Hawzah News Agency- In an interview with the Islamic Seminary’s center for International Relations, Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani, a senior Shia source of emulation in Qom, answered some questions on the necessity of promoting Islam on an international level.

The full text of the interview is as follows:

What is your recommendation to seminary lecturers and students to answer people’s religious inquiries and what are the necessary trainings to prepare seminary students to meet different international inquiries regarding the religion of Islam?

It’s of great importance to introduce the world to Shi’ism; it must be done in political as well as economic areas in order to familiarize the world with our doctrine. Shi’ism and the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (as) must be promoted throughout the world, we have a rich history, I’m sure many of people would welcome our religion with open arms if we attempt to introduce the truth of Shi’ism and it’s something that agrees with human nature.

The growing issue of Islamophobia in the world is caused by Al-Qaeda activities; the situation used to be different in the past since people were not afraid of Muslims and they did not engage in acts of insulting or burning our holy book, the Holy Quran. Some non-Muslims started these phenomena and misinterpreted some Quranic verses to justify their horrible crimes and inhumane atrocities.

How is it possible to make a change in Shia seminaries in order to adopt a worldwide view?

There are great potentials to promote Shi’ism worldwide; currently, there are great mosques in China, therefore, one way to promote Shi’ism in China is by teaching Chinese to our seminary students. Building mosques is a growing trend in the U.S.  Despite all the negative propaganda against Islam and Muslims in the media, the number of mosques in America is increasing every year. These all go to prove the dignity of Islam and its truth. It’s an invitation in accordance with human nature. The number of American Muslims shows that we all have responsibilities to take care of.

Persistence in practice is more important than the act itself; that’s why we must persist in our cultural and promotional activities and perform our religious duties for the sake of Allah (swt).

End.