Meeting with Officials, Professors, and Students of Imam Jafar Sadiq University

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Happy Eid to all of you dear ones, radiant youth and hopes of the future of this country! I also congratulate His Excellency Mr. Mahdavi Kani (may his blessings be upon him); both for the Eid and for the success in advancing this heavy task that he has taken upon himself for many years; and that you dear youth, you boys and girls, with this scientific knowledge and good faith, have entered this path and have prepared yourselves to move forward; this alone is a very important achievement and that is the essence.

Whatever blows and hardships we have faced over time, it is because this determination, this motivation, and this vision of a distant horizon and the decision to tread this path have not existed in the minds and hearts of efficient and interconnected groups; even if there were scattered efforts, we have not had this in a cohesive assembly. Therefore, we have always had both brilliance and falls; however, progress has not been made. A cohesive and motivated group is a great achievement.

The statements that all of you have made - both what His Excellency Mr. Mahdavi said and what you dear brothers and sisters expressed - were all sweet and desirable for me, and this last discussion about the sweet topic of marriage that he raised, God willing, may the Almighty God soon grant all of you unmarried youth the blessing of a happy marriage.

Let me say something about Ghadir. The issue of Ghadir is not merely a matter that we, the Shia, believe in and some Muslims do not believe in. In a historical view of Islam and in the historical analysis of the events of the early Islamic period, the topic of Ghadir - that is, the appointment of a successor - was a necessity that if it had been carried out as planned - by divine and prophetic wisdom - undoubtedly the course of human history would have changed, and today we would be in a much more advanced position in the long history of humanity. The fact that a comprehensive school and system addressing human needs could be implemented in society by the Seal of the Prophets was a great miracle, that the Prophet was able to realize this intellectual and practical system and establish it on earth; even in the most difficult places. The very fact that this foundation could be implemented and established in the most challenging locations indicates that this foundation is realizable in all aspects of human life and the geography of the world at that time and thereafter. The Prophet was able to realize this scientific form in practice, in the most difficult circumstances. If this event had occurred, the preservation and quantitative and qualitative expansion of this divine creation - that is, the prophetic Islamic community - could have been safeguarded for ten or twelve generations in succession, then it would have been certain that this movement would remain invincible throughout human history. This does not mean that humanity would not have an era of waiting and that it would reach its ultimate goal within these twelve generations. If, as the Prophet had determined, Amir al-Mu'minin, then Imam Hasan, then Imam Husayn, and then the other Imams came one after another, it is likely that humanity would still need a period of waiting to realize that ideal society. However, in that case, if this succession of infallibles, these trustworthy and efficient hands, could have preserved this event that occurred in reality, then the path of humanity would have been different.

Today, humanity has exactly the same needs that it had five thousand years ago; the fundamental needs of humanity have not changed. Back then, humanity suffered from the influence of oppressive powers; today, you - your eyes are open - if you look at the world from the influence of oppressive and destructive powers, you will see that humanity is suffering. Back then, the great need of humanity was justice, and its greatest suffering was injustice; today, if you look, the greatest problem of humanity in the world is injustice. It is a mistake to think that this individual freedom - which Western liberal democracy has gifted to humanity - is a need that did not exist before; why; in many periods of history and in many regions, there have been forms of individual freedoms. The very limitations that today subtly chain the will of human beings were once openly manifest. This encompassing net over the will, movement, and life of humans is now woven finer, using thinner threads and with greater skill. Back then, these skills did not exist; however, they were more apparent and domineering. Thus, the needs of humanity have not changed. If the transfer of the prophetic trust and the appropriate and correct quantitative and qualitative expansion had taken place, today humanity would have transcended these needs (many other needs might have arisen for humanity that we do not even recognize today); those needs might have existed; however, they would not have been so primitive. Today, we and the human community are still in the era of humanity's primitive needs. In the world, there is hunger, there is discrimination - it is not small; rather, it is widespread, belonging to no single place; rather, it exists everywhere - there is oppression, unjust dominion of humans over humans; the same things that existed four thousand years ago, two thousand years ago in different forms. Today, humanity is still caught in these things, and only the colors have changed. "Ghadir" was the beginning of that process that could have taken humanity out of this stage and into another stage. Then, more refined and superior needs, and desires and loves of a higher order would have constituted the main challenge of humanity. The path of human progress is not closed! Humanity may live for thousands or millions of years more; as long as it lives, it will continue to progress. However, today the main foundations are ruined; these foundations were established by the Prophet of Islam, and for their protection, the issue of succession and representation was established; however, deviation occurred. If deviation had not occurred, something else would have emerged. "Ghadir" is this. Throughout the two hundred and fifty years of the lives of the Imams (peace be upon them) - which is the duration from the emergence of the Imams after the Prophet's passing until the death of Imam Askari, two hundred and fifty years - whenever the Imams have been able and prepared themselves to return to the path that the Prophet had predicted, it has not happened. Now we have come to the field in this period of time, and there is a determination by the grace and favor of God, and God willing, it will continue in the best way.

However, regarding student issues; well, this session is a student session. For me, one of the sweetest sessions is the student sessions. In this remaining quarter of an hour, I have a message for you as students, a message as students of Imam Sadiq University (peace be upon him), and a message also for those who will likely manage and advance this university in the future, and the overflow of the university will come into society and engage in sensitive tasks.

Regarding your title as students; my message to you is the same as what I say to all students. See, my dear ones! Today, there are those in the world who bully, act against international laws, and take the most shameless positions in the world of international interaction among nations and governments - and they do not feel ashamed; they hold their heads high. Why? Because they have power; economic and political power (which arises from the economy) and above all, scientific power, which is the source of all of these; that is, the source of their economic and political power is also scientific power. We have many rightful words on this side of the world; we speak our words boldly, we prove our logic in logical confrontations, and in practice, of course, since divine grace has been bestowed upon this nation and it has faith, it progresses according to its faith; that is, they have not been able to achieve their aspirations regarding this nation; however, we need something else, which is "international power," so that we can continue this path without worry, correctly, completely, comprehensively, and without any shortcomings and reach our goals and ideals. How do we obtain this power (economic, political, and cultural influence)? The foundation of all of these is scientific power! A nation can convey its message to all people of the world with scientific authority; it is with scientific authority that it can achieve superior and high status in the political world. Economics follows these; money is subordinate to capabilities. Today, this is the case; science can be converted into money and become strong economically. This is the place of science. We have fallen behind in science. Not only during the fifty years of the infamous Pahlavi era (which, of course, during this period, they made the father of this country suffer in terms of scientific depth. Now, analyzing this issue is a historical-social analysis and a significant matter), but even before that. The Qajar and Pahlavi eras are manifestations of this scientific backwardness. Now we are trying to fill this vast gap. The duty of the university (not just Imam Sadiq University; all universities) in this country is to fill this scientific gap. Learn as much science as you can.

I have also told the gentlemen in the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, who are influential in culture, that you have a place in cultural engineering in this country. In that session, I said that there are two main branches: humanities and basic sciences; each in its own place. If we emphasize humanities here, it does not mean that we do not emphasize mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences; yes; I also have a hundred percent emphasis there; they also have their own men and people; humanities must also have their own men and people. Investment in thought, science, money, and promotion must be made on these two branches - the two main branches; that is, humanities and basic sciences - in the country so that they can advance. Science must be pursued to the highest degree.

There is no doubt that many humanities have strong foundations and materials here; that is, in our past culture. Some humanities are also products of the West; that is, they did not exist as a science, but the Westerners, who have advanced in the world of science, have created these as well; like psychology and other sciences. Very well, we need a scientific thought and experience to compile, organize, and systematize what we have, and we also need a scientific perspective for the materials and foundations they have gathered in this science. However, taking the foundations of a science from a collection outside the acceptable limits does not mean accepting its results. It is like importing a factory; they made something bad with this factory, now you make something good with it; there is no problem. We accept the integration between Western humanities and Islamic humanities, as long as it does not mean being captivated, infatuated, or overwhelmed by those sciences. See what your faith-based thought and your profound heritage tell you in humanities. Today, the Westerners have created a forbidden zone in the field of humanities; in all different sectors; from economics and politics to sociology and psychology, history, literature, art, and even philosophy and even the philosophy of religion. Some weak-minded individuals have become infatuated with these and look to their mouths to see what they say; whatever they say becomes revelation for them; this is wrong and incorrect. For example, if a few scientifically authoritative thoughts in one part of the world have reached a conclusion, it does not mean that everything they understood is correct! Look at your own foundations; we have history, philosophy, philosophy of religion, art and literature, and many other humanities that others have even created and turned into a science - that is, they have given it a scientific structure - the materials of that exist in our scientific, cultural, and religious heritage. We must build such an independent structure. Of course, some of this speech relates to that speech addressed to you as students of Imam Sadiq, where friends have presented some points regarding economics. Well, there are good points, and they should be pursued.

Therefore, this question of what we should do or this question of what to do if the results of our research contradict the leadership's views is not, in my opinion, very fundamental and logical questions. You are tasked with research; you are tasked with thinking and working, obtaining results, and having your results accepted by leadership and non-leadership as scientific achievements and based on that, planning for the country. Scientific research, its nature and characteristic, is freedom; but rational; it should not be undisciplined. The Basij is a manifestation of the active and living values of a believing youth; one of them is discipline. The saying you have heard in war that a Basij is without brakes has a meaning and another meaning; they were truly in love with martyrdom and would stomp their feet on the ground. It is not that a Basij who is in love is allowed to act undisciplined against the commander's order and against organizational discipline and practical discipline in life, especially since you are students. We value you highly.

However, regarding Imam Sadiq University; see, gentlemen! Imam Sadiq University is an outstanding phenomenon; it is not merely a university like other universities that only want to train students and scholars; that is also true; however, in addition to this, it wants to be a model of an Islamic university in every respect; in terms of faith motivations, practical and behavioral observances, and a passionate and faithful love for knowledge and learning. What the Imam says: "I wished that the whips would be raised over the heads of students to draw them to knowledge," what does this mean? Knowledge has been sanctified by Islam; pursuing knowledge is a sacred matter; seeking knowledge has sanctity. It is not that knowledge is like any other tool, merely a means to earn money - now money also comes from it - but the sanctity of knowledge must be preserved; "knowledge is light"; the light of knowledge must be considered, and one of the aspects of an Islamic university is this. Everyone thinks that when we say Islamic university, it means that the hijabs should be like this, boys should not wear short sleeves, and hair should not be long; these do not mean an Islamic university! An Islamic university in terms of faith, motivation, sacred enthusiasm, Islamic behavior, and faithful learning, these are the conditions of an Islamic university. Then directing; directing this learning; the best thing that was done in the university was that it was made specific to humanities; this was a truly vacant and empty area; a void that must be filled. Well, if you, as students of this university, have been able to fulfill this mission - that is, to provide a model of a university and graduates in a desirable and Islamic manner - this university has achieved a very great accomplishment. This university is this. From this university, expectations are for something else and beyond this.

Let me tell you, today the most important need of the Islamic world is that the essence of pure Islam and the shining gem - in a form that the accusation of ignorance, backwardness, and being out of touch with time does not enter it - can achieve its goals; we need this in the Islamic world and the Islamic community. The movement of nations towards these lofty ideals will then become logical; then the elites of societies will themselves become soldiers and Basijis of this path. You know that a lot of money has been spent in the Islamic world. Over the years, the arrogant system has taken actions to buy elites; elites who, although they were elite in terms of science or politics, their intrinsic value was very low and they were easily bought; they sold their pens and tongues, even their thoughts and existence; this has been going on for a long time; that is, since the emergence of Western intellectualism in this country - which I once said that intellectualism in our country was born sick. From that day, they went after these elites and bribed them with money. They were also humble, weak, and captive and submitted and sold themselves for money. Forty years ago, the late Al Ahmad wrote: "If you sell, it is better to sell your arm; but never sell your pen." This was written by Al Ahmad in the 40s in one of his books. A person can sell their arm and body; but never sell their pen - that is, their soul and thought. However, they sold and others bought; thus, public movements in many places were not only not accompanied by elites; but even elites stood like a wall against them. Then what was the excuse of the elites against Islamic movements? They said these are old, these are backward, these are clerical games, these are I don't know what.

If you can present the essence of pure Islam and its brilliance in a way that can show itself in the adorned garment of knowledge, the great work you have done is that you have opened the way for elites to enter these fields. The integration of science and spirituality, science and faith, science and ethics is the void of today's world. An Islamic university combines science and faith, science and spirituality, science and ethics. It teaches knowledge and derives the direction of knowledge from ethics and faith. The claim that science does or does not align with religion is a failure to see the area of influence of science and religion; each of these has its own area of influence; the integration of these is that science - that is, this weapon - takes faith - that is, the operator - and specifies its direction; with this weapon, the best and worst people can be targeted; however, until this weapon is in hand? This weapon is "science" and "faith" specifies its direction. If faith had dominance over Western knowledge, Western knowledge would not have reached the atomic bomb, to the point that they get stuck in it and wonder what to do with it; limit it; do not let the world be destroyed. Their work would not have even reached this point. If faith had accompanied knowledge, colonialism and neo-colonialism - which neo-colonialism was a product of knowledge - would not have emerged. Dominance over countries, occupation of countries, coercive dominance over nations, and taking the wealth of nations - which has been the calamity of the past two hundred years for the world and nations - would not have occurred at all. Knowledge separated from faith is this, and you in the Islamic university want to fill this void and mix knowledge with faith; that is, to nourish knowledge, both in its internal structure, in its deductions, and in the orientations that will be used, with faith.

However, regarding your future responsibilities, I just want to say this; the ideal output of Imam Sadiq University should not just be that now it comes out, suppose if it has studied in a certain field, it goes to become a lawyer or a notary or goes to become an employee of a certain governmental ministry; not that I am against it; no, I agree that good youth should be present in the executive structures of the country - whether judicial or executive - but this is not the ideal for the output of Imam Sadiq University; the ideal and that point of aspiration should be sought from the same matters I have presented until now in this half hour. You must create a movement in science; you must create a movement in the world of student learning and the advancement of science and the scientific foundation of the country; this is your main mission. Make it so that our believing Muslim scholars become experts in various fields of humanities whose opinions the world can benefit from; make it so that Imam Sadiq University not only achieves a higher rank compared to any other university in Tehran or elsewhere; but that this university becomes a reference for the research of scientific centers and universities worldwide. Today in the world, and even in this misguided Western world, there are many individuals who are seeking the truth; there are scholars and researchers among them, and they are numerous, and they are not few who are seeking sound and rightful words; such a person in any part of the world - in European, Asian, American countries, and elsewhere - when they are searching for a matter, they should be able to find your scientific impact in this database; a new word, thought, and path that you are showing. This is what we want from Imam Sadiq University. The output of Imam Sadiq University should be able to graduate with this intention and thought.

Therefore, strengthen the university.

This soft software movement and production of knowledge that I have mentioned, in your university and in the field of humanities, is that you should learn and research as much as you can. Of course, as I said, there are professors whose products are the thoughts of Western humanities, their idol. In front of God, they say do not prostrate; but in front of idols, they easily prostrate; if you hand a young student to them, they will shape their thought and structure according to that idol of theirs; this has no value and is not correct. I have no belief in such individuals. This professor, no matter how knowledgeable they are, is not beneficial; they are harmful. Today, fortunately, we have believing young scholars and educated individuals with faith who can create a truly comprehensive scientific movement in the field of humanities; these should be utilized. Be careful not to fall into that idol worship; the one who, in philosophy, economics, communication sciences, and politics, considers whatever comes out of the mouth of a Western thinker as a proof; sometimes that very statement has been refuted in the West! We have many such examples. A matter that was said by a social or political philosopher in the West forty or fifty years ago, and then they came and wrote ten critiques on it; this person has just grasped the words of that fifty years ago and brings it into the country as a new idea and feeds it to the student and the environment with applause and cheers; we have many such cases. How many programs have been given to nations and governments based on these Western economic views by the World Bank and global financial institutions, and how many instances of refutation have been written by the Westerners themselves against them! Yet we still have people who repeat those recommendations verbatim and write those same prescriptions. This is wrong. Scientific research does not mean merely learning and imitation; research is against imitation. This work is your responsibility.

We hope that God willing, God will grant you success. We hope that God Almighty will make what we have said and what we have heard, for ourselves and in His way.

O Lord! Place these dear youth among Your righteous servants. O Lord! Make these dear youth the spiritual reserves of the Iranian nation. O Lord! Utilize the spiritual treasures entrusted in the minds and hearts of these dear youth for the benefit of this country, and decree it. O Lord! Accept the efforts of the servants of this university and the university community of the country, those who work for You and with sincerity.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.