The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei received the staffers of the headquarters in charge of commemorating the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini on Wednesday, May 24.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader described the thoughts, personality and noble character of the late Imam Khomeini as ‘lively' and ‘dynamic'. He stated that the most significant duty at the present time is to preserve and safeguard the thoughts and principles of the Founder of the Islamic Republic and to act in conformity with those clear-cut and explicitly expressed principles.
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the tireless and firm personality of Imam Khomeini during the struggle against the former despotic regime and in the course of the Islamic Revolution.
"At a time when the role of religion in society and even in individual life had been very much weakened, when attempts were made to subvert religion, and when material principles prevailed in the world, Imam Khomeini, relying on a genuine faith and having no fear of hardships and threats, strongly entered the arena and quite outspokenly presented religion as the basis of the lives of human beings. In practice also, he established a system and government based on religion," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.
Hinting at the circumspection, prudence and firm determination of Imam Khomeini, the Leader stated that the late Founder of the Islamic Republic planted a sapling which has now taken root, and which the big powers, despite all their plots and machinations, are unable to confront and cope with.
"The animosity of hegemonic powers against the Islamic system is in fact indicative of their hostility to the thoughts of Imam Khomeini and the path that was initiated by him. Despite the lapse of some 17 years since the late Imam's departure, his great personality and noble character is still the target of attacks and antagonisms," Ayatollah Khamenei remarked.
Further in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic referred to the presence of Imam Khomeini's thoughts and views in the Islamic world as a reality indicating that the late Imam is still alive. He stated that the Muslim nations' love and enthusiasm for the Islamic Revolution and Imam Khomeini, manifested during the visits of senior Iranian officials to other Islamic countries, shows the strategic depth of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Islamic world.
"The statements and messages and the last will and testament of Imam Khomeini include his clear and explicit principles, and those claiming to follow Imam Khomeini should also adhere to these principles. Thus, they cannot claim to be the followers of the late Imam while they approve of the world's capitalism and promote their personal interests in various positions of responsibility in the Islamic system and attach no worth and value to social justice," the Leader observed.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini considered religion and ideology to be the basis of politics and government.
"It is not possible to chant slogans in support of Imam Khomeini but at the same time try to separate ideology from politics and tread the path of de-ideologizing initiated by the American politicians," he noted.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic stated that the Westerners, despite their slogans of de-ideologizing and setting aside fundamentalism, strongly adhere to their own principles and fundamentals.
"When objections are raised to certain wrong measures taken by the Westerners, they say that they are acting in conformity with their principles. However, they are insisting that the Islamic system renounce its ideology and principles," the Leader told the audience.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the actions of certain individuals who repeat the Westerners' remarks are incongruous with their claims that they are the followers of Imam Khomeini.
"Like Imam Khomeini, we should all be outspoken in protecting our principles and ideological frontiers, and we should not allow the weakening of our principles and any encroachment on our ideological frontiers," the Leader stated.
The headquarters' director Mohammad-Ali Ansari, also speaking at the meeting, referred to the designation of the current year as the 'Year of the Holy Prophet of Islam', and he described the late Imam Khomeini as a genuine follower of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his infallible household).
Ansari said that appropriate measures have been taken to hold the memorial ceremony marking the 17th departure anniversary of the late Imam Khomeini in the most glorious manner. He added that thanks to the support extended by the honorable president, the headquarters will be able to receive more than one million guests at the ceremony.
The director of the headquarters in charge of commemorating the late Imam Khomeini further noted that a number of revolutionary and renowned personalities of the Islamic world have also been invited to participate in the memorial ceremony.