Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met Wednesday morning with thousands of people from various social backgrounds on the occasion of Imam Hussein's (a.s.) birthday anniversary. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence said that obeying the law is the praiseworthy discourse of the Iranian nation in the upcoming presidential elections. He expressed his gratitude for the people's enthusiasm to participate in the elections and stressed: "Maximum voter turnout is more important to the country than anything else and the people will prove their strong bond with the Islamic Republic through their powerful presence on Friday and they will disappoint the enemy once again."
His Eminence extended his congratulations on the auspicious birthday anniversary of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and stated that the people's enthusiasm to take part in the elections is indicative of the fact that an instance of political valor is under way. He added: "Political valor has started from today and by Allah's favor, it will reach its peak and will be actualized in the real sense of the word on Friday thanks to the hope and determination of the people and their reliance on God."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the upcoming elections as special and added: "The enemies of the Revolution, Islam and Iran make use of all their financial, media and political resources to separate the people from the Islamic Republic and to make them doubt the elections and the organizations in charge of it. However, the people will prove their firm attachment to the Islamic Republic on Friday through maximum voter turnout and they will defeat and disappoint the enemy once again by exhibiting their massive power."
His Eminence described the upcoming elections as an important and great experience for the Iranian nation and reiterated: "The unified, enthusiastic, powerful and optimistic presence of the people in the elections and the efforts to preserve and strengthen the sense of trust between the people and government officials will disappoint the enemy, reduce his pressure and make his efforts ineffective."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the election has been on the right track so far and added: "The discourse of the people in this election is obedience of the law and all people in every part of the country are speaking about the necessity of remaining committed to the law, which is very valuable and significant."
His Eminence said that failure to obey the law was the cause of the post-election events of the year 1388 and reiterated: "The people and the country were harmed in many ways by that anarchy, which completely sensitized the people to the necessity of obeying the law in the upcoming elections."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "Government officials and the honorable candidates have also observed the law so far and by Allah's favor, this will continue."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the statements of the eight presidential candidates during the televised debates made the people familiar with the views of the candidates and showed that there is freedom of expression in Islamic Iran. He expressed his gratitude for this valuable initiative by the IRIB and added: "The accusers of the Islamic Republic shouted for several years that there is no freedom and freedom of expression in Iran, but now they feel embarrassed."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the presence of all political and intellectual orientations in the televised debates was among the strengths of this year's elections, further adding: "Of course, I have certain things to say about some of the statements which were made during the debates and God willing, I will discuss them after the elections. In any case, this movement has been very good and pleasing."
His Eminence said that the enthusiastic presence of the people in this year's elections is similar to their presence in the presidential elections of 1388, adding: "Fortunately, this year there is no sign of the instances of disrespect which were sometimes exhibited in the sentiments and orientations in the year 1388. It is necessary to be thankful for this extremely valuable improvement."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that his most important demand is maximum voter turnout in the upcoming elections and stressed: "This maximum voter turnout is more important to the country than anything else. Some people might not be willing to support the Islamic Republic for different reasons, but they should be willing to support their country: they too should vote."
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "Nobody knows what Allah the Exalted has ordained for the Iranian nation on Friday. However, the more votes the elected president wins, the more power he will have to stand up against the enemies of our country and people and to defend our national interests."
His Eminence reiterated: "The international arena is not an arena for standing on ceremony: the more weakness you show and the more you retreat, the more the enemy will advance."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "Sometimes we accepted certain things for reasons of expediency, but the enemy went back on his words and advanced with increased audacity. Therefore, it is necessary to powerfully stand up against illegitimate demands by foreigners."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that resistance against foreign enemies requires having confidence in the brave people of Iran and relying on national pride, God and His promises. He added: "It is necessary to move forward with wisdom and prudence on the glorious path that our people and government have chosen."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the presidential elections and stated: "By Allah's grace and thanks to the enthusiastic and unified presence of the people in the polling stations, the important test on Friday will be another successful experience for the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic."
Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the 3rd of Sha'bah owes its greatness to the uprising by Imam Hussein (a.s.). He added: "By making that great sacrifice and laying down his life and the lives of his loved ones and family members, Imam Hussein (a.s.) created a glorious and permanent role model for the entire humanity in order to safeguard Islam and turn the battle against oppression into a principle in the history of mankind."
His Eminence said that Imam Hussein's (a.s.) life is full of lessons and reiterated: "Of course, the greatness and brilliance of the event that happened in Karbala is so much that it overshadows all kinds of brilliance."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed: "The most important lesson that Imam Hussein's (a.s.) uprising contains is constant preparedness to establish truth and justice and to make constant and comprehensive efforts to confront injustice and oppression."
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "A person who decides to follow the path of Imam Hussein (a.s.) should be prepared for martyrdom. Of course, following this path does not always result in martyrdom, but it leads to happiness and pride."
His Eminence said that the people of Iran are following the path of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and reiterated: "The Iranian nation entered the arena with a spirit that was characteristic of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and the Day of Ashura, and it managed to tear down an oppressive domestic and international system and build a noble Islamic system in its place."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "The Iranian nation has continued this path up until today and this is the reason behind the achievements it has made."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran of the year 1392 is very different from Iran of the year 1357. Referring to Iran's remarkable progress in science, politics and security matters and its success in building hope and national self-confidence and in playing a significant role in the region and the world, he stressed: "The Iranian nation has reached a point where it is racing forward on the path of happiness and pride and by Allah's grace, this movement will continue with increased speed."
His Eminence referred to the blessings of the month of Sha'ban and described it as the month of worship and praying. "It is necessary to benefit from the blessings of this great month - particularly, from Dua Sha'baniyya - in order to strengthen one's relationship with God and attract divine mercy and grace."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the Iranian nation's path to glory and pride passes through reliance on God and developing a close relationship with Him. He reiterated: "The role of developing a relationship with the Source of Light and Greatness is far beyond reliance on materialistic and worldly calculations."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that current conditions of the Western world are an example of the failure to develop a relationship with God, adding: "Although the arrogant powers are capable of accurate materialistic and worldly calculations, their problems and weaknesses are increasing on a daily basis and these increasing problems will finally bring Western civilization to its knees."