Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met today with a group of government officials and people from various social backgrounds. Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by President Ahmadinejad, His Eminence described the future prospects of the world of Islam as bright and very promising. He said that the progress made by the Islamic Ummah is an undeniable fact, further adding: "By Allah's favor, we will make more and more progress and build a brighter future. The world of Islam will enjoy Islamic glory."The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to piety as one of the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan and added: "The Islamic Ummah needs this piety and familiarity with Allah the Exalted more than ever before."
Ayatollah Khamenei touched upon the past disappointment and hardships experienced by Muslims and reiterated: "Colonialist powers exerted heavy pressure on the Muslims of that time. But today, thanks to Islamic Awakening, there are much brighter prospects for Muslims. Today the enemies of Islam and materialistic people have admitted their failure and defeat."
His Eminence said that the denial of these realities is the same as the denial of divine promises. "This is not extreme optimism. On the contrary, these are realities that could be continued through a great jihad involving political, intellectual, scientific, social, and moral aspects. Muslim nations have gradually become familiar with the different aspects of this jihad, and they are going to gain further understanding of these aspects."
Elaborating on the weaknesses of the arrogant powers and the progress of the Islamic Ummah, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the present situation of the Middle East and added: "After the break-up of the Soviet Union, the US came to believe that it was the unrivaled superpower and the chief of the global village. But the US is currently stuck in a quagmire in Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan. And even the Americans themselves have expressed their disappointment with the outcome of their plans."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also touched upon the recent US activities in Pakistan and reiterated: "Americans are going to be disappointed in this case too because Muslims are vigilant. Muslims are prepared to resist, and they are familiar with their Islamic rights."
His Eminence said making further progress and gaining more grandeur for Muslims require that Muslims pay more attention to God and ask Him for help. "Relying on Allah, during the past 30 years the faithful Iranian nation has stood up to the arrogant powers through its tireless efforts, and it has been making more and more progress," he noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also added: "Appreciating divine guidance and grace, we must strengthen our determination and unity, and we must have more hope in our future."