Participation of I.M.A.M. in the Conference “Religious Resistance to Authoritarianism”

On December 4, 2025, Dr. Seyed Masoud Noori, I.M.A.M.’s representative to the United Nations, participated in the conference “Religious Resistance to Authoritarianism”, held at the Interchurch Center in New York.

The event brought together scholars, religious leaders, and human-rights advocates from diverse faith communities. It was organized by several major interfaith institutions in New York, including the Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY), Union Theological Seminary, Riverside Church, Beacon, and the Interfaith Alliance. Participants examined how religious traditions contribute to resisting authoritarianism and upholding human dignity.

During the program, Dr. Noori engaged in a series of discussions highlighting perspectives informed by the Shīʿa scholarly tradition and the lived experiences of communities across the region.

Shia Religious Thought and the Ethical Duty to Resist Oppression

The discussions emphasized that Shia political and ethical thought rests on three foundational principles: justice, moral responsibility, and the religious imperative to oppose oppression—principles rooted in the teachings and lived example of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut).

Reference was made to the counsel of Imam Ali (p)—addressed in the dual form (kūnā) to his sons, Imams al-Ḥasan and al-Ḥusayn (p), and by extension to all believers “Be an adversary to the oppressor and a supporter of the oppressed.”

Throughout history, Shia scholars have understood resistance to tyranny as an ethical and religious duty, not merely a political stance. Their teachings consistently underscore:

• the protection of human dignity,
• the rejection of despotism,
• support for the oppressed,
• and providing moral guidance to preserve social order and civil peace.

Examples of Shia Leadership Confronting Authoritarian Regimes

Examples were highlighted of how Shia religious leaders have resisted authoritarianism through principled, civic, and nonviolent means, including:

• establishing educational and social-support networks under repression,
• preserving the religious and cultural identity of communities,
• raising awareness about the dangers of authoritarian rule,
• discouraging violence and strengthening social cohesion,
• mediating conflicts in pursuit of reconciliation and the public good.

Najaf as an Exemplary Model: The Leadership of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani

A major portion of the conversations focused on the seminary of Najaf and the distinguished leadership of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, whose moral and civic guidance has played a decisive role in Iraq’s stability during two decades of crises.

A Foundation of Stability, Unity, and Ethical Clarity

Ayatollah al-Sistani has long been regarded as one of Iraq’s most influential moral authorities. Without forming a political party, assuming office, or seeking worldly power, he has guided society through:

• national crises,
• external threats,
• waves of sectarian tension,
• and systematic political corruption.

Key Contributions to Iraq’s Modern Trajectory

Among his most significant and widely recognized interventions are:

• insisting that Iraq’s constitution be drafted by an elected assembly, not imposed by external actors;
• encouraging broad civic participation and urging peaceful, legal pathways for reform;
• preventing civil war during the 2006–2007 crisis;
• issuing the defensive collective duty  (al-difa al-kifai) in 2014 to mobilize society for the protection of Iraq against ISIS;
• supporting anti-corruption measures and accountability during the 2019 civil protests.

Through his guidance, the Najaf seminary has emerged as a global model of ethical, community-oriented, and peace-driven religious leadership.

The Historic Meeting Between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani (2021)

The 2021 visit of the late Pope Francis to Najaf and his meeting with Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani was noted as a landmark moment in interfaith relations and global moral leadership.

A Shared Ethical Commitment

Their meeting highlighted the central role of the Shia Marjaiyya in:

• advancing peace,
• protecting civilians,
• reinforcing national unity,
• countering extremism.

Both leaders emphasized:

• the sanctity and inherent dignity of human life,
• the responsibility of religious communities to advance peace,
• the protection of vulnerable populations,
• the rejection of violence and fanaticism.

A Model of Interfaith Moral Diplomacy

The encounter illustrated how:

• religion can be a civil force resisting oppression,
• ethical leadership can break cycles of violence,
• religious institutions can strengthen moral and spiritual diplomacy in the global public sphere.

Final Reflection

The conference demonstrated that religious leaders—among them Shīʿa scholars—can draw on their spiritual and ethical traditions to stand against authoritarianism and defend human dignity. From Latin America to Africa, the Middle East to South Asia, numerous examples show that religious leadership can effectively protect the rights and dignity of communities.

Today, the seminary of Najaf—especially under the guidance of Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani—remains a leading global center of principled, peace-seeking, and justice-oriented religious leadership. This mission continues, and the Holy Qur’an reminds, “and We desire to favor those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and inheritors” (28:5). And“…and the ultimate outcome belongs to the righteous” (7:128).