Imam Khomeini (May Allah Have Mercy Upon Him) 20item Some people spread rumors regarding conflict between great Shia scholars like the scholars of Qum and Najaf. For example they say that Ayatullah Khomeini and Ayatullah Khoe use to curse each other and Ayatullah Seestani and Ayatullah Khamenei also hate each other. These rumors are greatly damaging the unity among Shias. How can we refute such people and establish unity among Shias? What advice does Ayatollah Khomenehie give to the Muslims in America? In his “Hukumate Islami” (Islamic government), Imam Khomeini says: “Surely the status of the Imams is so great and lofty that neither the angels nor the prophets can reach their status.” (Islamic Government, p. 25) How can such a thing be possible? Is what they say about there being a difference between an Islamic government and the Islamic Republic that Imam Khomeini established - a claim that they take much advantage of - true in the eyes of Imam Khomeini? I have been informed that the following statement was issued by Imam Khomeini: ‘We do not worship Iran, we worship God. This is because worshipping one’s country is another name for atheism. I say let this land (Iran) burn and let this land be destroyed on the condition that Islam victoriously manifests itself in the rest of the world.’ (American Newspaper, Section on the events of Iran, 1989, Through Amir Tahiri, P.269, Narrated by the ‘Nest of Spies’, Qum, 1980). 1- Are these words attributed to Imam Khomeini, during the course of a sermon in the year 1980, accurate? 2- What is the opinion of Imam Khomeini in regards to Nationalism? In our society there are some people who are raising the following questions about Imam Khomeini (r.a). (1) Is there any book entitled" Risaala-e-nouin" in Farsi, written by Imam Ruhullah Khomeini (r.a)? (2) If it is not written by Imam Khomeini, then who wrote it? (3) There is one sentence written in the mentioned book that "Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) offered salat behind Marwan". I want your clarification. [Question from Imam Khomeini] Your Holiness, in Neauphle-le-Chateau [1] you promised that not only would freedoms be protected but that they would reach all, whereas after the victory of the revolution we witnessed demonstrations against women, pressure being brought to bear on tribal minorities such as the Kurds and the banning of certain newspapers and political groups. Could you please explain these apparent contradictions? [Question from Imam Khomeini] Your Holiness, what do you expect the American government to do in exchange for the release of the female and black hostages that you have ordered? [Question from Imam Khomeini] In the future government, what will freedom for women be like? Will they have to cease attending schools and remain at home or will it be possible for them to continue with their education? [Question from Imam Khomeini] What will be the status of women in your future government? [Question from Imam Khomeini] What will the role of women be in a future Islamic government? [Question from Imam Khomeini] Question from one of the female reporters: The fact that I have been accepted as a woman shows that our movement is a progressive one, even though some have tried to portray it as retrograde. Do you think women must necessarily wear Islamic dress (hijab)? Must they cover their hair or not? [Question from Imam Khomeini] What will be the role of women in the Islamic government? For example, will they be able to get involved in the affairs of state by becoming, say, members of parliament or ministers? That being, of course, if they demonstrate that they are suitable for and sufficiently competent to hold such a post. [Question from Imam Khomeini] You have been accused of being against civilization and you have turned the accusation against the Shah. That is not necessarily convincing. How do you stand on specific issues like agrarian reform, industrialization and the status of women? [Question from Imam Khomeini] Regarding social issues, what is the view of His Holiness the Ayatullah on the presence of women in universities or the workplace? Will there be restrictions placed upon them that do not exist in society today? What is His Holiness’s opinion on birth control and coeducation in universities? 12