Ayatollah Khamenei: Strictness Towards 'Infidels' Instead of Condemning Terrorism

On the occasion of the Unity Week of Shia and Sunni Muslims, Ayatollah Khamenei defended the unity of Islamic sects during a meeting with system officials and guests at the 28th International Conference on Islamic Unity on December 10, 2014. This approach is ethically justified, provided that the discriminations that both sides impose against each other in their countries are eliminated. Even if other Muslim countries do not take action in this regard, the Shia jurists ruling Iran must eradicate all institutionalized discriminations and inequalities against Muslim sects to prove that their slogans are not born out of necessity and fear of terrorist groups. Although there is no clear outlook on the elimination of discrimination against Islamic sects, we assume that at least the Islamic Republic intends to take serious steps in this regard, and in a future dream, they too will enjoy civil and political rights. Denial of Religious Pluralism Ayatollah Khamenei, to prevent any misunderstanding regarding the scope of unity, dedicated the final part of his speech to Jews and Christians. He explicitly stated that the claims made about religious pluralism contradict the Quran. Naturally, every believer considers the truth of their religion as epistemological truth and believes that adhering to religious commandments leads to eternal happiness; otherwise, they would not adhere to that religion. Although the majority of people's religiosity is conditioned by being born into a family with a specific religion and living in a specific country, if an individual concludes that their beliefs are false and that following their religion's commandments will not lead to eternal happiness, they will abandon that religion. Believers who consider their religion to be the truth have adopted three different approaches towards the truthfulness and salvific nature of other religions: a) Religious exclusivism: Only my religion is the absolute truth and brings salvation. Other religions are false, and their followers do not attain eternal happiness. b) Religious inclusivism: The absolute truth is in my religion, but the beliefs and commandments of other religions benefit from truth to the extent that they are compatible with my religion's beliefs and commandments. c) Religious pluralism: All religions benefit from truth and are different paths to God and eternal happiness. Ayatollah Khamenei explicitly denies the third approach and considers it contrary to the Quran. He is well aware that there are multiple verses in the Quran that pluralists cite. Therefore, he first refers to one of the verses cited by pluralists: "Say, 'We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims to Him.'" (Quran 2:136). Ayatollah Khamenei then tells the audience that the Quran adds in the next verse: "And if they believe in the like of what you believe, then they have certainly been guided; but if they turn away, they are in dissension, and Allah will suffice for you against them, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing." (Quran 2:137). After reciting this verse, Ayatollah Khamenei states: "Islam does not accept pluralism; those who promote the idea that 'Islam, because it honors Moses and Jesus, accepts pluralism' should refer to the Quran, review Islamic texts; they mention something out of ignorance and negligence; this is Islam... this is the meaning of the Quran." The current writing does not aim to argue with Ayatollah Khamenei regarding whether the Quran is compatible with pluralism, inclusivism, or exclusivism; his interpretation of the Quran denies religious pluralism. Our issue is his next step. Harshness Towards 'Infidels' Ayatollah Khamenei's goal is to assert that unity, mercy, and compassion are exclusive to Muslims. To support his claim, he first cites this verse: "There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; he is concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful." (Quran 9:128). Ayatollah Khamenei states that the Prophet's mercy and compassion are for believers (Muslims), not non-Muslims. The followers of the Prophet are those who deal harshly with infidels. Therefore, you should be the same. Ayatollah Khamenei supports his claim with this verse: "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves." (Quran 48:29). Ayatollah Khamenei concludes: "Regarding the Prophet, it is said that 'he is concerned for you and merciful to the believers.' But 'they are severe against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves,' so be severe against those who are hostile to you and are your enemies; do not be like a soft earthwork that the enemy can penetrate from anywhere; be strong, stand firm, but 'be merciful among yourselves'; keep your hearts clear with each other, be kind to one another; names should not separate you, geographical borders should not make you enemies; this is one of the lessons of the Prophet." Text and Context This text is delivered in a specific context. On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, the Paris terrorist attack occurred. On the same day, he met with the people of Qom and made no mention of this issue. Perhaps he had not yet heard the news of the Paris incident. However, the Friday speech took place while all the world's media were publishing news of the Paris clashes moment by moment. Before his speech, Hassan Rouhani spoke and condemned the Paris attacks. However, Ayatollah Khamenei also made no mention of the Paris crime in his Friday speech. He should have condemned this crime committed by Muslim terrorists. At the very least, he could have said, like many Muslims, that this crime has nothing to do with Islam. But instead, he spoke of denying religious pluralism and strictness towards infidels. In this speech, he referred to the million-strong Arbaeen march and said that this march, as the 'largest gathering in the world,' brought 'honor' and 'glory' to the world. The enemies of Islam witnessed the dignity and greatness of Muslims in this 'great movement.' The unity of Muslims can have such consequences against enemies. Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the enemy wants to incite Muslims and Islamic countries against each other. But they must have 'insight' and know that 'the interest' of all lies in unity against the enemies. He then added: 'Who is the enemy? The enemy is American capitalism and global arrogance, which today is led by America and the Zionists - the Zionist elements - whose Zionist government in occupied Palestine is also part of that dangerous collective and that deadly cancer that the Zionists have created in the world. We must stand against them; we must refer to Islam, refer to the texts of the Quran.' Peaceful Exclusivism Ayatollah Khamenei must believe in religious inclusivism. To the extent that Judaism and Christianity are compatible with Islam, he would consider them truth and salvific. But let us strengthen the suspicion and claim that Khamenei believes in 'religious exclusivism.' If this is the case, is the only remaining path conflict and war with false religions? The answer to this question is negative. For a religious exclusivist who considers their religion to be 'absolute truth' and 'the absolute truth,' and regards other religions as 'false' and 'untrue,' there is no escape from believing in 'the right and the wrong.' Without belief in 'the right and the wrong,' peace will be destroyed. If global security and peace for all humans are considered a noble ideal, even if they are exclusivists, they will practice tolerance towards 'the wrongs/falsities.' In this case, Hafiz would say: 'The comfort of the two worlds is the interpretation of these two words: With friends, be kind; with enemies, be tolerant.' However, if for an exclusivist, peace and the lives of humans - regardless of gender, ethnicity, and religion - do not have intrinsic value, then they will welcome war and terrorism. The crimes of terrorists must be condemned in any case. Being Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, or Hindu does not justify terrorism. Yes, the Paris terrorists were Muslims, but this fact necessitates that we critique and condemn their crime and the theoretical support for their actions with the utmost intensity.