IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK TEHRAN - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei yesterday felicitated the Iranian Christians on the anniversary of the birth of
Jesus Christ (PBUH), marking the start of the new Christian year. Ayatollah Khamenei met
with Archbishop Ardak Manoukian, Armenian prelate of Tehran, Levon Davidian, the
representative of the Christians in the Majlis, and a group of senior Iranian Christian
officials, IRNA reported. The Leader wished the followers of Jesus Christ (PBUH) a
prosperous year. Speaking in an interview with IRNA after the meeting, Manoukian thanked
the Leader for having received him and other Christian dignitaries this Christmas. The
Archbishop said the meeting was a memorable event for him and that he would never forget
"this magnificent day." Archbishop Manoukian said his message to the Christian
world was the establishment of peace and understanding among all nations of the
world. He
said Armenians in Iran enjoy all their rights according to the Constitution, despite being
a religious minority. Religious minorities in Iran are free to practice their religious
rites in all their personal affairs such as marriage, divorce, testament and the legal
right to receive inheritance, he said.
tehran, dec. 27, irna - leader of iranian armenians archboshop ardak
manoukian on tuesday thanked the leader of the islamic revolution, ayatollah ali khamenei
for having received him and other christian dignitaries on christmas. the archbishop said
that the meeting with ayatollah khamenei was a memorable event for him and that he would
never forget such a manificent day. the leader of the islamic revolution on monday
received archbishop manoukian, the head of the armenian archdiocesan council and the
representative of the armenian community to the majlis, on the occasion of christmas.
archbishop manoukian told irn that his message to the christain world was the
establishment of peace and understanding among all nations of the world. he said that
armenians in iran enjoy all their rights according to the constitution of the islamic
republic of iran, despite being a religious minority. religious minorities in iran are
free in practicing their religious rites in all their personal affairs such as marriage,
divorce, testament and the legal right to receive inheritance, he said.
Iran News
IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK TEHRAN - Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, the
Leader of the Revolution stated in his meeting with the Board of Trustees, professors and
graduates of the University for Strategic Sciences yesterday that the scientific efforts
of the University was highly significant, valuable and joyful. Referring to the rich
cultural heritage of the Iranian nation, the Leader said that Iran was among the three or
four Asian nations who have had the most lasting effects on human civilization.
Ayatollah Khamenei further stated that Islam created a civilization
which covered the greatest part of the ancient world for four centuries and undoubtedly
the contemporary civilization is the fruit of knowledge which Islam offered to
mankind. At
a time when Europe was going through the dark ages, the Islamic culture produced great
many first-rate scientists and thinkers.
The Leader pointed out that the Islamic Revolution launched by the
Iranian nation represents a historical event of exceptional significance whose magnitude
has not yet been realized. Unlike the other revolutions that have occurred in other parts
of the world, the Islamic Revolution was not dependent on material circumstances, the
Leader stated and added that the Islamic Revolution has had the potentiality to preserve
the Islamic system in spite of all tensions and opposition by the world
arrogance.
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK TEHRAN - The Leader of the Islamic Revolution,
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Thursday donated one billion rials of relief supplies to
the flood victims in western provinces of Kermanshah and Ilam. The Leader's representative
in charge of the flood victims affairs, Hojjatoleslam Ali Ghayouri, told IRNA the
supplies, including foodstuff, garments and basic commodities, are to be distributed among
the flood-stricken families in the two provinces. A sum of 60 billion rials has also been
allocated for reconstruction of residential, commercial, agricultural and production units
as well as infrastructural installations in Khuzestan, Ilam and Kermanshah
provinces, he said.
Over 50 billion rials damage has been inflicted on 3,194
homes, 4,160
hectares of farmland, infrastructural installations as well as on water, power and
telecommunication facilities as a result of the recent floods caused by torrential rains
between November 22 and December 21.
IRAN NEWS
TEHRAN - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a
meeting with a large group of theological and college students here yesterday underlined
the significance of unity between theological schools and universities. ``The combination
of these two scientific organs (seminaries and universities) is such that will be good for
the country and its future but very bitter and biting for enemies and their
mercenaries,
if all aspects of its meaning are discovered," the Leader said. Underlining the need
for both seminaries and universities to utilize modern and traditional methods as well as
ideas of others, Ayatollah Khamenei said ``In using foreign ideas and experiences we
believe in selection...they, too, do the same by denying us advanced technologies and
sciences that can help us make progress."
In their cultural assaults and injecting their culture into the third
world, the westerners were looking for ignorant and gullible persons on whom they could
impose whatever they wish, whereas ``We select those parts of the Western civilization
that we deem helpful," the supreme Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei said that there
were two scientific currents in the country with one dealing with values, ethics and
religion and the other meeting the material needs of the society and industry.
``The
country needs the science and ulema of theological schools as much as it needs the primary
requirements for its livelihood and even arts and literature," the Leader of the
Islamic Revolution pointed out.
``If seminaries existed but universities didn't, the result would be
bottlenecks, backwardness of iran and domination of foreigners over us... if we had
universities but had no good seminaries, it would be even worse because science would then
move against religious values and towards discrimination and treason against national
causes," he said. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also underlined the need for
self-reliance in cultural and scientific domains. Unity between theological schools and
universities means that education in universities should seek Islamic values and
independence from foreigners and that seminaries should make use of academic methods to
make progress, Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The supreme Leader said the presence of ulema in universities, exchange of students
between universities and theological schools and holding of joint sessions between them
would be effective in uniting the two organs.
TEHRAN, Dec. 14 (IRNA)-
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Ali
Khamene’i said here Wednesday that contrary to western mass media claims, there is no
power struggle over the issue of Marja’iat. "Such propaganda campaigns are
launched due to their total ignorance and for attainment of certain goals, the supreme
leader told a group of visiting people. "The pious and vigilant people of Iran have
neutralized all ploys and conspiracies of foreigners in relations to Marja’iat,
showing that they still believe in the supreme position of Marja’iat and deeply love
true ulema and men of religion, the Grand Ayatollah said. The enemies of Islam and the
Revolution, by spreading rumors, wanted to create a certain mentality inside the country
and give the impression that Marja’iat was no longer a lofty and prominent authority
as it used to be, that there was no one in Iran qualified for the post and that the
Iranian people are not so fond of ulema as they were in the early years of the
revolution,
he said.
The full-scale support and praise of people for the supreme authority
of Marja’iat and Ulema and their massive turnout in the funeral of the late Grand
Ayatollah Araki indicated the importance the Iranian nation attaches to Marja’iat and
Ulema, he pointed out. The Leader said that foreign mass media allegations that there was
no one in Iran qualified to be a Marja’-e-Taqlid stemmed from their ignorance and
lack of knowledge about Marja’iat and Shi’ite theological seminaries.
A List of ulema qualified for being Marja’-e-Taqlid which was
published by religious experts, contained only a part of ulema in theological seminaries
particularly the Theological Center of Qom who are eligible to be Marja’-e-Taqlid.
Thanking those who proposed him for the post of Marja’iat, Grand
Ayatollah Khamene’i said: "with regards to the heavy responsibilities of
leadership and the existence of qualified mujtahids and ulema, I do not consider it duty
to undertake the responsibility of Marja’iat inside the country. "But as for
Marja’iat outside the country, it is totally a different case. I accept this
responsibility because doing otherwise will be harmful."
The Iranian people are sensitive in following Marja’-e-Taqlid in
their religious affairs, the Leader said, adding that to the dismay of foreign media, the
position taken by the Iranian nation towards the issue of Marja’iat foiled all
hostile propaganda of enemies. The Grand Ayatollah also referred to the plight of Muslims
in Palestine and Bosnia-Herzegovina and to the ongoing summit meet of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Morocco. As Muslims in Arab countries who are still
infuriated by the compromise deal between their leaders and Israel, but cannot say
anything, "I am worried that this conference may take a decision deceitfully in the
interest of the Zionist regime and instead of healing the wounds of Muslims, cure the
pains of the U.S. and Israel".
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK TEHRAN - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Grand
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, here yesterday highlighted the salient role of the late
Sheikh Morteza Ansari in the thousand-year-long history of Shia jurisprudence. Addressing
members of the organizing committee for ceremonies commemorating the 200th anniversary of
the birth of Sheikh Ansari, the Leader highlighted the prominent role of this great alim
in promoting Islamic unity and safeguarding the theological seminaries vis-a-vis enemy
infiltration. The Leader said all dimensions of Sheikh Ansari's personality should be
stressed and illustrated for the world of Islam, since he was called "Sheikh
ul-Azam", the highest peak of knowledge and piety and the protector of the grandeur
of religion and Islamic unity. The Leader termed "grand" the insight, spiritual
awareness, and mental perseverance of Sheikh Ansari and stated, "He was the pride and
honor of the ulama of Islam and we should expound his outstanding features so as to
further illustrate the grandeur of the ulama and the theological seminaries."
Stressing the need to expound and extol the profound views of Sheikh Ansari, the Leader
stated that the theological seminaries should embark upon analysis and exegesis of the
views of this alim, and the eminent ulama and theological students should devote their
books and theses to this important feat. The Leader also lauded the members of the
organizing committee for their research and academic activities to further introduce this
eminent alim of the world of Islam.
Iran News
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK TEHRAN - A full-scale cultural revolution is
needed according to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei, speaking on Saturday to visiting delegates of the Supreme Cultural Revolution
Council.
Khamenei said cultural elements should be considered as things that
would guarantee present and future activities and that members of the council should work
hard for the materialization of the Islamic values, IRNA reported.
He criticized the British Parliament for publishing false information
about the status of women in Iran, saying such lies sunk it to the level of a sold-out
reporter.
Earlier, President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani presented a summary report
of the activities of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, saying that sufficient
cultural programs had been integrated in the Second Five-Year Development Plan.
tehran, dec. 12, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution, grand ayatollah seyyed
ali khaenei on monday paid glowing tribute to the great 19th century jurist
sheikh morteza ansari for his role in uniting the muslim world and protecting theological
seminaries from infiltration of enemies. receiving organizers of the congress in memory of
sheikh ansari who was the leading marja' (grand ayatollah) of his age, the leader focused
on the prominent position of sheikh ansari (1800-1864) in the over 1,000 year old history
of shi'ite jurisprudence. "it is necessary that all aspects of sheikh morteza
ansari's personality be introduced to the muslim world...all muslim ulema and scholars
regard sheikhansari as grand sheikh because no one has any doubt about his high scientific
position." "sheikh ansari is considered a great personality among muslim ulema
and we should introduce his outstanding characteristics so as to better demonstrate the
independence and grandeur of islamic ulema and theological schools," the grand
ayatollah said.
grand ayatollah khamenei also lauded the research and scientific efforts of the
organizers of the congress in intrducing the great alim of the muslim world. sheikh ansari
was born in dezful, khuzestan province in southwestern iran. after basic studies in dezful
and kashan, he left for the holy cities of karbala and najaf in iraq for further studies.
sheikh ansari's books 'al-makaseb' and 'al-resalah', which are taught to this day as
higher courses of jurisprudence at shi'ite theological seminaries around the world,
revolutionized religious learning.
the grand sheikh rests in peace in najaf in the vicinity of the holy shrine of the
'gateway of the city of knowledge', imam ali ibn abi taleb.
yasuj, boyerahmad and kohgiloyeh province, dec. 11, irna -- on the occasion of the week
of the book the office of the leader of the islamic revolution, the grand ayatollah seyyed
ali khamenei, donated rls. 28 million to the libraries of boyerahmad and kohgiloyeh
province to purchase books. director-general of the provincial office of the ministry of
culture and islamic guidance, ali moradi here today said that the donated amount was
distributed among the provincial libraries and scientific centers on saturday. he also
said that on the occasion of the week of the book over 20 book fairs were set up in
different cities and districts of the province.
tehran, dec. 10, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution, grand ayatollah seyyed
ali khamenei, on satruday told a visiting group of embers of the supreme cultural
revolution council that the need for a full-scale cultural revolution is felt. hesaid the
cultural elements should be considered as things that will guarantee the present and
future activities. ayatollah khamenei also said members of the supreme cultual revolution
council should work hard for the materialization of the islamic values. he also criticized
the british parliament for publishing false news about the status of women in iran. he
said by publishing such lies the british parliament had lowered itself to the level of a
sold-out reporter.
before the statement of the grand ayatollah to the visiting group president
hojatoleslam akbar hashemi rafsanjani prsented a summary report about the activities of
the supreme cultural revolution council saying that sufficient cultural programs had been
integrated in the second 5-year development plan.
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK TEHRAN - Head of the Judiciary Ayatollah
Mohammad Yazdi, Majlis Speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri, Council of Guardians, Experts
Assembly, Majlis deputies, the Jewish Community of Iran and many other organizations and
personalities sent messages of condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on the
occasion of the sad demise of Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Araki. The centenarian Grand
Ayatollah who was the marja, supreme leader of the world Shia Muslims, passed away Tuesday
night after being confined at Shahid Rajaie Hospital here because of heart and lung
problems on October 23. Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations Kamal
Kharrazi said in a statement that the absence of the Grand Ayatollah was an irreparable
loss to the world of Islam. Mourning ceremonies are to be held in several cities in the
United States on this occasion. In related news, IRNA reported that Abdullah Bukhari, the
prayer leader of `Jama Masjid' (Grand Mosque) in New Delhi expressed his heartfelt grief
at the demise of the Grand Ayatollah. Describing the demise of the Ayatollah as a great
loss to the world of Islam, Bukhari told IRNA that Muslims all over the world, India in
particular, have lost their leader. However, the teachings and the life of Ayatollah Araki
would continue to guide and inspire them to lead a life dedicated to the cause of Islam,
he said.Being a scholar, a leader and a great spirit over and above, the Ayatollah was a
multi-faceted personality entrusted by Allah with the task of leading and guiding humanity
as a whole, Maulana Bukhari said.
In his message to the Leader of the Islamic revolution Ayatollah Ali
Khameinei and the Iranian people, the Maulana said that Indian Muslims share the grief and
shock that have befallen the Muslims for the sad demise.