On the threshold of the holy month of Moharram and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him), a large group of clergymen and preachers met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Wednesday, January 25.
In an address to the audience, the Leader referred to "logic and wisdom", "valor and honor" and "noble sentiments" as the main features of the self-abnegating movement that was led by Imam Hussain-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him). He stated that these features should play the major role in the preaching and propagation of religion, and that the main goal pursued by preaching should be influencing the hearts.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the movement and martyrdom of Imam Hussain-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him) and his companions as a durable culture and a lasting model for the Islamic Ummah in the course of its history.
"The logic and rational foundation of this movement imparts the lesson that it is the duty of all Muslims to act whenever the prevalent circumstances require them to do so, and even if risks and dangers are involved in doing so," Ayatollah Khamenei told the gathering.
The Leader pointed out that the Islamic movement which was launched by late Imam Khomeini in Iran in Moharram 1963 and the escalation of which in Moharram 1978 culminated in the historic event of the victory of the Islamic Revolution was a result of following the example set by the movement led by Imam Hussain-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him). He stated that this path would be trodden with pride and honor in the future as well.
Further in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that in the preaching of religion, strong logic and reasoning should be applied and religious precepts should be elucidated in a prudent manner. He stressed that clergymen should try to set an example for others through their proper conduct and behavior by being careful of their words and deeds and also by not going to extremes with regard to political issues.
"The effect of propagative measures and their positive results and blessings will be manifested in society in the long term, as the inclination toward religion on the part of youngsters today is owed to the propagative activities that were conducted in this country in the past," Ayatollah Khamenei remarked.
In conclusion, the Leader of the Islamic Republic touched on the false claims made by the enemies to the effect that the Iranian youth are renouncing their religious beliefs. He described these claims as part of a psychological war staged by the enemies against the Iranian nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that contrary to such false claims, the Iranian youth are thirsty for learning more about religious precepts, and that their desire should be fulfilled in an appropriate manner.
At the beginning of the meeting, one of the preachers present at the gathering recited some elegies over the tragic event of Ashura and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him) and his faithful companions.