adminAbdullah Makwinja Column Name
On June 4, 1989, the Father of Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini passed away at the age of 87.
Following the announcement, world Muslims and oppressed people throughout the globe, mourned for the Sage of the Age, who had not just transformed Iran into a powerful independent country, but by inspiring the people to overthrow the British-installed and American-supported Pahlavi regime, had also shattered the power equations in Iran and the region.
The founder of the Islamic Republic believed in the unity of Islam and other divine religions.
Call to unity under the flag of monotheism forms an important part of Imam’s messages and speeches.
The works and initiatives of Imam remain equally popular among the followers of all Divine faiths including the Muslims, Christians, Jews and others.
Imam was also a staunch supporter of the minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran and issued special instructions and advises that their rights must be observed.
One of his greatest achievements was his success in breathing a new life into the Muslim –Christian relations through his exemplary life.
When he was in exile in France, the Imam was extremely careful and strict in observing the well-being and relaxation of his neighbors lest the neighbors be bothered and inconvenienced by the crowd or the stream of visitors to his residence.
This observance and behavior resulted in Christian residing of Neauphle le-Château and the neighbourhood to become extremely sorrowful when the Imam wanted to return to Iran.
For this reason a number of them gave the Imam a quantity of the soil of France to take with him as souvenir.
During his exile in France the Imam would send congratulatory messages to all the Christians of the world and would distribute gifts among the Christian neighbors of Neuphle le-Château.
Imam also held several meetings with Christian leaders prior and after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and called for the Church to join the struggle against oppressors and colonialists.
During the meetings with Jewish and Christian leaders he urged them to stand by the Islamic Republic, the Iranian nation and oppressed nations of the world against aggression and discrimination.
Part of Imam Khomeini’s message to the world Christian’s said: “There has been no difference of opinions among Divine Prophets and thus, any difference observed in their religions should be attributed to the demands of their respective times and the related particular conditions.”
The Prophet who through his Divine words and his Divinely-inspired conduct condemned the tyrants and the oppressors and who declared Divine help and support for the oppressed and the weakened.
As a matter of fact, in his numerous messages and speeches Imam Khomeini has pointed that all Divine religions have been revealed for educating and correcting human soul.
From Imam Khomeini’s viewpoint, which is the viewpoint of a distinguished religious thinker and an outstanding Islamic scholar, the religions mentioned in the Holy Qur’an are Divine religions.
Imam Khomeini had always held these religions in high esteem and this fact is proved by both his words and his conduct.
Imam Khomeini clearly declared, “We have great respect for the Christians and for their religion. They can live in our country freely. Also the Jews and all other religions minorities can live quite freely in our country and we will treat them respectfully and with dignity.”
Imam Khomeini believed that the pure soul of a human being is worthy of honor and deserves reverence and that anybody possessing such (pure) soul is a lofty human being.
According to Imam Khomeini’s thought, Divine Prophets (peace be upon them all) enjoy very exalted position.
Imam Khomeini would always regard Divine Prophets, including Prophet Musa — Moses — (peace be upon him) and most particularly Prophet Isa — Jesus Christ — (peace be upon him) most respectfully.
The aim of all Divine Prophets was to lead humanity towards the straight path designed by God and all of them desired all human beings to live in peace, friendship and brotherhood.
Online Reporter