Religious scholars have a duty of enlightenment in the face of developments in the Islamic world

According to a report by the Taghrib News Agency, Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Mohammad Ali Afzali, a faculty member of Ishraq University of Herat, Afghanistan, speaking at the international webinar "Imam Khamenei; the Martyr of Unity" organized by the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, while honoring the memory and station of the martyrs of the Islamic Ummah's dignity and honor, elaborated on the role of religious scholars in enlightening and expanding religious and social awareness.

Referring to the fact that religious scholars are at a significant historical juncture, he stated that their mission is to explain the issues of the time, raise awareness in society, and present the correct path based on the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Afzali, discussing the fundamental differences between Islamic and Western thought, said: "In the Islamic view, existence is not limited to matter alone; rather, spirituality, reason, revelation, and human felicity have a fundamental place. In contrast, some Western schools of thought focus on empiricism and a materialistic perspective."

He added: "In the field of anthropology, Islamic thought does not only consider physical needs but also places the spiritual and psychological elevation of the human being at its core. In the field of ethics, it grounds values on virtue, justice, and human dignity."

The faculty member of Ishraq University of Herat, referring to the historical developments of the Islamic world, stated that colonialism, various wars, cultural and economic pressures, and cognitive warfare have been part of the process of confrontation between the forces of domination and the Islamic world.

Also referring to the current conditions of the region, he emphasized that religious scholars should not remain silent in the face of important events of the time and must explain the truth to society through enlightenment.

Afzali noted that indifference to the social and political issues of the Islamic Ummah is incompatible with religious teachings, and scholars must strive to strengthen brotherhood, solidarity, and awareness within the Islamic Ummah.

Referring to the teachings of the Holy Quran regarding relations between nations and communities, he clarified that the intellectual independence of the Islamic world is of great importance, and the Islamic Ummah must pursue the path of progress and dignity by relying on reason, faith, and unity.

This university professor emphasized that the rejection of subjugation does not mean severing ties with all non-Muslims; rather, fair interaction with those who do not harbor enmity or aggression is emphasized in Islamic teachings.

In conclusion, referring to the sayings of Imam Ali (AS), he expressed hope that the Islamic society and the defenders of the dignity and honor of the Islamic Ummah would continue to progress and succeed day by day.