We have something called ownership in this world, but it is not true ownership. It is contractual ownership. We do not even own our own body. How can we be the owner of our own body when the transformations that take place in this body happen against our opinion, against our will, and are beyond our control? This body feels pain, it is destroyed, and it rots. We have no control whatsoever, not even over our own bodies. Yes, human beings have been given a special strength by God to be used in the face of the events in a person’s life, and that is the power of knowledge and human willpower. However, this same power of knowledge and willpower depends on God’s power. It is contingent on God’s will. Everything happens according to God’s will. Now, we neglect this matter in this world. I think my shirt belongs to me. I imagine it’s mine. This is a supposition. Human beings keep themselves busy with this feeble ownership. On the Day of Judgement, we won’t even have this weak ownership. On the Day of Judgement, your organs and your limbs will speak. The organs and limbs of an oppressor will speak against him/her. Everything that takes place there is outside of a person’s control.
Imam Khamenei
April 10, 1991
