Khamenei.ir

Leader's Address to a Group of People from East Azarbaijan Province

The following is the abridged text of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with a group of people from East Azarbaijan Province on February 17, 2003.

Leader's Address to Sports Champions

The following is the abridged text of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with athletes and sports champions on January 20, 2003.

Leader's Address to Hajj Pilgrimage Executives

What follows is an excerpt from the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on January 15, 2003 in a meeting with executives in charge of hajj pilgrimage.

Leader's Speech to a Group of People from Qom

The following is an abstract of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with a group of people from the city of Qom on January 9, 2003.

Leader's Speech at Shahid Sattari Air Force Academy

What follows is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, during a visit to Shahid Sattari Air Force Academy on December 25, 2002.

Sermons Delivered at Eid-al-Fitr Prayers

What follows is an excerpt from the sermons delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, at Eid-al-Fitr (Fast-Breaking Feast) Prayers on December 6, 2002.

Leader's Address to Government Executives

The following is the abridged text of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with government executives and the Islamic countries' ambassadors in Tehran. The meeting was held on the occasion of the Eid-al-Fitr (Fast-Breaking Feast) on Shawwal 1, 1423 (December 6, 2002).

Sermons Delivered at Friday Prayers

What follows is an excerpt from the sermons delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, at the Friday prayers on Ramazan 16, 1423 (November 22, 2002).

Leader's Speech at an Army Base

What follows is the abridged text of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, during a visit to an army base on November 17, 2002. The speech was made following the flag-raising ceremony.

Leader's Address to Academics

The following is an abridgement of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with a group of academics and university professors on Ramazan 7, 1423 (November 13, 2002).

Leader's Address to Government Executives

The following is the abridged text of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to government executives in a meeting held on Ramazan 5, 1423 (November 11, 2002).

Leader's Speech on Students Day

The following is the abridged text of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with students on November 4, 2002 on the occasion of the Students Day and the National Day of Struggle against the Global Arrogance.

Imam Khamenei in meeting with outstanding students:

Spiritual and scientific achievements are infinite in scope

The following is an excerpt of the speech by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with outstanding students on October 26, 2002.

The most outstanding moto of Mahdawiyyah is justice

The most prominent moto of Mahdawiyyah involves justice. For instance, when in Ale-Yassin supplication you mention the features of his excellency [the Savior], one of the most prominent among them is: “The one who will fill the earth with justice and equity just as it was filled with injustice and oppression.” It is expected that he will fill all the globe – not just a specific area-- with justice, and establish equality everywhere. This notion also exists in the narrations about Imam Mahdi (a.j.). Thus, those who await the reappearance of the Promised Mahdi (a.s.), primarily await the establishment of justice. The biggest challenge of the present time is the lack of justice. Oppressive and tyrannical systems have always suppressed the people across the world, in different manners. They have compelled humanity; and have deprived the people from their natural rights. However, today this is more severe than any time in history and mankind is longing for the reappearance of Mahdi (a.s.) seeking that this will be resolved by his reappearance. Hence, this is a matter of seeking justice.

Imam Mahdi’s future government is a popular government in the real sense of the word

Another important lesson we should consider is that Imam Mahdi’s future government is a popular, people-oriented government, in all respects. What does popular mean? It means the government relies on people’s belief, will-power and work. Imam Mahdi (a.j.) won’t fill the world with justice alone; instead, he will establish the foundation of justice across the world, with the help of devout masses of believers, and he will establish an entirely popular government. Nevertheless, this popular government is utterly different from today’s so-called democratic governments. What is carrying the title of democracy today, is indeed the old dictatorships that is represented in new disguises: that is, the dictatorships of the groups. Even if there is competition, the competition involves the groups; so, the people play no effective role. A group gains power, and due to its political power-- which grants it the authority to rule over all the affairs of the country-- and by abusing the power, it hoards on wealth, capital, and money. Then, the group uses the money to achieve even more power. Today’s democracies around the world are based on false and deceptive propaganda that beguiles the eyes and the hearts. Whereas, Imam Mahdi’s democracy is a religious democracy, completely different from these methods.

Believing in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) does not men adopting seclusion

Believing in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is not equivalent to seclusion. Deviated movements before the revolution advocated-- and some are still promoting in some areas today-- that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will come and resolve the problems; so we would we need to do anything! This is like avoiding to turn on the lights at dark nights because the sun will come out the next day and lighten everywhere. Tomorrow's sun has nothing to do with today’s conditions of you and I. Today, we see there is oppression, injustice, discrimination, domineering anywhere in the world—and these are the same predicaments that Imam Mahdi (a.j.) will come to combat. If we claim to be soldiers of Imam Mahdi (a.j.), we should prepare ourselves to fight against them. The most important duty of those who await Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is to prepare themselves in areas of spirituality, ethics, religious practice, and to develop religious, and friendly bonds with other believers; as well as prepare themselves for confronting the domineering powers… anyone who awaits the great redeemer should prepare in themselves the basis for redemption, so they can endure establishing redemption in the world.

Awaiting reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is not about only sitting by and weeping; we should prepare ourselves to serve as his soldiers

Another lesson for me and you to learn from the belief in Mahdawiyah and ceremonies of mid-Sha'ban [on the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is that although believing in Imam Mahdi (mayour souls be sacrificed for him) is a lofty aspiration, and there is no doubt in it; the matter should not solely be regarded as an aspiration-- that is, as a dream in hearts, or only a step farther and just in words, or as celebrations. Rather, this is an aspiration that should be followed by action. Awaiting, which is encouraged in narrations, is not only about sitting by idly and weeping. Awaiting means that we should prepare ourselves to serve as the soldiers of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Being his soldiers is not easy. Being soldiers of a great redeemer who wants to fight against all the international powers and hubs of corruption requires self-preparation, awareness, and ability to distinguish. Some mistakenly take the awaiting as a pretext for indolence. We should not think that because Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will come and will fill the world with justice one day, we have no responsibilities today. On the contrary, we have the duty to move in that direction today to get prepared for his Excellency’s reappearance.

Establishment of justice requires a government led by justice seekers

Another lesson the belief in Mahdawiyyah and mid-Sha'ban celebrations [rejoicing the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.j.)] must give us is: the justice we are looking forward to-- justice established Imam Mahdi (a.j.) that is to fill the world-- is not achieved by simply preaching and giving advice. That is, the promised Mahdi of nations is not going to preach the oppressive powers to make them avoid oppression, avarice, hegemony and exploitation of other nations. By only giving advice, justice will never be established. Establishing justice, either at the global level --as will be done by the heir of the Prophets-- or in any area of the world, requires that just, benevolent individuals hold a powerful position and address the domineering powers with a language of power. It is impossible to advise those who are arrogant, due to their oppressive power. Only a language of sovereignty works for communicating with them... Those who favor justice, should equip themselves with power against domineering hegemonic powers who invade humans' rights. So you see, ever since the Islamic establishment was formed--that is, Islam gained the power of a big nation, and resources of a big country and government-- the enemies of Islam took the movement of Islam seriously and the supporters of Islam across the world became hopeful.

Belief in Mahdi (a.s.) opposes the false and oppressive propaganda by arrogant powers

Humans can make an effort to raise the flag of justice –even if only in a certain area. If the nations living under pressures of oppression today can develop the hope that it is possible to fight against oppression, what will happen in the world and how the nations will awaken! The Iranian nation was once under the tyrannical [Pahlavi] regime's claws of despotism and had no hope. However, our magnanimous Imam Khomeini cleared the hearts from disappointment and inspired the people with hope and bravery via Islamic teachings. As a result, the people rose up and brought about a revolution. They underwent hardships; they fought; they sacrificed their lives, and they managed to fight against, uproot and overthrow the agents of oppression and the oppressive system in this part of the world. Today, the propaganda centers of the Arrogant Powers in the world and the illuminati affiliated with them, promote around the world the belief that no movement can counter the current oppressive order. They fight against the notions of revolution and idealism and want to convince the nations to tolerate the actual oppressive situation of the world and avoid reacting to it. The belief in reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.j.) opposes the false and oppressive propaganda. Believing in reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.j.), our youth, intellectuals and nation nurture in their hearts the strong belief that the global oppressive order is going to perish; it is not permanent. It is possible to fight and resist against it.

The first practical lesson from the belief in Savior: Elimination of Oppression from the world is definite

The first lesson we can learn from believing in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is that eliminating oppression from the world is not only possible, but it is definite. This is extremely important for the young generations not to believe that it is impossible to counter the global oppression. Today, when we speak with world-renowned political intellectuals about oppression exercised by the international powers and the global system of oppression—which is headed by the Arrogant Power [U.S.] around the world today—they say they agree that there is oppression, but there is no possible way to oppose the oppressive powers! That is, a great number of the elites who lead the world are afflicted with disappointment and they transfer this feeling of disappointment to their nations, and dishearten them about overturning the oppressive and devilish plots in today’s world. Evidently, hopeless individuals can never take action against oppression. What will make people act and move is the beacon and power of hope. Believing in the promised Mahdi (a.j.) will fill the hearts with the beacon of hope. For us, who believe in the definite reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.j.), the hopelessness that has afflicted many intellectuals around the world makes no sense. We hold that it is possible to change the oppressive systems of the world, that it is possible to encounter oppression and oppressive powers, and that in the future this is not only possible but it will definitely happen.

Believing in Mahdawiyyah is not exclusive to Shi’ism

Believing in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) at one time in history is not specific to Shia Muslims. Rather, all Muslims—including Shias and Sunnis—believe in this notion. However, the Shias are privileged in that they know this Savior by name and features, and believes that he is always ready and prepared to receive the divine order. Any time God the Almighty commands him [to reappear], he is ready to initiate the great movement, which is supposed to revolutionize humanity and history. The lesson and the pragmatic and cognitive teaching we need to learn from this notion is significant.

Speech on Birth Anniversary of Imam Mahdi (greetings be upon him)

The following is an abridgement of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, at a gathering held on Sha'ban 15, 1423 (October 22, 2002). The gathering was held on the occasion of birth anniversary of the Savior of mankind, Imam Mahdi (greetings be upon him and may Almighty Allah hasten his reappearance).

The IRGC represents a culture

Being a guardian of the Revolution represents a culture; a culture of dignity and pride. Guarding the faith and the Revolution—which is embodied in the IRGC today—is not merely a military action; rather, it also represents a culture. It includes aspects of religion, politics, self-sacrifice and selfless endeavor aspects. Obviously, it also has a military aspect. That is, it has been, and will be the military arm of the Revolution. The Revolution needs this protection as much as before. This is a permanent necessity. Out of ignorance—we would like to hope that it is out of ignorance—some attack the foundations of selfless endeavor and martyrdom for the sake of Allah. They do not understand what they are doing. What they do is like sitting on a branch and cutting down the tree. They do not comprehend what miracles can be brought about, and what great achievements can be accomplished by a nation equipped with the tremendous instruments of Jihad (selfless endeavor) and martyrdom for the sake of Allah. They want to leave the Revolution and the Islamic government defenseless against world powers so that they can devour and decimate it. Obviously, when coming from enemies, these suggestions are completely calculated, and purposeful. But some, apparently without knowing what they are doing, repeat the same remarks by the enemies.

Leader's Statements on IRGC Day

The following is an excerpt from the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on October 9, 2002 on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Hussain (greetings be upon him).The day has also been named the IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guard Corps) Day.

Leader's Speech on Feast of Mab'ath

The following is the abridged text of a speech made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, at a gathering held on Rajab 27, 1423 (October 5, 2002). The gathering was held on the occasion of the feast of Mab'ath, or the day marking the appointment of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his household) as the messenger of Allah.

Leader's Speech on Birth Anniversary of Commander of the Faithful

The following is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, at a gathering held on Rajab 13, 1423 (September 21, 2002). The gathering was held on the occasion of birth anniversary of Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (greetings be upon him).

Women's nature is delicate

God has created a delicate nature for women. Some fingers are big and unwieldy and thus good for digging a stone out of the ground, but if a tiny gem is to be touched, it is unlikely that they could pick it. But there are delicate and thin fingers which cannot pick that stone but can pick off the ground the tiny gem or piece of gold. That is the story of man and woman. Each have their own responsibilities. One cannot say whose responsibility is greater. Both have great responsibilities. Both are essential. Since a woman’s spirit is more delicate, it needs more peace and tranquility. She needs comfort and a secure source to rely on. Who is this source of reliance? It is the husband. That is how God has placed them next to one another.

Both men and women have important but different tasks

Some fingers are big and unwieldy and thus good for digging a stone out of the ground, but if a tiny gem is to be touched, it is unlikely that they could pick it. But there are delicate and thin fingers which cannot pick that stone but can pick off the ground the tiny gem or piece of gold. That is the story of man and woman. Each have their own responsibilities. One cannot say whose responsibility is greater. Both have great responsibilities. Both are essential. Since a woman’s spirit is more delicate, it needs more peace and tranquility. She needs comfort and a secure source to rely on. Who is this source of reliance? It is the husband. That is how God has placed them next to one another.

Leader's Statements in a Meeting with Cabinet Members

The following is the abridged text of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on August 26, 2002 in a meeting with Cabinet members on the occasion of Government Week.

Leader's Address to Directors of Friday Prayers Headquarters

The following is the abridged text of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to directors of Friday Prayers Headquarters throughout the country on July 27, 2002. In this speech, the Leader elaborated on the role of Friday prayers in society. He also referred to the hostile attitude of the U.S. and Zionist-controlled media toward the Islamic Republic.