Haji Sadeghi: Unity of Shia and Sunni Clerics Is the Way to Counter Media War

Bandar Abbas – The Supreme Leader's representative in the IRGC, stressing the shared responsibility of Shia and Sunni clerics in protecting the religious identity of society, said that unity between Shia and Sunni clerics is the way to counter media warfare.

According to the Ambassador of Arjan-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimin Abdullah Hajisadeghi, in a meeting with Shia and Sunni scholars of Hormozgan province, explaining the mission of the clergy in the current situation, he stated: The existential philosophy of the clergy is to call people to God, guide the society in the path of servitude and explain the truth of religion, and Islamic scholars must play an effective and responsible role in this path.

Stating that religion is the greatest blessing of God for humanity, he added: Religion gives direction to human life and puts him on the path of worship and attaining the position of Caliph of God. Therefore, the clergy should explain the truth of the religion according to the needs of the society with a deep knowledge of Islamic teachings.

The representative of the religious jurist in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps listed the explanation of religion, defense of religion and establishing it in the society as the three basic missions of the clergy and clarified: the explanation of religion is not only limited to the expression of Sharia rulings and jurisprudence issues, but also includes the explanation of the truth of monotheism, divine sovereignty, confronting tyranny and guiding the society in the path of Islamic values.

Hajisadeghi emphasized the necessity of placing the Holy Quran at the center of the analysis of current issues and said: The Quran should be our main reference in understanding events and developments, and in matters such as resistance, negotiation and relations with other countries, we should also identify the correct path by referring to divine teachings.

Pointing to the importance of the teachings of Surah Momtahnah, he asked Shia and Sunni scholars to study, explain and promote the teachings of this surah, to provide the basis for people to become more familiar with the Qur'an's view of political and social issues.

The representative of the Supreme Leader in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps considered the defense of the truth of religion to be the second most important mission of the clergy and stated: Whenever the religion is exposed to distortion, doubt and sedition, the clergy must be present in the field of defense of Islamic teachings with scientific and spiritual preparation and accurate knowledge of the situation.

He added: "Clergy should not be indifferent to the changes in society and currents that seek to weaken people's religious beliefs, but should respond to the doubts and intellectual needs of society by properly understanding the issues and using scientific and missionary capacities."

Referring to the third mission of the clergy, Hajisadeghi pointed out: The establishment of religion means the practical realization of Islamic teachings in people's lives, and the duty of the clergy is not limited to lectures, the pulpit, and the expression of knowledge. Rather, scholars should play a role in guiding and reforming the society.

Emphasizing the necessity of harmonizing the speech and behavior of the clergy, he said: He who wants to reform the society must first start with himself. Because words that are not accompanied by action will not have the necessary effect on the audience.

In another part of his speech, Vali-Faqih's representative in the Revolutionary Guards called the knowledge of the era and the ways of confronting the enemy as one of the requirements for the effective role-playing of the clergy and said: Today, along with military threats, economic pressures, and media war, cognitive warfare has become one of the most important fields of confrontation, and the clergy must have a detailed understanding of this field.

Referring to the statements of the Martyr of the Revolution about the enemy's attempt to change the identity of the Iranian nation, Hajisadeghi stated: One of the main goals of the enemy is to change the religious, historical and cultural identity of the society. Because with the change of people's beliefs and identity, their behavior, lifestyle and social orientations also change.

He clarified: In such a situation, Shia and Sunni scholars should prevent the influence of currents that seek to weaken the religious identity of the society by strengthening the religious foundations of the people, intelligently explaining Islamic teachings and answering doubts.

Emphasizing that knowing the enemy and the methods of influencing it is a necessity, the representative of the Supreme Leader in the IRGC added: "The clergy must first know the problem correctly in order to provide effective solutions; Because without a detailed understanding of the realities of society and the enemy's methods of confrontation, one cannot expect effective and fruitful action.

Hajisadeghi, referring to the necessity of updating the knowledge and propagandistic capabilities of the clergy, said: seminaries should be more diligent in training competent theologians, familiar with current issues and proficient in the teachings of the Holy Quran.

He added: Clarifying the truth of monotheism, the philosophy of the sending of prophets, the position of imamate and guardianship, and the social and civilizational aspects of religion are among the issues that should be given serious attention in the scientific and preaching activities of the clergy.

Stating that monotheism is not limited to the belief in the oneness of God, the representative of the Supreme Leader in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps clarified: The truth of monotheism is the acceptance of divine sovereignty and rule in all aspects of individual and social life, and this truth must be properly explained to the society.

Hajisadeghi further emphasized the joint responsibility of Shia and Sunni scholars in protecting the religious identity of the society and stated: Knowing the priorities of society, being effective in the field of explanation, answering people's questions and strengthening religious insight should be at the center of clerical activities.

Stating that scientific and religious meetings should lead to practical actions, he added: holding meetings and expressing content will be effective when its output leads to movement, action and transformation in the society and its effects can be seen in strengthening people's religious beliefs.

In the end, the representative of the Supreme Leader in the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps emphasized the need for synergy and cooperation between the Shia and Sunni scholars of Hormozgan and pointed out: the clergy must be a pioneer in the way of defending the truth of Islam and protecting the religious identity of the society by knowing the cognitive and media battlefield, strengthening religious awareness and fulfilling its social responsibility.