RNA – In his Friday prayer sermon to a large and fervent crowd of believers at Qom’s Qods Prayer Hall, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi offered his congratulations on the birth anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra and said that the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad is an inspiration and a role model for all human beings, especially women. “There are many Quranic verses and narrations about the dignity and status of Lady Fatimah in Sunni and Shi’ah sources,” he said.
The head of the Islamic Seminaries of Iran said Lady Fatimah has been seen as a source of knowledge in the academic arena and in the political arena and a prominent Islamic leader in defending the position of wilayah (guardianship) as well. Hijab is based on the general interests of all of humankind for a blissful life in the world and the hereafter and in the general interest and health of the family.
“In the Islamic Revolution, women demonstrated that they are educators in the home and role models in the community. All men and women need to return to the traditions of the Ahlul-Bayt and learn from Lady Fatimah. Women must educate themselves and act in the manner of Lady Fatimah,” His Eminence said.
He said that today, we have access to the internet and there are various temptations and thousands of conspiracies to destroy the foundations of the hijab, chastity and modesty but the women of society will continue on this same path. Due to the Islamic Revolution, our women and girls entered a new era and today our daughters are also following this path.
Ayatollah Arafi referred to Martyrs’ Day and said, “Those who serve the families of the martyrs must be praised and we must give them consideration and, of course, there is a heavy responsibility to protect these honourable families. Everyone must bear the legacy of jihad and protect the Sacred Defense [Iran-Iraq War], the Islamic Resistance, the defence of the holy shrines and the honourable martyrs.”
Referring to Rahiyan-e Nour [Passenger of Light] Day, the member of the Supreme Council of the Seminary, said, “The connection of our present generation with the experience of jihad and the Sacred Defense is a strategic principle that, with the emphasis of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Khamenei], there are good plans in this direction. The youth must be present in regions where the Sacred Defense occurred to get acquainted with the pure history and traditions of the martyrs and the veterans. The continuity of the people’s connection with the culture of jihad and resistance is very important.”
Referring to Natural Resources Week and Tree Planting Day, he said that the main principles of Iran’s future life are preserving natural resources, water and the environment and said that this will not come from a particular group but through national will, public resolve and comprehensive investment.
“There needs to be comprehensive in order to save the country from dust, pollution and dozens of dangers to the environment and natural resources,” he said.
Ayatollah Arafi reacted to the recent reprehensible events in Iran, including the series of attacks by members of a Dervish cult in northern Tehran on February 19th, saying, “When the foundations and religious values are raised, we don’t mince words with anyone. Regarding some of the issues that have arisen, the officials have confirmed that the false actions that occurred in Tehran and some other cities are not acceptable.”
Referring to the vain statements of Western officials against Iran’s activities, the dean of al-Mustafa International University said, “We are witnessing violations and irrelevant statements by some European and American officials. We consider the principles of wisdom, expediency and intelligence in foreign relations and the development of these relations as important but the people and the government must stand firmly against the evil positions of the enemies. The absurd words of Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, are unacceptable and the enemies failed the test in regard to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and in various areas we witnessed their treachery.”
He added, “Today, there have been statements about Iran’s missile and defense power that the Iranian people will never accept. The officials must stand firmly against such statements. In some cases we saw some officials making good statements. Thus, we must be firm and decisive and not passive, which would lead to more provocative acts from the enemies.”
Ayatollah Arafi said, “Americans need to know that the era of their unwarranted interference in the Islamic world has come to an end and today, they are faced with the dam of the Islamic Revolution and the wise Supreme Leader and they must know that they will never achieve any of their evil goals.”
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