Hawzah News Agency- The Islamic world and many free people across the globe are preparing to bid farewell to Grand Ayatollah, Martyr Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei—one of the most towering leaders to have fused religious depth, political experience, and the spirit of resistance. His name, throughout his journey, was tied to the defense of Islam's authentic values, the championing of the cause of the oppressed, and the tireless effort to cement the concepts of unity and dignity within the Islamic Ummah. Many recall his positions that reflected openness toward various currents, schools of thought, sects, and faiths.
Sheikh Maher Hammoud, head of the International Union of Resistance Scholars, traces the beginning of his acquaintance with Imam Khamenei back to 1981, when he was head of the Islamic Republic Party and Friday prayer leader of Tehran—before assuming the presidency and later the leadership of the revolution.
Sheikh Hammoud says that first meeting lasted around three hours, held with a small Palestinian delegation. It covered the alliances of the revolution, his outlook on enemies, and the principles governing the revolution's conduct before and after victory. He stresses that everything discussed in that meeting remained constant and present over forty-seven years.
He also points to other meetings in 1982, following his election to the presidency, and another in 1989 after his ascension to the leadership of the revolution, which he describes as their last encounter.
The Steadfast Message of the Seyyed
Sheikh Hammoud emphasizes that the substance of what he heard from Imam Khamenei in 1981 remained unchanged until the moment of his martyrdom, reflecting clarity of vision and steadfastness on principles. He adds that this principled approach governing the behavior of the revolution and its leader is worthy of respect from all Muslims and indeed all free people of the world—even as American plots sought to smear its image by focusing on sectarian and ethnic divisions and fueling fear that the revolution pursues "expansionism" or a "Persian project."
He stresses that Imam Khamenei, in his steadfast positions, clear thinking, and sincerity toward the revolution and the people, conducted himself in a manner no fair-minded person could question. He describes him as an inspirational leader, with his actions, his steadfastness, and the enemies' relentless efforts to target him standing as testimony.
Unbroken Communication with the Martyr Leader
Regarding their exchanged letters, Sheikh Hammoud says communication was continuous. He would send his views on various matters to the Imam. He recalls the incident of Majid Majidi's film about the childhood of the Holy Prophet, which was screened in Beirut in 2015. Seeing clear religious objections in the film, he sent a letter—after which the screening was halted. He also mentions letters concerning invitations to conferences, noting that he recently received a letter from Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei thanking him for a letter he had sent.
A Letter from Imam Khamenei
Sheikh Hammoud points to a letter Imam Khamenei sent him, urging him to continue the struggle against the Zionist regime—a struggle the letter described as taking multiple forms, including military, media, cultural, and educational.
The Martyr Leader's Ongoing Dialogue with Sunni Scholars
Sheikh Hammoud highlights Imam Khamenei's openness and respect toward other faiths and Islamic schools of thought, stating that he was eager to meet and engage in dialogue. The book "Muhammad," which was widely distributed, reflects his unifying thought. He adds that Sunni scholars in Baluchistan, Kurdistan, and Saudi Arabia engaged in continuous dialogue with him, and he treated them with respect.
He Achieved What He Wished For
Sheikh Hammoud says that Imam Khamenei, who lived to around 87, spent his life on the path of truth. He recounts: "The Imam would always repeat to himself: 'What do the Israelis want from me? They want to kill me. I do not run the country; the youth run the country. So if God seals my life with martyrdom, that is magnificent, and that is what I wish for.'"
Sheikh Hammoud concludes: "The Imam achieved what he wished for. His life was sealed with martyrdom at the height of giving."
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