RNA – Hujjat al-Islam Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, the deputy-head of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, has explained that the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, are trying to promote a form of Shi’ism which is contrary to pure Muhammadan Islam, saying that one of their attempts to advance this goal is to spread dissension among Sunnis and Shi’ites, which has led to them supporting and strengthening Takfiri groups, such as ISIL.
He stated that the UK wants Shi’ite scholars to propagate a diluted and non-political message during the lectures marking the martyrdom of Imam Husayn to present a view of Islam which does not stand up to imperialism and oppression but stressed that the uprising of Imam Husayn was a clear example of an anti-imperialistic stance, as it was both a religious and political movement against a system of domination and arrogance.
Hujjat al-Islam Ashtiani added that it is necessary that we protect this message which is preached during the months of Muharram and Safar and at the same time, maintain the passion and love of Imam Husayn while strengthening our insight and understanding of Islam, and neutralizing the conspiracies by the enemies of Imam Husayn.
The representative of Qom in the Iranian parliament that the West has supported certain people and religious programs within Iran and other countries in order to harm the true message of Ashura, both directly and indirectly, and this shows that they have a special propaganda program and plots planned which are aimed at the mourning ceremonies for Imam Husayn.
Hujjat al-Islam Ashtiani called on speakers and eulogists to truly serve the school of thought of the Ahlul-Bayt and be a cause of happiness for Imam al-Mahdi and not do or say anything which helps the enemies.
He added that everyone should be vigilant and not be deceived by the enemies’ conspiracies and attempts aimed at creating sedition between Sunnis and Shi’ites and in this regard, he urged believers to heed the warnings of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei and other scholars and sources of emulation, saying that this is essential to Islam.
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