A senior Iranian cleric has declared that the era in which the rulers of the southern Persian Gulf could rely on the United States and Europe has come to an end, urging them to abandon the repression of their nations and instead embark on a path of service to their people.
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, a member of the Presiding Board of the Assembly of Experts, made the remarks at a ceremony honoring the scholarly and cultural figure Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq, held at the conference hall of the Islamic Propagation Office of Qom province.
Citing the divine traditions governing the fate of oppressive rulers, Ayatollah Araki said God applies two fundamental traditions toward tyrants: the tradition of imhal (granting respite) and the tradition of akhdh (seizing and holding them to account).
Divine Respite: A Chance for Rulers to Return from the Path of Oppression
Describing imhal as a manifestation of divine mercy, he noted that God commanded Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them) to speak gently to Pharaoh so that he might take heed and turn back from his rebellion, citing the Quranic verse: “Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds, and speak to him with gentle words.”
Ayatollah Araki stressed that the tradition of respite applies not only to oppressive rulers but also to their followers and associates, since those who remain silent in the face of tyranny and through their complicity enable the continuation of oppression share in the rulers’ guilt.
Followers of Tyrants Share Their Fate
Referencing Quranic verses on the dialogue between the leaders of oppression and their followers on the Day of Judgment, he said the Quran affirms that oppressive rulers and their followers will be cast together into the Fire, with the followers protesting that their leaders led them astray.
Reading the verse “The last of them will say to the first of them: Our Lord, these misled us, so give them a double punishment of the Fire. He will say: For each is double, but you do not know,” Ayatollah Araki explained that God doubles the punishment for both groups because the rulers committed oppression and misled the people, while the followers enabled the continuation of tyranny through their silence and support. He stressed that social responsibility before tyranny is a serious duty, and no one can absolve themselves of the consequences of complicity with oppressors through silence and indifference.
Divine Respite Is Not Permanent; Hardship and Relief Can Awaken or Lull
Explaining the various dimensions of the tradition of respite, Ayatollah Araki said God’s granting of time to rulers and societies follows a defined law and does not mean abandonment or endorsement of their conduct. Sometimes, within this tradition, pressures and hardships are imposed on nations so they may awaken from negligence and return to their duties; at other times, conditions improve for nations that fail to submit to divine commands and fulfill their duties, so that they sink deeper into negligence.
He stressed that both situations fall within the framework of divine traditions, noting that the tradition of respite is always accompanied by the warnings of scholars, prophets and those who care for society. Religious scholars throughout history have had the duty to remind rulers of their conduct and prevent them from continuing on the path of oppression.
Referring to the responsibility of scholars toward rulers, he added that just as religious scholars in the past took a stand against oppressive rulers and admonished them, this duty remains today for scholars and religious and social figures. He cautioned that divine respite is not permanent and that when this opportunity ends, the other divine tradition — that of seizing and holding to account — will come to pass.
Iran’s Warnings to Regional Rulers Are Based on Religious Criteria
Addressing the Islamic Republic’s policy toward regional rulers, Ayatollah Araki said that for more than forty years, Iran has, in accordance with this divine tradition, been reminding the rulers of certain regional countries and inviting them to return from the path of oppression and respect the rights of their nations.
Citing the Quranic verses “So remind, if the reminder should benefit” and “He who fears will be reminded,” he stressed that Iran’s policy in this regard is based on religious criteria and aims to remind rulers and pave the way for their return to the path of justice and respect for nations’ rights.
Addressing the rulers of regional countries, he said these nations have historically produced great scholars and thinkers, and their peoples today possess valuable scientific, cultural and intellectual capacities. Rulers must recognize that their nations are awake, aware and thoughtful people and must not deprive them of their natural and social rights through oppression, humiliation and repression.
Scholars, Thinkers and Elites Imprisoned for Reminding Governments
Criticizing the state of social freedoms and the treatment of scholarly and cultural figures in some regional countries, Ayatollah Araki said many prominent figures of these nations — from religious scholars and academics to orators, poets and capable writers — are today languishing in prisons. In countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, individuals face restrictions and imprisonment for one specific matter: reminding the government and expressing demands and criticisms before rulers.
Referring to the history of struggle by religious scholars in regional countries, he noted that scholars throughout history have endured imprisonment and hardships for standing against oppression. The scholars of Bahrain and great religious figures in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are among those who have faced immense pressure and restrictions on this path. He warned that confronting scholars and thinkers for stating facts and reminding rulers not only fails to solve any problem but widens the gap between governments and nations.
End of the Era of Persian Gulf Rulers’ Reliance on US and Europe
Turning to regional and international developments, Ayatollah Araki said the period of respite will not be long, both according to divine traditions and given the conditions prevailing in the region, and rulers must reconsider their conduct and policies before this opportunity ends.
Pointing to the decline of US power and standing in global equations, he added that the era of the southern Persian Gulf rulers’ reliance on American and European power has ended. Today, the US itself is searching for backers to secure the support it needs, requests help from European countries, extends a hand to Russia and even seeks support from small countries.
Ayatollah Araki stressed that America’s power has changed from the past and faces serious challenges across various arenas, and it can no longer be considered a power that regional countries can confidently rely on for support.
Iran Dealt Heavy Blows to US in Imposed War
Referring to the imposed war against the Islamic Republic, he said Iran dealt heavy blows to the US in the war imposed upon it, such that the country will not easily be able to restore its former position. The Americans try to conceal the effects and consequences of these blows in the propaganda arena and prevent the facts from becoming clear to public opinion, but these realities will gradually emerge.
He noted that the effects of these developments are visible to observers and analysts, and anyone who fails to see the consequences of these blows must be questioned about their understanding of existing realities.
Addressing Arab countries of the region, Ayatollah Araki stressed: “You must know that America today is not the power you can rely on and build your future upon. The only real power remaining to you is the power of your own nations.”
Serve Your People Instead of Arming Enemies
Proposing a change of approach to the rulers of the southern Persian Gulf, Ayatollah Araki said that if they seek power and influence in the region, there is a simpler and more effective path: serving the nations of the region and contributing to the development and prosperity of Islamic countries.
The professor of advanced jurisprudence at the Qom seminary added: “Instead of sending weapons to the enemies of the Lebanese people and paving the way for crimes against them, go and help Lebanon, and use your resources and wealth to rebuild and develop southern Lebanon.”
Criticizing hostile policies toward the Yemeni people, he said: “Why do you wage war on Yemen? Why do you spend your resources and capabilities on war against its people? Instead of spending your financial resources on war and destruction, build Yemen’s economic, scientific and cultural infrastructure.”
He stressed that if they help the region’s nations and take steps toward their progress and prosperity, the ground will be prepared for friendship and cooperation instead of enmity and confrontation. Nations that may today oppose certain policies could become friends and supporters if they see benevolent behavior and sincere service.
Only Way for Governments to Endure Is to Win Nations’ Trust and Support
Referring to some regional rulers’ concern about preserving power and the continuity of their rule, Ayatollah Araki said the southern Persian Gulf rulers, if they wish to remain in power, must help their people and win the trust of their nations instead of relying on foreign powers.
He continued: “If the people stand by you and support your government, even the very scholars whose execution is ordered today will be the first to support you, because religious scholars seek the good and welfare of nations, and if governments move on the path of serving the people, there will be no reason for confrontation with them.”
Ayatollah Araki said support for governments depends on their conduct and performance: “If you work in the interest of the people, place your resources and capacities at their disposal, and allow the scholars of the ummah to speak with you and present their views, the ground for the people’s trust and companionship will be prepared.”
He added that people must also be given the opportunity to play a role in decision-making and the management of the country’s affairs — to express opinions, vote, criticize and participate in determining the fate of their society. In such conditions, the people will support the government and become its main backing.
Ayatollah Araki noted that governments should not fear public participation and the expression of views by scholars and thinkers, because if policies serve the public interest and secure nations’ rights, popular support will naturally take shape.
Iran’s Support for Nations Rising Against Oppression and Tyranny
In another part of his remarks, Ayatollah Araki clarified Iran’s position on domestic developments in regional countries, saying the Islamic Republic does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country, but if nations rise up to free themselves from the oppression of their rulers, Iran will certainly support them.
He added that Iran has always supported resistant nations and peoples who rise up against oppression, injustice and tyrants, and the nations of regional countries will enjoy this support.
He expressed hope that this message reaches the ears of the people and rulers of Kuwait and other regional countries, and that they pay attention to the need to reform their conduct, respect people’s rights and end repressive policies.
What Is Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq’s Crime Other Than Serving, Teaching and Guiding People?
Referring to the scholarly and social standing of Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq and the death sentence issued against him, Ayatollah Araki said: “Today, the rulers of Kuwait must be asked: What is the crime of this mujahid scholar, Hojatoleslam Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq?”
Stressing the need for a fair examination of the religious figure’s scholarly, cultural and social record, he added: “Ask any fair-minded person about this scholar’s performance and record; is there anything other than service to the people, education and guidance of society in his record?” He expressed hope that Kuwait’s rulers would reconsider this decision, return to rationality and rescind the death sentence against this mujahid scholar as soon as possible.
Cancellation of Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq’s Death Sentence Is a Demand of Kuwaiti People and the Islamic World
Ayatollah Araki stressed that the cancellation of the death sentence against Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq is a serious demand, noting that it is the wish of all the people of Kuwait and the Islamic world, and expressed hope that the country’s rulers would act on it as soon as possible.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Araki said: “Our demand is not limited to the case of Sheikh Hussein al-Ma’touq; we also demand the freedom and lifting of restrictions on all prisoners in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and we hope the rulers of these countries will reconsider their policies and pave the way for these individuals’ release and return to society.”
