Khamenei.ir

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O' the Transformer of hearts and eyes,
O' the Planner of night and day,
O' the Transmuter of power and circumstances,
Turn our condition into the best of conditions.
This year Farvardin 1, the New Year's Day, has coincided with the Arba'in - the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of the Master of Martyrs Imam Hussein-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him). Arba'in itself is also a day of blossoming and thriving.
The first blossoms of the tree of Ashura opened up on the Arba'in. The flowing spring of love for the Master of Martyrs, which has developed into the ever-flowing river of pilgrimage to Karbala for the past centuries, also began to effervesce on the Arba'in.
Imam Hussein-ibn-Ali (greetings be upon him) attracted the first hearts like a strong magnet on the Arba'in. The pilgrimage made by Jabir-ibn-Abdullah and Attiyah to the sacred grave of the Master of Martyrs on the Arba'in constituted the beginning of an auspicious movement which has constantly become more glorious, more attractive and more enthusiastic over the centuries, an auspicious movement which has disseminated and kept alive the memory of Ashura in the world.
The coincidence of Farvardin 1 and the Arba'in is indeed the coincidence of two springs, two seasons of blooming and flourishing.
While I express my condolences to all believers and all Muslims and Shias on the occasion of the Arba'in, I extend my felicitations to the Iranian nation and other nations that celebrate Norouz Festival, especially the esteemed families of martyrs, war-disabled veterans, devotees and all those striving selflessly for the exaltation of Islam and the advancement of their country, on the Norouz Festival and the commencement of spring.
Fortunately, apart from the revival of nature in spring, our country is also experiencing a season of great hopes and aspirations, dynamism and vitality. The taking of office by a popular government in our country and its earnest campaign to serve the public and also the enthusiasm and high spirits of our youth in various areas have brought a season of vigor and hopefulness to our country. A real festival for any nation consists of such elements.
These are all the blessings of public participation and national Solidarity, which constituted the chief slogan of the Iranian nation in the past year. The achievements of our nation, whether in the area of popular presence and public participation or in displaying the various aspects of national solidarity, were quite remarkable in the past year.
The glorious presidential election and the enthusiastic presence of the Iranian people at the polls, which prepared the ground for the formation of a government that has emanated from the people and is committed to serve the public, and the considerable progress in various other arenas were among the great achievements of our nation in the year 1384.
It is true that in addition to these great achievements, the Iranian nation in the past year also experienced some bitter incidents and mishaps, painful losses and offensive acts, including the outrageous affront to the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his immaculate household), the desecration of the holy Askariya shrine in Samarra and the disrespect to the memories of honorable martyrs and the Iranian nation.
However, the Iranian people are determined in a revolutionary manner to leave the bitter incidents behind on the path to sweet progress by divine assistance and treat hardships as incentives to make greater efforts. This is the lesson conveyed by Islam and by the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam.
At the present juncture, the memory and sacred name of the Holy Prophet of Islam is more alive than ever. This is one of the prudent measures and hidden favors of Almighty Allah. Today, the Muslim Ummah and the Iranian nation are, more than ever, in need of the guidance, glad tidings, warnings, message and spirituality of their Holy Prophet and the mercy that he taught to human beings.
Today, the Holy Prophet's lesson to his Ummah and the entire humanity is a lesson in becoming knowledgeable and strong. It is a lesson in morality, generosity, mercy, jihad, honor and resistance. Thus, this year's designation is naturally the blessed name of the Holy Prophet. In the light of this blessed name and memory, the Iranian people are expected to review the Holy Prophet's lessons and apply them to their everyday lives.
The Iranian people feel proud of being disciples of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his immaculate household) and of acting upon his lessons. Our nation has hoisted the flag of Islam in the Muslim world with firmness and strength. It has tolerated hardships and witnessed the success resulting from presence on this scene of dignity and honor. By the grace of Allah, greater success is in store for the Iranian nation.
We should try to be guided in our everyday lives by the Holy Prophet's lessons in morality, honor, mercy, generosity and unity and lesson in obtaining knowledge. Today, a government determined to serve the public, a nation full of hopes and ready to make great efforts and talented and enthusiastic youngsters are present on the scene of our homeland. This augurs very well for the future of our country and nation.
I pray to Almighty Allah to make the immaculate soul of the Holy Prophet contented with us and bestow increased blessings on the prophet of mercy and honor and on his Ummah, make the sacred heart of His Holiness Imam of the Age - may our souls be sacrificed for his sake - pleased with us, and assist us and confer success on us in treading this difficult path.
I also pray to Almighty Allah to associate the souls of our honorable martyrs and the immaculate soul of our magnanimous Imam (late Imam Khomeini) with His friends and pious servants and bestow His abundant grace and favor on them.
Greetings be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings