Speaking on the sidelines of Hazrat Ali Asghar world assembly, Hoj. Seyyed Hassan Fatemi said: “Holding such an event to commemorate Hazrat Ali Asghar’s martyrdom has had a great international impact to incline public opinions in favor of Shia Islam and Imam Hussein’s movement”.

“Activities to promote Shia Islam need to be rich, productive and coherent. This requires a high turnout by the officials in charge”, said the religious expert. Fatemi added that introducing holy Imams is a manifestation of ‘Jihad of Elucidation’, noting: “Intellectual growth of society is a public duty. Holding ceremonies to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s Infallible Household in an age of distorting intellectual currents is an imperative. This is a manifestation of Jihad of Elucidation outlined by the Leader of the Revolution”. Responding to the question about the shortcomings in introducing the Holy Imams to other religious sects, he stated: “We have focused more on political issues rather than moral and religious issues in society. Unfortunately, those active in the field tend to veer off into politics”. He further talked about measures to promote Shia Islam, expressing that “if our arguments are grounded in facts, it will be fine. Otherwise, we have to admit our mistakes. On the other hand, they have to accept if we are right”. Hoj. Fatemi concluded his remarks by stressing that Shia Islam favors criticizing other Islamic sects, not insulting them. “It is pointless that we refrain from criticizing other sects under the pretext of unity. We need to promote Shia teachings short of insulting”.