Hawzah News Agency- a group of clerics from Jalalpur, India, met and held talks with Hojatoleslam Abdul Majid Hakimollahi, the Iranian Leader's representative in India, at the Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the meeting, Hojatoleslam Hakimollahi welcomed the delegation of clerics and emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening religious and Shia identity, safeguarding freedom and self-esteem, and protecting Islamic values and principles, offering several points in this regard.
Ahl al-Bayt School a Great Asset for Life, Society
He stated that every human being in the world has an identity by which they are known. Some people are known by their tribe, some by their family, and others by their country, nation or ethnicity. Some of these identities accompany a person from birth, while others gradually take shape and become prominent throughout life as a result of a person's behavior, performance and efforts.
The Leader's representative added that from this perspective, human identity and recognition form an important part of a person's personality, thought, culture and level of affiliations, and can play a fundamental role in shaping the course of their life and the way they interact with society.
Following Amir al-Mu'minin, Our Greatest Identity
Referring to Shia identity, he said: "Our greatest identity is that we are followers of Amir al-Mu'minin, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH), and among his Shia, and this identity is a source of pride for us."
This prominent religious scholar stressed that we must take pride in the fact that we follow a great and unparalleled figure who introduced justice, courage, knowledge, piety and lofty human principles to the world in practice. The conduct of Amir al-Mu'minin does not belong to a single historical period, but is a collection of moral and human teachings that can inspire modern man as well.
Hazrat Zahra; Model of Purity, Resilience
The Leader's representative in India, referring to the status of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH), stated: "We have a great model like Hazrat Fatima Zahra, a lady whose conduct and life are a clear manifestation of purity, chastity, worship, patience, resilience and defense of truth."
He added that familiarity with the personality and conduct of Hazrat Zahra can serve as a valuable model for the individual and social life of believers and demonstrate how spiritual and moral values can manifest in human life.
Imam Hussein; Embodiment of Truth-Seeking, Resistance
Hakimollahi, referring to the personality of Sayyid al-Shuhada Imam Hussein (PBUH), said: "We have a figure like Imam Hussein, a great man who stood against the front of falsehood in Karbala and, through his uprising, left a clear criterion for distinguishing truth from falsehood in the history of humanity."
He continued that the event of Karbala and the conduct of Imam Hussein are not merely a historical event, but an enduring manifestation of truth-seeking, freedom, resistance and adherence to divine values that can inspire people in all eras.
Shia Identity; Intellectual, Moral Legacy
The Leader's representative in India noted that affiliation with the school of the Ahl al-Bayt is not merely a religious affiliation, but the possession of a great intellectual, moral and cultural asset. This valuable legacy doubles the responsibility of the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt to properly understand the conduct of these great figures and, by modeling their teachings, manifest these values in their behavior and individual and social life.
Need to Recognize, Protect Religious Identity
Hojatoleslam Hakimollahi stated: "When our identity is so great and a source of pride, why should we not protect and safeguard it? We must properly recognize our religious identity and, at the same time, pass it on to future generations."
He added that human identity is not merely a name or title to express an affiliation; rather, its truth is revealed in a person's beliefs, thoughts, behavior, culture and lifestyle. Therefore, preserving religious identity requires a deep understanding of the foundations of belief and its manifestation in practice and individual and social life.
Scholars' Mission to Familiarize Young Generation with Religious Identity
The Leader's representative in India, emphasizing the need to pay attention to the new generation, said: "Today, more than ever, the young generation must become familiar with their true and original identity. If a person is unaware of their history, background, great figures, beliefs and cultural and civilizational roots, they may come under the influence of other cultures and ideas and gradually distance themselves from their original identity."
He stressed that therefore, scholars, thinkers and cultural and social officials bear an important responsibility toward the new generation and must provide the ground for the growth of religious awareness, intellectual insight and a sense of responsibility toward preserving cultural and religious identity among the youth.
Freedom, Self-Confidence in Light of Preserving Identity
Hakimollahi, referring to the importance of freedom and self-esteem, stated: "A free person is one who trusts their identity, beliefs and values and safeguards the principles they believe in."
He added that benefiting from the experience, knowledge and achievements of other nations and using their capacities for progress is a positive and worthy matter; however, progress should not come at the cost of losing identity, culture and human and religious principles. Nations can achieve strength and stability when, alongside moving on the path of progress and development, they also protect their cultural and intellectual roots.
Pride in Original Identity
He further cited examples of some individuals being influenced by foreign identities, saying: "Sometimes people in the world try to present an identity as their main identity to which they have no real roots or attachment. For example, a person with African background may consider American identity a source of pride merely because of the United States' position and power, or an Indian person may regard British identity as an advantage for themselves due to the perception that Britain enjoys greater status and development."
Hakimollahi stressed: "On the contrary, we must trust our true and original identity and preserve it with dignity and honor; because human greatness and honor are not in abandoning one's identity and imitating others, but in recognizing one's original identity and keeping it alive with dignity and grace."
Scholars' Fundamental Role in Intellectual, Moral Guidance of Society
The Leader's representative in India, emphasizing the position of scholars in society, said: "Scholars have a fundamental and foundational role in the intellectual and moral guidance of society. They must, through effective presence among the people, especially the youth, provide the ground for strengthening their religious and intellectual awareness and connect the new generation with their history, culture and religious and civilizational legacy."
He noted that the belief must be strengthened in society that pride in one's identity and cultural and religious roots does not mean narrow-mindedness or disregard for others; rather, it is a sign of recognizing one's roots, preserving dignity and loyalty to one's intellectual and cultural legacy.
At the end of the meeting, the participating clerics expressed gratitude to Hojatoleslam Abdul Majid Hakimollahi and appreciated his remarks, views and recommendations.
Various religious, social and cultural topics were also discussed and exchanged during the meeting, which concluded in a friendly, constructive atmosphere accompanied by useful dialogue.
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