In a meeting this morning with the MPs of the 8th Iranian Majlis, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described religion-based democracy as rooted on in the rule of God and emphasized the importance of the two basic duties of the Majlis, namely legislation and supervision, and the maintenance and promotion of unity among the three government branches. He added: "The MPs should truly support the people and continue to do so in the future as well."
His Eminence described faithfulness and a sense of accountability before God as the most important factors and reiterated: "If the government officials enjoy such a feeling and sense of commitment, all differences of opinion, the different tastes, and logical motives will be directed towards the same goal in a secure and peaceful atmosphere." He said this would lead to the difficulties being resolved and the responsibilities being carried out in a wise and sensible manner.
Ayatollah Khamenei described humans' moral perfection as the ultimate goal of the Islamic Republic and reiterated: "Forming an Islamic community under a just rule is a primary goal that will provide the grounds for the ultimate goal set by the prophets, namely the moral perfection of humans."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described a true understanding of divine duties and the brave and resolute fulfillment of those duties along with the calmness of the heart as factors resulting in God's satisfaction and individuals reaching a safe divine point. He added: "These duties turn out to be heavier and more significant when one is in the critical position of legislating for a country."
His Eminence described the law as the foundation of every country's large-scale movement and added: "The act of legislating is in itself important for every country and nation, but it is even more significant for a country like the Islamic Republic of Iran and a great nation like the Iranian nation, who has opened up a new path before humans."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Islamic Republic as a loud shout against the blind movement of the domineering powers towards violating justice and humanity and reiterated: "The only way to spread the moral message of this loud shout and this novel and redeeming message is the correct propagation of this message which could be carried out by establishing a system that is based on the Islamic principles and presenting it to other nations. This is because the words and the message of Imam Khomeini (r.a) are attractive and influential in nature."
His Eminence said that religion-based democracy and its manifestations such as representing the nation in the Islamic Republic system had deep roots and added: "The rule of God forms the basis of Islamic thoughts and God has given humans the right to entrust this rule to other people. And in the Islamic Republic system, this duty is entrusted to people through elections, and this is the pure, deeply-rooted, and well-trusted basis of religion-based democracy."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also clarified the differences between the views of the current systems and democratic rules of the world and those based on Islamic thoughts and said: "According to the Islamic view, all ruling is peculiar to God and it could only be entrusted to others through the divine channels which have been specified in Islam. And these channels are based on the Holy Quran and Islamic traditions and have been emphasized in the constitution." He said: "According to this perspective, representing the nation turns into a rule that is based on the rule of God and it is due to this reason that the rules must be obeyed by everyone."
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the points emphasized in his message on the inauguration of the 8th Majlis and added: "The law should be comprehensive, perfect, enduring, clear, unequivocal, and well-inspected by the experts. It should offer solutions to the daily problems in people's lives and be applicable to all situations and conditions besides its use to solve temporary problems. And it should give people a sense of assurance about the decisions they are going to make in regard to their future."
His Eminence also described the need for the three government branches to find solutions to their different views and tastes as necessary and said: "If there is a difference of opinion about the limits of responsibilities, it can be solved through cooperation on the part of the officials in the government branches, and by referring to the constitution and benefiting from the opinions of those who have been given the right to interpret the law in the constitution. These problems can also be solved by using the opinions of the elites and experts."
Ayatollah Khamenei also emphasized that the MPs should completely refrain from being influenced by influential individuals and reiterated: "The MPs should fully preserve their independence in decision makings which is a right given to them by the constitution."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the supervisory role of the Majlis besides legislation as very important and necessary and stressed: "While fully carrying out its supervisory role, the Majlis should be careful not to turn this responsibility into a means for confronting other branches."
He added: "Causing discord among the branches and penetrating the unified body of the three branches who govern the whole country are among the greatest and most longed-for wishes of the enemies of Islam and the Iranian nation. These goals are sometimes obviously pursued, but are now being secretly yet very seriously followed, and we should be careful in this regard."
Ayatollah Khamenei described supporting the nation and maintaining constant relations with the people as important duties of the Mps and said: "In the Islamic Republic system, no individual or official is allowed to contribute to the formation of a new aristocratic class. And it is due to this reason that the MPs should be flawless when they enter the arena, and should remain so in the future. And they should resist and stay vigilant against complex plots."
His Eminence described self edification as the basis of all true accomplishments and advised the MPs to ask for the assistance of God and rely on the Holy Quran and the prayers. He also advised the MPs to appreciate their short 4-year term as the representatives of the nation.