Khamenei.ir

A cause for the sovereignty of the Islamic Ummah

Hajj is one of the strong points of the holy religion of Islam] …[ hajj is a source of power for the Islamic community and the Islamic Ummah. The day when we Muslims from different countries and with different denominations manage to achieve intellectual growth so much so that we can form the Islamic Ummah in the real sense of the word - unfortunately, we Muslims have not managed to achieve this moral, political and intellectual growth until today - and the day when we Muslims from eastern parts to western parts of the world of Islam manage to form one single ummah although we may have different governments, we understand how hajj can be a source of power, strength, transcendence and dignity for this Islamic Ummah.

In Hajj, treat each other brotherly and do not behave like strangers toward each other

One of the requirements of hajj is that hajj pilgrims should behave in a brotherly - in the real sense of the word - way towards one another in the arena of hajj and this great Islamic obligation. They should not look at one another as outsiders and enemies. They should see themselves as people who are moving towards one goal, who pursue one thing, who revolve around one pivot. Allah the Exalted says, "Let there be no obscenity, no wickedness and no quarrelling in the Hajj." [The Holy Quran, 2: 197] The meaning of "no quarrelling" is not that we should not quarrel with the enemy. On the contrary, hajj is the manifestation of quarrelling with the enemy. Some narrow-minded and pessimistic people say, "There should be 'no quarrelling' during hajj pilgrimage. Why do you hold a detestation ceremony during hajj pilgrimage?" The enmity which is reflected in this ceremony means enmity towards polytheism and atheism. This is one of the most fundamental principles of Islamic life. The kind of enmity which should not exist in hajj pilgrimage is enmity between brothers and believers and enmity between people who believe in monotheism. This enmity should not exist. Not only should we Muslims express in words that we have no enmity towards one another, but also we should feel this from the bottom of our hearts. This is the exact opposite of what the enemies of Islam are trying to do in the Islamic community. You should pay attention to this. The existence of differences between Islamic denominations and between Shia and Sunni Muslims will not create any problem as long as these differences are confined to ideological differences. One person may believe in something and another person may believe in something else. Problems arise when these ideological differences lead to behavioral differences, confrontation, hostility and enmity. The enemies of the world of Islam are after creating such a situation and hatching such a plot.

Leader’s Speech in Meeting with Hajj Officials

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on September 11, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with officials in charge of hajj affairs.

We managed to form the Islamic Republic with Islam’s guidance

When the Islamic Republic was formed, there was an opposition to the issue of reliance on Islam. We should not say that their opposition and enmity was because of our independence or because of our policy of fighting against global arrogance. Of course, this is true and this is one reason for their enmity, but fighting against global arrogance grew out of the heart of Islam. Our democracy grew out of the heart of Islam as well. It has been said many times that when we speak about religious democracy, this does not mean an unusual combination between democracy and religion. This is not the case. Our democracy has originated from religion and Islam has shown us this path. We managed to form the Islamic Republic with the guidance of Islam. By Allah's favor, it will be the same in the future. As a result of this belief in Islam, the enemies have focused their attention on Islam. If they can take Islam away from the Islamic Republic, the products of Islam will naturally be destroyed.

Our democracy grew out of the heart of Islam

Our democracy grew out of the heart of Islam as well. It has been said many times that when we speak about religious democracy, this does not mean an unusual combination between democracy and religion. This is not the case. Our democracy has originated from religion and Islam has shown us this path. We managed to form the Islamic Republic with the guidance of Islam. By Allah's favor, it will be the same in the future. As a result of this belief in Islam, the enemies have focused their attention on Islam. If they can take Islam away from the Islamic Republic, the products of Islam will naturally be destroyed and undermined. Issues should be analyzed by adopting this outlook.

Leader's Speech in Meeting with Members of Assembly of Experts

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on September 5, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with the chairman and members of the Assembly of Experts.The meeting was held on the occasion of the 14th Congress of the Assembly of Experts which was held on the 12th and 13th of Shahrivar.

Trust in divine promise

Regarding the issue of genuine and heartfelt beliefs and orientations, one of the things which I lay great emphasis on is reliance on Allah the Exalted and divine promises. This is one of the issues which I strongly believe we should not be negligent about. Allah the Exalted firmly promises that "If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you." [The Holy Quran, 47: 7] And "Allah will certainly aid those who aid his cause." [The Holy Quran, 22: 40] When Allah the Exalted promises in such a direct and emphatic way that if you support His religion and follow and assist the divine path, God will help you, then we should believe in this promise and we should do what He says. Aug 28, 2013

Leader's Speech in Meeting with President Rouhani and Cabinet Members

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on August 28, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and his cabinet members. The meeting was held on the occasion of Government Week.

Leader Meets with Sultan of Oman

Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met Monday morning with the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence referred to the friendly and warm relations between Iran and Oman, stressing: "There are many areas - particularly areas related to gas - in which the two countries can develop their relations even more than before."

Leader's Sermons during Eid ul-Fitr Prayers

The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during Eid ul-Fitr prayers in Tehran.

Providing the people with simple iftar is a very appropriate act

It is good to pay attention to this issue which is the act of providing the people with simple and unadorned iftar meals in our mosques and on the streets of many cities of the country. Unlike the act of offering extravagant iftar meals which we heard a number of people did, this is a very appropriate act. Under the pretext of offering iftar meals, these people engaged in extravagant acts. Instead of becoming an instrument for establishing a psychological relationship with the poor and the deprived in the month of Ramadan, they indulged themselves in carnal desires by doing this. We do not want to say that if somebody eats a delicious food during iftar, this is forbidden. No, according to Sharia, these things are not forbidden. But extravagance and overindulgence are forbidden. The extravagance which is sometimes witnessed in such occasions is forbidden. It is so much better for those who want to offer iftar meals to do this by cherishing the tradition which has become common.

How can nations stand on their own feet?

Faith in God and solidarity are the two things which can help nations stand on their own feet and put up a resistance. Thankfully, the Iranian nation benefits from these things.

World's current disaster is that those who claim advocating human rights support criminals in practice

One event is the event of the oppressed Palestine. After the passage of 65 years since the official occupation of Palestine, this oppressed nation continues to suffer from oppression and cruelty on a daily basis. Houses are destroyed, innocent people are arrested, children are separated from their parents and prisons are filled with people who are innocent or who have served their prison terms. What is distressing is that western powers support these criminals with all their power. One of the disasters of today's world is that an act of clear oppression, which is a combination of tens and hundreds of oppressive acts, is supported by those who claim they support human rights and democracy and who chant beautiful and colorful slogans, but who support criminals in practice.

Leader's Speech to Government Officials and Ambassadors of Islamic Countries

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with government officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran and ambassadors of Islamic countries. The meeting was held on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr.

Leader's Speech to Professors

Leader Appoints Dr. Ahmadinejad as Member of Expediency Council

Leader's Edict Approving Presidency

Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution formally approved the presidency of Hojjatoleslam Hassan Rouhani. The following is the full text of this edict issued on August 3, 2013.

Leader's Speech at Ceremony Approving Rouhani Presidency

The Pahlavis did not care about the interests, greatness and glory of this country

Our nation had not tasted democracy before the victory of the Islamic Revolution. From the Constitutional Movement to the victory of the Islamic Revolution, 75 years passed. Out of these 75 years, 55 years belonged to the dictatorship of the Pahlavi dynasty. It was a violent dictatorship which was dependent on global powers - that is to say it was first dependent on England and then on America - which did not consider what the people wanted. In these 55 years, the country was in the hands of the people who neither paid attention to the fate and interests of our nation nor to the magnificence, greatness and dignity of this country. They only cared about their own interests and the interests of the powers which supported them. And during the 20 years before that, the country was in turmoil. That is to say, since the beginning of the Constitutional Movement until the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the country was under the domination of dictatorship and autocracy, except for a two-year period of time during which a weak national government was formed - and that was destroyed by the mutual plots of England and America.

Within Islamic democracy, relations between people and officials are emotional and religious

One of the characteristics of such democracy is that the relationship between the people and officials is not only based solely on a legal process. Rather, as well as a legal relationship, there is an emotional and religious relationship between them which results from the people's beliefs and religious outlook and their commitment to the principles of the Revolution. This is something which has no equal in the world. We do not know any country in which the relationship between the people and officials is based on such an emotional and religious relationship and on such commitment to principles. This is the thing which guides officials. The honorable president who was formally entrusted today with the heavy and glorious responsibility of presidency should pay attention to the point that the people consider the dear country of Iran as an Islamic country which is based on Islamic principles and teachings. This is why they stand up for it.

People taste democracy in the Islamic Republic

The people tasted democracy in the Islamic Republic. Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution until today, it was the people who played a role in all important events and in all major responsibilities of the country. Eleven presidential elections, nine parliamentary elections and several Assembly of Experts elections and city and village council elections were held. That is to say, during the past 34 years, almost one election was held per year. The people feel that it is they who make decisions about their own fate and about the management and the macro policies of the country. They feel that it is they who supervise and do these things. This is religious democracy.

Our nation did not have a taste of democracy before Islamic victory

Our nation had not tasted democracy before the victory of the Islamic Revolution. From the Constitutional Movement to the victory of the Islamic Revolution, 75 years passed. Out of these 75 years, 55 years belonged to the dictatorship of the Pahlavi dynasty. It was a violent dictatorship which was dependent first on England and then on America , which did not consider what the people wanted. In these 55 years, the country was in the hands of the people who neither paid attention to the fate and interests of our nation nor to the magnificence, greatness and dignity of this country. They only cared about their own interests and the interests of the powers which supported them... since the beginning of the Constitutional Movement until the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the country was under the domination of dictatorship and autocracy, except for a two-year period of time during which a weak national government was formed and that was destroyed by the mutual plots of England and US

Islamic democracy: It's the people who choose, everything pivots around Islam

The fact that in the holy Islamic Republic, executive power is transferred from one servant to another servant of the Revolution with tranquility, peace and friendliness is a very valuable and significant phenomenon. This phenomenon results from Islamic democracy which our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) made the basis for the Islamic Republic with his acumen and wisdom. Everything is in the hands of the people. It is the people who choose and everything pivots around our dear Islam. This is Islamic democracy.

Leader's Speech to Students

Leader Meets with Students

The issue is that the Islamic Republic is standing on its own feet

They are hostile towards a nation that refuses to surrender to their rule, a nation that refuses to act the way they want, a nation whose actions are against their will. Similarly, if governments submit to them and act in an obedient way, they gain their approval. Neither democracy, nor human rights, nor the nuclear issue are important to them. The issue is that the Islamic Republic is standing on its own feet, is relying on its own power, is standing firm by relying on Allah the Exalted and is making progress in different areas. They do not like this, and so be it.

Leader's Speech to Poets

Leader's Speech to Government Officials

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Leader Meets with Government Officials

Religious democracy is healthy democracy

We have also made progress in political arenas. In the arena of domestic politics, the new model of religious democracy which we have introduced to the world, our elections and the transition of executive and legislative power in the country are among the greatest achievements. Religious democracy is a healthy democracy, without the deceptive measures which are common in the world. I am sorry that many of our youth do not know about the common methods in the world - In America and in Europe - which are used in the arena of elections. These methods are seemingly democratic, but they are non-democratic in nature. Good books have been written in this regard. They have been written by westerners themselves. Our youth should take a look at these books and read them to see how a mayor and a governor in such and such a state is elected, how they become a senator and a president after that and how they are pushed into these arenas. They can see with what tricks these things are done.