RNA – In an exclusive interview with Rasa News Agency, Hujjat al-Islam Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali, the director of the Islamic Centre of England in London, explained the role of Imam Khomeini (RA) in the return of people to religion.
“Even Christians, Jews and Hindus returned to stronger religious observances and became more convinced of their religion. With the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini showed the world that the era of religion and faith has not ended,” he explained.
The Iranian scholar explained that the ideology and activities of Takfiri groups, such as ISIL, show that these groups are against Islam. “Unfortunately, those who are not familiar with Islam, consider Takfiri groups, particularly ISIL, as representative of Islam. Islamic centres must introduce true Islam,” he said.
Hujjat al-Islam Shomali stated that the main reason for the deviation and tendency of some alienated Muslim youths in the West to join Takfiri groups was due to the lack of inadequate education in regard to pure Muhammadan Islam.
Referring to a conference entitled “Combatting Extremism within the Muslim Community,” held in November 2014 at the Islamic Centre of England which included the participation of a Sunnis delegation, His Eminence explained that at this conference a proper education was shown to prevent the deviation of Western Muslim youth toward the Takfiri ideology and decrease their chances of joining such groups.
Hujjat al-Islam Shomali said that every year, the Islamic Centre of England holds programs in London and other British cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle. This week the Centre’s annual “Imam Khomeini Conference” will be held in the presence of the lovers of the Islamic Revolution and Imam Khomeini.
His Eminence explained that this year the conference will discuss creating conditions for the emergence of Imam al-Mahdi and building an honourable community for the awaited Imam. Speakers from different countries including Iran, Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom will explain different aspects of the personality of Imam Khomeini.
The head of the Islamic Centre of England explained that the concurrence of Imam al-Mahdi’s birth anniversary and Imam Khomeini’s death can symbolically show the importance of creating conditions for the emergence of the awaited Imam. “As we read the opening prayer, Du’a Iftitah, ‘Oh God, we earnestly desire from You an honoured government...’ we realize that we must work to establish an honoured government and society and prepare the groundwork for the emergence of Imam al-Mahdi.
Hujjat al-Islam Shomali pointed out the importance of human honour and stated that the Imam Khomeini gave great respect to the dignity of people of the world. That which we learn from the teachings of the Quran and the Holy Household of the Prophet Muhammad emphasizes the honour of all human beings. These rights are for all of humanity. The purpose of Imam al-Mahdi is the revival of human dignity in this world and the hereafter.
To achieve this dignity, a person must first achieve self-purification and by complying with the religious requirements in respect to the family and society, so he can provide the groundwork for the appearance of our awaited saviour.
His Eminence added that alongside this conference in commemoration of the sorrowful death of Imam Khomeini in London, a book fair with a variety of topics including Islam and the Islamic Revolution will be established in the near future in several British cities.
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