on initiating a "revolutionary but rational and thoughtful reconstruction in all managerial fields".
"Being revolutionary must certainly be accompanied by rationality. This has been the correct way of the Islamic Republic from the very beginning until today, requiring that the revolutionary movement should be accompanied by an intellectual and rational movement."
President Raeisi has said he has chosen a cabinet to improve Iran's economy and fight corruption. One of his key slogans on the campaign stump was to form a "popular government".
Marking his first provincial trip two days after the formation of his cabinet, he paid an unannounced visit to Iran's key province of Khuzestan on Friday as his new administration is getting down to brass tacks to improve people's livelihoods.
"One of the manifestations of being popular is going among the people and hearing directly from the people. This very good and commendable move that Mr. Raeisi made yesterday, when he went to Khuzestan among the people, heard from them, talked to them, is a manifestation of being popular, which is a very good thing," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Another manifestation, the Leader said, is the lifestyle which state officials choose, enjoining the new administration to practice "modesty in manners and character and avoid aristocratic styles and looking down at people from a high position".
Ayatollah Khamenei also said the basis of the Islamic government and the Islamic Republic is the establishment of justice, but a lot of work has to be done in this regard.
"We have a lot of work to do in these areas. We are lagging and have to work hard."
Ayatollah Khamenei also said the basis of the Islamic government and the Islamic Republic is the establishment of justice, but "we have a lot of work to do in these areas".
"We are lagging behind and have to work hard," the Leader said.
"In my opinion, every resolution that you pass, every bill that you draft in the government, every directive that you issue in your own system, should have an appendix of justice. You have to be careful that it does not impact justice and does not stamp on the oppressed classes," he added.
Leader’s message of condolence on the demise of Mr. Muhammad Reza Hakimi
In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
With deep regret and sorrow, I have received the news of the demise of the prominent scholar and intellectual, Mr. Muhammad Reza Hakimi (may God bless his soul). He was a learned scholar, an accomplished literary man, an innovative thinker, and an Islamic researcher working for justice. Independent of worldly desires, he spent his life serving the elevated teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, and he left behind great works.
Having benefited from the valuable, spiritual presence of great masters of knowledge and spirituality in the holy city of Mashhad had brought this dear personage a deep reliance on God, devotion and richness of character. This helped him to remain strong and upright until the end of his blessed life. I offer my condolences on the loss of this old friend to Hakimi’s honorable family, especially his noble brother, as well as to all the friends and admirers of the deceased, and I ask for God's mercy and forgiveness for him.
Sayyid Ali Khamenei,
Shahrivar 1, 1400
August 23, 2021
Does Islam marginalize women?
The history of political thoughts is replete with controversies over the extent and quality of women's presence in politics and society. In the political philosophy of the West up to the 19th century, although sometimes in the works of philosophers such as Plato there is a reference to the equality of men and women’s rights[1], but the dominant approach stresses the female inferiority. Aristotle, in Politics, considers a woman as a subhuman being who is a second-class citizen[2], so she cannot maintain an active role in the political arena, and this view with almost the same trend continues in later philosophers. Describing this centuries-old misogynist history in his 1861 essay, The Subjection of Women, John Stuart Mill states that all relations and laws in societies are regulated by the logic of coercion and domination, and this system of domination forces them on people in the form of traditions and customs. These traditions and customs have historically made men the superior sex and women the inferior sex, and now if we want to achieve justice and equality between the two genders, we must fight against these traditions and customs. The liberal feminist movement, centered on this idea of Stuart Mill since the nineteenth century, has embarked the fight against traditions and customs for the realization of women's rights and their liberation from the historical subjugation by men.
However, these efforts have not yet succeeded. Susan Moller Okin in Women in Western Political Thought acknowledges that theories of contemporary politics, although accepting the equality of rights of men and women and having a neutral approach to traditions and customs, but the globalization of the economy and modern plans and developments, etc. all have resulted in the continued marginal role of women in society[3]. This result calls into question that solution.
Reviewing a tradition
The situation that has arisen for modern women as a result of the fight against traditions and the critique of religion casts doubt on John Stuart Mill's solution. Has “tradition”, regardless of its cultural origins, been the main factor in making women inferior throughout history.
Islamic thinkers have a different view on this issue. In Islamic sources, in the stage of creation humans are valued equally regardless of gender. In other words, human beings have an intrinsic value as human beings, and being human by itself gives them the possibility of growth and excellence, and enjoying the same rights and duties as other humans, and in this respect, there is no difference between men and women. So, every individual has an equally active role in society and enjoys its benefits. The major social mission of humans, both men and women, is to build a world in which the monotheism and perfection of mankind are crystallized, and femininity and masculinity are containers in which this task is poured and takes various forms. This perspective on human beings is the basis for the philosophical foundations on which Islamic politics rest. It is to be emphasized that the said view on the essential equality of human beings is not limited to the theoretical spheres in Islamic principles and traditions and has had many practical instances throughout the history of Islam. In such scenes, women who were inspired by their religion, not at a lower status than men, but alongside them, have taken active and historical roles in politics and society.
One of the most representative examples of the active socio-political presence is that of the women of Ahl al-Bayt. As ones trained in the school of Islam and attached to the household of infallibility, they are real examples of the idea that Muslim thinkers have put forward in their views on the role of women. Lady Zaynab (s.a.) is a prominent example in the history who shows the active presence of a woman in one of the most important socio-political scenes of the history[4].
Women of Ashura, revolutionary activists
Shia identity is tied to Ashura culture; So that after the event of Ashura and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his companions, every socio-political movement formed in the history of the Shia has a relation, whether direct or indirect, to Karbala and benefit from its teachings. This close relationship between the socio-political currents of the Shia and the Ashura event shows that one of the most important aspects of this uprising is political. Now, the question is whether this historic and identity-making political uprising was formed by women or men? Is the movement a masculine or feminine or a human one? Certainly, the presence of the women of Ahl al-Bayt and the companions of Imam Hussain (a.s.) in Karbala is a known and unalterable fact in Islamic history, but was this presence a passive act only in following their men, or was it an active complementary role-playing alongside men? To answer this question, we should review the Karbala event from a feminine perspective.
Although the main hero of Karbala is Imam Hussain (a.s.), history cannot narrate the Karbala event without mentioning the name of Lady Zaynab (s.a.). The greatness of Lady Zaynab is as great as Ashura itself, but the source of this greatness is not being the daughter of Imam Ali (a.s.) or the sister of Imam Hussain (a.s.). The value and greatness of Zaynab (sa) is due to her great human and Islamic position and action based on the Divine duty. It is her actions, her decisions and type of movement that is so dignifying and that every human being, regardless of his/her relationships, can achieve it. The permanence of this character is the product of her choices before, during and after Ashura. Before the Karbala event, there were many men who lost their power of analysis and failed to accompany Imam Hussain, but Lady Zaynab, knowing what would happen, chose to go and took her children with her, too. On the Day of Ashura, which was the climax of the crisis, although she had lost her son, brother and relatives, she was supportive and a companion until the last moments[5]. But the culmination of Zaynab's (s.a.) role is after the incident. When nothing was left of the relationships and she had the first role.
In Shia literature, it is often said that blood prevailed over the swords in the event of Karbala. The cause of this victory was Lady Zaynab; If it were not for Lady Zaynab, the blood in Karbala would have been forgotten[6]. On the Day of Ashura, a military confrontation ended with the apparent defeat of the forces of Truth; But what turned this apparent military defeat into a definitive permanent victory was Lady Zaynab's role. The role played by Lady Zaynab was the continuation of the movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.), and if it were not for her, that uprising would have been lost in the history. This incident showed that women are not on the margins of history and subordinate to men. The Shia woman is at the center of important historical events. Relying on her faith and religion, a woman acts in a way to humiliate an enemy at the center of his power, while he has ostensibly won the military campaign and has crushed his opponents and leaned on the throne of victory; she put the eternal stigma on his forehead and changed his victory into defeat; This is the what Lady Zaynab has done. Lady Zaynab (s.a.) showed that women's hijab and decency can be turned into an eternal honor[7].
Is not this example a perfect proof that women in Islam are in the context of politics and society and that the monotheistic tradition and religion do not want women to be inferior but it places them at the top of human peaks?
[1] Plato, Republic, Paragraphs 461 – 463.
[2] Aristotle, Politics, Book II, Paragraphs 1 – 13.
[3] Okin, Susan Moller. Women in Western Political Thought. Princeton University Press, 2013.
[4] Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Speech in the meeting with nurses, November 13, 1991.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Speech in the meeting with nurses, April 21, 2010.
[7] Ibid.
Importing/producing vaccine binary: the new strategy of the mainstream media against Iran
With the widespread Corona pandemic and the Iranian scientists beginning to manufacture a vaccine, in an op-ed issued on April 22, 2020 entitled, “Does Iran have the capability to make a vaccine?” BBC Persian News wrote, “Some believe it is probably more realistic to rely on foreign vaccines for immunizing the Iranian population, both in terms of scientific experience and capability and in terms of the ability to develop a vaccine and the cost. Thus, developing a vaccine in Iran should be mainly in the framework of a research project simply for gaining experience. Of course, the results should be published.”[1] This media approach, which was followed by Western news agencies, also suggested that Iran should not wait for the production of a domestic vaccine and that they should just purchase Corona vaccines from foreign sources. In opposition to this opinion, while ignoring the Western media’s propaganda and while trusting the Iranian scientists, Imam Khamenei, the far-sighted Leader of the Islamic Revolution, not only agreed with importing vaccines but he also emphasized the need to develop domestic vaccines. Furthermore, he called on knowledge-based companies to work toward this goal.
Seven knowledge-based companies began actively working to implement this strategy. With his strong belief in the motto “We can”, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution pursued this approach until the final result was achieved. And eventually, he received the Iranian COVIran Barakat vaccine in front of the cameras of national and international news agencies. With the spread of the news of the development of the Iranian Barakat vaccine, the enemies of Iran and the Western media were shocked. After India, China, England, the US, and Russia, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the sixth country in the world and the first country in western Asia to produce a Corona vaccine. At the same time, Iran’s achievement as the first Islamic country to produce this vaccine was a source of pride for Muslims throughout the world.
The enemies’ failure to prevent the development of a domestic vaccine in Iran led them to change their approach. The Western media with the help of agents opposed to the Islamic Revolution created a controversy over the production of domestic vaccines vs. importing foreign vaccines. These media outlets suggested that the opinion of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution about a prohibition on importing American and English vaccines means a prohibition on importing vaccines from all countries. They said, “The production of an Iranian vaccine has led to a prohibition on importing vaccines that has led to public discontent.” While repeatedly using the term “prohibition on importing foreign vaccines” in an op-ed entitled “The reason behind the prohibition on purchasing vaccines,” the website of Radio Farda wrote, “Previously, the problem was inaction and mismanagement with respect to Covid-19 in Iran. But now, the problem is the systematic opposition to and intentional prevention of importing Corona vaccines.”[2]
In another joint effort, Western media outlets suggested that the Iranian people do not trust their national vaccines despite the fact that based on the opinion expressed by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution importing vaccines have been banned. These ideas were being propagated even though after expressing his logical view on the prohibition of importing vaccines from the US and England, the Leader of the Revolution had stated in his speech, “Of course, if they [the officials] wish to procure vaccines from other places – places they are sure are safe – this is not a problem.” This unambiguous opinion of the Leader of the Revolution had also been expressed on other occasions and the position adopted by the Leader was completely evident to the official authorities. Moreover, Iran had actually imported vaccines from Russia, China, India, South Korea, Italy, and Japan in several stages, and this is still continuing. At the same time, despite the prohibition on American and English vaccines, importing vaccines with English and American brand names that have been produced in other countries has never been banned. Obviously, due to the US unilateral economic sanctions against Iran, performing the necessary bank transactions for purchasing and importing vaccines has been very difficult at the international level. For example, in the process of importing vaccines from Cuba, there was a delay in transferring 8-15 million dollars in two installments.
The realities behind the scene show that the development of the domestic Covid-19 vaccine has never stopped or slowed the speed of importing foreign vaccines. The endorsement of the domestic vaccine by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution gave Iran the strength to be victorious in the US’ all-out economic war and to purchase and import Corona vaccines from trustworthy foreign sources at the same time despite the pressures exerted by the West. In fact, the Leader’s explicit statements about the non-prohibition of importing vaccines from abroad and his emphasis on accelerating the development and use of domestic vaccines stopped the conspiracy behind creating a controversy over “domestic vaccines vs. importing vaccines.” He showed that producing an Iranian vaccine is not an obstacle to importing foreign vaccines. During the last 50 years, Iran has been a pioneering country in the development of vaccines. The Pasteur Institute of Iran has been active in research, production, providing services, and education since 1920 AD. It has been one of the important centers for the production of vaccines in the region. At the present time, the production of the Corona vaccine is an important achievement by Iranian scientists. In fact, the support and guidance provided by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has played a leading role in the path to gaining this achievement.
[1] . https://www.bbc.com/persian/science-55366091
[2] . https://www.radiofarda.com/a/sixth-hour-vaccine-import-ban/31409434.html
