Shabbir Hassanally*
“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, God takes care of both. So do not follow your desires, lest you swerve [and avoid justice]; if you distort your witness or refuse to give it—then God is Aware of what you do.”
Quran, Chapter 4 (The Women), Verse 135[1]
On November 25, 2014, Imam Khamenei, had given a speech, that carried some very important points in a meeting with the participants of the “Islamic Congress on Takfiri and Extremist Orientations from the Viewpoint of Islamic Scholars”[2].
In this speech, Imam Khamenei gave a recommendation on three key tasks[3] that should form the cornerstones in combatting this corrupt ideological variant from the perspective of the Islamic Scholars; and indeed the community of Muslims at large. If these three guidelines are followed diligently, the threat posed by the Takfiri traits that attempt to infect Islam and Muslims will be neutralized.
In this document, we will perform a brief analysis on each of the three tasks outlined by Imam Khamenei; discussing how we can implement them; both from the point of view of the Islamic Scholar, but also from the position of the layperson. After all, as the Holy Quran teaches:
“And they will say, ‘Lord, we have obeyed our superiors and our dignitaries, but they led us away from the way. Lord, give them double the punishment, and curse them with a great curse.’”
Quran, Chapter 33 (The Tribes), Verses 67 to 68[4]
As a result, while there is a higher responsibility on the Islamic Scholars to guide and teach the people, that doesn’t absolve the population of their duties and responsibilities; otherwise, as per the teachings of Quran, while we might be in a position to point the finger at those who gave us incorrect guidance; we should also remember that we were the ones who followed the incorrect guidance.
Let us first enumerate the three key tasks that Imam Khamenei outlined, and then we will examine each of them:
- The formation of a scholarly, rational, and comprehensive movement, by scholars from all Islamic denominations, with the purpose of uprooting the takfiri orientation.
- Illustrating the role of arrogant policies set forth by the USA and Britain; they should be well illustrated and explained.
- Attending to matters regarding Palestine. You should not allow the issues surrounding Palestine, Holy Quds, and al-Aqsa Mosque to be consigned into oblivion.
The remainder of this document will be examining these three points.
It should also be noted, that each of these three points is closely connected, and acting on one, requires acting on the other; this is in the same manner that for one to walk, one must be cognizant of where one is walking to; otherwise they will be found flailing around, and not making any progress.
The idea of a comprehensive, scholarly and rational movement being formed – across all the various schools of thought within Islam[5] - is extremely important; since it is amongst the key tools that are used by the enemies, by the US and its Zionist allies in the creation of sedition and hatred between people with differing opinions.
Amongst the methods used by the enemies[6], is to keep the Muslims bickering and infighting[7]; as long as the scholars are not working to prevent this infighting, fertile ground for extremism to flourish is being created. This is amongst the reasons that Imam Khamenei has said categorically, that such infighting is against Islamic principles.
Having said that, there are differences of opinion within the various schools of Islamic thought, and this is not something that is necessarily bad. The very presence of differing opinions encourages discussion and indeed promotes a better understanding of Islam as a whole. After all, God has said clearly in the Holy Quran:
“O, people! We created you from a male and a female and made you races and tribes, that you may know one another. The best among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is All-Knowing, Well-Experienced.”
Quran, Chapter 49 (The Chambers), Verse 13[8]
That means that while we are all different, it is in our diversity that there is beauty and that our measure of excellence should be based purely on our servitude and awareness of God.
Elsewhere in the Holy Quran, God says:
“Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Those with him are stern against the disbelievers, yet compassionate amongst themselves …”
Quran, Chapter 48 (The Victory), Verse 29[9]
This means, that all Muslims – who recognize that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) is the Messenger of God, and as a result are allied and indeed with him—should treat with kindness those who are with the Prophet, irrespective of the differences of opinions they may have; but should be firm against those who don’t believe[10].
Therefore, based on Quranic teachings, Muslims should attempt to break the tendencies that are being promoted within Muslim communities that attempt to sow the seeds of sedition and incite sectarian strife. Indeed, it is this sectarian strife that paves the way for extremism and takfirism to grow and flourish.
One of the key lessons here is that we must remove the supply of oxygen from the takfiri tendencies. This does not mean that discussions on Islamic concepts are avoided, quite the opposite, but when such discussions are had, they are done with respect, dignity and in a scholarly fashion. Not emotionally and in a manner that can be abusive and rude.
The discussion must be held while bearing in mind, that the Takfiri tendencies and those behind them desire that Muslims be broken up, that Muslims lack the unity that they should have under the banner of Tawheed (Monotheism).
The reason for this is very simple, while Muslims are busy fighting and killing each other; the enemy plunders their resources, arms both sides and profits from their deaths, and destroys that harmony and kindness, that those who are with the Prophet Muhammad should have with each other.
This segues to the second point that Imam Khamenei emphasizes upon; which is that of exposing the role of Global Arrogance and Zionism and their policies both in the middle east region, but more importantly their policies against Islam and Muslims, and indeed against the free peoples of the World.
It is well known that the British Empire was built on the idea of “Divide and Rule”[11]; you ensure that the people are busy and divided so that the enemy can capture their resources while they are busy with other issues. This is also a methodology outlined by Machiavelli for use in war, discussing it in depth in Book 6 of his “The Art of War”[12].
Therefore, you can see quite clearly, that the strategy of injecting the virus of Takfirism into the Muslim community, into the Islamic World, is, in fact, a tactic of war. A method to weaken the Muslims so as to remove the threat against the hegemony desired by the powers of Global Arrogance and Zionism. The enemy is clearly at war with Muslims, yet Muslims fail to recognize this fact!
Based on the Quranic maxim outlined above, all those who accept and are with Prophet Muhammad as the messenger of God should be firm against the enemy who wishes to inject this cancer into our communities. An enemy that wishes to see us annihilate ourselves.
In order to be able to understand what the enemy is doing, we must understand and be able to identify the games and schemes of the enemy, otherwise, with his cunning and guile, the enemy will fool even the best of us.
Again this returns us back to an important lesson from Quran; where Satan, who is known to be from the most manifest enemies of humanity:
“Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not serve Satan? He is indeed your manifest enemy?”
Quran, Chapter 36 (Yasin), Verse 60[13]
We also know that Satan has endeavored to mislead and harm all of humanity, but that his guile will not work on those who are sincere and genuinely work for and towards the Truth:
“He [Satan] said, ‘By Your majesty, I will seduce them all. Except for your loyal [sincere, steadfast, righteous] servants among them.’”
Quran, Chapter 38 (Sad), Verses 82 to 83[14]
This is one of his key traits, he seduces you away from the Truth, while making you believe that you are with the Truth.
This is the same behavior as that exhibited by the American Empire, by the British Empire, by the Zionists and those who are with them.
There are countless examples – one comes to mind from the Zionists, who claimed when they stole Palestine from the Palestinians, that this was a “land without a people, for a people without a land”; yet this is a flagrant untruth, and is well documented[15].
All of the wars and tribulations that can be seen across the world have this mechanism in common; this is the default modus operandi of the American Empire as well as the tyrants that came before them.
We can see the war raging in Yemen as a key example of this; where the forces of Global Arrogance have declared that the people of Yemen have no right to determine their own fate, to have their own government; but that they must have a government imposed on them by the Arab Zionists, the Family of Saud. They make claims that when – in the face of daily carpet bombing, and the use of Western-supplied weapons of mass destruction against them – the people of Yemen rise up and fire missiles against those bombing them, that they have committed some sort of terrible crime!
The same way, when we look at any adventure the Zionists have undertaken, be it in Lebanon or in Gaza, they habitually demonize the victim, the oppressed, while glorifying the oppressor.
They make false that which is true, and make true that which is a lie. This is the nature of the beast, the nature of Satan, the nature of Global Arrogance. This is one of the reasons why the free people of the world say in unison
“Death to USA!”
“Death to Britain!”
“Death to Israel!”
It is for this reason, that Imam Khamenei, instructs the Islamic Scholars, the leaders of the communities to be vigilant and let their congregations know of these issues, to make their congregations aware of what is happening and how the enemies are conspiring and working.
The Islamic Scholars should use the sessions they have with the people to educate the people on history and on what is happening today, and how the two tie together; they need to bring people closer to the Quran.
History should not be used to blame one Muslim against another, but rather, lessons should be learned. This subject can be expanded upon extensively, however, I do not wish to make this document longer than it already is, so we shall leave that for another paper, God willing.
If the Islamic Scholars are vigilant and careful, if they teach their people the Truth, then the plans and schemes of the enemies will be seriously damaged, as the people will no longer fall for the lies, the people will not allow themselves to be scared and bamboozled by the agents of Global Arrogance.
Indeed, the people will - as they come closer to the truth, guided by the righteous Islamic Scholars – become more united, and will stand firm like a unified fist against the enemy that seeks to oppress them and usurp their rights.
This connects us to the third point that Imam Khamenei made; recommending that the Islamic Scholars discuss and make their communities aware of the biggest tragedy facing the Muslim world in this day and age. The case of Palestine.
It is well known that Palestine has been occupied by Zionism, because of the negligence of the Muslims, because of the weakness of the Arabs. As discussed earlier, the myths upon which the Zionist project was founded, the usurpation of the divine faith of Judaism[16]; these are all actions which were performed by the powers of Global Arrogance.
Historically the British Empire, and now the American Empire and the Zionist Movement and sadly their allies in the Arab and Muslim world, such as the Saudi, Bahraini and UAE rulers; have all used these tactics and strategies to harm Muslims. They were successful in their strategies because Muslims were busy being divided and bickering amongst each other.
Indeed, Islamic Scholars should be at the forefront of the anti-Zionist movement; they should participate in the various boycott campaigns[17], and awareness campaigns. They should educate the population so that the population does not pollute itself by eating that which is built on the blood of innocents, that which is built on theft and injustice.
Sometimes, it feels very difficult to continue doing all of these campaigns, there is pressure from colleagues at work, the society – more so for those living in the West – and so on, to conform to that which is perceived as normal. This is where the work of the Islamic Scholar becomes that much more important; to prevent that which is oppressive, evil and unjust from being normalized. To provide support and strength to the tired ones, and re-invigorate them and encourage them to stay steadfast.
There is a very important lesson in breaking the bonds that Global Arrogance has bound people with, a lesson that proves that those bonds can be broken, and when broken, they leave the enemy exposed and vulnerable.
Proof for this is in the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon that exposed the vulnerable and defeated nature of the Zionist Entity, in 2000 and again in 2006, and indeed in these past few years in Iraq and Syria. Proof of this is in the steadfastness and resilience of the people of Iran since the Islamic Revolution, be it during the Sacred Defense[18] or in the battles in Iraq and Syria against the DAESH Takfiri project.
Further proof is in the resilience of the people of Palestine and the people of Yemen, who against what appear to be monumental odds, stand tall and continue to resist, and indeed continue to support Palestine.
This is what happens when the righteous Islamic Scholars and leaders take a community to the divine heights of Truth and awareness. The darkness that the enemy wishes to plunge the people into is destroyed by the strength of the Truth and by reliance on He who is the ultimate recourse in all matters, and truly He is the best of recourses. Reliance on Him requires that his word is followed, for truly His word is the Most Sublime.
The task of the Islamic Scholar is to be firm and vigilant, while being merciful and kind, in the face of all of these schemes of the enemies; to answer the questions that are brought before them; to answer to such conspiracies that are designed to harm Islam and Muslims, and remove any trace of doubt from the heart of the questioner, so as to prevent the seeds of corruption from taking root in the hearts of the people.
We can see, that in his speech on November 23, 2017; Imam Khamenei, reiterated the concepts he had outlined three years ago on November 24, 2014, he discussed these same aims of the enemies; and re-iterated:
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is standing; and, it will continue to stand against the conspiracies of the arrogant Zionist Front that seeks to create rifts between Muslims. Iran will be victorious in this fight, with God’s favor, the enemy will be defeated just as the wicked ISIS was uprooted in Iraq and Syria.
The Muslim World can stand against the Front of Disbelief and Arrogance, today; moreover, the Islamic system in Iran, which seeks the full realization of Islamic law, will make victory over the enemies of Islam a reality. "
Imam Khamenei, November 23, 2017[19]
All the lies and myths perpetuated by the Empire can be broken. The key is to be steadfast, and as advised by the Leader, ensure that there is great thought, reflection, and awareness from our Islamic Scholars; that this is transferred to the Muslim community and the global community of free people.
For unless these shackles are broken, the enemy will always have the upper hand; since our sincerity, our loyalty to God and to the Truth will be lacking; and we will have allowed ourselves to be misguided.
At that stage, while the person may be able to point the finger of blame at their leaders and teachers, they may be able to ask God to give those teachers and such double the punishment for their misguidance and/or negligence, the damage will already have been done.
Even half the punishment is still nevertheless punishment, and distance from God; a fate that is the worst of fates, may God keep us all safe from such a horrific and disastrous fate, Amen, O Lord Sustainer of the Universes.
It is imperative that the Muslim community, hold their scholars to account, and ensure that they teach correctly and keep the Muslims aware of the schemes and plots against us – as clearly outlined by Imam Khamenei.
Indeed, if the Islamic Scholars were only to do their duty in this regard; to teach and educate the people, with sanity and true words, to present the reality and to connect people to the concepts of divine Justice and Truth, then without a doubt, Palestine would not be occupied; nor would any person be oppressed.
Indeed, this is a cry that has echoed through the ages, be it Abraham against Nimrud, Moses against Pharaoh, or Muhammad against the Pagans and Tyrants of Makkah.
We must, if we feel we are with the Messenger of God, we must always move towards the Truth, and bring people towards the Truth, that was his stance, and therefore it must be our stance.
We must work tirelessly to remove the seeds of extremism and takfirism, of latent Zionism within the ranks of the Muslims and the free people of the World; for truly then, will we be worthy of calling ourselves those who are with the Messenger of God.
We must stand firm against the tyrants, we must boycott those who give succor and support to the tyrants. If we do this collectively and in unison, and above all with sincerity and reliance on God and hope in His assistance, then the same way a small group of people in Lebanon broke the back of the “most invincible army in the middle east”, the world can indeed break the back of Global Arrogance and liberate itself from the tyranny it imposes.
All of the answers to the problems facing Muslims and the free people of the World are clear and available, there are no hidden answers, the reality is very clear; indeed Truth is manifest from Falsehood; it is upon us to open our eyes and hearts, and embrace and hold fast to the Truth, that we become from those who are successful.
And from God alone is all ability, and He is our ultimate recourse in all matters, and He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
[1] The Holy Quran, Chapter 4 (The Women), Verse 135 – Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/4:135
[2] Leader's Speech in Meeting with Participants of International Congress on Takfirism, November 25, 2014 - http://english.khamenei.ir/news/1985/Leader-s-Speech-in-Meeting-with-Participants-of-International
[3] Three tasks, recommended by Ayatollah Khamenei to Muslim scholars, to eradicate takfirism, November 25, 2017, based on the speech of Imam Khamenei deliverd on November 25, 2014 - http://english.khamenei.ir/news/5298/3-tasks-recommended-by-Ayatollah-Khamenei-to-Muslim-scholars
[4] The Holy Quran, Chapter 33 (The Tribes), Verses 67-68 – Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/33:67
[5] There are many schools of thought within Islam, you can read more here http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Islamic_schools_and_branches - but bear in mind that the article is from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely accurate.
[6] The use of the word enemies here, refers to the ideologies of Arrogance and Zionism; for the sake of brevity, I will use the word enemies, when referencing the forces of Global Arrogance and Global Zionism, instead of identifying them explicitly each time as the US, UK and the Zionist Entity.
[7] An excellent video on this subject by Islamic Pulse can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxhZ3IZUapQ
[8] The Holy Quran, Chapter 49 (The Chambers), Verse 13 - Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/49:13
[9] The Holy Quran, Chapter 48 (The Victory), Verse 29 - Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/48:29
[10] It should be noted that the word “disbelievers” here, doesn’t mean all non-Muslims; not at all, rather those who are aware of the Truth of Islam, and who actively oppose and attempt to harm it. Those akin to the agents of Global Arrogance and Zionism the world over.
[11] For a better understanding of this strategy used by the British (and other European colonial powers), please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divide_and_rule
[12] The Art of War (Machiavelli)/Book 6 - https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Art_of_War_(Machiavelli)/Book_6
[13] The Holy Quran, Chapter 36 (Yasin), Verse 60 – Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/36:60
[14] The Holy Quran, Chapter 38 (Sad), Verses 82-83 – Original Arabic and translations in multiple languages available at http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.itani/38:83
[15] The Myth of a 'Land Without People for a People Without Land' by Roger Garaudy, Institute for Historical Review, Volume 18, Issue 5, Page 38 - http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v18/v18n5p38_Garaudy.html
[16] Zionism is not Judaism, Ahmed Moor, Huffington Post - http://www.nkusa.org/AboutUs/Zionism/judaism_isnot_zionism.cfm and Judaism and Zionism are not the same thing, Neturei Karta International - http://www.nkusa.org/AboutUs/Zionism/judaism_isnot_zionism.cfm
[17] Boycott Israel, Inminds - http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israel.php and BDS Movement - https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott
[18] The Sacred Defence is also known as the eight-year imposed war on Iran immediately following the victory of the Islamic Revolution. A war wherein the entire world was fighting the fledgling Islamic Revolution, and in which the Islamic Revolution, through reliance on God, unity amongst its ranks – irrespective of school of thought – and dedication and loyalty to the Truth, was ultimately victorious.
[19] Wherever we are needed, to confront U.S. regime and Zionism, we will help, November 23, 2017 - http://english.khamenei.ir/news/5294/Wherever-we-are-needed-to-confront-U-S-regime-and-Zionism
* Shabbir Hassanally is a software engineer, and an Islamic Scholar, having studied in the Islamic Seminary of Qum. He contributes to various outlets as a political analyst. Mr. Hassanally lectures at various Islamic Centers from time to time and is currently working on a book on the commonalities between Zionism and Wahhabism – from a political and hegemonic perspective, as well as examining historical parallels between these two cancers infecting humanity. He also consults on subjects related to human rights, activism, Islam, anti-sectarianism, and Islamic politics, economics, the Palestine issue and issues affecting Muslims across the world. He was also one of the early members of the Global March to Jerusalem (GM2J) and looked after the website for the group. He has edited several books on both political and Islamic subjects.
The views, opinions and positions expressed on Op-Ed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Khamenei.ir .