The international department of the institute has conducted an interview with Arif Hussain, an Indian lawyer and activist working in Mumbai. What follows the following is a rough transcription of the interview's text.
How do you asses Imam Khomeini's contribution to the Islamic Revolution?
Arif Hussain: In my opinion Imam Khomeini has been the greatest divine leader and he followed footsteps of Imam Hossein (peace be upon him), the grandson of the holy prophet of Islam. The founder of the Islamic Republic is widely popular among Indian people and is respected by them.
Imam Khomeini reformed Iran's Islamic culture and revived Islamic values among the Muslim societies across the globe. I may reiterate my position that Imam Khomeini was the only leader in our contemporary history who had shown his extraordinary trust in God the Almighty and practically promoted the Islamic rules and values.
How do you compare Imam Khomeini's divine personality with the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi?
Arif Hussain: We can point out to several similarities between the two great leaders. As I know both of them believe in peace and promoted the none- violence and none fighting behavior. Imam Khomeini believed peaceful revolution and intended to peacefully defend Islam. The great Imam guided Muslims and established the best Islamic-democratic system in Iran.
What’s your opinion about unity among Shia and Sunni Muslims from Imam Khomeini's standpoint?
Arif Hussain: In my opinion Imam Khomeini was the only contemporary leader who advised that Muslims across the whole world that they should become united and harmony and solidarity should be accomplished among them. Imam maintained that color and race should become insignificant and not be important. He promoted unity among all Islamic sects and wanted all followers of divine religions to pursue divine objectives.
What is the Imam's viewpoint and thought about women specially young generation?
Arif Hussain: I think Imam Khomeini showed high respect towards their own peoples especially young women and encouraged them to achieve high status in society. He wanted women to work shoulder to shoulder with men in several fields including education and other sectors. Imam Khomeini believe that women in society should be dealt as hero because they fully supported and shield the Islamic revolution over the past tough years.