Martyred Leader Considered Palestine the Heart of the Islamic Ummah

He noted that Iran's leaders since the Islamic Revolution—from Imam Khomeini to the martyred Khamenei—have understood this truth better than anyone else, adding that Palestine held a special place in the Leader's conscience and actions, and that the Palestinian cause was his greatest concern.

Sheikh Qasim drew a parallel between today's situation in Palestine and the tragedy of Karbala, stating: "Just as Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions were deprived of water, besieged, and their bodies mutilated in Karbala, today the Palestinian people—especially in Gaza—are facing siege, starvation, and unprecedented crimes systematically carried out by the Zionist regime with U.S. support."

The head of the Palestine Scholars Council, referring to Iran's role in supporting Palestine, regretted that many Arab leaders have either abandoned Palestine or collaborated with the enemies, while the Islamic Republic of Iran—inspired by Quranic teachings and prophetic tradition—has raised the banner of defending Palestine. He cited the Quranic verse: *"And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people"* (47:38) and the Prophet's hadith about "men from Persia," identifying today's Iranians as the fulfillment of that prophecy.

Sheikh Qasim emphasized the enormous capacities of the Islamic Ummah, noting that it possesses four strategic waterways—the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Bosphorus—control over which would influence the entire world. He added that Iran, in the recent war, used the Strait of Hormuz as a leverage point to push the world toward ending the conflict. He also cited oil and gas resources, a population of two billion Muslims, and scientific and technological capabilities as other assets of the Ummah, stating: "If this Ummah unites, all of humanity will follow; however, we do not seek domination over others, but rather to protect our dignity and security against the aggression of our enemies."

The head of the Palestine Scholars Council stressed the necessity of rapprochement (taqrib) among Islamic sects, describing it not as a new idea but as a religious and rational imperative. He recalled that major Islamic scholars have always emphasized unity, citing the historical fatwa of Sheikh Shaltout, former Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which permitted following the Twelver Shi'a school of thought. Qasim warned that internal divisions are exactly what the Zionists and the U.S. seek, pointing to examples in Syria, Lebanon, and other parts of the region where division has been exploited to occupy lands and plunder the Ummah's resources.

Sheikh Qasim further addressed the martyred Leader's legacy in Islamic civilization-building, calling the Islamic Revolution of Iran the greatest practical example of implementing an authentic Islamic approach. He stated: "If the entire Islamic Ummah follows this clear path, generations will be freed from oppression and tyranny." He also emphasized the need to convey the message of resistance to global public opinion, noting that the Leader's letters to Western youth exemplify this approach—presenting true Islam through the language of compassion and reason. Referring to the Prophet's (PBUH) conduct with non-Muslims, he added: "Islam teaches us to treat all people with kindness, and this is the best practical invitation to Islam."

In conclusion, Sheikh Hussein Qasim stressed that unity is the key to victory for the Islamic Ummah and called on all Muslims to follow the path of the martyred Leader, recognize the divisive plots of the enemies, and stand united in the cause of liberating Palestine and restoring the dignity of the Islamic nation.