Immense oppression that prevails throughout the world, the unjust domination, the hounding of nations around the globe; excessive bloodshed, the disregard of the most noble and the most beloved of human values, this is the treachery that the global supercilious front presents to mankind day after day. Immense immorality, exploitation and oppression naturally strikes at one - who does not have a spring of hope to cling onto - with hopelessness. This is how younger generations in western countries are driven to nihilism. The new generation which has not adapted to nor abides by the traditions, when they see the turbulence of the mankind’s living environment, they lose hope; thus they are driven into nihilism.
Many girls and boys in western countries are driven into nihilism which is the manifestation of vapidity and ignorance that have sunk them into a lifestyle of fleeting passions. However, the nation that is optimistic about the future knows that these times will come to an end. An era will emerge when the mighty power of justice will eradicate all summits of corruption and oppression. A new era that will enlighten humankind’s outlook with the light of justice; this is what the awaiting era of Imam Mahdi our Savior signifies.
Dear adolescents you are at the start of your endeavors in life. You should work hard to prepare the ground for a new era; the era wherein there is no form of injustice and oppression. Prepare for an era wherein the deliberation and wisdom of mankind become more active, more creative and more innovative than any other time. Prepare for the era wherein nations do not launch wars on each other, because the warmongers of the world- those who staged regional and global wars in the past and present-will no longer have the ability to stage wars. Absolute peace and security will prevail around the globe. One must work hard toward that era, before the era of the Awaited Savior, there will be no ease, one cannot seek comfort and tranquility.
In proverbs, it is narrated that “God will purify you” and “God will winnow you”, you will be rigidly examined and placed under pressure. Where and when is this examination? When there is a field of struggle, before the reappearance of the promised Savior, Imam Mahdi. It is in the field of struggle, the pure ones will be examined. They will enter the fields of examination and triumphantly rise from them; thus the world will become nearer to the ideal era and the goal of Imam Mahdi (May our souls be sacrificed for him) day by day. This is a great hope; thus the 15th of Sha’ban is a splendid Eid (celebration).
Ayatollah Khamenei's statements made at a meeting with the people of Qom, February 19, 1992
