Khamenei.ir

Why is there a growing interest in hijab around the world?

Muslim women in many parts of the world today take you as their role models and follow you. If you see that in some Western countries, or in some Muslim countries with a non-Muslim government, Islamic hijab is so much contested by the enemies of Islam, it is because the women are increasingly inclining to hijab. In some of our neighboring countries, where hijab was not practiced; in some Islamic countries where hijab was not even mentioned— as I have seen firsthand— during the past twenty years following the revolution, women, in particular, intellectuals and university students as well, have embraced hijab, showing interest in hijab, and have started practicing it; the examples of which can be seen even in western countries. You are their role models.

Reforms: Strategies, Challenges

What follows is the abridged text of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to government executives on July 10, 2000.

Religious minorities supporting The Islamic Republic, a source of honor for it

Thankfully, the followers of many different faiths live together peacefully in the Islamic Republic. Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians live alongside Muslims in the Islamic Republic. They cooperate with the Islamic Republic and play a role in the country. Of course they shoulder certain duties. The Islamic Republic also shoulders certain duties towards them as Iranian citizens which it fulfills. The Islamic Republic has no complaints against its citizens who are among the religious minorities of the country. When the enemies launch propaganda against the Islamic Republic in a sly manner, Jewish citizens publish statements. In other cases, Armenians or other religious minorities issued statements and expressed their support for the Islamic Republic. This is a source of honor for the Islamic Republic.

A look at the life of the Islamic Prophet as narrated by Ayatollah Khamenei

Excerpts from Tehran Friday prayers sermon

Imam Hussain (a.s.) can be a role model for the world’s freedom seekers and justice seekers

Those who are not familiar with Islam but understand the concepts of freedom, justice, dignity, elevation and lofty human values, consider Imam Hussein (a.s.) as their Imam [leader] in seeking freedom, in seeking justice, in the fight against viciousness, and against ignorance and human degradation.

The biggest treason to Iran’s economy was committed by the Pahlavi regime

The Pahlavi regime committed the greatest treason to Iran's economy, not just the economy of their time, but also to our economic foundations as its implications lasted for years to come. They transformed Iran to a storage for worthless, useless imported western goods. They bought cheap instruments and unnecessary and disproportionate things at exorbitant prices. They completely destroyed the once self-sufficient agriculture of this country; to an extent that years later, even now, our agriculture has not found its previous status. Because the waves of immigration [from villages to the city] that they incited, was not something that could be easily stopped. They made the nation dependent on foreign countries in agriculture. They bought wheat from the US. The wheat storage facilities were built by the Soviets, too. That is, we were dependent for our wheat and for its storage. They ruined the rural areas. They stopped the industry which was to progress. The progress that was needed in the industry to stop imports was not made. Active industry was halted in this country and a dependent industry was encouraged that relied on imports as much as or more than it produced. They stopped science. They talked a lot about universities and students, but practically, the country's universities had minimum scientific activity. Any brilliant and active talent, if they wanted to flourish, if they were not suppressed in the country, had to leave to work abroad. It was impossible here. They gave foreign companies dominance over much of the country's economic resources and gave away much of oil reserves for free.

An excerpt of statements made in a meeting with the Air Force personnel at the Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Engineering

The Pahlavi regime was trying to make the Iranian nation numb, indifferent, and insensitive

When a nation is under cultural, political, economic and military influence of a foreign power, there will be no liberty to develop and move in the direction they desire. Any living entity wants to grow and develop. Even if you want to stop the growth of a plant, it will break free from its bounds, and even crack the stone to grow. A human being and a nation are the same. To diffuse this feeling and motivation in a nation, those in a position of power have found a way, and that is making nations numb, indifferent, and insensitive. The corrupt Pahlavi regime tried to do that in every possible way: making numb, indifferent, and insensitive, overwhelmed with a deluge of illusions, and of course sometimes putting on a desirable display, and a gleaming facade. They had made this happen to the army in those days ... making the army rot away from inside. They had set up a facade of an army enough for their goals and their image. But there was no scientific work, technology, research, or production. Higher education, was only up to a certain point, in a certain environment and pursued abroad. Commands, measures, and methods, not only in the military, but also in culture, and beliefs, were influenced and managed by foreigners. They were just given some tools. An army with a set of tools, but without the ability to function using this tool if it breaks or a piece is misplaced: what kind of an army is it and how independent can it be? It was like this. In those times, there was no talk of the Iranian army using its own products, and the results of its own research. Not at all. There was not even any talk of the army knowing and studying the aircrafts, the radars, or any modern electronic device it was given. They were not even allowed to do this. These are the stone, cover, and bounds that want to stop a living entity from growing. This entity, as long as it stays numb and indifferent, will be limited by those bounds, and when it becomes alert, it will break the bounds and overcome the obstacles.

An excerpt of statements made during a Friday prayer sermon

Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj) is near, because minds are ready

Presently the mind of humankind is ready to understand, to learn, and to know,undoubtedly, that a lofty human will come to save them from the burden of oppression and tyranny. The exact effort that all the prophets made, the exact promise the Prophet of Islam (pbuh) has made to people via the Quranic verse: "And relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them," [7:157] is expressed. The hand of divine power can make this dream of humankind come true through a heavenly human, a divine human, a human connected to worlds of mystery, spirituality, and worlds that are not understandable to shortsighted humans like us. Hence, the hearts, the enthusiasm, and love are attracted to that point; and, every day they grow more attracted than the day before. The Iranian nation, enjoys a great privilege today: the atmosphere of the country is an atmosphere of Imam Mahdi (aj). Not only Shias across the world, but all Muslims are awaiting the Promised Mahdi. The privilege of the Shia is that they know this divine and certain promise made to all Muslim nations as well as followers of all religions, by name, attributes, characteristics and birth date. Many of our great scholars have personally met with this beloved (Imam) of hearts of the admirers during his occultation; many have made a pledge to him in person; many have heard from him some heartwarming words; many have been caressed by him and many others have received his kindness, care, and love without having recognized him. On the battlefield, of the imposed war on Iran, there were many young men who felt a spiritual and bright presence at their most crucial moments: they sensed and received an assurance in their hearts without recognizing and knowing the source. The same is true today.

Is the reappearance of the Imam of the Time close? Why or why not?

Dear youth; the Basij members (Mobilized Forces)! One of those glowing Suns—by the Grace, Assistance and Will of God—is on the Earth today, at our time, as ‘What remains from Allah on the Earth’; as ‘the Argument of God for his servants’; as the Master of our Time, and the Absolute Wali of God. The blessings resulting from his presence, and the rays of light emitting from his existence reach out to the mankind today. Even today, humanity with all its weaknesses, errors, and entanglements, uses the gleaming light of this divine and spiritual sun who is the remainder of Ahlulbayt. Today, the sacred existence of Imam Mahdi-- may our souls be sacrificed for him-- among human beings on earth, is the source of blessings, knowledge, splendor, beauty and all that is good. Our weak and humble eyes cannot see that divine face from close by. But he is like a glowing sun, bonded with the hearts, and connected to the spirits and the inner selves. And for those with knowledge, there is no greater reward than feeling that the Wali of Allah-- the rightful Imam, the righteous one, the chosen worshiper among all worshipers in the universe, and God's address when he calls for his Caliph on Earth-- is with them and beside them. He sees them and is connected to them. The ultimate aspiration of every man is the existence of such a great element. Mankind’s unfulfilled wishes throughout history look on to this horizon, waiting for the great man, and a chosen man among the chosen men of God, to come and tear apart the fabric of cruelty and oppression, woven by the wicked throughout history. Today, mankind is also affected by cruelty and oppression, more than many other periods of time in history; but mankind has also progressed, and human wisdom has advanced. We have approached the reappearance of Imam Mahdi, the real love of human hearts (may our spirits be sacrificed for him) for wisdoms have developed and progressed.

Leader's Statements at Sharif University of Technology

The following is a summary of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with the students and academics at Sharif University of Technology on November 22, 1999.

What is the reason behind IRGC sustainability despite all the animosity?

The creation of the IRGC was not merely because the establishment sought to create a new armed force. This was not the only goal. There was more to it. The issue was to consider and enforce the thought system, ideology and faith—which represent the moral elements of power—in every component of the new military force and this was achieved as much as possible. This was the basis of the matter. After the creation of the IRGC, those who did not wish for it to exist pushed it to the limits of extinction and isolated it several times. They ignored it and refused to finance it. They criticized it time and again. But the IRGC survived and flourished. That is how a strong basis persists. Why? Because the moral element of power in this organization has been abundant. What is that moral element of power? Belief, faith, devotion, selfless endeavor to perform one’s duties, selfless endeavor for the sake of God, selfless endeavor regardless of material compensation. These are important points. These are the factors that protect an organization and a system of government. This concept has been at the heart of the revolution. One should not be deceived by some ostensible factors exaggerated, magnified and distorted by those opposing the foundations of the Revolution. The truth is that there is faith.

Leader's Address to Educational Elite

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 the educational elite from cities throughout the country on October 11, 1999.

Leader's Message to Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union

The following is the text of a message from Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to the participants in the first official session of the Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Tehran from June 15-17, 1999.

The following is the text of a message from Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to the participants in the first official session of the Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Tehran from June 15-17, 1999.

Excerpts from the Friday sermon on the 10th anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini

Leader's Address to Foreign and Iranian Guests

The following is the summary of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, to a group of foreign and Iranian guests attending the commemorative ceremony marking the 10th demise anniversary of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in a meeting held on June 2, 1999.

Leader's Statements in a Meeting with Majlis Deputies

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 Majlis deputies and staffers on May 31, 1999.

Leader's Speech on Anniversary of Liberation of Khorramshahr

The following is a summary of a speech delivered by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with a group of military commanders and war veterans on May 24, 1999, the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr from the Iraqi occupation. Most of the military commanders and war veterans who attended the meeting had taken part in the military operation code-named Bait-ul-Moqaddas that led to the liberation of the city.

Hijab is a value in accordance with human nature

Hijab is a value in accordance with the nature of human. Nudity and moving towards more mingling of the two sexes and exposing them to one another is a move against the human nature and volition. The holy Shariah of Islam has also set out certain restrictions and limits for it and those who are believers and religious cannot disapprove of hijab. Of course there might be people who are uninformed or ignorant. One should first familiarize them with hijab. During the early years after the revolution, I clearly realized that women who practice hijab, yet do not appreciate it well, do not have any information about the law, philosophy and benefits of hijab. That is to say, they have seldom been told about it.

An excerpt of statements made on the 20th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution

The Pahlavi regime was the worst among the corrupt regimes of this region in imprudence, corruption and dependency on foreign powers

The Pahlavi regime—which was the worst in terms of imprudence, corruption and dependency on foreign powers among the corrupt regimes of this region—brought about the severest harms to the people and the country during decades in power. The nation was kept out of the political scene of the country through violent dictatorship and ruthless repression. The interests of the country were sacrificed for compromise with intervening powers and pillaging corporations. The youth were dejected from reflecting on the fate of the country by widespread corruption and lewdness, and every rising voice complaining and seeking liberty was muffled. By ruining national agriculture and making the already defective and flawed industry dependent; by giving room to the greedy foreigners and the monarchy’s servants to plunder; by looting oil reserves and giving away national resources to American and European masters; by destroying rural areas and transforming Iran to a market for useless imported goods and leftover of U.S. agricultural products; and other such treasonous programs, the country's economy was in a constant tumble, and dependent on the will of foreign powers, and the nation's livelihood was in the hands of the enemies. The Iranian nation's faith, culture and beliefs were scorned, and the regime had embarked on a mission against this great nation's self-confidence, and self-esteem through defying these beliefs and encouraging imposed Western culture. Religion and the clergy—who had been the source of call for justice, liberty and equality for centuries and the main resistance front against invasion by the foreigners, the cruel, and the despots—were target of the harshest of revenges, and treated with all means of coercion, intimidation, accusation, and negative propaganda. While most people were suffering from poverty, famine, and low living standards, they were even more pressured on the one hand by the extravagant, luxurious, and wasteful fairytale-like lifestyle of the Shah, his family, friends and strongmen, and on the other hand by the pillaging of national resources by foreign companies and their domestic brokers.

How did the Pahlavis live in the country for fifty years?

That government was, firstly, corrupt: financially corrupt; ethically corrupt; and corrupt in administrative affairs. In the financial corruption, it suffices to remind that the Shah himself and his family were involved in most of the major economic transactions of the country. He and his brothers and sisters were among those who accumulated the most of personal wealth. In his sixteen or seventeen-year kingdom, Reza Khan accumulated important wealth. It is interesting to know that some of the cities of this country, in bill of sale, were wholly properties of Reza Khan! For example, the city of Fariman was Reza Khan's property! The best of estate and lands in this country belonged to him. He was interested in these things and in jewelry. Of course, his children had a wider taste; they loved and gathered every kind of capital! The best proof to that is that when they left the country, billions of dollars of their wealth were accumulated in foreign banks! A political system that was so financially corrupt at its head, look how military-oriented it was and what it did to the people! They were also morally corrupt. Trafficking gangs were under the control of his [Shah’s] brothers and sisters. In terms of ethical and sexual issues, there were cases that telling and hearing them will make a man sweat in shame. Of course, some of the memories of these type were written and published by their circle of friends, associates and relatives later. In terms of administrations, they were corrupts, too. While choosing leaders, they did not consider qualifications; they considered the individuals’ affiliations to themselves, as well as orders by foreign intelligence and security services and appointed individuals based on such criteria. You see; a government that does bribery at its head, makes a fortune, smuggles, and betrays the people: what sort of a government it would be. If anyone wants to describe these facts with proofs and documents, they would be compiled into books. They were dependent. Their dependence emerged from the fact that they were cut off from the people. In order to maintain their own regime, they felt obliged to rely on foreigners… They had no respect for people's opinions, for the people's wishes, for the people's faiths, for the religion of the people and for the culture of the people; they had no friendly relationship with the people. They had established a hostile relationship with the people: like the relationship between a lord and the peasants; like the relationship between a master and the servants; So, It had the qualities of a monarchy! Monarchy means this: an absolute rule that has no commitment to the people. The Pahlavis lived in our country for fifty years in such a manner.

An excerpt of statements made in a Q&A session with the youth on the second day of Fajr 10-day celebration (National Day of Islamic Revolution and the Youth)

How can enduring the sufferings of this world be made easier

An excerpt of statements made during a Friday prayer sermon

The Muslim world needs to revive the memory of the Prophet (pbuh) to solve its problems

Commemorating the Prophet is not just ceremonial. Although, such ceremonies among the Muslim nations are useful and even necessary. However, the ultimate goal is more than this. Today, the Muslim world needs to revive the memory of the great Prophet of Islam more than ever. Humanity too needs this holy name, remembering him, and his precious teachings. But, before we want to spread this to all of humanity, the Muslim world needs to rediscover this tremendous, spiritual resource. In the same way that nations lived on areas with undiscovered, precious, material resources with empty stomachs for centuries until others came and took away their resources, the Muslim world today is struggling with many problems while they have tremendous, spiritual reserves at their disposal. These vast reserves and great resources can save and help them. Several decades ago, a great man said, “Islam was founded on two principles: monotheism (towhid), the oneness of God, and unity among Muslims." These are the two foundations of Islam. The first is the principle of one God, and the second is unity among those who believe in God. The second one relies on the first, that is unity around the principle of monotheism. Today, we need this slogan more than ever. We need to return to the word of monotheism, and to unity in words.

Imam Hussein's uprising was for the sake of God and a lesson of love and compassion

It is the lessons of Ashura which always live on as eternal, and permanent debates, not confined to a specific time. The lesson we learn from Ashura is the lesson of sacrifice and religiosity, the lesson of courage, justice and the lesson of rising up for God’s cause, and the lesson of love and compassion.

Leader's Statements in a Meeting with Workers and Teachers

The following text is a summary of the statements made by Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with a group of workers and teachers on April 29, 1998. The meeting was held on the eve of the Workers Day, May 1, and the Teachers Day, May 2.