Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: Protect Legitimate Grievances from Exploitation, Uphold National Stability
Qom, Iran – Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has issued a crucial statement addressing the nation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national stability and guiding legitimate public concerns away from destructive exploitation. The senior cleric underscored the collective responsibility to prevent disorder, which he asserted solves no problems, while urging vigilance against external influences seeking to destabilize the country.
Acknowledging Public Grievances
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi began by acknowledging the widespread distress caused by current market conditions and challenges to people’s livelihoods. He recognized these issues as a source of concern for all citizens, indicating an understanding of the underlying causes of potential public discontent.
Warning Against Exploitation and Chaos
While validating the legitimacy of these public grievances, the Ayatollah issued a strong warning against their manipulation. He urged all members of society, particularly national elites, to exercise extreme caution to ensure that genuine concerns do not become a pretext for exploitation by “enemy factors.” He stressed that “chaos solves no problems,” reiterating that such disturbances only exacerbate existing difficulties.
Preserving National Stability: A Call to Youth
Directing a significant part of his message to the nation’s youth, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi implored them not to allow hostile elements to capitalize on their legitimate demands. He cautioned against actions that undermine public order and national values, specifically mentioning disrespecting sacred sites, destroying public property, damaging mosques, and infringing upon personal privacy and property. He called upon individuals to clearly distinguish themselves from those engaged in such disruptive activities, thereby isolating elements seeking to incite unrest.
The Peril of External Interference
The Grand Ayatollah further articulated a powerful warning against foreign interference, drawing critical lessons from the experiences of other regional nations. He referenced the situations in Syria and Libya as stark examples of countries that lost both their dignity and security, ultimately falling under foreign domination. He unequivocally stated that external actors are not genuinely concerned with the well-being of the Iranian nation but rather seek to inflict harm and appropriate its resources, thereby underscoring the political imperative of internal unity and strength.
A Unified Path Towards Calm
Concluding his message, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi stressed the collective responsibility of all citizens to support security forces in their efforts to restore complete calm and order to society. His statement serves as a call for vigilance, unity, and responsible engagement, emphasizing the protection of national interests and stability against both internal disorder and external machinations.
