The Islamic perspective views people as moving beings. Human beings are not static or stationary, they are constantly moving. This movement is perceived in two ways according to one perspective and in three ways according to another perspective. This movement that you are making is either toward the purpose of your creation, or you are going completely astray and plummeting. The third possibility is that you are confused and bewildered like many people who are at a low level and do not understand what they should do. Sometimes, they go to this side, at other times, they go to the other side. According to the Quran and the perspective based on the Quran, the first group are human beings who are guided. The other two groups aren’t guided. Some of these people who aren’t guided and others, like many of the people during various periods who were under the influence of the [world] powers, have not chosen a goal in their lives. Thus, there is one correct path, and that is the straight path. Here, you are asking Almighty God to guide you to this straight path.
Imam Khamenei
May 1, 1991
