Hawzah News Agency- the first session of Semnan's provincial administrative council was held at the Governorate's conference hall, attended by Hojatoleslam Morteza Motiei, representative of the Iranian Leader in Semnan, Mohammad-Javad Kolivand, governor of Semnan, members of parliament representing Garmsar, Aradan, Shahroud, and Miami, deputy governors, members of the provincial security council, county governors, and provincial executive directors.
The session also featured the appreciation of Hojatoleslam Ebrahim Ghasempour, former head of the Leader representative's office in the province, and the introduction of Hojatoleslam Ahmad Sharifi as his successor, alongside honoring the family of martyr Alireza Doostmohammadi.
Imam Reza's proof of Imam Ali's unmatched virtue
Addressing the gathering, Hojatoleslam Motiei pointed to the occasion of Mubahala and recalled the countless virtues of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), noting that when the Abbasid caliph Ma'mun asked Imam Reza (peace be upon him) which Quranic verse expresses the highest virtue of Imam Ali, the Imam cited verse 61 of Surah Al-e-Imran.
Motiei elaborated: "In this verse, God says: 'Should anyone argue with you concerning him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls, then let us pray earnestly and call down God's curse upon the liars.'" Ma'mun objected that the phrase "our souls" refers to the Prophet himself, not Imam Ali (PBUH).
Imam Reza responded, Motiei continued, that the word "let us call" in the verse indicates the presence of another person besides the Prophet, as one does not call upon oneself—proving that the person referred to is none other than Imam Ali (PBUH).
Nation locked in spiritual confrontation with world's arrogant powers
Referring to the people's heartfelt participation in recent months' Night of Might gatherings, Motiei declared: "The great Iranian nation today is engaged in a Mubahala with the front of disbelief, polytheism, global arrogance, and international Zionism. We hope this Mubahala will culminate in the victory of the resistance front and the warriors of Islam."
Imam Ali's warning: Do not let religion fall captive to the wicked
Quoting from Letter 53 of Nahj al-Balagha, the Leader's representative said Imam Ali wrote to Malik al-Ashtar: "Verily, this religion had been a captive in the hands of the wicked, where it was acted upon according to whim and used to seek worldly gain." Motiei stressed that all must heed this warning of Imam Ali, lest religion once again fall captive to the wicked.
The Friday prayer leader of Semnan further recalled Imam Ali's instructions regarding the appointment of officials in an Islamic system, telling Malik al-Ashtar to scrutinize those he appoints and select only those who have been tested and examined—not to appoint based on personal inclination, friendship, or hometown ties, without consultation. Doing so, he said, constitutes a branch of oppression and a betrayal of the Islamic order.
Traits of officials in the Alawite model of governance
Motiei outlined the key characteristics Imam Ali set for officials and administrators: experience, modesty and faith, sound family roots, and a proven record of religious and Islamic commitment. He added that genuine concern and dedication to the Islamic system and revolution serve as practical examples of the religious track record Imam Ali advised.
"Such individuals," Motiei said, quoting the Imam, "are the highest in moral distinction, the most honorable, the least covetous of worldly matters, and possess greater foresight and prudence."
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