daniel chigunwe
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
Zimbabwe’s religious groups have spoken in unison, calling on people of all faiths to fight for the rights of Palestinians, who are facing a genocide by the Israeli apartheid government in the Gaza Strip.
The remarks were made on Monday at an inter-religious event organised by the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the death of the founder of modern Iran, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini.
Imam Khomeini died on June 3 in 1989, 10 years after ushering the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed Shah government.
The event was held under the theme, “Imam Khomeini’s perspective on the resilience of the Palestinian people and global justice”.
Religious leaders from different faiths gave their eulogies about “the great revolutionary” who shaped the foreign policy of modern Iran, which is anti-colonial and advocates for the respect for humanity.
Counsellor of the Cultural Centre Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar said Imam Khomeini was a strong advocate of the oppressed and an opponent of imperialism, who framed the liberation of Palestine both “as a political struggle and moral obligation”.
“He expressed a keen and unwavering support for the Palestinian people as a central symbol for the entire Muslim world. He framed the Palestinian struggle as a moral obligation and a duty of all Muslims.
“The liberation of Palestine was not only a political struggle. His solidarity extended beyond religious or nationalistic boundaries,” he said.
Mr Bakhtiyar said Imam Khomeini’s central philosophy was his strong opposition to imperialism in all its forms.
“He saw the struggles of people around the world as interconnected and interlinked to global injustice. He believed in the power and solidarity of the oppressed people, stressing that if divided they would be weak,” he added.
Mr Bakhtiyar said Imam Khomeini’s ideological orientation, deep respect for human dignity, free from oppression and exploitation form the bedrock of Iran’s foreign policy, which informs the country’s continued fight for justice around the world in a struggle for cooperation.
Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Cde Taurai Kandishaya applauded the religious groups for coming together in a show of “peace solidarity” for the Palestinian people as inspired by Imam Khomeini.
“We are here because we are all fighting for the same goals. We want peace. Imam Khomeini is the author and originator of the Islamic Revolution who fought and achieved self-rule, respect and dignity for the people of Iran.
“What the people of Palestine are going through, as Zimbabwe we went through that. Such is the reason why as ZANU PF we shall continue standing with Palestine, calling for the independence of Western Saharawi and we shall stand by the people of Iran,” he said.
Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs president Sheikh Ishmael Duwa said it was imperative for people to unite despite religious backgrounds.
Leader of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Zimbabwe, Bishop Albert Chikuni, called on both Christians and Muslims to emulate the life of Imam Khomeini and “live for others”.
“Imam Khomeini was not only a revolutionary leader, but a great teacher who lived for others, including Palestinians. We should embrace that principle and live for others,” he said.
Father Johane Maseko of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) and chair of the interreligious council called on the people to prioritise peace and humanity. He urged the citizens to remember the Palestinians in their struggle and uphold the call by Imam Khomeini.
“We should never be afraid of being equal if we want peace. Humanity needs peace, love and justice. Without peace chaos will continue,” he said.
Online Reporter