Permission [Condition of seminaries in the past, publicity based on spirituality]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The figures and subjects you mentioned were promising. In the past, seminaries were confined to four walls from which no one could step out. Evil propaganda was so that if a theology students wanted to express his ideas and think of organization, he would be reproached. Always there was talk of" order lies in disorder". We should regret that this revolution gained victory late. If this revolution had achieved victory 30 years ago, the situation of seminaries would have been different from what it is today. Of course, the clergy acted well and kept alive Islamic fiqh that is Ja`fari Fiqh thanks to their great struggles. Although they were confined to the realm of fiqh they did their utmost in tat area. The problem with us was that we did nothing except performing the acts of worship prescribed by fiqh. Seminaries were inactive in other areas. Prominent `ulama' would not ascend the pulpit not would carry out the propaganda that was the cornerstone of the work. The situation of philosophy was not like what it is today. Mr. Shah Abadi «1», peace of God be upon him, said when the late Aqa Mirza `Ali-Akbar Yazdi who was both a great philosopher and a knowledgeable, honest and pious man died «2», an individual ascended the pulpit and began to admire him and said;" I myself saw that he recited the Qur'an." This was the situation of theology students. Mathematics or other sciences were either nonexistent or on the sidelines. Essentially, no one thought what should be there and what should not be there. There was no movement in seminaries. Seminaries did not dispatch anyone as preacher. Of course, individuals themselves did preach but seminaries did not send anyone. Sending preachers abroad was never dreamed of. No one thought of the possibility of sending anyone abroad. However, thank God, today these issues have been settled in seminaries. I stress that fiqh should not be forgotten. It should be in the same manner it has been. Jawahiri Fiqh should be strengthened. Seminaries should devote most of their time to fiqh, usoul, philosophy, and discussion of these subjects, because fiqh is at the top of the lessons. Other subjects are also important and should be followed.

The publicity efforts should be undertaken accord with the needs and condition of the seminaries. The gentlemen should bear in mind that they should always pursue real issues. Have your books read by some learned people ask for their comments and carefully review those yourselves. Dispatch of preachers is among the very necessary affairs that should be carried out carefully. We who say want to export our revolution do not want to do so with sword but with publicity. We want to foil the massive propaganda made by communists and others against Islam with correct publicity and tell them that Islam has everything. Islam is not like present Christianity. From the beginning, the plan was to confine Islam in schools as Christianity is confirmed in Church and. unfortunately, we ourselves contributed to this thought. It was a crime to utter the term politics because the idea had been inculcated that politics belongs to the deviants. Actually, Islam is based on politics. The Prophet of Islam formed government and so did others after him for sometime and they took control of all political affairs. However, in our time the term politics could not be used. You do not remember, in the past the situation was special. Philosophy and mysticism was regarded absolute blasphemy. It was almost blasphemous for men of knowledge to learn foreign language so that they could preach abroad. Minds were backward. If we know all languages for propagation of Islam, it is a great act of worship. With our language, we cannot explain Islamic tenets for American people or other countries. Today Islam has found a foothold in most countries.

I hope you can present Islam to the people of the world. I wish God grant you reward. Of course, popularity should be based on spirituality, which is the foundation of Islam. Strive to promote spirituality and diminish formalities as much as possible. Do not be always engaged with construction of halls or buildings, but think of Islamic spirituality.

Take note that books and other things disseminated from Qum differs from books disseminated from other cities. Qum is the city of knowledge and Islam. If an offence spreads out of Qum, it will be made conspicuous in the world. May God grant all of you success!

May God's peace and mercy be upon you!