A large number of Ulema, clergymen and theology students of Kerman Province met the Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Sunday, May 1.
The meeting took place on the first day of the Leader's tour of Kerman Province, during which he will visit several provincial cities and meet the people from various walks of life.
Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that clergymen and theological schools shoulder a much heavier duty today compared with the past. Referring to the variety and complexity of modern means of mass communication, he stated, "In modern world, the real arena of confrontation is the intellectual arena. Thus, if we enter this arena equipped with and relying on our pure and authentic ideology derived from original sources, we will surely achieve victory. But of course achieving the task also requires appropriate planning."
The Leader further expressed his gratitude to the directors of theological schools in Kerman Province for their sincere efforts and stressed that the training of knowledgeable, pious and erudite clergymen cognizant of intellectual, political and other important issues of the day is one of the main duties of theological schools.
"The enemies have targeted the clergy, because religious enlightenment is the most effective weapon of the Muslim community against the enemies' attacks, and the clergy plays a pivotal role in utilizing this weapon," he told the audience.
Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic and described it as a collection of advanced and modern laws.
"Through an appropriate division of political power, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic has aimed to protect the Islamic system and ensure the country's progress and the people's welfare and prosperity. This is why the enemies have made our constitution the target of their attacks," he noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic cited the Islamic nature of the Iranian government, proving the ability of religion in running the affairs of society, and the influence of the Islamic Republic on other Muslim nations as the main reasons for the unceasing animosity of the arrogant powers towards the Iranian nation.
"What we need in the face of this hostility is not a nuclear bomb, but what we are expected to do in response to this hostility is boosting our faith and self-amelioration, developing modern technology and opening new frontiers in science, reinforcing our national solidarity and bolstering our social relations and national bonds," the Leader pointed out.