A number of Ulema and clergymen and theology students of Semnan Province met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on the first day of his tour of the province on Wednesday, November 8.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader referred to the decisive role played by the Shia clergymen at various important stages of the Iranian history. He noted that independence and popularity have always been the main features of the Shia clergymen in Iran, causing them to attain a high status in society.
"The Shia clergymen, unlike the clergymen of other religions, merely rely on the public and only serve the community. This is something important, and it should be highly valued and preserved," the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei further stated that the strong relations between clergymen and the general public in Iran have always proved of great significance with regard to important events in the course of the Iranian history, events such as the Constitutional Movement as well as the nationalization of the Iranian oil.
"Today also, the clergymen are expected to consolidate their ties with the public, try to increase their political insight and power of analysis, preserve the sanctity that is associated with the clergy, safeguard their moral and financial soundness by avoiding material enticements, raise their knowledge of theological issues and courageously counter superstition in order to be able to maintain their historic qualities and unique status in society," the Leader observed.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei hinted at the Western cultural aggression, describing it as a reality that deserves very serious attention. He stated that at a time when the minds of youngsters are targeted by a multiplicity of ideas piled up in the global information corridors, efforts should be made first to obtain a clear understanding of those ideas as well as of the mentality of youngsters and, then, counter that cultural aggression in an appropriate manner.
Touching on the need to firmly deal with superstition, the Leader stated that the Shia Ulema and clergymen are proud of their freethinking and rational and open-minded attitude, and that they rely on and benefit from wisdom, logic and reasoning.
At the meeting, the Leader's representative in Semnan Province Hojjatoleslam Shahcheraghi said that there are some 16 Islamic seminaries in the province, and that theology students and instructors at those seminaries number 1500.