Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with ulama, clergymen, and students of Islamic seminaries in Kurdistan. Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the establishment of the Islamic Republic and the development of complex methods for propagating ideologies as two important characteristics of the current era.
He further added that ulama and clergymen should be aware of the requirements of the time and take these two characteristics into consideration in order to administer justice and stand up to oppression, corruption, and sedition.
In this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the clergy as the pioneers of progress and reiterated: "Helping the people differentiate between halal and haraam is not the only duty of the clergy. Rather, as heirs to the prophets, they should stand up to all manifestations of evil and fight against those who try to impose their egoistic desires on other nations."
Ayatollah Khamenei delineated the characteristics of the current era and referred to the transformation in the methods of propagating ideologies, further adding: "Today, the arrogant powers make use of all modern media and artistic as well as cultural methods to impose their incorrect beliefs and oppressive methods on other nations. And ulama should act in accordance with the requirements of the time in order to lead the people onto the right path."
Ayatollah Khamenei further added that the foreigners are making efforts to capture the hearts of the youth and create doubts in the minds of students. He further said that ulama are responsible for protecting moral boundaries and should pay great attention to the thoughts and emotions of the youth, and confront the enemies' assault by making use of up-to-date methods.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the establishment of the Islamic Republic which was rooted in the principles of the Holy Quran and sharia as the second characteristic of the current era and added: "Of course, we never claimed that the current system is in complete accordance with Islamic and Quranic principles, but we believe that we are treading the right path. And everyone, especially the ulama, should make use of this exceptional opportunity to promote the teachings and principles of Islam, guide the people onto the right path, and help them make progress."
His Eminence said that the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and the failure of the Islamic Republic to make progress are two unfulfilled wishes of the enemies and added that the Islamic Republic managed to emerge victorious out of all the plots and problems caused by the enemies. He also added that the scientific achievements of the Islamic Republic proved that a religious government has the capacity to propel a nation towards progress.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the heartfelt support of nations and the tendency of students and Muslim elites towards the Islamic Republic is the main reason why the arrogant powers and some of the reactionary governments in the region strongly oppose the Islamic Republic. He added: "The efforts to increase the dispute between Shia and Sunni, and falsely accusing some people of propagating Shia ideology, in a country whose people love the members of the Prophet's (s.w.a.) household, are other signs showing that the bullying powers and their allies in the region are terrified of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic."
His Eminence said that the continued machinations and hostility of the arrogant powers against the Islamic Republic are indicative of the severity of the blow that the faithful Iranian nation dealt to the domineering powers. He further added: "I can see the signs of divine grace in the resistance and vigilance of the Iranian nation and government officials, and this great divine support has doubled the responsibility of all people, especially our religious scholars."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed the need for vigilance in distinguishing friends from enemies and reiterated: "When the comprehensive support of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation for the oppressed Palestinian people was at its peak during the 22-day war on Gaza, suddenly an evil and devastating idea started to spread in society. It was said that the Palestinian people were the enemies of the Prophet's household. Thus they tried to make the Islamic Republic give up its support for the Palestinian nation by creating a negative attitude towards Sunni Muslims and inciting the people."
He further added: "Likewise, there are some people who are trying to find things in Shia speeches and books that may offend Sunni Muslims, thereby trying to make them suspect Shia Muslims. However, all people, especially Shia and Sunni religious scholars, must develop a deep understanding of the complicated plots of the enemies of Islam and stand up to the enemies' overt and covert attempts to incite the people. They must not let discord and suspicion undermine the current unity among Muslims."