According to Ayat Javadi Amoli, justice can be considered in two aspects of rhetoric and jurisprudence.

“From a rhetorical point of view, justice means there is no coercion in religion, that is, people are free in religion, not coerced. People are free to choose the path to heaven or hell”, explained the grand scholar in his message.

He continued by looking at justice from a legal or jurisprudential perspective, saying: “Jurisprudence, however, urges human beings not to go the wrong way, not block anyone’s path, and to believe in righteousness.”

The Quranic verse ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ does not mean individuals are free to do anything, rather it means they are free to choose infidelity, do wrong and go to hell; similarly, they are free to do right, believe in God and go to heaven.

The Ayatollah further wrote in his message: “Jurisprudentially, it is incumbent on everyone to observe justice and refrain from oppression. Oppression is not allowed against anyone, even against a dog”.

Ayat. Makarema Shirazi also lamented the widespread oppression and inequality against people at the hands of arrogant superpowers in different parts of the world, calling it the most important reason for global demand to spread justice and prevent oppression.

“Today, naked oppression is evident, especially in Gaza. People of Gaza are deprived of the most basic human rights, and are suffering from the most heinous crimes”, added the Ayatollah.

Stressing that the importance of justice and refraining from oppression constitutes the pillar of Islamic teaching, the grand Shia scholar stated: “One of the gravest divine missions of the Prophet (pbuh) was spreading justice and fighting oppression. It is so important that Imam Reza referred to it as the criterion for being a Muslim”.

Ayat. Sobhani, in his message, tried to establish the case for the legitimate position of the twelve Shia Imams as the righteous successors of the Prophet (pbuh) by citing references from some Sunni scholars.

The Fifth International Imam Reza Congress is underway on May 13-14 in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad. Religious scholars from many countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, England, Brazil, Thailand, Spain, etc. are attending the event.