The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei met today with Islamic Republic of Iran's cultural attaches, minister of education, officials from the Ministry of Education, as well as people from different backgrounds, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.j.). In this meeting, His Eminence described the 15th of Sha'ban as a day which is full of hope about a bright and just future for humanity and added: "Waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi means that we should get personally and socially prepared for his arrival and make efforts towards achieving justice. And it is due to this reason that people should oppose and remain vigilant against those who make false claims such as having connections with Imam Mahdi in order to pursue personal interests."
Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated all faithful people and those who seek freedom and oppose oppression on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.j.) and added: "The coming of a savior who will bring justice to the world has been pledged in all divine and even non-divine religions to those who seek justice. And this promise is based on the fact that the long-standing battle between those who follow righteousness and those who oppose it will finally result in the victory of those who follow righteousness, and an ideal life will start for the humanity upon the arrival of Imam Mahdi."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the belief in the coming of Imam Mahdi (a.j.) which is held by all Shias as a fact and not a dream or mental perception and reiterated: "There are various clear and strong reasons, also accepted by Sunni Muslims, which corroborate the fact that Imam Mahdi is one of God's servants who has been granted a long life by God, is living among humans, and is aware of their problems and sufferings. And all the issues related to the magnificent life of Imam Mahdi have been clarified."
His Eminence described acting against the current oppressive situation of the world and waiting for the prosperity of all humans as the true manifestations of waiting for Imam Mahdi (a.j.) and added: "Imam Mahdi will come to save all humans and will transform the current unfair situation of the world - which has been caused due to the prevalence of ignorance and carnal desires in the world - into a fair and just situation."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the existence of two billion people suffering from hunger, and the unending pressure on nations as signs of great and widespread injustice in the world and said: "In the current situation of the world, even nations such as the Iranian nation who have raised the flag of justice are attacked by the world powers and this is indicative of the fact that the world is brimful of oppression and tyranny and is in urgent need of justice."
Ayatollah Khamenei described acting against the current unfair situation of the world and making efforts to prepare the ground for the arrival of Imam Mahdi (a.j.) as the true meaning of waiting for arrival of the Imam of the age and reiterated: "Waiting for Imam Mahdi's arrival does not mean that one should think about the time or concept of Imam Mahdi's arrival. Rather, those who are waiting for his arrival should make efforts to achieve justice and get closer to reaching the ultimate goal behind Imam Mahdi's arrival. Also they should get prepared on all individual and social fronts and try to prepare the ground for the arrival of Imam Mahdi."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the formation of the Islamic Republic as one of the steps towards this great and historic movement and added: "The dear Iranian nation, by taking this great stride, has created the right atmosphere for the arrival of Imam Mahdi and has proven that it is among the true followers of the Imam of the Age."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the devotion and loyalty of the Iranian nation to Imam Mahdi as one of the blessings of that Hazrat and indicative of his kind attention to the Iranian nation, and stressed the need for appreciating this great blessing.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said that the nation must stay vigilant against those who misuse the concept of Imam Mahdi's arrival to pursue personal interests and deceive the people and added: "Such claims as having seen or met with Imam Mahdi, having connections with him, receiving orders from Imam Mahdi, or being led in prayers by the Imam of the Age are truly shameful and could create doubts in the hearts of faithful people about the arrival of Imam Mahdi."
Also in this regard, Ayatollah Khamenei added: "Of course, some people might receive the blessing of seeing Imam Mahdi. However, such people will never make claims or talk about such issues, just as great and prominent figures never did."
His Eminence described the beliefs held by Shia Muslims as the most pure, logical, and strong beliefs and stated: "The elements of thought and wisdom are very clear in such beliefs and the cultural organizations which are related to the people inside or outside the country should truly understand these beliefs and develop an in-depth understanding of such beliefs through reflection. And they should truly convey these concepts to others."
Ayatollah Khamenei described making efforts to purge the Shia belief system of misconceptions and false claims as one of the duties of the cultural organizations inside and outside the country and reiterated: "If rightly conveyed, such beliefs will be accepted and corroborated by all the intellectuals of the world."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to the duties of teachers and officials in charge of educational affairs in regard to the clarification and correct teaching of religious concepts and added: "Such realities and concepts should be taught to the students and learners in a careful and well-thought-out manner."
His Eminence also described following the teachings of the Prophet's Household (a.s.) by the Iranian nation as a factor contributing to the awareness and familiarity of other nations with the righteousness of Shia Muslims and added: "The manifestation of Shia beliefs in the Iranian nation' resistance and efforts will continue to benefit the Iranian nation."