Imperialism And Resistance

A discussion including Zafar Bangash, Imam Al-Asi, and Afif Khan.

Following is a translated section of Ayatullah Khamenei’s speech in Mashad on the occasion of Norouz. The entire speech in farsi can be viewed here (wmv).

[Ayatullah Khamenei:] . . . Regarding the foreign affairs of our country, I would like to mention one point, and that is the issue between us and the United States. One of the main challenges for the Revolution, right from the beginning, was the same issue. Right from the first day of the Revolution’s victory, a phase was opened for the Iranian nation, as a major test in its relations and interactions with the government of the United States of America. This major and important test continued for the past 30 years. The US Government faced this Revolution with an angry and frowning face, and opposed us from the beginning. Of course, they had the right to do so, considering their own calculations.

Before the Revolution, Iran was in the hands of the United States, its vital resources were in the hands of the United States, its political decision-making centers were in the hands of the United States, decisions to appoint and depose its vital centers were in the hands of the United States, and it (Iran) was like a field for the United States, the US military, and others on which to graze. Well, this was taken away from them. They could have expressed their opposition in not such an aggressive manner. But from the beginning of the Revolution, both their Republican presidents, and the Democrats, did not behave well toward the Islamic Republic. This is not secret from anyone.

(People chant: “Death to America”)

Pay attention, the first measure taken by the United States was to provoke the scattered opposition groups of the Islamic Republic, and to support terrorism and disintegration in the country. They started this right from the beginning. In any parts of the country, where there were grounds for disintegration, the United States had a hand, we noticed their money, and at times their agents. This cost our people much. Unfortunately, this continues. The bandits in the Iran-Pakistan border areas, we know that some of them — as we have their voices (as received) — are in touch with Americans.

They have wireless communications, and take orders from them. Bandits, terrorists, murderers, are in touch with US officers in a neighboring country. Unfortunately, this still goes on. This was the beginning of what they started. Then it was the confiscation of property and goods belonging to Iran. The former regime gave a large amount of money to the United States to buy airplanes, helicopters, and weapons from them. Some of them over there were prepared, and when the Revolution took place, they did not deliver them. They did not give back the money, which amounted to millions of dollars. And the strange point is that they kept these goods in a store, and considered storage charges for it, which they claimed from the Algeria Agreement. To take away some goods from a nation, confiscate them, and fail to deliver them, and then claim storage charges for it! This is the kind of behavior started then, which continues. Our possessions are still there. They belong to the Iranian nation. They are in the United States and also some European countries. We referred to them over the past years, and asked them to give us what belongs to us and what we paid for. They said that since they are under the license of the United States, the United States does not allow them to do so; they cannot return them to us, and they are still there.

They showed Saddam (late Iraqi president) a green light. This was another plan by the US Government to attack Iran. If Saddam did not have the green light from the United States, he would have not attacked our borders. They imposed eight years of war on our country. About 300,000 of our young people, our people, were martyred in this eight-year war. In these eight years (Iran-Iraq war), particularly in the last few years of it, the United States constantly supported Saddam and helped him financially, with ammunition, and political advice. They provided him with satellite information. They had information facilities. They recorded the movements of our forces by satellite, and transferred this information the very same day to Saddam’s HQ to use against our young people and forces.

They (the United States) closed their eyes to Saddam’s crimes. The Halabcheh (southern Iranian town bordering Iraq) incident took place, hitting various towns of our country with missiles. They destroyed houses, they used chemical bombs on the frontlines, they still closed their eyes. They did not object at all. They helped Saddam. This was another one of the acts of this government over the years toward our country and our nation.

(People chant)

Then, please pay attention; there is a lot of time for chanting. Toward the end of the war, a US officer hit our airplane on the Persian Gulf with a missile from a warship. Some 290, about 300, passengers were in this plane, and they were all killed. And then, instead of punishing that officer, the US President of that time awarded that officer and gave him a medal. Now, should our nation forget this? Can it forget? They supported criminal terrorists who killed men, women, people, great scholars, even little children in our country. They (the United States) allowed them (terrorists) to be active in their country. They constantly released aggressive propaganda against our country. Constantly!

In the past years, US Presidents, particularly during the eight years of the former president (referring to President George W. Bush), whenever he said something against the Iranian nation, against our country, against our officials, against the Islamic Republic system, he said something absurd and nonsensical. He did not respect the Iranian nation. It was always like this over the years. They disturbed the security and peace in our region, security in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They brought massive quantities of weapons to the regional countries, in order to stand against the Islamic Republic, in fact to fill the pockets of armaments factories.

They unconditionally supported Israel, the cruel Zionist regime. You witnessed one example of its (Israel’s) cruelty in Gaza in the past two, three months. What a disaster they created. How many children they killed, how many men and women they killed. In 22 days they killed 5,000 people in Gaza with bombardments, missiles, and direct shootings. In the meanwhile they supported it. The US Government supported it until the very last moment. Whenever the Security Council wanted to issue a resolution against the Zionist regime, the United States stepped forward and defended (Israel), and did not let it happen. It (the United States) threatened our country on any occasion. It constantly said that it will attack us. They said that they had a military plan ready on the desk, they will do this, and they will do that.

They constantly talked against our country and threatened our nation. Of course, these threats did not affect our nation, but they showed their enmity by doing so. They insulted the Iranian nation, the Iranian government, and the Iranian president, over and over again. Some years ago, an American said that the Iranian nation must be eradicated. In the past few years, a US official said that a nice and moderate Iranian is one that was killed, who is dead. They insulted this great and honorable nation, the nation whose only fault is to defend its identity and independence in such ways.

They imposed sanctions on our country for 30 years. Of course, these sanctions were in our benefit. With this regard, we must thank the United States.

If they had not imposed sanctions on us, we would have not reached this level of science and progress. Sanctions constantly made us aware, made us think about ourselves, and be innovative. But they did not mean to serve us like this. They wanted to be antagonist. This is how they treated the Iranian nation for 30 years, and now the new US Government says that they would like to negotiate with Iran, that we should forget the past. They say that they extended their arm towards Iran. What kind of a hand? If it is an iron hand covered with a velvet glove, then it will not make any good sense. They congratulate the Iranian nation on the occasion of the New Year (Iranian New Year started 20 March 2009), but in the same message call the Iranian nation supporters of terrorism, who seek nuclear weapons, and accuse it of such things.

I would like to say that I do not know who makes decisions for the United States, the President, the Congress, elements behind the scenes? But I would like to say that we have logic. Since the beginning, the Iranian nation moved with logic. Regarding our vital issues, we are not sentimental. We do not make decisions based on emotion. We make decisions through calculation. They tell us to negotiate, to start relations. They have the slogan of change.

Where is the change? What has changed? Clarify this to us. What changed? Has your enmity toward the Iranian nation changed? What signs are there to support this? Have you released the possessions of the Iranian nation? Have you removed the cruel sanctions? Have you stopped the insults, accusations, and negative propaganda against this great nation and its officials? Have you stopped your unconditional support for the Zionist regime? What has changed? They talk of change, but there are no changes in actions. We have not seen any changes. Even the literature has not changed. The new US President, from the very moment of his official appointment as President, made a speech, and insulted Iran and the Islamic government. Why? If you tell the truth, and there are changes, where are these changes? Why can we see nothing? I would like to say this to everyone. US officials should also know that the Iranian nation cannot be fooled, or scared.

(People chant)

First of all… (Interrupted by chanting)

Changes in words are not adequate; although we have not seen much of a change there either. Change must be real. I would like to say this to US officials, that this change that you talk about is a real necessity; you have no other choice, you must change. If you do not change, then divine traditions will change you, the world will change you. You must change, but this change cannot be in words only. It should not come with unhealthy intentions. You may say that you want to change policies, but not your aims, that you will change tactics. This is not change. This is deceit.

There can be true change, which should be seen in action. I advise US officials, whoever is the decision-maker in the United States, whether the President, Congress, or others, that the US Government has not worked to the benefit of the American people. Today, you are hated in the world. You should know this, if you do not already. Nations set fire to your flag. Muslim nations across the world chant “Death to America.”

(People chant: “Death to America”)

What is the reason behind this hatred? Have you ever studied this? Analyzed it? Have you learnt from it? The reason is, that you treat the world like a pupil, you talk snobbishly, you want to impose your own will on the world, you interfere in the affairs of other countries, and you implement double-sided criteria. When a young Palestinian is forced to perform some act of martyrdom, because of the pressure he is under, you bombard him with a mass of propaganda, and on the other hand you ignore the crimes of the Zionist regime, while it creates such a disaster in Gaza for 22 days. You call that young man a terrorist, and you say that you are committed towards the security of such a terrorist regime. These are the reasons that they hate you around the world.

This is advice to you. For your own benefit, for your own good, for the future of your country, restrain from your snobbish attitude, hegemony, and your lecturing attitude. Do not interfere in the affairs of other nations. Be happy with your own rights. Do not define benefits for yourself in various parts of the world. You will see that the United States will gradually lose its hated image in the world. These deed have made you hated.

Listen to these words. This is my advice to US officials, the President, and others. Listen well to these words, and have them translated for you. Of course, do not give it to the Zionists to translate for you. Consult healthy people, and seek their opinions.

If the US Government continues its same behavior, method, course, policies against us, as in the past 30 years, we are the same people, the same nation that we were for the past 30 years.

(People chant)

Please pay attention. If you go on with the slogan of discussion and pressure, saying that you will negotiate with Iran, and at the same time impose pressure, threats, and changes, then our nation will not like such words. We do not have any experience with the new US President and Government. We shall see and judge. You change, and we shall change as well. If you do not change, our people became more and more experienced, stronger, and more patient in the past 30 years.

Zaid Hamid correctly points out that restoration of a single judge will not lead to a transformation of the judiciary in Pakistan. The colonial British system itself is rotten, and has led to extreme injustices within the country. Add to this the constant interference by the US, and its crony ally, India, the people of Pakistan remain in a very difficult situation.

below is part 1 of the interview, parts 2 and 3 can be viewed here

By Dr. Ali Shariati

To say something new about Norouz is a difficult task. Norouz is a national celebration and everyone knows what a national celebration is. Norouz is celebrated every year, and talked about each year again. Much has been said about it, and you have heard a lot in this regard. So is there no point in talking about it once again?

Of course there is! Do we not renew Norouz each year? So let us also hear about it repeatedly as well. It is boring and even nonsense to repeat a scientific or a literary text. Wisdom rejects repetition, but sensations welcome it. Nature too, likes repetition, and the societies need it.

Nature is basically made up of repetition. A society is strengthened through repetition, sensations gain their life from it and Norouz is a beautiful, repetitious story in which the nature, sensations and the society are all engaged, yet it never gets old or boring.

Norouz, which has for long centuries been the master and the most gracious of all the national ceremonies around the world, maintains its young, strong, lively existence, because it is not an imposed, an artificial or a political ceremony.

It is the ceremony of the universe, the happiness day of earth and the birthday of the sun and the skies. The glorious day when every natural phenomenon evolves, blooms and resolutes filled with the sweet anxiety of many “startings”.

The national ceremonies of the other cultures often encourage men and women to leave their workshops, farms, deserts, alleys and streets, gardens and pastures, and then gather up in rooms under the ceilings, behind the closed doors.

They gather in such surroundings as bars, dancings, cellars saloons and houses… in places that are heated with gas, lit with light bulbs, filled with smoke, made pretty with artificial colors, decorated with paper or plastic flowers and ornaments, scented with perfumes or burning herbs… Norouz, on the contrary, grabs the people’s hands kindly and pulls them joyfully along with it out of their small surroundings in rooms, behind the closed doors, under ceilings, from among tall buildings and cement pavements in and around towns into the glorious vast pastures, green areas and the broad, kind embrace of nature, where everyone feels free and jubilant.

The kind spring sun warms them and brightens their day, the glory of witnessing renewing of creation and themselves excites them, the wind and the spring rain beautifully designs new scenes which are already background with bloomed buds of various colors and scented with:

“Smell of rain,
smell of spearmint,
smell of soil.
And smell of boughs that are wet of gentle spring rain and shining clean”…

Norouz is a great chance for recollection of lots of great memories. Memories of relationship between man and nature, which is renewed each year. This forgetful child of nature who has got himself so much engaged in artificial affairs and pre-scheduled engagements, that he/she has even totally forgotten his own lovely mother.

He/she is now called back to the kind embrace of his loving mother with the magical spell of Norouz. There, they will together joyfully celebrate this happy reunion.

The careless child will find out about his/her own origin in the kind embrace of his/her mother, and the mother’s face will bloom in finding back her lost child, shed tears of happiness for this happy occasion, cry joyfully in spring thunders, get young and pretty another time, and briefly speaking, like the Prophet Jacob (AS), who regained his lost sight after smelling the scent of Joseph’s (AS) shirt, will be bestowed a sharp sight to see her dear child once again.

The more complex or heavier our artificial, technical civilization will become, the more urgent the need to reunion with and return to the nature’s embrace.

Thus, unlike traditions, that get old and incompetent, and sometimes even useless as time goes by, Norouz gets younger, prettier and stronger with the passage of time, and that is because Norouz is a third way for reconciling between the two sides of the long cultural aware that has been going on since the era of Lao-Tso and Conficious until the recent days of Roseau and Walter.

Norouz is not merely a good chance for relaxing and being happy, but a bare need of the society and the vitally needed spiritual food for a nation.

What else is capable of brightening up cold hearts, in a dark world, based upon ever-ongoing changes, revolutions, separation and loss, disintegration and dissolving, where the only thing that is stable and never subject to change is ever-renewing itself and instability?

What else can make a nation invulnerable in the cruel path of the carriage of time, which destroys everything in its path, breaks and crashes every pillars and demolishes every bases?

No nation is formed within a night, one generation’s era or even two. A nation can be described as the continuous string of many generations that time, this pitiless, thoughtless sword of nature, separates their physical connections along the course of their history.

Unfortunately, we cannot have a two-way correspondence with our ancestors those who have formed the soul of our nation.

The horrendous, deep valley of history is dug. The long, hollow centuries have formed a great impassable gap between us and them. It is only our traditions that speaking away from the sharp eyes of the cruel time executioner, can kindly take our hands and convey us spiritually to the other side of this terrifying valley, thus reconciling between us and our glorious past, our ancestors.

It is in the holy face of these traditions that we can feel their presence by our side today, and Norouz celebrations are among the steadiest, most gracious of these traditions.

Whenever we celebrate Norouz, it is as if we are taking part in every Norouz celebration observed on this land ever since the beginning of this ceremony. That is the time when all the black and white pages of the history of our ancient nation are turned one after the other before our curious eyes, and we eagerly eye witness their events.

Believing in the fact that our nation has always celebrated Norouz in our homeland awakens these exciting ideas in our minds that… “Why sure, every year, even in the sad year when Alexander pained the facade of this country red with the noble blood of our nation, by the long blazing flames which were burning the beautiful Persepolice Palace, right there in the same year, our oppressed ancestors must have celebrated Norouz more seriously and more piously, amid their sorrows.

So dearly has been Norouz celebrated in those sad years, and all the years similar to them. A cause to be cheered despite all the miseries.”

It has never been an excuse to be “careless, cheap and forgetful”, but a pretext to announce the lively determination of our nation to be and to continue to be and maintain strong ties with a glorious past, which the time factor and the invaders of different races have always tried in vain, to wipe off the scene of existence.

Norouz has always been so dear. To Zoroastrian clergies, to sagacious old men in ancient history, to Muslims, to Shia Muslims, and to Persian speaking people all over the world.

Everyone has considered Norouz a beloved one, and talked about it sympathetically.

Even the philosophers and scientists who have considered Norouz “The first day of creation, when Ahourmazda (God, in ancient Persians mythology) created the universe in six days, and was busy till the sixth day when this job was accomplished, and that is why the first day of Farwardin (the first Iranian month of the year) is named Hourmazd and the sixth day, “The Holy Day”.

What a beautiful story it is. Even prettier than reality itself! Doesn’t every human being honestly feel that the first day of spring is the first day of creation repeated again?

If God set a beginning for life on earth, that day must have doubtlessly been the Norouz day. Surely, spring has always been the first season of the year. God must not have ever made summer, winter or fall the first season of the year, may!

The first grass on earth must have surely started sprouting on the first day of spring, the rivers must have started running then, and the buds’ blooming which means Norouz must have always been on the first day of spring, simultaneous with the renewing of the creation.

“Soul” must have surely been created in this season. Love’s first bow must have stricken a heart on its first day, and the sun risen for the first time on the very same day, marking the start of the clock of the universe.

Islam, which wiped off all the discrimination and colors of racism and tribalism, and changed the form of many traditions, on the contrary polished the beautiful facade of Norouz. It approved of this glorious tradition, let its sapling continue to grow and get stronger, now with a strong, gentle support, safe from extinction in the first days of introducing Islam to the Iranians.

The two great events of appointing Imam Ali (AS) as the Prophet’s spiritual inheritor on Al Qadir day, and choosing him as the Calif of the Muslims and Emir of all the believers (Amirul Mu’menin) have both been on Norouz day and surely what a great coincidence!

Thus, all the abundant love, piety and belief of the Muslim Iranians in Imam Ali’s (AS) right and holiness became the supporting resort for Norouz. This glorious celebration, which had begun its life with the ancient soul and love of a nation, was now doubly fortified with the holy spirit of a great religion, Islam, as well.

A national tradition was thus intermingling with religious piety and the new strong love which had sprinkled in the hearts of these people, getting holier. During the Saffavid Dynasty’s era, it even became an established Shia tradition, abundant with piety and pure beliefs, now complete with special prayers.

As the history books reveal, “One year, when Norouz and Ashoura (the tenth day of the lunar month of Moharram, when Imam Hussein (AS) and his followers were martyred in Karbala-one of the saddest events in the history of Shia; a mourning holiday) coincided, the Saffavid Shah spent that day mourning for Imam Hussein (AS) and celebrated the following day as Norouz!”

Norouz which is old and the dust of many centuries has set on its face, has witnessed the hymns of moqan (clergies of sun worshippers) calling and endearing it, the holy psalms of the Zoroastrians at their Fire-Temples addressed to it, Avesta’s murmurs calling it holy names, and heavenly rhymes of Ahourmazd, praising it personally and secretly in its ears.

From then on, it has been praised with the holy verses of Qur’an and Allah’s own words. Special salats (Islamic prayer, similar to five-time daily prayers) were devised for Norouz, as well as special prayers to be said on Norouz day and the moment of turning the year.

These were all coupled with love of Imam Ali (AS) and his just government in Shiaism. This approach pumped fresh blood in the veins of this old tradition, which has lived a long life along with all our ancestors since old days, and cheered up the moments of every one of us, with tender and profound love, always very sincerely.

The main prophesy of Norouz yet, is to polish the stains of sadness and hopelessness off the hearts of this nation, which has often been betrayed and even stabbed in the back, and blow the soul of jubilance in the corpse of this land and its people.

And yet that is not all. Norouz is responsible for strengthening the ties between the present generation and all our wise ancestors in the past on one hand, and strengthen the ties of these all with mother nature on the other hand.

Above all, Norouz strengthens the ties of oneness among the present day Iranians, who have the bitter memories of suffering the invasions of many kinds, cruelties of both insider and outsider enemies, executioners who made minarets of their heads and massacred many generations.

It melts the thick ice of the walls of being strangers among our nation and sows the seeds of being related to each other, flesh and blood. Thus, it fills the deep gaps of forgetfulness which often separate the hearts of different groups of the nation had it not been filled with the kindness of Norouz.

And we, in these happy moments, light the holy Ahouraian fire of Norouz once again, and deep in our conscience, tread the black death-stricken deserts of hollow centuries, and get ready to celebrate Norouz along with all the men and women, who once celebrated this glorious national ceremony on this land. Their noble blood runs in our veins, our hearts beat happily with it and their souls once again start life in our bodies under the clear skies of Iran.

Thus, we proudly proclaim our lively existence as a happy wise nation, standing tall amid the heavy winds of horrendous incidents which are capable of uprooting any strong tree, but not our nation’s.

We announce that we are alive and we will continue our proud existence on this land till the end of the time, even in this dark century when enemies, are fiercely determined to make us foreign with our own culture, so that we will be their obedient slaves, with no personality of our own to rely on.

So let us renew our alliance with all our ancestors and with all the different races of our nation, as well as with our mythology in this historical intersection of time, beliefs and traditions.

Let us borrow the precious inheritance of love from them and promise to be faithful inheritors of it. Let us promise as a nation, never to die, or bow in obedience to other cultures, because our roots are deeply delved into the rich culture of humankind, piety of religions and nobleness of an ancient nation that is standing tall at the great passage of history and at the scene of the whole universe.

via Islam Times.

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on March 15, 2009 by Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and Imam Sadiq (a.s.).

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

I would like to congratulate you honorable audience, government officials, and high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic on this auspicious Eid. I also congratulate the dear guests who have come here to celebrate Unity Week, ambassadors of Islamic countries, the entire Iranian nation, Muslims living in different parts of the world, and all the broad-minded people throughout the world as well as the entire humanity.

According to the famous traditions narrated by Shia hadith narrators, today is the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) as well as Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.), who was born in 83 AH. Today is a great day for the world of Islam.

The birth of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) is not just a historical reality. It was an event that determined the path of humanity. The phenomena that took place at the time of his birth and were recorded in history are a clear sign pointing to the significance and reality of this event. According to some traditions, the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) was a setback for all manifestations of atheism and polytheism throughout the world.

The Zoroastrian Temple of Fars, which had kept its fire alight for a thousand years, went out when the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was born. Idols collapsed in temples, leaving the servants of the temples wondering what was happening. That was the symbolic blow that the Prophet’s (s.w.a.) birth dealt to atheism, polytheism, and materialism. In addition, the castles of the oppressive kings of the polytheistic Persian Empire were shaken. The battlements – fourteen battlements – of the Castle of Madaen collapsed. That was another clear sign pointing to the fact that the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) birth was a preface to fighting evil in the world. This birth had a spiritual as well as a practical aspect to it – that is, moral, intellectual, and social guidance of humanity. Fighting oppression, uncontrolled passions, and unlawful rule of oppressors over people were all the symbolic meanings of the Prophet’s (s.w.a.) birth.

The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) has described in many parts of Nahj al-Balagha the time when the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was born. Specifically, he said, “the world lost its light and pride appeared.” There was no light for humanity. People lived in a dark era. Ignorance, rebellion, and misguided beliefs – whose manifestations were most obvious where the Prophet (s.w.a.) was born and subsequently chosen as the Prophet of Islam, Jaziratol Arab [Arab Island] – pervaded the lives of the people. All the manifestations of darkness and misguided beliefs were represented in one form or another in Mecca and Jaziratol Arab.

Misguided beliefs, polytheism that brings humiliation on mankind, savage social behavior, and brutal actions were examples of the norms at the time the Prophet (s.w.a.) was born and chosen as the Prophet of Islam. “And when the birth of a daughter is announced to one of them, his face becomes black and he is full of wrath. He hides himself from the people because of the evil of what is announced to him. Shall he keep it with disgrace or bury it (alive) in the dust?

Now surely evil is what they judge!” [The Holy Quran, 16: 58-59]. That is an example of human morality at the time the Prophet (s.w.a.) was born and chosen as the Prophet. “And then there was guidance from misguided beliefs and light from darkness.” Mankind was blind, but the Prophet (s.w.a.) made it see.

Darkness pervaded the world until the Prophet (s.w.a.) enlightened it. That is the significance of the Prophet’s (s.w.a.) birth and being chosen as the Prophet of Islam. Not only Muslims, but all humanity has benefited from this divine blessing, namely the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.).

Although the Prophet’s (s.w.a.) message has not been conveyed to the entire humanity yet, this radiant beacon of guidance is still alight and will gradually lead humanity towards the ultimate source of light throughout years and centuries. You can see this trend if you take a look at the events that took place after the time Prophet Mohammad (s.w.a.) was born and chosen as the Prophet. Humanity has moved towards moral values since then. Humanity has become acquainted with moral values. This trend will become more widespread and stronger on a daily basis until it engulfs the entire world by Allah’s favor.

“That He may make it prevail over all religions, though the polytheists are averse.” [The Holy Quran: 9: 33].

This will continue until mankind starts its true journey on the divine path of righteousness, which will mark the beginning of the life of humanity. That day will mark the end of divine proof for humanity and mankind will keep moving on the broad path of righteousness.

As the members of the Muslim Ummah, we have been presented with this great blessing and we must make use of it. We must enlighten our hearts, faith, thoughts, and lives through the blessing of this holy religion. We must enlighten our world. Islam is a source of light and insight. We can get close to it and benefit from it. That is the responsibility of all Muslims.

Unity, which is among the greatest and the most important duties of all Muslims, is one of the issues that I will stress today. The week leading to Rabi al-Awwal 12 was named as Unity Week at the beginning of the Revolution. That was because according to famous traditions narrated by our Sunni brothers, Rabi al-Awwal 12 marks the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). But according to famous traditions narrated by the Shia, the Prophet’s birth anniversary falls on Rabi al-Awwal 17. At the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, the Iranian nation and government officials named the period between these two dates as Unity Week. They wanted Unity Week to be a symbolic representation of unity among Muslims. But it is not enough to choose names and talk about things. We must engage in action. We must move towards unity. The world of Islam is in need of unity today. There will be obstacles and sources of discord, but we must overcome these obstacles.

All great aspirations require serious efforts. No great aspiration can be achieved in the absence of serious efforts. Unity among Muslims is not an exception: It requires efforts. It is our duty to make efforts to create unity in the world of Islam. This unity can solve many problems. It can bring about glory for Muslim nations and communities. Consider the current situation of the Muslim countries in the world. Look at the situation of Muslims, who currently make up one fourth of the entire world population. However, their role in world politics, even in their internal affairs, is far less important than the role of foreign governments and superpowers with evil intentions.

The fact that I constantly advise our people and my audience against foreigners is not just because superpowers are foreigners. Rather that is because they have evil intentions. They seek to dominate us. They seek to humiliate Muslim nations and force them into complete conformity. There are over fifty Muslim countries in the world. How can these Muslim countries stand up to these gross evil intentions of domination? Is there any way other than unity? We must get closer. There are two major obstacles to unity and we must think of a way to remove them.

There is the internal obstacle that is the result of ideological bias. This bias affects all groups of people. We must overcome this bias. Having faith in one’s creeds is laudable. It is also good to insist on these creeds. But this faith must not cross the line between logical argumentation and aggressive rejection of others’ beliefs. Our brothers who are part of the Muslim Ummah must treat each other with respect. They have a right to adhere to their own beliefs, but they must respect others, their rights, and their beliefs.

Muslims must leave ideological debates to scholarly meetings. Ulama and scholars may engage in religious debates. But there is a difference between religious debates at scholarly meetings and an exchange of insults in public and in front of an audience who are not capable of scholarly analysis. Ulama and government officials must keep this under control. That is a duty that lies on the shoulders of all groups of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni. Muslims must move towards unity. This ideological bias is an internal obstacle to unity.

One external obstacle to unity is the efforts on the part of the enemies of Islam to foment discord. We must be totally vigilant against such efforts. These efforts are not a recent issue. They came into being the day the dominant political powers in the world realized that they could influence other nations. But these goals are being currently pursued more vigorously than ever before. The modern means of communication have helped further their goals. These people try to foment discord. They coin incendiary slogans to create discord. We must be vigilant. Unfortunately, some people in Muslim countries act as a tool in the hands of the spiteful enemies who seek to harm us.

What happened in Lebanon and Palestine can teach us many lessons. Two years ago when the Lebanese resistance forces and the youth of Hezbollah inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Zionist regime, which was considered a victory for the world of Islam, the enemies immediately brought up the issue of Shia and Sunni and started to strengthen religious bias in Lebanon, in the Middle East, and in the entire world of Islam. They pretended as if it was a new issue. That was because the Muslim Ummah had almost achieved unanimity thanks to that great victory. They sought to drive a wedge between Shia and Sunni Muslims. That goes back to two years ago.

Two months ago the Muslim Ummah gained another victory – that is, the victory of the Palestinian Resistance Movement over their Zionist enemies in Gaza.

That was a great and glorious victory. What victory can be more impressive than defeating a powerful army that had managed to defeat three powerful armies between 1967and 1973? What could be more impressive than 22 days of futile efforts of a powerful army against the resisting youth and persistent soldiers of Gaza? The Zionist army was forced to retreat empty-handed. In addition, the Zionist regime and its supporters, especially the US, were disgraced in the world. They were publicly disgraced. That was a great victory for all Muslims. It led Muslims to a kind of unanimity. This time they could not resort to the Shia-Sunni conflict. They brought up the issue of ethnicity this time. They started a debate, strongly arguing that the Palestinian issue was an Arab issue and that non-Arabs had no right to get involved in the issue. The Palestinian issue is an Islamic issue. It is not peculiar to Arabs or non-Arabs.

If ethnicity was dragged into the matters of importance to the world of Islam, the greatest source of discord would be created. When ethnicity is dragged into the matters of importance to the world of Islam, Arabs, Iranians, Turks, Kurds, Indonesians, Malaysians, Pakistanis, and Indians will have to be separate from one another. What will remain of the Muslim Ummah if such a thing happens? Is it not a disaster for the Muslim Ummah and its collective capabilities?

These are the machinations of arrogant powers and, unfortunately, some people in the world of Islam have fallen for these machinations. They do not want to let the sweet memory of the victories in Lebanon and Gaza remain in the minds of Muslims. They found that situation unpleasant and, therefore, they thought up a source of discord to separate Muslims from one another.

The Muslim Ummah must be vigilant. It must stand up to these enemies. The most important duty lies on the shoulders of Muslim politicians. Government officials and heads of Islamic countries must be vigilant. Some of the politicians of the world of Islam may act as the mouthpiece of the enemies, but we must not make a mistake in this regard. We will not make mistakes in detecting the major causes of discord. The politicians of the world of Islam may shout the slogans of the arrogant powers. It is the arrogant powers that are opposed to Islamic unity. Even if such divisive slogans are shouted by the members of the Islamic Ummah, we have to believe that these Muslims have fallen for the enemies’ machinations. Those slogans do not belong to Muslims. They belong to the arrogant powers. We can recognize their slogans.

The most important duty lies on the shoulders of politicians and government officials of Muslim countries as well as Muslim intellectuals and those who can influence the hearts and minds of the people – namely, religious scholars, intellectuals, writers, journalists, poets, men of letters, and the scholars of the Muslim world. These people have to shoulder the major portion of the responsibility to inform the people of the causes that may disrupt the process of achieving this unity or take this firm divine handhold away from Muslims.

The Quran tells us clearly to “hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited.” [The Holy Quran: 3: 103]. It is possible to “hold fast by the covenant of Allah” one by one, but the Quran has told us to do it “all together and be not disunited”. We have been ordered to stick together and “be not disunited” even when adhering to the divine covenant. The Quran has advised us against adhering to this divine covenant one by one, let alone choosing to let go of the covenant or adhering to a satanic covenant. Muslims have to stay together and preserve their unanimity even when they are supposed to adhere to the divine covenant. That is the greatest issue for the world of Islam.

I hope Allah the Exalted will bestow success on all the members of the Muslim Ummah, Muslim nations, and Islamic governments. I hope He will make them realize the importance of this issue and help them show their understanding in action. May God bless the soul of our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) who called Muslims to unity in our time. I hope Allah the Exalted will further acquaint our hearts with the divine call. Hopefully, the future of the Muslim Ummah will be far better than its present situation.

Greetings be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings

This article by Ervand Abrahamian on Iran, is one of the better ones to have appeared in a left publication. But it falls short on several measures, specifically in the area of not comprehending, or misunderstanding the spiritual-social dimension, and nature of Islam.

The fourth reason adduced for both the Islamic Revolution and the durability of the Islamic Republic is Shi’ism. It is true that one cannot analyze the mass demonstrations of 1978 without taking religion into account… But if Shi’ism is the real answer, then we are faced with the question of why Iran — which has been majority-Shi’i since 1500 — did not produce the Islamic Revolution until 1979. For most of these 470 years, Shi’ism had been considered, at best, apolitical and quietist and, at worst, conservative and reactionary. No historian can buy the official explanation that imperialism, monarchism and Zionism had for centuries distorted Shi’ism, and that the world had to await the arrival of Khomeini to unveil the true revolutionary nature of Islam.

The above statement actually suggests that the author is not fully aware of the history of Islam, specifically “Shi’ism” that has, throughout the past centuries, given rise to revolutionary movements. And has been held up as a boogeyman by the monarchist establishments ruling Muslim majority lands, precisely because of its revolutionary potential. It is true that there are branches of “Shi’ism” that are “apolitical and quietist and, at worst, conservative and reactionary” but it has to also be understood that the ideological contribution of Imam Khomeini, Allama Mutahhari, Dr. Ali Shariati and others, were not “innovations” outside of Islam. Rather, their contribution was a (re)clarification, or (re)statement of essential Islamic values. This was not merely an academic exercise, but was done with the purpose of providing the mass Islamic movements with an ideological framework.

If these stock explanations do not suffice, then what does? The real answer lies not in religion, but in economic and social populism.

The above quote is the most clarifying comment that the author makes, that explains his own lack of knowledge, or misunderstanding of Islam. Why is it so difficult for “leftists” to comprehend that religion, Islam, includes within it “economic and social populism?” Islam is a lot more than “populism” of-course, and the Islamic Republic could do a lot more in the area of developing Islamic economic models. However, what the author has done in this article is to first separate (without offering any proof) Islam from economics, and then state that it is all about material gains, and because (according to the author) religion is separate from economics, therefore religion has nothing to do with the “survival” of the Islamic Republic. This is just logical boondoggle at best, and religio-Islamophobia at worst, that refuses to give due credit to the Islamic nature of successful social movements within Muslim majority countries/lands.

The trailblazer was a young intellectual named Ali Shariati, who did not live to see the revolution but whose teachings fueled the revolutionary movement. Inspired by the Algerians, Che Guevara and Ho Chi Minh, Shariati spent his short life reinterpreting Shi’ism as a revolutionary ideology and synthesizing it with Marxism.

Why do western authors feel this need to insist that Muslim revolutionaries must have been inspired by something other than Islam? Is the author aware of Ali Shariati’s Marxism and Other Western Fallacies? Shariati did not “reinterpret” nor did he “synthesize” rather, he (sometimes with faults) re-stated Islamic revolutionary principles. If one comprehensively reads the Qur’an, the ahadith of the 14 masoomeen, the lives of the Imams (AS) one can see, understand, and be inspired with the revolutionary potential of Islam. And, yes, it is possible to identify other movements that have similarities with Islam. Because Islam does not seperate itself from human experience, and, in fact, suggests that the human being has an innate, or fitri nature that is drawn to Al-Haqq.

His catch phrases — which had more in common with Third World populism than with conventional Shi’ism –

The phrases of Ali Shariati, and Imam Khomeini resonates with the applied meaning of the ahadith of the 14 masoomeen, of Hazrate Zainab (a.s.) of the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings on him and his Family) and Imam Hussein (AS). The actual terminology might (sometimes) be different, but those who are connected with Islam, know how closely tied some of these slogans are to Islam.

The rest of the article is quite good, in that it highlights the socio-economic programs that the Islamic Republic has implemented, including it implementation of a “welfare state” with wide ranging institutions that provide economic and social services to the population. And it is important to note the author’s concern:

If new revenues do not materialize, class politics will threaten to rear its head again. For 30 years, populism has managed to blunt the sharp edge of class politics. It may not do so in the future.

Islamic oriented economists need to pay attention to developing models, otherwise they will be left with having to work with the same models that have shown to be seriously flawed, and have obviously failed worldwide.

Notwithstanding its military exercises, preparations, and far-reaching intelligence outfits, as well as the unsparing support of the United States and some Western governments, along with the collaboration of some hypocrites in the Muslim world, the Zionist regime is faced with incompetence, a steep downfall and dissolution before the powerful wave of Islamic awakening.

On the other hand, the crimes committed by the Zionist criminals during the historic events of Gaza-the genocide of civilians, the destruction of defenseless homes, the impaling of infants, the bombing of schools and mosques, the use of phosphorous bombs and other outlawed weapons; all this following an almost two-year blockade on supplies of food, medicine, fuel and other essentials of life for the people, and numerous other crimes-proved that the savage and criminal instincts of the leaders of the fake Zionist state have not changed in the least since the early decades of the disaster in Palestine. Exactly the same policies and predatory and ruthless motives which created such tragedies as those of Deir Yasin, Sabra and Shatila still rule the dark minds and hearts of the contemporary tyrants. Of course, the magnitude of such atrocities and their disastrous consequences have been amplified by the advances in technology.

Members of the Irgun group help fellow Lehi terrorists to uproot the Palestinian population in Deir Yassin.
By now those who advocated a “pragmatic” approach under the illusion of the invincibility of the Zionist regime, and who succumbed to surrender and compromise with the usurpers, should have realized their mistake, as well as those who entertained hopes of peaceful coexistence with the Zionists, wrongly believing the second and third generation of Zionist politicians to be free from the criminal impulses of the first.

click here to read more

Derrick Jensen and Stephanie McMillan’s As the World Burns is a revolutionary graphic novel decrying the failure of the green movement. We have become a self-congratulatory society of “green” consumers, recyclers, yogi mediators, and letter-writers. Utilizing pigtailed girls, a one-eyed eco-revolutionary bunny, and a wise bird, the authors expose the fallacies of patting ourselves on the back as we continue down an unsustainable consumption path headed straight for world destruction.