TEHRAN President Mohammad Khatami stated that Prophet Mohammad (S) and Islam taught us to be independent, freedom-loving, merciful and compassionate, and not to be submissive to domineering and oppressive forces. The president made the remark while addressing the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps (IRGC) at a mourning ceremony held here Tuesday on the occasion of the passing away anniversary of the Last Messenger of Allah, Prophet Mohammad (S), and the martyrdom of the Second Imam, Hassan (AS).

President Khatami added that participation in national activities is yet another important criterion preached in Islam by Prophet Mohammad (S)." Islam teaches us to practice monotheism, not to depend on strangers and aliens and not to impose one's will over other individuals, the executive chief pointed out. Resistance against domination should not be interpreted as a means to use force, Islam not only preaches to `honor the ideals of mutual respect in the world' but also to be champions of peace, the hojjatoleslam stated.

Khatami went on to say, To attract the youths to the ideals and values of Islam, we should show compassion and benevolence and we should definitely avoid such pitfalls as short-sightedness and the use of threat and force, all of which cannot help our society progress and advance. The community has laws and if someone breaches the law, he shall be dealt with according to the laws of the nation, Khatami underscored.

The ummah should act under the axes of the Leader of Islamic Revolution and the Constitution in order to create a pattern of a community desired by the Seal of the Prophets Mohammad (S) and his rightful successors, the infallible Imams (AS), the president stated. I thank the Almighty Allah that we are on that path, the hojjatoleslam said. (IRNA)