RNA – Leading the weekly congregational prayers at Qom’s Holy Shrine of Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah, Ayatollah Ali-Reza Arafi offered his appreciation and thanks to President Hassan Rouhani and his cabinet on their visit to Qom this week, saying: “From the sources of emulation and all those who were involved in planning this trip, we thank and appreciate them.”
Qom’s Friday prayer leader explained the expectations of the seminary and the people of Qom for the government and the Islamic system of governance, saying: “The expectation of the people for the government to strengthen the infrastructure of the city is a correct expectation and our nation is completely familiar with this topic.”
Due to the presence of the Holy Islamic Seminary, the sources of emulation, the scholars, the Holy Shrine of Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah, its revolutionary history, its many academic centres and its source as the origin of the Islamic Revolution and its position a city of national significance, the holy city of Qom is a city for all nations, a city of knowledge, ijtihad and the source of the Islamic Revolution. For this reason, Qom must be given a loftier position in order serve the country and the world.
Ayatollah Arafi stressed that he is hopeful that the resolutions and promises made during this trio will be realized and the relationship between government officials and the sources of Islamic knowledge and will increase hereafter.
The president of al-Mustafa International University also expected President Rouhani’s visit to meet the diverse needs of the city and explained that interaction with the government leads to the growth and advancement of the country. He also expressed his hope that this trip is an example to help the Iranian people to realize the value of the Islamic Revolution in the country.
In another part of his speech, Ayatollah Arafi spoke of the massive participation of the Iranian people in the 22 Bahman (11 February) rallies and the recently concluded Great Prophet 9 military drills, saying that these events are a manifestation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s hard and soft power. “These great and important events were described as huge surprises in Iran and throughout the world and were the cause of astonishment and bewilderment in the reports of Western analysts,” he explained.
The noted scholar added that the successful Great Prophet 9 military drills were another manifestation of the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and showed the extraordinary capabilities of the Iran’s army and its military power to the world. The enemies must consider and know the firm positions made by Iran’s Supreme Leader in regard to the continuing negotiations are the firm positions of the Islamic Revolution.
His Eminence also emphasized that Iran is on the side of the oppressed of the world and said the resistance movements of the world should know that Iran will back them. “The enemies should recognize the courage, perseverance and steadfastness of our strong nation,” he added.
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