Gaza’s Symbolism of Resistance Discussed at Imam Reza Shrine Gathering


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A gathering of various religions titled "Gaza, Symbol of Oppression and Strength" was held at the Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine in Mashhad, Iran, in tribute to Imam Hossein’s (AS) uprising in Karbala in 680 AD.

The event took place in Sheikh Tabarsi Hall, organized by the Scientific and Cultural Organization in partnership with the Khorasan Razavi Seminary and the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, with attendance from religious scholars of various Islamic and divine faiths.

Speaking at the event, Mohammad Amin Rasti, a Sunni scholar and Friday prayers imam from Sanandaj, Kordestan Province, emphasized Imam Hossein’s sacrifice on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram. "Islam is a sacred concept, and the enemies must know that their days are numbered now," Rasti said, as reported by the Astan news.

Rasti further asserted, "The East and West can’t divide us because we all adhere to a monotheistic principle, which requires us to maintain unity against oppressors."

Mehraban Pouladi, a member of the World Zoroastrian Organization, highlighted that followers of all divine faiths coexist peacefully in Iran. "Some people have forgotten God and replaced Him with demonic forces, leading them to act against universal principles, such as the oppression of Palestinians," Pouladi remarked.

He continued by saying that all divine faiths stand against oppression and support the oppressed, adding, "Those who advocate war are forces of the devil."

Arash Babayee, a Jewish theology professor, also emphasized that all divine faiths reject oppression, referencing the Torah’s teaching that all humans are equal in rights, with no justification for discrimination. "The term ‘peace’ recurs over 100 times in the Old Testament, underscoring its significance in Judaism," Babayee explained.

He further noted that peace is central to Jewish mysticism and that the Torah places paramount importance on justice, which opposes oppression.

A member of the Assembly of Experts recounted the history of Zionist hostility against Islam, stating, "We firmly believe that the pure blood of Palestinians will ultimately lead to their victory."

Molavi Nazir Ahmad Salami, a speaker at the event, added, "The Hamas resistance group in Gaza is a mindset that will persist even if its members are killed."

In concluding the event, Zamani, a seminary professor, discussed the resistance in Gaza from a Quranic perspective, stating, "The resistance of the people of Gaza is a continuation of the Ashura movement, as it represents the ongoing struggle between right and wrong."

Zamani concluded by citing the Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s statement on Palestine, affirming, "We believe that oppression, martyrdom, strength, and honor have always belonged to Muslims."