"Hussein Dirani" is a Lebanese Shiite scholar who is now residing in Australia. He writes for the Islamic journals and News magazines. He has also delivered many lectures and speeches in the Arab Media on the significance of promoting pure and genuine teachings of Islam. The representative of Imam Khomeini's English portal has conducted an interview with the scholar during 23rd Imam Khomeini's departure anniversary. Here, we present our audiences this exclusive interview as following:
- Please provide us a brief account of yourself.
My name is Hussein Dirani, a political writer and human right activist from Australia; I am already cooperating with some Arabic Media
- How did you become familiar with the personality of Imam Khomeini for the first time?
I first learnt about Imam Khomeini at the age of eighteen; from the beginning of Islamic Revolution I started to read about Imam's personality whose dynamic thought had brought a drastic change into the world. Actually, by sticking to the personality of Imam, as the greatest leader of Muslim world, we got enlightened. However, at that time, I mean at beginning of the Revolution in 1979, we had little information about the Imam. We used to hear the cassettes to be informed of Imam's inspiring messages to the Iranian nation when he was in France. After listening to the cassettes, we were distributing messages and speeches among our Muslim brothers.
- Considering the current regional developments called as Islamic awakening how did you recognize the role of Imam Khomeini in creating such developments?
We do believe that Imam Khomeini has fulfilled the prophet's dream and represented Divine religion by establishing Islamic government. But the Western opponents of the Revolution were afraid of spreading the pure and genuine teachings of Islam promoted by the Imam. To stop the influence of Islamic Revolution they supported Saddam Hussein, who launched an imposed war on the Iranian people for 8 years. Schism between Shia and Sunni sects is another plot followed by the enemies of Islam. Unfortunately, they commit hate crimes to support American-backed Israeli regime and introduce Iran as the first enemy of Muslim world. In this situation, the awakening promoted by Imam is rapidly spreading across the world. Young generations everywhere are informed of Imam's messages and ideas which represent pure teachings of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (s).
- In your part what is the duty of Islamic scholars in preserving ideals of Islam from any kind of distortion or perversion?
This is a question of high significance. Ulema and Islamic scholars are responsible in front of God about what they are saying or teaching. They have the duty to spread messages of Islam. In my idea, more than anything they should speak of Islamic Unity, since it can save the Islamic Ummah. The scholars who attend the Friday prayers should not speak of hatred and enmity which does nothing but creating war between Muslim brothers. Dissension, for sure, diminishes their power and brings them a great loss.
- Do you believe that Iran plays a leading role among the countries in the region?
Undoubtedly the role of Iran as a leading country is of a high significance. We see the development in different arenas in Iran despite imposed sanctions from the west. We see 'unity' and solidarity among the Iranian people. All these achievements result from their patience and persistence against the criminal deeds committed by the enemies of Islam and the Islamic Revolution. They support their leadership Imam Khamenei in all scenes. He is the savior of Islamic Ummah. His leadership must be spread all over the world. Understanding the role and function of Velayat-e Faghih (Jurist Guardianship) is very crucial for the Muslims. Following leadership make them strong enough to encounter enemies plot. We can see that Iran is now stronger than ever. It is defender of the Muslims anywhere in the world and can release them from the clutches of American and Israeli intruders and invaders.
- What is your message to the Muslim brothers?
My advice to all Muslims especially the young is that they should not follow the ideas of extremist or Takfiri schools of thought, which brings nations destruction and damage. Unfortunately they make efforts day and night to convince the world that Number one enemy is Iran not Israel. I call upon the whole Muslim nations that "be careful of what you are hearing and what you are doing". One day we are asked by Allah (praise is for Him) about our deeds. The Ummah must unite under the banner of "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah". In this way, we can use our common sense to encounter Imperialism and the satanic leadership of America and the Zionist regime.
- Thanks for allocating your precious time to us.
Thank you very much. It's my honor to be on the side of Islamic Republic of Iran under the leadership of the great leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei. May Allah protect him and protect everyone in Iran.
