Ayatollah Khamenei—the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution—attended a ceremony in commemoration of the 29th anniversary of Imam Khomeini's, may God’s mercy be upon him, passing; wherein he delivered a speech to the thousands of enthusiasts and admirers of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Imam Khomeini.
In his opening remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei stated: "Thirty years have passed since we’ve been speaking of Imam Khomeini on this day. Our nation will continue to speak of Imam Khomeini: this is appropriate because Imam Khomeini is the symbol of our great revolution. This country wouldn’t have achieved its exceptional goals and dreams without the powerful engine that kept our revolution going."
He reminded the audience of this day’s significance by comparing two great religious icons that have inspired many others throughout the world and history: "This year, the coincidence [of the demise anniversary of Imam Khomeini (r.a.)] with the day of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (a.s.) reminds us of some similarities. There are similarities between the truthful, genuine believer, Imam Ali (a.s.), and the great, honoured leader [Imam Khomeini (r.a.)] that make the Iranian nation and the Islamic Ummah proud. Attending to these similarities are important and useful for discovering the right path and for getting to know our great Imam (r.a.) better."
Elaborating further on the similarities between Imam Ali (a.s.) and the late Ayatollah Khomeini (r.a.) the Leader of the Revolution stated: “Attending to these similarities are important and useful for finding the right path, and also for better knowing our great Imam (r.a.).”
He reminded the audience of where a very important feature, of aiding those in need, arose from in society: “One similarity between Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) represents two apparently opposite features: rigidity and resistance as well as being sympathetic and kind. These two existed in Imam Ali (a.s.) at its utmost quality and degree. He was rigid and stern toward any movement against the truth, toward oppression and the oppressors, deviation from the path of God, rebellion, and seduction.”
The Leader of the Revolution continued, “Imam Ali (a.s.) stood before these with such rigidity and sturdiness, unique in the history so far. At the same time, he was sympathetic and tender while in the state of remembering God on one hand, and in contact with the oppressed, the underprivileged and the weak, on the other hand.”
“These two contradictory features are also visible in the personality of Imam Khomeini (r.a.). He was rigid, sturdy and firm before the oppressors and wrongful acts: before the corrupt and tyrannical Pahlavi Regime, he stood like a strong cliff; before the US, he stood like a mountain; before threats, before the invader Saddam, during the imposed eight-year war, before the internal conspiracies, even before his old disciple, old companion, he stood for his inappropriate behavior; and he was open and straightforward,” said Ayatollah Khomeini.
Ayatollah Khamenei also mentioned three more valuable qualities that were apparent in both of these great, religious personalities celebrated and honoured today: “The second similarity between Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) lies in the remarkable personality of Imam Ali (a.s.). Three seemingly contradictory features coexist in Imam Ali (a.s.): Imam Ali (a.s.) is a strong, powerful, and a sovereign man; at the same time, he is decent; and at the same time, he is the final victor in various events. The three features also existed in our Imam Khomeini (r.a.). He was a strong and sovereign man; he managed to overturn the tyrannical, hereditary dictatorship after two thousand years: this requires a lot of strength. He managed to defeat and repel the US, which had defined crucial resources for themselves in our country.”
Touching on the topic of the JCPOA, the Leader of the Revolution confirmed Iran's commitment, while expecting the same commitment and guarantees from the West: "The West's dream regarding the JCPOA will not come true, and the Iranian nation and government will not tolerate being under sanctions, while limited in the nuclear field. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran must make the necessary arrangements to reach 190,000 SWU in the framework provided by the JCPOA, and it must begin some other preparations that Mr. President has ordered effective tomorrow."
He continued: "Let me tell you something about the JCPOA: some European governments are acting as if the Iranian nation has to endure these sanctions and their effects, while at the same time it [Iran] must cease nuclear activities -- which we will certainly need in the future -- and curb the nuclear program."
He further asserted that the West targeted Iran's defensive capabilities -- through means of psychological pressure on the Iranian people -- which he referred to as the country's strong points when stating: "By using psychological pressure, they've targeted Islamic Republic's strengths--which they introduce as challenging points to make the Iranian nation disappointed in those strong points. These points of strength include the prideful progress of nuclear technology and missile power."
Bringing to mind the ways Iran faced extreme obstacles in the past and why measures must be taken today to protect Iran’s missile program, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “A prime example is the missile program: constructing various types of missiles and acquiring missile power guarantees the country's security. Our youthful generations do not remember the days when Tehran was under a barrage of missile attacks day and night. Houses were destroyed and innocent lives were taken. The enemy's missiles obviously reached cities near the frontlines -- like Dezfoul, Ahwaz, Suse, and other towns and cities -- but also Tehran, and other cities even farther! We did not have missiles or other means of self-defence, we simply had to watch all the suffering as our hands were tied. Thus, missiles are for our own security and our strength."
Articulating on the enemies’ strategy to confront Iran’s right to self-defence the Leader added: “Now, you see that the enemy has focused on this strong point: they have set their sights on our missile program. Unfortunately, some inside the country are going along with the enemy and suggest that we give in. However, today, our youth have made us the foremost missile power in the region. The enemy must know, if they strike us just once, we will strike back ten times fold!”
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned that a source of pride for the country stemmed from Iran's long legacy, since the time of Imam Khomeini, of helping the Palestinian nation and others: "The Islamic Republic of Iran's support for the Palestinian nation and other oppressed nations is a source of grace for Iran. The Islamic Republic has strengthened resistance forces in the region that stand against the Zionist regime: this is while the enemies have created detrimental elements such as ISIS and Al-Nusrah fronts in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Republic supported the resistance forces in the West Asian region. --This equals defending the Palestinian nation and defending the independence of countries in the region."
Mentioning that there is a silver lining to all the oppression, endured by people and nations, the Leader of the revolution drew examples from the life of Imam Khomeini: “Meanwhile, our great Imam Khomeini (r.a.) was oppressed too: certain behaviors by some individuals, though they were not expected, happened, which brought about his suffering. His anguish that can be read between the lines of his writings, today, depict his suffering and state of oppression. The victory of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) reveals itself in the stability of the Islamic system, in the persistence of the Islamic system, in the growth, development, and progress of the Islamic system.”
“Many dreams of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) came true after his passing: the country’s confidence and self-sufficiency; scientific, technological, and political progress; expansion of the country’s and the Islamic Republic’s relations in the vast Western Asian region and in Northern Africa. --This represents the victory of Imam’s discourse, path, and methodology,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Leader of the Revolution added: "Thank God, we are living in an age where we witnessed such a great man, who had similarities to Amir Al Mumineen, the Leader of the Pious and the freemen of history, and he could leave behind the legacy of his greatness for the Iranian nation."
"But how did Imam (r.a.) encounter such a situation? How is he a role-model? I will briefly discuss this; this is a great lesson for us." said the Leader.
“I am going to mention some characteristics in the behavioural pattern of the great Imam [Khomeini]:
1. Bravely, actively, and strongly opposing the enmities, without showing any weakness or passivity
2. Avoiding dramatization and relying upon reasonable calculations
3. Respecting priorities
4. Trusting the strengths of the people, especially the youth
5. Mistrusting the enemy
6. Working towards unity within the nation and avoiding polarity
7. Having a strong faith in God's help and promises."
The Leader of the Revolution, today, at the shrine of Imam Khomeini said: "Those insiders who help the enemy, with its psychological war, are today trying to impose a distorted JCPOA on the country. Foreign governments are pursuing this goal, and some inside the country are saying that "if we do not budge," this will lead to war. --This is what the enemy wants.
Nearing the end of his speech, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressed the Arab youth, speaking in their mother language. Translation of this part of the Leader's speech is as follows:
"I deem it necessary to make this statement to zealous Arab youth at the end of my speech:
Today your nations rely on you for the realization of their hopes. Prepare yourself for a tomorrow when your countries are free, independent, and developed.
Being passive towards the domineering US, lacking appropriate policies towards the usurper Zionist Regime, showing hostility to brothers and being humble before enemies, have turned some Arab governments into an enemy for their nations. You are the ones who should counter this void in the equation.
I invite you to hope, innovation, action, and self-preparation. The future belongs to you if you build it. Do not fear the unbelievers' hegemony. Be sure about God's promise of victory and this explicit saying: "Or, do they desire to outwit? The unbelievers are the outwitted." (Quran, 52:42)
Friday is the day of Quds: defending the resistant Palestinian nation and its self-sacrificing combatants is a big step in this direction."
Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Revolution closed his speech by firmly stating: “Dear brothers, dear sisters, and the great Iranian nation! I am telling you, after Imam [Khomeini], we have meticulously followed in his footsteps; God willing, we will do so in the future!”
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