In a meeting with thousands of people of Isfahan, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to religious faith and commitment to divine values as the secret behind the achievements of the Iranian nation. "Thanks to the strength of this auspicious commitment, the Iranian nation will be pioneering and victorious in all arenas, and the enemy will continue being unsuccessful and hopeless."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution congratulated the faithful and selfless people of Iran and all Muslims throughout the world on Eid al-Adha. He said that understanding the philosophy behind Eid al-Adha will help open up different paths in individual and national life, adding: "The great sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and the great divine appreciation that righteous prophet received for his sacrifice are indicative of the fact that it is not possible to tread the path of transcendence and progress in the absence of self-sacrifice."
His Eminence stated that the philosophy behind continued divine tests is to help individuals and nations achieve a higher level of growth and transcendence. He reiterated that any individual and people who go through divine tests and hardships will get one step closer to their ultimate destination.
Regarding the philosophy behind divine tests, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the Iranian nation's success in dealing with the fitna of the year 1388 as an example. He reiterated that the Iranian nation's success was not just indicative of its power. "Rather, the most important meaning of the powerful weathering of last year's test and hardship was that the Iranian nation reached a new stage of its life by relying on its faith and insight, understanding the requirements of time and taking the necessary measures. And it gained new strength to achieve its ultimate goal."
Elsewhere in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the self-sacrifice of the people of Isfahan on the 25th of Aban in the year 1361 as another example of success in divine tests. "On that great day, the people of Isfahan sent thousands of their valorous youth to the battlefields while holding a funeral ceremony for 370 martyrs."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the presence of the faithful and revolutionary people of Isfahan in different events before and after the Revolution is a manifestation of the spirit of faith, self-sacrifice and jihad among the people of Isfahan province. He reiterated: "Reflecting on these achievements will help us understand the identity and potential of the people of Isfahan, and it will show the people of Isfahan how to continue their progress, glory and pioneering role."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that jihad brings about growth, dynamism and hope for a nation and added: "Jihad means presence and progress accompanied by sense of responsibility and continued effort to remove the obstacles that lie in the way of growth and progress. Sometimes this presence requires sacrificing one's life and wealth. Other times it requires being present in different social, political and even intellectual arenas."
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the repeated failures of the enemy and said that it is impossible to fight the selfless and mujahid people of Iran. He reiterated: "The camp of the enemies of the Revolution, Islam and Iran did not manage to stop our people through war and military threats. And now there are some people who are thinking of bringing the Iranian nation to its knees through sanctions, but they are wasting their time."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the enemy has pinned its hopes on causing a rift between the people, creating a gap between the people and government officials and causing suspicion and disagreement over trivial issues. "Everybody should carefully watch these activities of the enemy."
His Eminence criticized the individuals who accuse the Islamic Republic of what foreigners desire by creating pessimism, despair and discord across the country. He added: "In fact these people act as the representatives of the Iranian nation's enemies, and they are trying to make up for the propaganda failures of the Zionists and Americans, but the Iranian nation knows that such actions are a clear example of treachery."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that promoting moral corruption and use of drugs is a means that is used by the enemies to further their political goals. He called on the people, government officials and the youth to be vigilant in this regard.
Referring to Isfahan's Islamic seminary and prestigious universities, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described Isfahan as a center of religious and scientific studies. He added: "At one historical stage, Isfahan used to be the center of scientific brilliance in the country and in the entire world of Islam, and the ulama, scholars and artists of this city should aim their activities at achieving this position again."