Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has urged Muslim states to contribute to the creation of a modern Islamic civilization.
"It is time the Muslim world moved toward developing a modern Islamic civilization," the Leader was quoted as saying by IRNA.
"We cannot rely on politicians in the Muslim world to achieve the goal. Religious scholars and true intellectuals, who do not follow the West, should begin enlightening [Muslims] and have faith that establishing such a civilization is possible."
He made the statements on Tuesday in a meeting with participants at the 29th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran.
The Leader noted that Muslims need to rely on their own capabilities and should not expect backing from western countries because despite their apparent approval, they oppose Islam.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the West's plots to sow discord among Muslims are aimed at preventing such an Islamic civilization, citing the creation of terrorist groups such as the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group.
"Americans make no distinction between Shias and Sunnis. They oppose any Muslim who wants to live a life based on Islamic teachings and laws," he said.
"This is why when the Islamic Awakening erupted, they panicked and attempted to contain it. Although they have had limited success in some countries, the Islamic Awakening cannot be suppressed and, with God's help, it will achieve its goals."
The Leader further said that to realize their goal of creating division among Muslims, hegemonic powers have targeted the infrastructures of Muslim countries such as Syria, Yemen and Libya.
"We should not stay silent and abandon resistance against such plots," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said no Muslim can turn a blind eye to realities, which show that the Muslim world is exposed to "dangerous" plots.
