Millions in attendance and media uncensorability; Ava official: Even hostile media were forced to reflect the reality

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Mashhad: On the sidelines of the farewell ceremony for the holy body of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution in the Tehran mosque, in a telephone interview with Sahar Network, the head of the AVA News Agency explained the dimensions of the martyred leader's personality, his influence on the Islamic world, Iran's role in the cultural neutralization of the West, and the importance of the Jihad of Explanation.

 

Millions in attendance; A testament to the greatness of the martyred leader

In this interview, the head of Ava News Agency, referring to the attendance of millions of people at the funeral of the martyred leader and the presence of leaders and officials from more than 100 countries, said: "This huge presence is itself a testament to his influence and popularity and the noble personality of that martyred leader. Even those who could not make it to Iran, such as the Shiites of Nigeria, held symbolic funerals. The world's media cannot hide this fact, and even hostile media are forced to reflect the facts."

 

A personality beyond a leader; a civilization-building thinker

Pointing out that the martyred leader cannot be limited to the form of a political leader or traditional jurist, he said: "He was a strategic thinker who introduced Islam not only as a set of individual commandments, but also as a comprehensive school for the happiness of humanity. This civilizational outlook has caused his name to inspire Islamic awakening movements throughout the world beyond the borders of Iran."

 

Islamic Unity; Strategic and uncompromising principle

He emphasized: "One of the most prominent features of his thought was his relentless emphasis on Islamic unity. He repeatedly emphasized that religious differences should not be an excuse for hostility and civil war in Islamic countries. This unifying view is very familiar and pleasant for a nation like Afghanistan, where Shiites and Sunnis have lived side by side."

 

Why are the Afghan people devoted to the leader?

In response to the question of what are the roots of the Afghan people's love and affection for the martyred leader, the head of the Ava news agency said: "The Afghan people are lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and recognize the martyred leader as one of the most prominent propagandists and defenders of the sanctity of this family. Also, cultural and literary co-language has been one of the most important bridges of communication between him and the people of Afghanistan. When the martyred leader spoke in Persian and referred to the poems of Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, we felt that we were facing a fellow speaker and co-cultured person who recognized the depth of our common heritage."

 

Generous view of migrants; the greatest social asset

He considered the martyred leader's generous view of Afghan migrants to be one of the most important factors in the Afghan people's devotion to him, and added: "The martyred leader repeatedly emphasized that Afghan migrants are our brothers and sisters and should be treated with honor and dignity. In private meetings and meetings with officials, he always emphasized easing the problems of migrants, especially in the areas of education, treatment, and residence, and considered a purely security-based view of migrants to be incorrect and un-Islamic. This paternal view has won the hearts of thousands of Afghan families living in Iran."

 

Iran's role in neutralizing Western cultural influences in Afghanistan

The Ava News Agency official continued by pointing out the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in neutralizing Western cultural influences in Afghanistan, saying: "By relying on deep civilizational, linguistic, and religious commonalities with Afghanistan, Iran was able to present an "alternative identity" based on brotherhood and historical commonalities that acted as an identity shield against the cultural onslaught of the West. The presence of millions of Afghan immigrants in Iran has also been the largest channel of Iranian cultural influence. After returning to their country, these immigrants acted as "cultural ambassadors" and transferred some of the Iranian customs, traditions, and dialect to Afghanistan, which has collectively acted as a powerful cultural movement against Western influence.

 

Jihad of Explanation; The Martyr Leader's Media Strategy

He continued by referring to the concept of "Jihad of Explanation" from the perspective of the Martyr Leader and said: "He considered Jihad of Explanation a definite and urgent duty against the enemy's complex media war. He emphasized that "you do not narrate, the enemy narrates" and this is the duty of all those who can, against distortion and spreading lies, narrate the truths of the revolution and Islam. He considered the media to be the most important weapon of the present era and considered media strategy to be based on accurate recognition of the enemy, responsibility and adherence to values, and efforts to narrate the truths in an effective and hopeful language."