Cultural Revolution

Cultural Revolution

Bibliographic Information:

Main Author: Nekounam, Mohammad Reza (b. 1927)
Title: Cultural Revolution: An Inquiry into the Nature, Causes, and Process of the Shiite Cultural Revolution and its Export / Nekounam.
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Islamshahr: Sobh-e-Farda, 2014
Physical Details: 60 pages, 19×9.5 cm
ISBN: 978-600-7347-58-4
National Bibliography Number: 3671794
Previous Edition: Zohour-e-Shafaq, 2007
Subjects: Cultural Revolution
Congress Classification: DSR1591 / A84N8 2014
Dewey Classification: 955.08404

Foreword:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Muhammad and his pure family, and everlasting curse upon all their enemies.

The term Cultural Revolution is one that has been frequently used in cultural and political circles since the Islamic Revolution of Iran, with numerous institutions and organizations adopting it as the guiding principle of their activities. Additionally, a council was formed to address this topic. Furthermore, the concept of “Export of the Revolution” became a controversial issue, significantly influencing Iran’s foreign policy.

But what exactly is a cultural revolution? What characteristics and features does it have, and how does it evolve and come to fruition? What is the relationship between the cultural revolution and the export of revolution? Is Iranian society ready for such a cultural revolution, and is it necessary?

This work engages with these questions by philosophically examining the nature, causes, and process of the cultural revolution. It proposes an effective model for it, identifies the problems and challenges of this movement, and suggests solutions. The fundamental principles of any revolution, particularly the cultural one, are “knowledge” and “justice,” and the work emphasizes the importance of avoiding division, despotism, and adornment on this blessed path.

And the last of our supplications is that all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

Cultural Revolution

In the spoken language of the people, there are several well-known terms that are universally familiar and understood, often more so than other concepts. Words like “revolution,” “culture,” and “cultural revolution” are examples of such terms.

These simple and complex concepts, although some of the oldest human ideas, are also among the most contemporary terms, especially cultural revolution, which has garnered significant attention in recent human history. This concept not only attracts the attention of the domestic population but also captivates people outside the country.

These terms carry the essence of hope and vitality, forming the most beautiful words in the human lexicon. From them, new and abundant discourses and various, sometimes contradictory, ideas emerge, with many incorrect interpretations and understandings in human memory and thought. It is rare to encompass all aspects of these terms in a general analysis; instead, each facet should be examined in detail and distinction.

Practical inconsistencies and occasional misunderstandings of these words have led to risks that question their inherent merits and have jeopardized their value.

In general, it can be said that culture, revolution, and their combined meaning—cultural revolution—have multiple dimensions, diverse aspects, and numerous characteristics. Each of these should be discussed and scientifically analyzed in its own right. This concise text takes on the responsibility of addressing such a significant issue.

Revolution

The word revolution signifies a conscious change, transformation, and upheaval, accompanied by movement and action. This change in direction, form, and content originates from the awareness, vision, and collective will of leadership and the public. Regardless of its form or content, from the point of inception to the final goal, revolution presents a clear slogan, whether it aligns with or diverges from the reality of social structures and actions.

Culture

Culture in any society reflects the level of knowledge, awareness, wisdom, tradition, and the general conduct of its people. Despite its vast complexity, culture maintains a simple and intuitive understanding across all languages, and its interpretation seems to be shared universally across nations.

Culture is a straightforward concept, yet it carries a profound and eloquent meaning. Despite its clarity in understanding, it also possesses a particular complexity, such that a proper and logical understanding of even a fragment of it requires considerable scholarly and practical abilities.

Cultural Revolution

The cultural revolution refers to a distinct type of transformation and change, deeply rooted in intellectual foundations, grounded in logical principles, and focused on the conscious demand for change. Its aim is to alter culture and transform it into a new cultural paradigm, working towards the purification of thought and behavior. It seeks to break down the mental and practical structures of society, reconfiguring and redefining them.

As different cultures may vary significantly, with thoughts and practices fundamentally alien to one another, revolutions can also differ in their form, content, goals, and the forces driving them, often leading to significant incongruence.

In a cultural revolution, the most essential element is the combined meaning of the two terms and their tangible progression. This revolution must maintain consistency with public perceptions and logical understandings, ensuring it is appropriately displayed in society and embraced by its people.

For a revolution—especially a cultural revolution—to be valued, the societal transformation it causes must have a clear goal, adhering to human rights and dignity in all its dimensions. Despite the shortcomings often found in many revolutions, where personal, factional, and partisan interests dominate, cultural revolutions can still be regarded as a life-affirming hope, worthy of support.

What is crucial for all those involved in a revolutionary movement is to maintain an optimistic outlook, avoiding despair and working to improve and refine every step of the process. This will ultimately lead humanity to greater progress and remove obstacles to happiness.

However, recognizing the positive aspects and identifying harmful barriers in such movements is far from easy. Particularly in the midst of revolution, when people are emotionally and ideologically tied to its progress, distinguishing between real values and counter-values can be challenging.

With time, as old and new desires fade, and false promises become clear, ordinary people may realize their hopes were unmet, and their dreams dissipated. In such circumstances, intellectual leaders must guide the people, offering support, clarity, and direction, helping them avoid despair while keeping them focused on their true goals.

To prevent societal disasters and failures, it is essential to educate people at all levels about the principles of political theory and the history of revolutions, enabling them to understand future events and fostering the skills necessary to overcome challenges and strengthen their resolve in the face of setbacks.

Cultural Revolution

Bibliographic Information:

Main Author: Nekounam, Mohammad Reza (b. 1927)
Title: Cultural Revolution: An Inquiry into the Nature, Causes, and Process of the Shiite Cultural Revolution and its Export / Nekounam.
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Islamshahr: Sobh-e-Farda, 2014
Physical Description: 60 pages, 19×9.5 cm
ISBN: 978-600-7347-58-4
National Bibliography Number: 3671794
Previous Edition: Zohour-e-Shafaq, 2007
Subjects: Cultural Revolution
Congress Classification: DSR1591 / A84N8 2014
Dewey Classification: 955.08404

Preface:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Muhammad and his pure family, and everlasting curse upon all their enemies.

The term Cultural Revolution has been frequently referenced in cultural and political circles since the Islamic Revolution of Iran, with many institutions and organisations adopting it as the guiding principle of their activities. Moreover, a council was formed to discuss this subject. Furthermore, the notion of “Export of Revolution” became a controversial topic that significantly impacted Iran’s foreign policy.

But what exactly is a cultural revolution? What are its characteristics and features, and how does it come into being and achieve its objectives? What is the relationship between the cultural revolution and the export of revolution, and is Iranian society ready for such a cultural revolution? Is it even necessary?

This work addresses these questions by philosophically reflecting on the nature, causes, and process of the cultural revolution, proposes an effective framework for it, highlights the challenges and risks of such movements, and suggests solutions. The fundamental basis of any revolution, especially a cultural one, is “knowledge” and “justice.” The text stresses the importance of avoiding division, despotism, and superfluous embellishments along this righteous path.

And our final prayer is that all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Cultural Revolution

In the spoken language of people, there are several commonly known terms that are universally familiar, often more so than other concepts. Terms such as “revolution,” “culture,” and “cultural revolution” are examples of these.

These simple yet complex terms, while some of the oldest human concepts, are also some of the most contemporary, especially cultural revolution, which has drawn considerable attention in recent human history. This concept not only captivates the attention of the domestic population but also engages people outside the country.

These terms carry with them the essence of hope and vitality, forming some of the most beautiful words in the human lexicon. From them emerge new, abundant discourses, various ideas—sometimes contradictory—and, at times, numerous misconceptions and misunderstandings within human memory and thought. It is rare that all aspects of these terms can be comprehensively examined within a general framework. Each facet of these terms must be analysed distinctly and in detail.

The practical inconsistencies and occasional misinterpretations of these terms have led to risks that question their inherent merits, jeopardising their natural value.

In general, it can be said that culture, revolution, and their combined meaning, cultural revolution, possess multiple facets, various dimensions, and numerous characteristics. Each of these must be discussed and scientifically analysed in its own right. This brief text undertakes to address this significant topic in a concise manner.

Revolution

The word revolution denotes the concept of change, transformation, and conscious upheaval, accompanied by movement and action. This change in direction, form, and content originates from the awareness, vision, and collective will of leadership and the public. Regardless of its form or content, from its inception to its ultimate goal, a revolution presents a clear slogan, whether it aligns with or diverges from the reality of social structures and actions.

Culture

Culture within any society represents the level of knowledge, awareness, wisdom, tradition, and the general conduct of its people. Despite its vast complexity, culture maintains a simple and intuitive understanding across all languages, with its interpretations largely shared universally across different nations.

Culture is a straightforward concept, yet it carries profound meaning. While it is clear in its understanding, it also possesses a particular complexity, such that a correct and logical understanding of even a fragment of it requires considerable scholarly and practical expertise.

Cultural Revolution

The cultural revolution refers to a distinctive type of transformation, a deep-rooted intellectual shift founded upon logical principles and a conscious demand for change. Its objective is to alter the prevailing culture, transforming it into a new cultural paradigm, while striving to purify thoughts and actions. In this process, it seeks to dismantle and reshape the mental and practical structures of society.

Just as one culture may be fundamentally different from another—where thoughts and actions may be radically alien to one another, with one valuing certain aspects while the other considers them counterproductive—so too may revolutions differ in their form, content, objectives, and the forces propelling them, often resulting in significant incongruence.

In a cultural revolution, the most critical element is the combined meaning of the two terms and the tangible course of action that follows. This revolution must resonate with the public’s understanding and logical reasoning, ensuring it is appropriately manifested in society and embraced by its people.

For a revolution—especially a cultural revolution—to be regarded as valuable, the societal transformation it brings about must have a clear and purposeful goal, respecting human dignity and rights in all its dimensions. Although many revolutions fail to meet all the necessary conditions, and numerous movements are driven by personal, factional, or partisan interests, a cultural revolution can still be regarded as a life-affirming hope, worthy of support.

What is crucial for everyone involved in the revolutionary movement is to maintain an optimistic outlook, preventing despair and continuously refining and improving every step of the process. This will lead humanity to greater progress, removing the barriers to happiness and prosperity.

However, it is essential to recognise that identifying the positive aspects and discerning the harmful barriers within such movements is no easy task. Particularly at the time of revolution, when people are emotionally and ideologically invested in its progress, distinguishing between true values and counter-values can be difficult.

With the passage of time, as old and new desires fade and false promises become evident, ordinary people may realise that their hopes were not realised, and their dreams have dissipated. In such circumstances, intellectual leaders must guide the people, offering support, clarity, and direction, helping them avoid despair while keeping them focused on their true objectives.

To prevent societal disasters and failures, it is vital to educate people at all levels about the principles of political theory, the history of revolutions, and the broader context of societal changes, helping them understand future events. This education will enable them to develop the necessary skills to confront challenges and rebuild their resolve when faced with setbacks.

Roots of Disagreement

All disagreements and variances in thought and action can be divided into two categories:

First: Disagreements that stem from differences in intellectual foundations and multiple thoughts that lead to diverse actions.

Second: Disagreements that arise from human deficiencies and selfish desires, or from devilish inclinations.

The first type of disagreement is related to the failure to properly implement the first principle, i.e., “rational knowledge,” while the second type results from the failure to realize the second principle, i.e., “moral fairness.” True knowledge and understanding of thought may sometimes accompany multiple aims and diverse opinions, but they do not lead to conflict or disarray because, in this case, reasoning and rational argument prevail, which are grounded in stronger foundations and more substantial evidence. Despotism and selfishness are absent from such intellectual discourse. On the other hand, if disagreements are rooted in selfish desires and devilish inclinations, they can never manifest as clear and meaningful—particularly among the righteous—if fairness is upheld.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the absence of disagreement is not only socially necessary but is also a fundamental component of the two preceding principles.

Avoidance of Despotism

Although many revolutions are associated with force and despotism, and sometimes unhealthy means play a central role in their realization, a cultural revolution and a movement based on reason, logic, and argument can never allow for despotism to take root. What must drive the movement and its realization are thought, reasoning, and substantiated opinions, whether they arise independently from the people or are propagated through leadership within society.

Cultural revolution leaders must be individuals of religious or scholarly integrity, and dictators and despots can never lead a healthy cultural revolution.

However, this does not imply that a cultural revolution should be disarmed or devoid of resistance, struggle, and conflict against the enemy, nor should it passively surrender to oppression and force.

Sometimes, a cultural revolution or revolutionary culture may face the ruthless hands of despots and encounter groups that know nothing but force and despotism, who, with harshness and cruelty, create obstacles and difficulties. In such instances, the only viable option may be to engage in a forceful confrontation with such groups and defend the existence of the revolution and culture through both weapons and wisdom.

This does not mean, however, that a revolution—especially a cultural revolution—should impose its ideas upon others through force and violence, nor should it strip people of their freedoms. A revolution, just as it cannot have a despotic foundation, cannot use force and despotism to realize a culture unless it seeks to use the superficialities of culture to advance its tyrannical and deceptive goals.

The Ideology of the Cultural Revolution

Any cultural revolution necessarily requires a clear and articulate ideology, underpinned by scientific and robust foundations. From the outset, its trajectory must be defined toward a specific goal in a scientific, intellectual, and ideological manner.

This type of intellectual or ideological framework is best represented by divine religion or by individuals possessing pure knowledge and thought. Popular movements and authoritarian leaders cannot lay claim to the leadership of a cultural revolution.

Throughout human history, the divine prophets have been the foremost pioneers of cultural revolutions. In their contemporary societies, they employed the clearest methods of leadership and approach, adapted to the time and the people they led.

It is important to acknowledge that, although later deviations and distortions have diminished the importance and vitality of these movements, the positive effects of the prophets’ genuine movements still stand as the most exemplary forms of cultural revolution in human history and society.

The movements of the divine prophets can be considered the most complete cultural revolutions, and their revolutionary methods are the best means for societal growth. Their movements have served to completely dismantle vices and reinforce virtues.

Each of the infallible Imams, peace be upon them, not only presented their own innovations but also worked to strengthen the correct beliefs of one another. They continually strove to enhance purity and never engaged in the destruction of the fixed positions of one another.

Their movements were free from any desires, personal ambitions, or sensual passions, and lacked any individual, group, or tribal interests. Their path was consistent, coordinated, and supported by divine revelation and infallibility, remaining free from deviation or corruption at the leadership level.

Revelation and infallibility are exclusive to the divine prophets and a select group of rightful leaders, and other leaders from any faction, group, or era are devoid of these two exceptional qualities. Even the followers of the prophets and righteous religious leaders are not granted these attributes, nor can they ever attain such a status. Thus, revelation and infallibility are specific to the prophets and a select few of the divine leaders, and this distinction clearly defines the divine nature of their movements.

The Pitfalls of Revolution

In religious movements and revolutions that carry the title of cultural revolution, one must avoid all forms of “populism” and “sloganeering.” It is essential to protect the positions and directions of the movement from any harmful adornments and to ensure that personal ideas are not propagated to the public under the guise of divine or rightful reasoning.

Adornments are the greatest harm to religious movements and cultural revolutions. Over time, adornments negate the positive effects and benefits of any movement, causing it to regress.

Secrecy

A cultural revolution and a religious movement must have clear and transparent positions. In this regard, one must strictly avoid any hidden agendas and should not lead the people down a path that they do not desire. Likewise, the personal desires of the people should not dominate the movement.

Personal Goals

Using the emotions and feelings of the people for personal or group objectives is a dangerous and undesirable act. Internal factions of a movement should never exploit the public’s goodwill excessively for personal or group gains.

In all religious and ideological movements, revolutions, and cultural revolutions, the emotions and sentiments of the people, public demonstrations, and public rituals, as well as caution and secrecy in key political decisions, are among the most effective and powerful political tools that can resolve conflicts and help safeguard the movement. However, these tools should never be used to harm the public or cause them suffering.

Had it not been for the various adornments and hypocritical actions of the leaders of different religious sects, along with the ignorance and naïveté of the people, the true effects of religion throughout history would have been far more evident, and its material and spiritual benefits would have been clear to all.

Exporting Revolution and its Prerequisites

Religion is the best method and the most excellent program for the prosperity and advancement of human societies. In today’s era, only Islam has the capacity to lead and guide humanity.

The sacred religion of Islam is the only enduring and immutable religion in our time and in all times. It is Islam alone that can bring about a clear and healthy cultural revolution in humanity today, and its commands, laws, and principles, grounded in the strongest arguments and reasoning, will guide humanity toward its destined goal.

Islam is the religion of civilization and vitality. Its vast content is an ocean of material and spiritual knowledge and enlightenment, and it is only through the actualization of Islam that society and people can be guided toward it, breathing its spirit into every individual of the community.

Such a perspective on Islam is not easily understood by all Islamic thinkers or even scholars, and it must be stated clearly that Islam can only lead humanity if it is free from backwardness, rigidity, and dogmatism. Words should not play a central role in interpreting its teachings, and no distortion or amalgamation should occur in its laws and meanings. The stamp of rejection must be placed on the ugly face of reaction in every sense of the word.

Islam, where only infallibility and revelation play a central role, places the teachings and traditions of the Imams in front of all ideas, opposing any distortion or manipulation, is the true Islam.

Islam that can lead the world today is free from any reactionary face, devoid of despair and hopelessness, far from any extremism or deviation, and is fully aware of the actual needs of society and the people, working earnestly to address their problems.

In today’s world, Islam can play a central role in societal growth and movement if its principles of revelation and infallibility remain intact. It invites all of humanity to happiness, combats any deviations or manipulations, and stands against every form of injustice, oppression, and tyranny.

Such a pure and complete understanding of Islam is achievable only within the framework of the true Shia faith, and it is the Shia people who possess this dynamic vitality.

The profound Quranic interpretations and the eloquent thoughts of the Imams concerning the truth of the world and humanity, when applied with the best scientific and practical methods, can transform the world today and attract the attention of the world’s scholars and aware individuals. This represents the complete form of a cultural revolution, and exporting the revolution is only possible through such a view of Islam, with the scientific recognition and practical application of Shia culture.

Naturally, such a culture, stemming from the dynamic and true Islamic religion and the rightful Shia school, cannot be devoid of solid foundations and secure laws. Therefore, in order to export the revolution, the teachings and cultural beliefs of Shia must be presented clearly and thoughtfully in a peaceful and open environment, without force, conflict, or blind fanaticism, using correct and transparent methods to introduce this culture to the world.

The export of the Shia revolution can only take place freely and calmly, with its rich and sound ideological content. For its realization, it is necessary to consider various factors, including the content and direction of export, and to keep away from negligence, misguided thinking, and wrong actions in this cultural and revolutionary movement.

Personal Preferences, Hereditary Dogmatism, Scientific Deficiencies, and Coerced Inferiority Should Not Play a Role in Such Movements

No individual, whether part of a revolutionary movement or a leading group in an uprising, should act irresponsibly in a manner that would otherwise lead to public harm.

Selfishness and autocracy can be the most detrimental factors to the destruction of the Shiite revolutionary culture. Such individual or group deficiencies hinder the positive and forward movement of the Shiite cultural revolution and bring about neglect and widespread despair.

A revolutionary society and an Islamic community can only become a healthy and dynamic model when, in addition to the existence of established laws and pride in its doctrinal values and traditional foundations, it enjoys public health, reasonable correctness, and a proper proportion of growth and perfection in the intellectual life of society and its people. It is clear that the realization of such qualities of perfection is only possible with knowledge and fairness.

If a people are deprived of sound thinking, fail to understand realities correctly, and, in general, resort to force, deception, and hypocrisy, while the violation of others’ rights becomes common practice, they can never be considered a healthy and proper people. Let alone being a model for others.

A society or people immersed in ignorance, inclined towards injustice and tyranny, can never be progressive or pioneering. Their ethical virtues weaken, and they cannot adequately benefit from the teachings of religion, the Qur’an, or the lofty guidance of the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). They would grasp only inadequate forms of these truths and meanings.

It is not the case that anyone, under any circumstances, can truly benefit from the religion and the Qur’an. Without having acquired the necessary foundations and conditions, the laws and divine teachings will not apply to everyone, and not all individuals, with their different dispositions, can benefit properly from Islam and the Qur’an.

The Holy Qur’an can be likened to clean and pure water, which is sweet and pleasant only to the healthy, while it is neither appealing nor enjoyable to a sick person. This imperfection lies not in the water but in the taste of the sick person, as the water itself is pure and sweet, a quality only perceptible to the healthy palate.

Similarly, a hand soiled with the filth of impurity cannot be cleansed by the purest water alone; it must first be washed with a cleansing substance to remove the impurity before it can be made pure by clean water.

When the soul and heart of an individual are polluted by personal desires and the temptations of Satan, expecting to derive benefit from the religion and the Qur’an is futile. The Qur’an is beneficial only to the pure soul and clean heart. A corrupted soul or impure heart will gain little from the Qur’an.

An ignorant person, deprived of understanding, or one who is oppressive and unjust, can never gain anything from the Qur’an or religion, even if they consider themselves religious or spiritually devoted.

The Qur’an and religion are decisive, and while they are a cure for the pure heart and the guide for the righteous, they bring only loss and harm to the oppressor and the unjust. The true understanding of the Qur’an and religious law is reserved for the pure-hearted, just, and fair-minded.

Although anyone can formally become part of the religious community through professing the oneness of God and observing external purification, the deeper spiritual truths and the true meanings of divine teachings are not accessible to everyone without the purification of the soul and the sanctity of the heart.

The Outcome of the Cultural Revolution

The fundamental role of the cultural revolution is to naturally and appropriately cleanse the hearts and minds of the people from ignorance and injustice, bringing about clarity of thought and the widespread practice of knowledge and fairness among them.

The cultural revolution must guide the people towards a point where, without the use of force, threat, or oppression, they naturally strive towards divine knowledge and spiritual truths, with a sincere desire for purity and closeness to the sacred.

Knowledge and fairness are not like medicine that can be forcibly administered to a sick child, but rather they are genuine truths that lead to happiness. They can only be genuinely appreciated and attained in an atmosphere of compassion, contentment, purity, and integrity.

Force, threats, and oppression only drive people towards hollow external practices, stripping their hearts of any true religious meaning, and even causing them to become repulsed by religion. A divine government and cultural revolution must aim to govern the hearts of people, focusing its efforts on winning their hearts. This should be the primary goal, and it must be the foundation upon which the culture of the revolution is built.

The exportation of the cultural revolution is the exportation of religion, knowledge, wisdom, growth, elevation, and mysticism. All these truths can only be realized through purity, sincerity, and the freedom to act accordingly.

It is the people themselves, with their pure and healthy nature, who must seek the truths and pursue goodness. Governments, revolutions, and cultural leaders can only play a guiding role in this process, and such a role can only be effective in shaping society. It is the people who must move towards goodness, and such a movement can never be based on coercion or threat. However, in specific instances, rebellious and restless individuals must be handled separately, and an appropriate response based on justice and fairness must be determined. It is clear that the leaders of society must not use this as an excuse to become oppressive toward the general population, as this represents a significant failure in leadership and management.

The Necessity of the Cultural Revolution

In the present world, the cultural revolution is of particular importance, as the world is in need of healing and reform. People around the world feel a deep sense of loss, seeking a tangible truth that they can hold onto, and they endure great hardships in pursuit of it. Despite their efforts, they often fail to achieve success in this endeavour.

Many movements, revolutions, and cultural shifts across the world have failed to quench the inner thirst of humanity, nor have they managed to calm the restless human soul or bring peace to the oppressed. The chaotic thoughts of people have not been directed along a clear and purposeful path, and no movement has yet managed to guide everyone effectively.

What is significant in this context is that although these movements mobilise large numbers of people and inspire them to hope for a better future, they ultimately fail and lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Their fleeting hopes often turn into despair and frustration.

The Hope of the People

What we can infer from all of this is that a movement or revolution that can guide the people of the world towards hope, happiness, salvation, and peace must have a rich cultural foundation capable of addressing the current obstacles in the world. This foundation must provide clear pathways for just and correct actions in society.

A rich revolutionary culture, bearing the full weight of a healthy cultural revolution, can only be found in the authentic religion of the Twelver Shia. This claim is not based on prejudice or selfishness, but on various scientific foundations that can be clearly demonstrated. The shortest and clearest evidence to support this claim is the infallibility and doctrinal purity of Shia Islam, which is based on the Qur’an and the Imams’ guidance. Only this faith is founded on the principles of infallibility and divine revelation, where no place exists for error or deviation.

Characteristics of Shiite Culture

The doctrinal culture of Shia Islam can be outlined in several general directions, summarised as follows:

1. The Shia religious culture is based on divine revelation and infallibility. It views all existence from the perspective of infallibility, placing creation and the Creator on the axis of justice and the struggle against oppression. The Prophets and Imams are regarded as infallible in all their actions, words, and deeds, and any deviation or rebellion from this sacred domain is rejected.
2. Shia beliefs are grounded in logical reasoning, precise scientific understanding, and mystical insight, which can purify the soul and address the inner thirst of individuals, bringing peace to unsettled thoughts. The logical approach of Shia philosophy directs both ordinary people and scholars towards a proper understanding of the world and human nature, making the understanding of tangible realities accessible to all.
3. The spirit of justice in Shia thought actively works to create a society free of oppression and tyranny, rejecting any form of injustice. Shia culture mobilises people to actively pursue this goal, whether through ordinary individuals or through divine power, ultimately culminating in the complete realisation of justice by the savior of humanity, the Mahdi (may God hasten his appearance).

It is clear that this belief is not only a religious necessity but also an intellectual one. Delayed fulfilment of this goal weakens the faith of the weak and aimless, while the prolonged absence of the Mahdi brings significant challenges. However, human efforts and temporal actions will pave the way for his emergence, and it is through this struggle that some will be fortunate to witness his appearance.

Awaiting the Savior

Shia Islam, with its genuine beliefs that are rich in knowledge, mysticism, effort, and social guidance, always fosters hope, vitality, and effort in the minds and hearts of its followers. It steers them away from despair and promotes active engagement in societal transformation. While the longing for the return of Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his appearance) is accompanied by grief and sorrow, Shia Muslims are never deterred from any form of action. They guide others towards this mentality, embracing every positive movement or revolution that aligns with their doctrinal principles, acknowledging its strengths while dismissing its negative aspects without conflict or dispute. They reserve confrontation and struggle only for those who deny truth and stand in opposition to it. Against such opponents, only the language of power is appropriate, and with strength and determination, they stand against them, ensuring that these forces of evil are deprived of any hope or success.