Tehran leaders, emulate Imam Hassan if you are brave enough

THERE is a firm conviction among all Muslims – both Sunnis and Shiites – that Imam Hassan bin Ali, the eldest grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), had sought to avert discord among Muslims by reconciling with Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan, the First Caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty, to avoid bloodshed.

This happened when the conspirators were quite active and eager to rule even though it was at the expense of the unity of Muslims.

Unfortunately, the lessons of this historical paradigm have not been understood by those who claim to honor the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They instead apply his life story for their personal goals and toy with the emotions of the Iranians, particularly the supporters of Imam Hassan.

Yesterday, on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of this Imam, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted a Twitter message in which he praised “flexible courage” (as referred by him) manifested by Hassan bin Ali in his peace resolution with Muawiyah. He said, “I believe that Imam Hassan, the chosen one, is the bravest person in the history of Islam.”

Khamenei went on to say, “He was prepared to sacrifice himself and his name among his companions and those close to him for the sake of the real interest. He hence accepted conciliation in order to safeguard Islam and protect the Quran as well as guide future generations in history when the time comes.”

In this context, we ask Khamenei – Isn’t what you call an “Islamic revolution” inspired by the biography of Imam Hassan and Hussein (May Almighty Allah be pleased with them)? Isn’t preventing the bloodshed of Muslims and all human beings part of Islamic principles? So why not emulate the Imam and seek the endeavor that Imam Hassan had pursued by being good to your neighbors and upholding good relations with them? For forty years, these neighbors have been extending their hands of cooperation and friendship, but you meet them with terrorism, espionage and threats. Every day they expose new plots.

Aren’t those on the western side of the Arabian Gulf Muslims as well? Don’t they have the right of a Muslim over another Muslim, as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building; each strengthens the other?” Or is your interpretation of the faith based on your own accord, which is changing the beliefs of Muslims?

For a long time, the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had sought dialogue with you for the sake of the future and stability of the region.

Even during the Iraq-Iran war, you rejected all mediations and challenged the world. However, when you were cornered and after the destruction of the two countries and the enormous human losses incurred by both sides, your predecessor Khomeini had signed the ceasefire deal which he compared to “drinking a cup of poison” and “embarrassment to have to sign this ceasefire deal.”

Imam Hassan did not have terrorist gangs that were wreaking terror and destruction in other countries such as the currently isolated Lebanon which is between the jaws of poverty because of the blockade your cells brought upon that country.

It also happened in Iraq which is drowning in a chronic crisis after your agents devastated and indebted it by looting its wealth and then transporting it to Iran.

As for Yemen, the whole world bears witness to what you do daily, and how a handful of agents bet on the fate of 26 million people by tampering with the country and ruining it and its people, and even mastered the art of attacking neighbors for the last five years; all that in response to your orders.

As for Syria, you ignited war and caused bloodshed of people of the same nation, especially the unarmed ones. This reached such an extent that you have become loathed by its regime which has forced you to start withdrawing your forces.

Your aggression was not limited to the Arab and Muslim worlds. You made South America a camp for money laundering and drug smuggling. Through your actions, you helped destabilize Venezuela by looting its gold that fell in your hands, and the blockade narrowed on you.

Imam Al-Hassan was seeking the wellbeing of Muslims, not impoverishing them as you did in Iran. This country was at the gates of great renaissance in all aspects during the era of the Shah especially in industrial, agricultural and educational aspects. But its people today, under your rule, are ostracized in the world because of your hostile policy.

If Iran had continued with the policies of the Shah’s era, it would have become a cornerstone in the region. The diplomacy which was established by the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would have made them gain a lot from its neighbors.

However, Tehran’s policies have left behind nothing but destruction and hatred. Therefore, we hope that its leaders will be sharp and emulate Imam Hassan if they possess the flexible courage.