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Religious messaging remains “pillar of Islam,” declares senior cleric at missionary gathering
Religious propagation constitutes the very foundation of Islam and must be strengthened as a divine mission, according to Ayatollah Javad Marvi, Second Secretary of the Supreme Council of Seminaries. The senior cleric made these remarks while addressing missionaries at the Abu Dhar Cultural and Educational Camp in Hamadan province, Iran.
“Islam is an eternal religion that began with propaganda, continued with propaganda, and became global through it,” Ayatollah Marvi told attendees. He expressed gratitude for being among those who carry forward the message of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) and the Islamic Revolution.
The cleric emphasized that those who effectively communicate the “message of truth” to people through both words and actions are engaged in sacred work. According to Marvi, Islam’s historical stability and growth stem directly from sustained outreach efforts throughout the centuries.
“The Shiite school was able to spread worldwide through dedicated propagation, and today we witness the presence of followers of the Ahl al-Bayt across the globe,” he noted, referencing the impact of prominent Shiite scholars throughout history who helped expand the faith’s global footprint.
Addressing the missionaries directly, Ayatollah Marvi encouraged them not to be discouraged by negative portrayals or counter-messaging. He suggested that core Shiite principles—seeking justice, defending rights, and embracing revolutionary ideals—continue to resonate with people worldwide despite opposition.
The cleric made reference to what he termed a “recent 12-day imposed war,” suggesting that this conflict had paradoxically strengthened global interest in Shiism, though he did not specify which conflict he was referencing.
Preparation and knowledge form crucial components of effective religious outreach, according to Marvi. “Study and scientific preparation are the main conditions for success in propaganda. A missionary must be equipped with understanding to communicate effectively with the people,” he advised the gathering.
He particularly highlighted two texts as essential tools for missionaries seeking to win hearts and minds globally: Nahj al-Balagha (a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Imam Ali) and Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya (a collection of supplications attributed to Imam Ali ibn Husayn). Marvi described these works as “two elixirs of the Shiite school,” ranking them in importance second only to the Quran itself.
In his concluding remarks, Ayatollah Marvi stressed that effective religious messaging requires personal embodiment of the principles being advocated. “Propaganda is the greatest religious responsibility. To make your words effective, you must embody them in your actions,” he said, adding that influential religious figures throughout history gained their impact primarily through demonstrating their principles in practice rather than merely preaching them.
The gathering in Hamadan province represents part of ongoing efforts by Iran’s religious establishment to strengthen clerical outreach capacity and religious messaging both domestically and internationally. The Supreme Council of Seminaries, where Marvi serves as Second Secretary, plays a central role in coordinating religious education and clerical training throughout Iran.
The emphasis on religious propagation comes at a time when Iran continues to position itself as a leading voice for Shiite Muslims globally, while also navigating complex regional relationships and international tensions.
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10 Comments
The cleric’s invocation of the Ahl al-Bayt and the Islamic Revolution as inspirations for the propagation work suggests deep historical and ideological roots to these efforts. Understanding this context is crucial.
Interesting perspective from the senior cleric on the importance of religious outreach for the global impact of Islam. Spreading the faith through effective communication and propagation seems to be a key focus.
While the religious aspects are the primary focus, the global reach and scale of these outreach efforts inevitably have broader sociopolitical ramifications that warrant close monitoring and analysis.
The cleric’s emphasis on the ‘message of truth’ and the need to communicate it effectively through both words and actions raises questions about how this truth is defined and interpreted by different stakeholders.
Spreading a message of ‘truth’ through both words and actions is an ambitious goal. It will be intriguing to see how the cleric’s vision for strengthening Islamic propagation efforts plays out on the ground.
The cleric’s remarks seem to reflect a strong conviction in the importance of spreading the faith as a divine mission. This unwavering belief in the power of religious outreach is an interesting dynamic to observe.
While the religious motivations are clear, it’s worth considering the broader sociopolitical and geopolitical implications of such concerted efforts to propagate Islam worldwide. This could have significant impacts, both positive and negative.
Ultimately, the success or failure of these religious outreach initiatives will depend on a range of factors, including their ability to resonate with diverse audiences and adapt to changing global dynamics.
This report highlights the centrality of religious messaging and missionary work in the cleric’s vision for Islam’s global impact. It will be interesting to see how these efforts evolve and are received in the broader geopolitical landscape.
The cleric’s emphasis on Islam’s historical stability and growth stemming from sustained outreach efforts is thought-provoking. It highlights the strategic role of religious messaging and missionary work in the faith’s global expansion.