Grand Ayatollah Shirazi calls on Muslim, Arab governments to not give distorted image of Islam

The Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, stated that the partial implementation of Islam gives a distorted image of the noble religion and gives others the right to violate its sanctity.

In a brief statement published on his official website, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi described the countries that claim to belong to the authentic Islam as being far removed from the teachings of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his family).

His Eminence criticized what is happening today in the Arab and Islamic countries, which are supposed to follow the true Islam, particularly in “oppressing and repressing people and depriving them of their legitimate rights.”

He explained that “the state of some Islamic countries that boast of implementing Islam only applies the punishment of flogging for adultery and chopping off the hand of the thief,” wondering, “Is this Islam and nothing else?”

The Supreme Religious Authority had previously emphasized on several occasions that governments and leaders should “care for their peoples, ensure a dignified life for them, and follow the advice and teachings of the Holy Prophet and Imam Ali, peace be upon him, and the divine approach of their governance.”

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi concluded his speech by warning that “the departure of governments in Arab and Islamic countries from implementing the true Islamic teachings and their rebellion against these teachings will eventually lead to the dramatic downfall of these governments if they continue their oppressive approach.”