Islamic revolution

Will the Revolution cease over the withdrawal of a few revolutionaries? Imam Khamenei answers

All the revolutions lose a number of enthusiasts

There is no doubt that the Revolution will remain permanent. Carrying out these responsibilities has two outcomes. One outcome is that the Revolution will remain permanent. It is obvious that some people join the ranks of the revolutionaries while at the same time some others part ways with the Revolution. I have said this on many occasions. There are some people who used to be revolutionaries, but they have turned their backs on the Revolution because of certain problems. There are some people who turn their backs on the Revolution once they see something that goes against their expectations[...] All revolutions and social movements suffer from this problem, but there are always new people who join. I receive many reports from different places and as an informed person, when I evaluate the situation, I realize that those who join the Revolution outnumber those who part ways with it. All these faithful youth, all these religious and educated people, all these faithful analysts, all these individuals who are experts at technical and scientific matters: all of them are faithful people who have joined the Revolution.

Jan 9, 2016

 

Even in the early years of Islam, there existed cases of enthusiasts leaving and joining in

Study the early years of Islam: who were the ones who supported Imam Ali (a.s.) at the time when Islam and Imam Ali (a.s.) were isolated? They were not those with a record of serving Islam. Muslims with a record of servings Islam included Talha, Zubair, Sa’d Ibn Abi Vaghas and others. Some of them left Ali (a.s.) alone; some even stood against Ali (a.s.). They represent examples of followers who left [the leaders of Islam]. Then, what were examples of new enthusiasts joining [the leaders of Islam]? Individuals like Abd-Allah Ibn-Abbas, Muhammad Ibn-Abi Bakr, Malek Al-Ashtar, Meysam Tammar. They represent new enthusiasts [who were attracted to and supported Islam]. They were not among the pioneering devoted Muslims during the life of the prophet (PBUH); they grew enthusiasm for Islam while Islam was isolated; they were like new saplings.

December 17, 1999

 

With a few giving up, this caravan won't stop moving

They said that those who entered the arena of war in southern and western fronts during the Sacred Jihad and Defense Era and who were prepared to be martyred are divided into three groups: some feel regretful about what they did, some become indifferent and some stay committed. These dear friends said that those who stay committed should die of grief. I do not agree with this last statement. Those who stay committed witness the blossoming of this sapling [of the Revolution].

It is not the case that this great and solid foundation is shaken because certain people turn their backs on the Revolution. Because certain people turn their backs on this great caravan, it will not fail to take its path: "Whoever from among you turns back from his religion, then Allah will bring a people, He shall love them and they shall love Him" [The Holy Quran, 5: 54]. Allah the Exalted has said this in the Holy Quran, addressing Muslims during the early Islamic era and those who fought and laid down their lives by the Holy Prophet's (s.w.a.) side. So, the Holy Quran is reflecting the same truth.

Oct 13, 2012

If today's youth were not present in the arena of war, they are present in other arenas now. This is good news and this is a good sign. They are interested in thinking and deliberating. Our youth should put great emphasis on this astonishing phenomenon: despite all the deviations which are witnessed here and there in the Islamic Republic, the motivation, resistance, awareness and firm determination of our today's youth are not less - if not more - than the youth during the Sacred Defense Era.

Oct 13, 2012

 

The revolution will never age

 We are a live nation and the Revolution is fortunately alive and young. They were waiting for the Revolution to grow old. We grow old, but the Revolution does not!

Thankfully, the Revolution is at the summit of its enthusiasm, youth, capability, activeness, birth and production. When you look at these revolutionary youths, you confirm that the Revolution continues to produce and to give birth. The Revolution is constantly producing seeds.

Jun 12, 2017

 

The rise of revolutionary and devout experts

We are witness to the development and growth of a generation of youth who are pious and interested in researching the Revolution. We are witness to the emergence of experts in this area. This cannot be denied. Such experts are emerging in our universities, in our Islamic seminaries and in our society. 

Jan 3, 2006

Our revolution is alive. The shedding of leaves in autumn is quite natural for a tree. But what is important is that there should be blossoming and thriving in spring. This is a general rule that can be applied to all living things in the world.

Jun 28, 2005

 

The revolution should not be regarded as isolated over a few followers’ giving up

It is heartbreaking to see those who were bred by the revolution, who were raised by teachings of Islam, and Imam Mahdi (a.s.), those who claimed they supported Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the immaculate Imams (a.s.), now act in a manner that is cheered by Israel, the U.S. and CIA and simply anyone around the world who is against Islam. This makes one sorrowful. However, I would like to mention that divine promises are so abundant that they remove any sorrow from hearts. Divine tidings are so many. We should not think that if a few who have revolutionary backgrounds left the revolutionary path, then the revolution would be left alone. It is not true, because every revolution, school of thought, or social movement has at the same time both followers who give up and new enthusiasts who join in.

December 17, 1999

 

The miracle of the revolution 

After the passage of 40 years, you can see pious and Muslim youth – who have neither seen Imam nor the revolutionary era, the Sacred Defense Era and those early valorous acts – enter into the middle of the arena with their revolutionary spirit, just like the youth of the early revolutionary era – the likes of Hemmat, Kharrazi and other such great personalities. They enter into the arena and stand up against the enemy with enthusiasm, with a sense of responsibility and with complete courage.

When I say, “If today’s youth are not more motivated than the youth of the early revolutionary era, they are not less motivated than them” this is what it means. They are the “growths” of the Revolution. This is the miracle of the Revolution. It is the miracle of the Islamic Republic that can reproduce those diligent, strong and iron spirits in the form of your martyrs in the present time. They are a source of support. They are the pillars of the Revolution and the country.

Dec 12, 2018