New Delhi, October 13: Prominent Shia scholar and leader Maulana Hasan Ali Rajani has sharply criticized Iran's revolutionary political ideology and regional policies. He urged the US and the international community to conduct an impartial, transparent, and evidence-based investigation into Iran's activities, its alleged foreign interference, and the role of armed groups affiliated with it. He warned that, otherwise, Iran could become a global threat, as it is currently blackmailing Shias worldwide. Beyond Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, pro-Iran Shia groups are also destabilizing the situation in African countries. Furthermore, a rift has emerged within the global Shia community: those who support Iran are labeled as "revolutionaries," while those unwilling to sacrifice their lives, wealth, and honor for the Iranian cause are branded as "traitors." Maulana Rajani stated that during his five-year stay in Iran, he developed serious concerns regarding the mindset of certain foreign religious students. He observed that students grappling with severe financial hardship and a lack of basic amenities—some of whom even resorted to stealing food—dream of attaining political power and ruling just like Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He stated that the objective of religious education should be the pursuit of knowledge, ethics, service to humanity, and human welfare, rather than fostering a desire for political dominance. Maulana Rajani pointed out that, in addition to theft, some students resort to acts such as homosexuality to meet their basic needs, finding themselves compelled to rely on such methods for survival. According to him, there is a need for a serious assessment regarding the training of students, their financial circumstances, and the influence of political ideologies within religious educational institutions. Citing the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War, he noted that the people of both nations suffered immense loss of life and property as a result of these events. Although casualties and losses in the war are estimated to range between 2.5 and 3 million, the human impact and long-term consequences were profound. Maulana Rajani also expressed concern regarding the activities of certain armed groups linked to Iran and their alleged interference in various countries. He urged the United Nations and the international community to conduct impartial investigations into these allegations and to take action in accordance with international law wherever violations are proven. Addressing the United States specifically, he emphasized the need to adopt an effective diplomatic and legal strategy regarding Iran's regional activities to ensure the sovereignty of other nations, the protection of citizens, and regional peace. Maulana Rajani clarified that his criticism is not directed at the Iranian people or Shia Muslims worldwide, but rather at specific policies, political ideologies, and activities that he considers detrimental to regional peace. He pointed out that while most nations strive for the development, economic prosperity, and peace of their people, certain regional activities linked to Iran—in his view—exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them. He emphasized that religion should not be exploited for political confrontation, foreign interference, or armed conflict. Finally, Maulana Hasan Ali Rajani stated that Muslims across the globe need peace, education, employment, economic prosperity, and a dignified life, rather than war, hatred, or political strife. He urged the international community to discourage actions that undermine the peace and stability of any society, including Muslim communities.
