Khamenei: Knowledge Main Pillar of Seminaries

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei says knowledge is the real identity of seminaries, urging compliance with the perquisites of such a knowledge-based context.

"The main pillar of seminaries is based on knowledge and therefore the seminary should be in conformity with "knowledge-oriented" requirements, said Ayatollah Khamenei in a meeting with scholars, clerics and students of Qom's seminaries on Sunday.

Sayyed Khamenei added that seminaries should welcome questions and doubtful challenges over various issues and said that such an approach would show the consistency of seminaries to their knowledge-based identity.

Sayyed Khamenei pointed out that all "knowledge-oriented" bodies, including seminaries, should openly face challenging questions.

He referred to very serious and challenging arguments throughout the history of the seminaries and said, "This valuable approach should be maintained in different fields."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of promoting free thinking in seminaries, saying, "Free thinking is the result of a knowledge-based mind and prejudice in the field of knowledge is meaningless."

He described as a "big accusation" certain remarks about the lack of a free atmosphere for criticism in seminaries and said people of thought and contemplation are free to express their views and thoughts in all fields.

Sayyed Khamenei said opposing the suppression of views has always been an admirable tradition in seminaries and emphasized, "Seminaries should not use thoughtless ways to reject opposing views."

"You should face false opinions with firmness and prudence," Ayatollah Khamenei further explained.

He noted that education in seminaries should be based on thought, research and study, and welcomed modern methods in teaching and the production of science.

Sayyed Khamenei pointed to the hostility of arrogant powers, particularly the US and "Israel", towards the spreading of religion and stated, "Measures such as the offensive cartoons of Prophet Mohammad and the burning of the Holy Qur'an show the deep evil nature of the enemies of Islam."

"Seminaries cannot keep silent on such enmities and will take a vigilant stance on arrogant powers," emphasized Ayatollah Khamenei.

Sayyed Khamenei also urged the religious elite to draw up strategies for the educational, cultural and social development of Iran.