In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Harm to Islam due to impious `ulama' (scholars)
The great loss of the martyrdom of the late Mr. Quddousi caused sorrow and grief. I was acquainted with him for long years. He was a knowledgeable, programmatic man and was martyred in the cause of Islam. I hope God will bestow His bounteous blessings upon him. God willing, his son will also follow his path.
Regarding seminaries, I have repeatedly said that if knowledge minus piety is not harmful, it is not useful either. Islam may have not suffered as much harm from layman as it has from the impious `ulama'. Piety is the principal factor, but an ignoramus with piety may occasionally cause harm. People with righteous appearance might make mistakes due to lack of acquaintance with principles of Islam but if knowledge and piety come together in one, one will be happy in both this and the next world. Mr. Quddousi was both a scholar and a pious man.
Duty of seminaries in Islamic order
Nowadays seminaries should make more efort than previous times in introducing Islamic issues and fiqh. Fiqh should remain intact in the same way our mentors provided. Since Iran needs men of knowledge at this moment, the gentlemen should go ahead with their services, however temporarily. Although studying fiqh is a priority, all our efforts are for safeguarding Islam. If today for safeguarding Islam the gentlemen are required to join the warfronts and encourage the combatants, they should do so. So are judicial affairs. Judgment and its mastery had been denied to theology schools, and no one would think of getting involved with it. As result there was and is much to be desired. Despite the fact that formerly I did not let judgment to be made by emulation, but since we have shortage, those who can manage it by emulation, there is no objection today. You might know that the holy Shari`ah has put great emphasis on judgment, but in the past some, even communisted exercised judgment. The gentlemen should participate in this matter so that the impious people cannot grab this great position. We are duty bound to safeguard the Islamic judgment and other aspects until the Islamic Republic finds its right track. Then the `ulama' will be able to return to their posts that are noblest of all. From the outset, I reiterated that it is beneath the dignity of `ulama' to accept government responsibility. I thought things would go ahead smoothly without them, but after a while, I realized if the same condition prevailed, Islam would be at stake. Therefore, we had to go back to square one, retracted my words. As long as competent individuals have not been found to replace them, they should remain. I hope God will protect you so that you can continue with your education and service.
May God's peace and mercy be upon you!