Memories of Akbar Hashemi - February 17, 2002 - Leading Friday Prayer by Hashemi

Leading Friday Prayer by Hashemi

Hashemi's Account of the Reinstatement of Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, the Imam of the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, Who Was Dismissed During Hashemi's Trip to Saudi Arabia Due to His Critical Speech

Full Text of the Daily Journal:

In today's Friday prayer, during the first sermon, I spoke about humanity and goodwill toward others in contrast to envy. In the second sermon, I discussed the recent resolution of the [Expediency Discernment Council] and the session of the [Assembly of] Experts, particularly the proposal to authorize the assassination of leaders of countries opposed to the U.S. in the U.S. Congress. I spent the morning studying bulletins before the Friday prayer and continued in the afternoon.

Today, it was scheduled for the Mir space station to be destroyed by Russia; however, following a proposal from Parliament, the destruction has been postponed by one week, as Parliament seems intent on preserving the station. A more significant and complete International Space Station, led by the U.S. and several other countries, is currently under development. It was announced two days ago that an American satellite has landed on the surface of a small planet in space and is currently studying and exploring the surface of the planet. There are reports of a new type of plastic being developed that can repair itself, akin to living organisms, which, if mass-produced, could represent a significant transformation in industry.

[Sheikh Ali] Al-Hudhaifi, the Friday prayer leader at the Mosque of Medina, has returned to his duties after two days. He had been dismissed by the Saudi government during my trip to Saudi Arabia due to his critical speech while I was present at the Mosque of Medina.

Tonight, 50 American and British aircraft attacked radar centers in Iraq, resulting in two deaths and 20 injuries. It was reported that the attack was ordered by [George] Bush, the President of the United States, and took place north of the 33rd parallel, which is also a no-fly zone for Iraq. This action has been interpreted as a shift in U.S. policy under the Bush administration regarding Iraq, with even the aircraft carrier Truman participating in the attack. Saddam [Hussein, the President of Iraq] has summoned military commanders for an emergency meeting, stating that retaliation will occur.