Questions posted relation to article: Comments on 5 Pillars of Islam

Ghorban,

That was an interesting article, but don't you think you are being a bit harsh on Islam? After all Iran and the whole region is predominantly Muslim and are going to stay that way. I realize you are only criticizing the political aspects of Islam and not the spiritual aspects, but in Islam Politics and religion are combined and always have been.

Kaveh M

REPLY:

Thank you for the interest you have shown in my article the Five Pillars of Political Islam.

Let me reply to your question by quoting from a message by a devout Muslim who would not tolerate injustice or mischief by anyone except for the Mullahs in Iran.

A Saga Bright as Iran's Sky
Final part of message of the Shahanshah of Iran, Nowruz 1976

Iran today is an Iran of construction, an Iran of Faith, confidence and hope, an Iran of humanism and spiritual maturity This is a role which we play not only domestically but also on a global scale. We know well, and so do all other nations of the world, that Iran today is a powerful state whose economic, political and military might is increasing daily and which enjoys unprecedented international prestige.

But we have declared that our power shall be used solely for the benefit of all humanity. We want peace and progress, welfare and happiness for all other peoples. Our voice in every case is that of justice and righteousness. We see our happiness and welfare in that of others, not at their expense. The world can count on us as a powerful bulwark for justice and righteousness. And we accept this human mission with all its responsibilities willingly and consciously. 

My great and beloved nation, I must once again point out that the secret of all our national achievements lies in the spiritual heritage of Iran's ancient history, in the millennia-old relationship between Imperial leadership and national power and in the mutual selflessness of these two factors.

This unity, in harmony with the power of the Imperial Armed Forces, has produced circumstances where no factor can impede the ever-accelerating progress, of our country, or its achievement of noble national objectives. Backed by the Almighty God, you and I, hand in hand, will pursue with iron determination our victorious march toward ever-growing greatness and power and toward constantly expanding prosperity and happiness. Bolstered by our splendid heritage, we will build a future more magnificent than the past. Our eternal Iran will be more dignified, more powerful and more prosperous every day. May the God of Iran help us all along this glorious path.

This is the reason for my harsh line against Mullahs in my piece 5 pillars of Islam. Iran should deal with its dead wood first before building a strong future.

Eternal Iran is a nation state conceived in liberty by Cyrus the great and dedicated to a proposition of the most noble human aspirations and virtues. To be an Iranian is not a matter of blood; it is a matter of an idea - and Iran’s modern history spanning 2500 years of Shahanshahi, as well as it’s leading contributions to the Islamic and scientific culture of the world, is the image of that idea.