The sixth pre-conference session of the international conference "Theology of Resistance," titled Theology of Resistance: Al-Quds and the Palestinian Struggle, was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Iran time.
On 27 March 2025, a significant and thought-provoking webinar on the Theology of Resistance took place, bringing together scholars and participants to engage in a discourse on justice, resilience, and liberation. The discussion focused particularly on the theological foundations that inspire resistance movements globally, with special emphasis on Quds Day and the ongoing Palestinian struggle.
The webinar commenced with a warm welcome from the moderator, who underscored the importance of the discussion. He highlighted how theology plays a pivotal role in shaping movements of resistance, particularly in the context of political struggles for justice and freedom. The moderator stressed the deep connections between faith and resistance, setting the stage for a critical exploration of these themes. He quoted Robert Sobukwe in defiance and will to resist who once said, "The only way in which we can be free is to go on fighting. If we do not fight, we shall be enslaved forever."
Keynote Speakers and Discussions
Dr. Mohamed Shahid Mathee (Senior Lecturer, Department of Religion Studies, University of Johannesburg)
Dr. Mathee provided an insightful perspective on the moral and ethical considerations at the heart of global resistance movements. He emphasized that good is meant for all human beings and questioned the world's ability to respond to the suffering of Palestinian children. He posed a powerful moral question: What have these children done to deserve such suffering, and who will come to their rescue? His discussion pointed to the moral failure of the international community in addressing the injustices faced by Palestinians and urged for greater theological and moral reflection on global responsibility.
Dr. Rasigan Maharajh (Founding Chief Director, Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology)
Dr. Maharajh expanded the discussion by addressing the cold silence of the world in response to the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. He analyzed the structural inequalities that perpetuate global suffering, particularly in the Palestinian context. His talk highlighted the intersection of economic injustice and political oppression, emphasizing that global inequalities are at the core of the Palestinian crisis. He called for critical engagement and collective action against these systemic issues.
Dr. Ahmad Ali Ghane (Associate Professor and Ph.D. graduate of Imam Sadegh University)
Dr. Ghane focused on patience and perseverance in the Quran and Sunnah. He quoted Imam Ali (AS):
"Patience is to faith what the head is to the body." He stressed that Muslims must exercise patience in their struggles while also preparing themselves for challenges. He emphasized the importance of bravery in confronting difficulties, suggesting that faith-driven resilience is key to enduring oppression and hardship.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Ali Taghavi (Associate Professor of Political Science, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran)
Dr. Taghavi emphasized that love is the driving force behind the struggle for freedom and justice. He argued that true resistance is rooted in deep love for humanity and justice. In a sharp critique, he remarked that for Donald Trump, everything is for sale—people, their lands, and even his soul. His discussion shed light on the commodification of human dignity in global politics and the necessity of moral-driven leadership in resistance movements.
Dr. Mbhekeni Sabelo Nkosi
Dr. Nkosi spoke about two significant figures in the history of resistance: Imam Khomeini and Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah. He elaborated on the theology of resistance as framed by Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, emphasizing how faith-based leadership can inspire movements for justice and liberation. His analysis provided a historical and contemporary perspective on resistance movements and their theological underpinnings. He said Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s speeches often emphasized the theology of resistance, portraying struggle against oppression as a religious obligation. His resistance philosophy aligns with Imam Khomeini’s vision, advocating for self-reliance, military preparedness, and ideological steadfastness. He has been a vocal critic of Western intervention and Arab complacency regarding the Palestinian issue, arguing that resistance is the only way to achieve liberation. He said both Imam Khomeini and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah represent a faith-driven resistance ideology, uniting political struggle with religious principles to oppose imperialism and advocate for the rights of oppressed people, particularly in Palestine, Lebanon, and beyond.
The webinar successfully provided a space for intellectual and ethical reflection on the theology of resistance and its role in contemporary struggles for justice. The discussions reinforced the necessity of global solidarity, moral responsibility, and active engagement in addressing injustices. The speakers emphasized that silence in the face of oppression is complicity and urged for a renewed commitment to justice, liberation, and human dignity.
It came to the fore that resistance is upholding human dignity. It challenges dehumanization, violence, and oppression faced by the Palestinian people.
And that in many religions, resistance is a sacred duty. For Muslims, the concept of jihad is often misunderstood; it’s not just a physical struggle but a spiritual one for justice.
It was also established that it is faith, rooted in the deep belief that justice will eventually prevail, that has sustained generations of resistance in South Africa, Burkina Faso, DRC, Iraq, Iran, and other countries that faced injustice and oppression, and that freedom and justice will also prevail in Palestine.
In closing, Mr. Seyed Mostafa Daryabari thanked the participants for their insightful contributions and reminded them about the importance of resistance and Al Quds. He said Al Quds reminds us of Imam Khomeini (RA) whom one of his most significant contributions to resistance was the establishment of Quds Day (the last Friday of Ramadan), a day dedicated to supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing Zionist oppression. He viewed the liberation of Palestine as a religious and humanitarian duty, calling for unity among Muslim nations to resist imperialism and Zionism. He also invited masses to attend the protest that will be taking place at the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg on Quds day, 28 March 2025.
Especial Thanks to Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
