On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, His Eminence Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim met with a delegation of members from the Assembly of Representatives of Students and Scholars of the Qom Seminary at his residence.
In his address to the delegation, His Eminence Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim affirmed that the Islamic and humanitarian responsibility of scholars and students of knowledge is increasing significantly and continuously. He emphasized the importance of aligning their level of faith, thinking, and awareness with the developments of the era and the requirements of society, noting that the future of the nation largely depends on the advancement and excellence of its scholars and students in understanding truths and acquiring practical experiences.
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim stressed that global challenges are not declining but rather advancing and intensifying, with disbelief and its supporters at the forefront. He pointed out the necessity of intensifying efforts to confront this challenge with strength and resilience, emphasizing the need for a strong and effective resistance against these forces hostile to religious and humanitarian values.
He added: “We cannot expect successful resistance without forming a strong scholarly front, directing massive student ranks, supported by deep awareness and strong will, and firm belief.” He strongly affirmed that effectively preparing the new generation of students of knowledge is the essence of building a successful nation and is the key to a strong and victorious existence in the face of challenges.
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim reiterated that the Islamic and humanitarian responsibility of scholars and students of knowledge is continuously increasing and growing, indicating that it never diminishes but rather increases in weight and importance over time.
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim: The faith of the new generation
Sheikh Isa Qassim also pointed out that the stronger the connection between the new generation and Islam, and the more enlightened their vision and path towards it through the teachings of scholars and the learning of students, the greater the responsibility of both the scholar and the student.
He explained that the creation of scholars of the nation occurs at multiple levels and in different generations, emphasizing the importance of assessing the size of scholars, their level of thinking, faith, awareness of the current situation, and their familiarity with practical experience. He clarified that the extent of these elements determines the knowledge, faith, awareness, experience, activity, and enthusiasm for Islam within the nation, and to what extent Islam progresses or regresses in its society.
Furthermore, he said that Islam itself is capable of appearing either deficient or complete at the practical level, depending on the extent of preparation and groundwork done by its scholars and students.
He pointed out that we face global challenges led by the forces of disbelief and their supporters, and that these challenges are not in a state of decline but rather in progress and escalation, with their danger increasing day by day.
He also emphasized the necessity of having a resistance force that confronts these growing challenges, stating that these challenges are increasing and continuing to rise, considering that if the resistance continues at a rigid level without development or adaptation, it will face failure.
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim further emphasized that the success of resistance against growing challenges is contingent upon continuous development in all its aspects. Progress must occur in strength, awareness, movement, willpower, financial power, military power, social cohesion, and rallying around righteous leadership.
He also noted that challenges have existed in the past and have not ceased on any day, but what is new is the increase in those challenges, their level, and their danger. He affirmed that growth in strength and challenges requires greater confrontation as well.
Ayatollah Qassim: Who should lead the nation?
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim questioned who is responsible for taking on the role of confronting challenges, and whether there is another aspect besides the scholarly and student aspect that can lead and guide the nation, and whether the leadership of the nation can be secure in its hands.
He affirmed that there is no other aspect that can be safer, more effective, faithful, and determined in supporting Islam than the scholarly and student aspect. He considered that as the levels of religious scholars and students decrease, the levels of the entire nation decrease.
He also emphasized the necessity for knowledge of Islam to always be comprehensive and inclusive, where we must understand Islam in its spiritual and worldly aspects, and scholars exert continuous efforts in this field. However, sometimes, this effort may not comprehend the practical and objective aspects of Islam, leading to a lack of understanding.
He also stressed that effectively preparing the new generation of students of knowledge means preparing the nation for success and progress, and signifies preparing for a strong and victorious presence in the face of challenges. He affirmed that there cannot be successful resistance without a large army of scholars and students, without intense awareness, strong will, and deep faith.
“To the members of the Assembly of Representatives of the Students and Virtuous Scholars of the Qom Seminary, he said, ‘This is your responsibility, my dear brothers.’ He added that they are well aware of this duty and responsibility, as they live and practically engage in this experience, pointing out that knowledge is derived from them in this field, and they are not mere recipients of knowledge but those who contribute to its construction and development.”
Sheikh Isa Ahmed Qassim concluded his speech by saying: “Today’s students are tomorrow’s scholars, therefore, they are entrusted in your hands. In other words, the scholars of the future are entrusted in your hands, and accordingly, resistance and victory are your responsibility.”
source: lualuatv
