RNA – Speaking during his advanced jurisprudence class at Qom’s Masjid al-A’dham (Grand Mosque), Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi explained to his students that Islam is firmly based on moderation, saying that the Holy Quran and path of the Infallible Imams (A) recommend moderation and the avoidance of extremism. He emphasized that Imam Ali (A) said: “We follow the middle path, extremists must return to our path and the tardy must hurry and join us.”
Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi expressed regret that many Muslims have been affected by extremism. "Some say that this is due to economic issues – which must be solved, and others say the problems facing society are due to cultural issues," he said.
His Eminence also spoke of the current situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying: “Those who say that the government has not done anything to solve Iran’s economic problems are incorrect – the government has accomplished a lot of work and made a lot of progress. Also, those who say that the government faces no problems, are also incorrect. We also have those who say that the ongoing negotiations [with the P5+1 group of countries over Iran’s nuclear program] are not acceptable and others say we have to give concessions [to obtain any deal possible] – these are both incorrect.”
The renowned source of emulation stressed that any agreement with the P5+1 should emphasize our rights, dignity and independence as well as maintain Iran’s scientific progress. He also noted that although on one hand we must give concessions and on the other hand we must take concessions, we must take the aforementioned rights into consideration.
Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi stressed that on the eve of the new Iranian year, we must make a decision to avoid extremism and unite in order to fight against the stubborn and militant enemies with perseverance and trust in God Almighty.
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