A number of scholars, thinkers and intellectuals from some 32 Islamic countries participating in the 19th International Conference on Islamic Unity, held in Tehran August 20-22, met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Monday, August 21.
In an address to the gathering, the Leader felicitated the audience on the auspicious Feast of Mab'ath, which marks the day when the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his immaculate household) was entrusted by Almighty Allah with his prophetic assignment.
Ayatollah Khamenei described unity as the most urgent requirement of the Islamic world at the present time. He also touched on the wave of Islamic awakening that is sweeping Islamic societies and reviving the Islamic identity of Muslim nations.
"The dedicated scholars, thinkers and intellectuals as well as political leaders of Islamic countries should try to make the most of this exceptional opportunity and, relying on the great power of millions of Muslims and resisting pressures and threats on the part of the enemies, tread the path to scientific, political, cultural and economic progress," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic also referred to the dangerous malady of schism and discord which is being injected into the Islamic Ummah by the enemies of Muslims. He emphasized that mere slogans advocating Islamic unity are not enough in the face of this plot, but that certain practical measures should be taken to further promote unity in the Islamic world.
Further in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei made it clear that the problems and suffering that have been besetting the Islamic world for tens of years, including the issue of Palestine and also the issue of Iraq, have resulted from division and lack of unity among Muslims.
"Some concrete measures should be taken to prepare a suitable ground for Islamic unity, and drawing up a pragmatic charter on unity approved by all the intellectuals, scholars and dedicated political elites of the Islamic world can be a useful measure in this regard," Ayatollah Khamenei remarked.
The Leader pointed out that certain differences of opinion on religious and theological matters should not have any adverse effect on the social and political relations among Muslims.
"Today, the Islamic Ummah has come under pressure from the United States and other countries sharing U.S. stances with regard to its important issues, and the only way for Muslims to free themselves from this pressure and achieve concrete unity is to hold fast to the covenant of Allah and express their disavowal of the U.S. regime, which is the ‘Great Satan'," the Leader observed.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that belief in Almighty Allah should be combined with disbelief and lack of trust in the Satan.
"Today, in various parts of the Islamic world there is belief in Almighty Allah, but unfortunately there is no disbelief in the Satan and no resistance against the ‘Great Satan'," he added.
The Leader stated that it is the responsibility of the intellectuals and cultural luminaries and political elites of the Islamic world to expound the capabilities of Muslim nations, so that they may become aware of their power and dispel any fear of the superficial formidableness of the United States and others in the U.S. camp.
"The arrogant powers headed by the United States are apprehensive of the progress of Islamic countries in various spheres and of the Muslim nations becoming powerful. Therefore, while they know with regard to the issue of nuclear energy that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, they are exerting the utmost pressure in order to hinder the scientific and technological progress of an Islamic country," the Leader pointed out.
He further stated, "However, the Islamic Republic of Iran, benefiting from its experience and achievements of the past 27 years, has made its decision with respect to the issue of nuclear energy and other issues that it is facing, and it will continue to firmly tread its path with reliance on Almighty Allah and patience and perseverance, and it will reap the sweet fruits of this."
The Leader of the Islamic Republic noted that the Islamic world should try to make up for its past negligence and losses through appropriate planning based on wisdom, prudence and firm intention. He added that the Lebanese Hezbollah's glorious and spectacular victory over the Zionist regime provided sufficient proof for all Muslims, showing that if Islamic governments rely on the strength of their nations, no power would be able to dominate them.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the most remarkable feature of the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran late Imam Khomeini was his recognizing the power of the people and his reliance on this power.
"By relying on the power of the people, Imam Khomeini managed to overthrow the tyrannical imperial regime, which served the interests of the United States and the Zionist regime, and he hoisted the banner of Islam in this most sensitive part of the Islamic world," the Leader remarked.
Ayatollah Khamenei further criticized the remarks of certain politicians of the Islamic world who echo the words of the officials of the United States and the Zionist regime, and who foment discord and division among Muslims.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran extends the hand of friendship to all Muslim nations and their intellectuals and cultural luminaries and political leaders, and it is desirous of stronger bonds of brotherhood in the Islamic Ummah," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.