Ayatollah Khamenei
receives a group of officials, ambassadors of Muslim countries and people
from different walks of life
(2015/07/18 - 19:39)
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a
meeting today (Saturday) with a group of officials, ambassadors of Muslim
countries and people from different walks of life, described the unity and
integrity as a healing prescription for the Muslim world’s problems.
Emphasizing that the ongoing sectarian and tribal wars in the region have
been planned and imposed on regional countries in a bid to divert
attention of Muslim nations away from the Zionist regime, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “The policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region
are in total opposition to the policies of the arrogant [powers], topped
by America, and [Iran] by no means trusts America because American
politicians are totally dishonest and unfair.”
Offering congratulations on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Ayatollah
Khamenei referred to the regretful conditions prevailing in the Muslim
world and the lack of unity and integrity among them, adding: “Current
division and differences in the region are not natural and [have been]
imposed [on regional countries], and the scholars, intellectuals,
government officials, politicians, as well as experts and elites in the
Muslim world should see the hands of the traitors of the Islamic Ummah in
these divisions and differences.”
Regarding the reasons why these differences are abnormal, the Leader of
the Islamic Revolution referred to the long history of the coexistence of
Shias and Sunnis in the regional countries and pointed out: “If the
Islamic Ummah were united and [its nations] insisted on their
commonalities, they would have been a unique power in the global political
sphere, but big powers have imposed these differences on the Islamic Ummah
in order to protect their own interests and safeguard the Zionist regime.”
Referring to the existing wave of hatred among Muslims toward the
Zionist regime despite inclination of some people within Islamic
governments toward this illegitimate regime, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The
arrogant powers, in cooperation with dishonest officials in certain
Islamic governments, have designed religious wars and launched such
criminal organizations as al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIL) in order to deflect
the attention of Islamic nations from the Zionist regime.”
Reminding admissions by some US officials about the role of the US
government in founding and expanding Daesh, Ayatollah Khamenei described
establishment of the so-called anti-Daesh coalition as unbelievable,
saying: “The policy of arrogant powers in the region is clearly
treacherous and everyone should take this issue into account.”
Stressing that the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region
is exactly the opposite of the policy of the arrogant powers, the Leader
referred to the issue of Iraq and said, “The policy pursued by the
arrogant [powers] in Iraq is to overthrow the [Iraqi] government that has
come out of people’s vote, trigger conflict between Shias and Sunnis, and
finally [bring about] the division of Iraq, but the policy pursued by the
Islamic Republic with regard to Iraq is to support and strengthen the [Iraqi]
government that has come out of elections, steadfastness against factors
of civil war and division, and protecting territorial integrity of Iraq.”
Regarding the situation in Syria, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The policy
pursued by the arrogant [powers] in Syria is to impose [on the country] a
will other than the will of the nation and topple the government which has
firmly and overtly stood against the Zionist regime, but the Islamic
Republic of Iran considers a government whose motto and goal and intention
is resistance against the Zionists as beneficial to the Muslim world.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not pursue its own interests in
regional issues like Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Bahrain, but believes
that the main decision-maker in these countries are the nations, and
others have no right to interfere and make decisions,” Ayatollah Khamenei
emphasized.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the opposite policies
of the world arrogance and the Islamic Establishment of Iran on Lebanon,
saying, “The arrogant system, topped by America, had for many years chosen
a silence combined with satisfaction on the occupation of a large portion
of Lebanon’s soil by the usurping Zionist regime. However, as soon as a
faithful and devoted resistance group, which is among the most noble of
national defense groups in the world, stood against the Zionist occupiers
and drove them out of Lebanon’s soil, dubbed this group as terrorist and
is trying to destroy it.”
Stressing the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran is supporting the
Lebanese resistance fighters because of their genuine courage and
sacrifice and resistance against aggressors, Ayatollah Khamenei said,
“Americans label the Lebanese resistance as terrorist and view Iran as a
supporter of terrorism due to its backing for the Lebanese Hezbollah,
while the real terrorist is Americans themselves, who have created Daesh (ISIL)
and also support the wicked Zionists, [and they] must face trial for
supporting terrorism.”
The Leader referred to the issue of Yemen and the confrontation between
the policies of the arrogant governments and the Islamic Establishment of
Iran in Yemen, saying, “In Yemen, America is supporting a president who
resigned under the most sensitive conditions in order to create a
political void and fled his country, and asked another country to attack
his people. [The US] is also supporting the killing of innocent people and
children in Yemen and extends its hand of friendship toward the most
despotic regimes, which do not let their people even hear the name of
election, but at the same time, labels the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose
structure is intertwined with election from top to down, as a despotic
regime.”
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized, “The American politicians speak with
full unfairness and outrageously deny clear realities.”
“That is why it is said that Americans cannot be trusted, because they
have no honesty,” the Leader pointed out.
“In this difficult test of nuclear talks, for which the president and
other officials took trouble, we frequently witnessed dishonesty of
Americans, which [our] officials, fortunately, counteracted and in certain
cases they showed some revolutionary gestures, which we must now [wait
and] see what fate awaits this issue,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
Noting that the solution to the problems of Muslim world, in toto, and
every one of Muslim countries individually, is to maintain unity and
integrity, the Leader said, “The Iranian nation should be also united and
nuclear affairs should not cause division in the country because the
nuclear issue is being followed up on by the relevant officials and the
officials are pursuing national interests.”
Referring to widespread efforts made by foreign media to cause division
in the country, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The only way to confront these
efforts is to embrace public and national piety and internal immunization
by boosting domestic might through strengthening faith, science and
industry and culture.”
Prior to Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks, President Hassan Rouhani
congratulated Muslims across the world on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, and
describing the fasting month of Ramadan as the month of testing people’s
faith and the month of steadfastness, resistance and patience, he said:
“This year’s Ramadan was the month of empathy and unison and the month of
returning to pure human nature.”
Rouhani said the 12-year resistance by the Iranian nation against
superpowers bore fruit in this year’s Ramadan due to people’s prayers,
adding: “Based on a roadmap sketched out by the resistance and will of the
Iranian nation, and under the wise guidance of the Supreme Leader of the
Islamic Revolution, all-out support of all pillars of the [Islamic]
Establishment and [three] branches [of the government], and through
struggle and sacrifice of the children of this nation in the arena of
diplomacy, the administration managed to restore the rights of the great
Iranian nation.”
Noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown off a new form of
power to the world; namely, the capacity for diplomacy and the power of
negotiation, Rouhani referred to ongoing developments in the region and
said neighboring and regional countries, from Iraq and Syria and Yemen to
Palestine and Lebanon and Afghanistan and Pakistan, experienced a
difficult Ramadan this year.
“The Islamic Republic is determined to support all the oppressed and
stand up to all oppressors.”, said Rouhani.
Ayatollah Khamenei thanks
efforts made by the Iranian nuclear negotiation team
(2015/07/15 - 10:05)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in
a Ramadan meeting on Tuesday with President Hassan Rouhani and his Cabinet,
explained and elucidated the highlights of instructions by Imam Ali, the
first Shia imam, to his close confidante Malek Ashtar.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Mental, spiritual and intellectual capital
holds the key to solving all problems, and such capital can be provided by
reflecting upon Nahj al-Balagha (the name of a collection of speeches and
letters by Imam Ali) of the Master of the Pious (an allusion to Imam
Ali).”
Referring to remarks made by President Rouhani at the beginning of the
meeting about the outcome of nuclear talks with the P5+1 group of world
powers on Iran’s nuclear program, the Leader thanked honest and untiring
efforts and endeavors made by the Iranian nuclear negotiating team.
Then, referring to the characteristics and special position of Malek
Ashtar in view of Imam Ali, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Hadhrat Ali bin
Abi-Taleb (Imam Ali) issued his command[s] to such a person, and that is a
point to reflect upon.”
Explaining the obligations of officials, as mentioned in Imam Ali’s
instructions to Malek Ashtar, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Levying taxes and
duties which people owe to the government, defending people and their
territory, directing the society towards salvation and deliverance as well
as development and reconstruction of the country are the four main
missions assigned to governors, [as mentioned] in a letter addressed to
Malek Ashtar by the Master of the Pious.”
The Leader referred to “recommending Islamic governors [embrace] divine
piety under any conditions and circumstances”, “full seriousness in
performing [religious] duties, traditions and recommendations”,
“allegiance to God in the heart, in word and in deed” and “reining in the
evil-commanding soul against all carnal desires” as some of the main
instructions addressed to Malek Ashtar by Imam Ali with regard to
self-purification.
Making a fair judgment about former officials was another point which
the Leader underscored with reference to highlights from Imam Ali’s
instructions to Malek Ashtar.
Ayatollah Khamenei said good deeds were the best legacy of any person
during his term in office, adding: “People do not make mistakes in their
well thought-out judgments. Therefore, based on people’s judgments, one
can understand whether an official has been competent or not.”
“Strict protection of the soul to prevent it from corruption and
deviation” and “preferring divine obligations to anything else” were two
other recommendations expressed by the Leader with reference to Imam Ali’s
instructions about governance. Ayatollah Khamenei added: “The late great
Imam [Khomeini] was the symbol of compliance with these divine
recommendations.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to “loving people from the bottom of
the heart” and “kindness and tolerance towards them” as other highlights
of Imam Ali’s instructions to Malek Ashtar, saying: “Upon the order of the
Master of the Pious, people’s errors and mistakes should be condoned
except for cases in which divine instructions are neglected or there is a
question of enmity toward Islam and the Islamic government.”
In conclusion, Ayatollah Khamenei described Imam Ali’s instructions to
Malek Ashtar as an extraordinary cultural legacy and wished Cabinet
members success while appreciating their efforts.
Prior to Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks, President Rouhani referred to
the outcome of the nuclear talks and expressed gratitude to the Leader for
his support and guidelines for the administration as well as for the
nuclear negotiating team. Rouhani expressed hope that this issue would
contribute to relieving pressures [piled up on Iran] and disproving
unsubstantiated allegations leveled by enemies against the Islamic
Republic, and will give fresh impetus to the country’s progress.
The president went on to submit a report about the measures undertaken
by his administration.
Referring to the achievements of his administration and also the
problems it has faced over the past two years, Rouhani said close
relations with neighbors and the continuation of nuclear talks were among
the actions taken by his administration in the foreign policy arena. He
added: “At a time when the [Middle East] region is engulfed in chaos and
terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran is supporting the regional
countries facing the scourge of terrorism and it will continue this path.”
On the economic front, the president cited the country’s exit from
stagnation, a switch from economic shrinkage to economic growth, curbing
inflation, reducing wheat imports and boosting non-oil exports as the
achievements of his administration. “In order to resolve the problems
related to employment and economic growth, we need capital and
technology.”
Rouhani said among the problems facing the governments are heavy debts
to the Central Bank of Iran and private companies, difficulties associated
with cash hand-outs given to people as subsidies, unemployment, low
productivity, the activities of unauthorized credit institutes, banking
liabilities, shortage of water and underground resources, drought,
environmental issues and a drop oil prices.
Underscoring the fact that his administration is doing its utmost to
resolve the problems of the country and the people, the president said:
“In order to resolve the problems, we need the cooperation of three
branches [of government] in order to take the remaining steps at a higher
pace.”
The Leader’s four-hour
meeting with hundreds of students
(2015/07/12 - 18:15)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a
friendly and straightforward meeting on Saturday with more than one
thousand young students, which took about four hours, listened to their
concerns, demands, criticisms and proposals. He spoke with them about
different issues including idealism, requirements for boosting the
influence of student organizations, regional issues, Iranian nation’s
persistent fight against world arrogance, and everyday issues of students.
During the meeting, which started at 18:00 local time and continued
after evening prayers and fast breaking, the Leader referred to the
atmosphere of yearning as the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, saying,
“In this spring of spirituality and purity, anybody letting his heart be
influenced by the rain of divine mercy and favor, will benefit from the
fruits of this spiritual sowing in the future.”
In response to a question frequently asked by youths about ways of
spiritual exaltation, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “I heard from pundits that
the most important work for spiritual exaltation is piety and refraining
from [committing] sins.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said performing religious obligations particularly
“on-time prayers with suitable attention [to its content] and preferably
in congregation” is complementary to refraining from sins, adding, “Adorn
this valuable collection by reciting at least a few verses from the [holy]
Quran every day.”
After underscoring the importance of fulfilling religious obligations,
the Leader went on to discuss student obligations.
Ayatollah Khamenei described students as a unique social stratum,
noting, “The most important student obligation is idealism.”
Dismissing a thought which considers idealism as contrary to realism,
the Leader said, “Idealism is opposed to conservatism, not realism.”
Further explaining himself, the Leader said conservatism means
submission to any reality, adding, “Idealism means correctly using
positive realities and fighting negative realities with a view to reaching
big objectives.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Establishment of an Islamic society and
revival of the notion of political Islam” were among the most important
ideals, adding, “The ideal of self-confidence and belief in [the idea that]
‘We Can’ is decisively influential on the growth and exaltation of the
society and the country.”
Fighting the hegemonic system and [world] arrogance was the third ideal
that Ayatollah Khamenei discussed within the framework of the obligations
of student community.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The main reason behind enmity of global
bullying powers toward the Iranian nation is the Islamic Republic’s
refusal to accept a system based on domineering and submissive [elements].”
The Leader mentioned “justice-seeking,” “Islamic lifestyle,” “realistic
and not Western-style freedom-seeking,” “scientific growth,” “work,
endeavor and refraining from laziness,” and “Islamization of universities”
as other manifestations of idealism [to be followed] by student
organizations.
The Leader then answered one of the strategic concerns of students,
asking, “How can one influence the decisions of the country’s officials by
[opting for] idealism?”
Ayatollah Khamenei’s response to this question was clear and emphatic,
“Repeat the ideals, stick to them seriously so that they would [first]
turn into the student discourse and then into a public discourse. Then,
officials as well as organs affiliated with the administration and
government would be influenced.”
After elucidating the mechanism of the influence of student
organizations on decision-making by different organs in the country, the
Leader highlighted requirements to which student organizations should
remain committed.
Ayatollah Khamenei said refraining from “superficiality and profound
work on Islamic concepts” are the first requirements for the student
organizations.
To that effect, the Leader criticized certain slogans and remarks,
which are apparently Islamic but interiorly different.
As an example, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The term of ‘merciful Islam’,
which has become common these days, has been formed through combination of
two beautiful words. But what’s its real meaning? Does it mean that
despite the Quran dividing humans into pious and infidel, [as well as] foe
and friend, all humans should be treated with mercy? [Does it mean that]
those who are hostile to Islam and the Iranian nation should be treated
with kindness, friendship and justice, against the God’s order?”
The Leader said such indiscreet and superficial words are wrong and
misleading, adding, “Is the term of merciful Islam derived from Western
liberalism? If so, this term is neither Islamic, nor even merciful or
emotional, because liberalism is founded on humanism which is based on the
denial of God and spirituality, and is based on the interests of powerful
groups.
To that effect, Ayatollah Khamenei criticized issued that are called
American values, saying, “The world-devouring nature of the hegemonic
system is rooted in these very American values. Moreover, the positive
points of these values have been forgotten in the hegemonic behavior of
American officials.”
“If the term of merciful Islam refers to such issues, it is one hundred
percent wrong and it has nothing to do with the genuine Islam,” the Leader
said.
Ayatollah Khamenei then referred to another requirement for the
influence of student organizations, i.e. “boosting attractiveness.”
The Leader totally dismissed the idea of boosting attractiveness of
student environments in wrong ways such as organizing co-ed tours and
music concerts, saying, “Those who take people’s student boys and girls
together to Europe under the cover of student tours for the [so-called]
purpose of attractiveness, are definitely betraying student environments
and even the future generation.”
Elucidating correct methods for making student organizations more
attractive, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to newly-developed religious,
political and social ideas, adding, “In-depth study of the Quran and
Nahj-ul-Balagha (the collection of sermons and words of Imam Ali (AS), the
first Shia Imam) allows raising new and attractive ideas.”
The Leader recommended students to take advantage of artistic methods
like student plays, cartoons, satire, audio periodicals, and poetical
gatherings.
Elucidating the third requirement for boosting attractiveness of
student organizations, Ayatollah Khamenei laid emphasis on “intellectual
contentment and refraining from force and imposition.”
“Religious thought cannot be transferred unless through [intellectual]
contentment. Of course, some words may be accepted without intellectual
contentment under the influence of sentiments and excitement, but since
this acceptance is not convincing it will not last long,” the Leader said.
Referring to the background of Marxist and Communist groups’ recourse
to non-convincing methods and imposition of their own views, the Leader
warned, “If some reports about the reactivation of Marxist current in some
universities were true, the US money would be definitely behind this
current in order to [cause] division and discord among students.”
Ayatollah Khamenei recommended student organizations to “take advantage
of professors devoted to [Islamic and revolutionary] values and refuse to
use those elements that are unreliable for the [Islamic] Establishment and
country and people,” saying, “Elements like those who triggered those
events in [the unrest during the Iranian calendar year,] 1388 [2009] and
opposed the Islamism and Republicanism of the Establishment without any
logic are not reliable.”
The Leader said “understanding the realities of the country” is another
requirement for boosting the influence of student organizations.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Expecting officials to work more and make
more efforts is a right expectation, but positive realities should be also
observed.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said increased attention to the ideals and the
failure of efforts by certain groups to marginalize and eliminate the
ideals of Imam Khomeini, are among the significant realities in the
country.
The Leader noted that following the demise of the late Imam Khomeini,
some people inadvertently revealed their hidden goals to marginalize the
great ideals of the Imam, and of course, they have become more mature now
and no longer speak openly about this goal, though they still strive
toward it.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Despite incessant efforts by this group
inside and outside the country and recruitment of intellectual, political
and artistic elements, the ideals have become more lively and dynamic in
the country and even youths who had not witnessed the attractive realities
of the Imam’s lifetime and the Imposed War (Iraqi war on Iran from 1980 to
1988), have wholeheartedly been attracted by the ideals of Islam and the
[1979 Islamic] Revolution.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Iran’s stunning and spiritual presence and
influence” in the Middle East region is another reality which student
organizations should take into consideration.
The Leader added, “We are well aware that Americans and reactionaries
in the region pour out their hearts to each other [due to their
frustration] about Iran’s regional influence in their secret meetings, but
they cannot do anything.”
Referring to the 100-day bombing of Yemen and the savage killing of
innocent and oppressed people in that country, Ayatollah Khamenei said,
“The liberal West claiming to be advocating freedom remains tight-lipped
in the face of these Saudi crimes and the [UN] Security Council, in one of
its most disgraceful resolutions, condemns victims of the bombing instead
of bombers.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the main reason for the bombing of Yemenis’
houses was the frustration and anger of Saudis and their supporters about
Iran’s influence in the region, adding, “Despite allegations, the
influence of Islamic Iran in the region is a God-given blessing, not a
physical and arms-based one. Like Martyr Beheshti (Ayatollah Seyed
Mohammad Beheshti, the first judiciary chief of Iran), we tell the enemies
of this nation to die from anger and frustration.”
The Leader of the Revolution recommended student organizations to work
on regional and international issues, including the events in Yemen, Iraq
and Syria. Noting that formation of student organizations during election
campaigning was an insult to the student community, the Leader said,
“These ad hoc associations aside, Islamic and interested organizations can
be very instrumental and influential on the country’s general drive.”
At the start of his speech, after listening to the views of nine
representatives of student organizations, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to
remarks by one of them regarding the futility of “slogan without action,”
saying, “Of course, a substantive, meaningful motto containing an
expandable intellectual reality can draw human factors into the scene, set
[their] orientation and be inciting.”
One of the students criticized restrictions considered for the activity
of revolutionary student organizations. In this regard, the Leader of the
Islamic Revolution addressed the minister of science, research and
technology, and the minister of health, emphasizing, “The words of Islamic
and revolutionary student organizations are the same as our words and
demands and individuals holding key positions and jobs at universities
should by no means crack down on these organizations and restrict the
space of their activity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei agreed with one of the students, who criticized
certain issues that hinder scientific progress in universities, like music
concerts, saying, “These activities, under the pretext of bringing joy to
the student environment, are among the most erroneous steps.”
The Leader of the Revolution said misleading youths towards such
unhealthy environments is an enemy scheme, adding, “The harbingers of
pride-inspiring scientific drive in the country in such sensitive and
important fields as nuclear and nano-[technology], have been, and still
are, pious and revolutionary youths, and the enemies want that [scientists]
like Dr. [Majid] Shahriyari (assassinated nuclear scientist) and Dr. [Mostafa]
Chamran (a physicist and former official) would not be trained at
universities.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “I trust the ministers of science and health
both, but they should watch out for some people in their affiliated organs
not to drive students away from revolutionary and Islamic tendencies and
spirituality through some wrong activities and plans.”
Another point raised by the students was the formation of “free
thinking forums in the proper sense of the word.” To that effect,
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “I totally agree with this and a Muslim
revolutionary student devoted to Velayat [Faqih] should overpower opposite
arguments in cold blood and with the power of logic and strength of
argument, which this capacity exists today.”
In response to a question by one of students about remarks by some
representatives and appointees of the Leader, who try to pass their views
as those of the Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “What they say is their
words, and you hear my words from me in person.”
“The appointees of the Leader may even have a view different from me on
some political and social issues, which is no problem, because the main
issue is general and revolutionary orientation [of these people],”
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
“Of course, if anyone says something unrealistic, quoting me, he will
receive notice and will be asked to correct himself,” the Leader said.
Another question by one of the students was about the process of
fighting arrogance after nuclear talks. In response, Ayatollah Khamenei
said, “The fight against arrogance and hegemonic system, based on Quranic
principles, will never stop, and today the US is the most complete example
of arrogance.”
“We have told the [Iranian nuclear] negotiators that they are
authorized to negotiate only on the nuclear issue. Although the American
side sometimes brings up regional issues like Syria and Yemen, our
officials say they do not negotiate on these issues,” Ayatollah Khamenei
said.
“The fight against arrogance is among principles of the revolution and
is a main activity, [and] therefore, prepare yourselves to continue the
fight against arrogance,” added the Leader.
A student asked the Supreme Leader to recommend parents to not be so
strict on the marriage of youths.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on parents to avoid strictness, saying, “God
has promised in the Quran that He would enrich youths after marriage and
problems would be resolved.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described the ceremony of proposing to a woman and
mediation for facilitating marriage of youths as a commendable custom,
adding, “Resolving the problem of the marriage of youths is in mundane and
spiritual benefit of the country and the society.”
To that effect, the Leader highlighted the issue of population growth
and referring to some reports about the incorrect implementation of the
law banning sterilization of couples, he told the health minister,
“[Please] deal with this issue.”
Expressing deep and wholehearted satisfaction with the meeting with
students, Ayatollah Khamenei said the lively, motivated and joyful
participation of Iranian students and youths in different issues of the
country was an important issue which is the opposite of reports presented
by some biased statistical centers about prevalence of depression among
Iranian youths.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “This sheer and vicious lie is a pretext for
prescribing obscene freedoms.”
The Leader said Iranian youths are among the most joyful and active and
liveliest youths in the world, adding that, on the opposite, high suicide
rate among European youths is indicative of the prevalence of depression
in the Western world.
He said the murder of around 80 children in an attack by a European
youth several years ago and the high tendency of European youths for
membership in Daesh (ISIL) to conduct suicide bombings were major examples
of depression among European youths. However, the Leader added, “Fasting
Iranian youths who, after one night of vigil, came to the streets to
attend the Quds Day rally under searing summer sun, are lively and joyful,
and are miles away from depression.”
At the start of this meeting, nine representatives of student
organizations, namely; Messrs.:
Ali Pahlavan Kashi, secretary of the Islamic Student Society
Keyvan Asem Kaffash, secretary general of the Islamic Student
Assemblies of the Islamic Azad University
Vahid Zare’, member of the Council for Elucidating the Positions of
Basiji Students
Hadi Zolfaqari, secretary of the Islamic Student Association of Allameh
Tabatabaei University
Mikaeil Dayani, secretary of the Union of Islamic Associations of
Independent Students
Ali Mehdianfar, official in charge of Basiji students at the Islamic
Azad University, North Branch, and
Hossein Shahbazizadeh, secretary of the Justice-Seeking Student
Movement
and Misses:
Zeinab os-Sadat Hosseini, member of the Central Committee of Unity
Consolidation Office, and
Saba Karam, head of the Medical Jihad Group of Najaf Headquarters,
offered their views and proposals as follows:
Necessity of further communication between heads of three branches of
government and students
Establishment of a think tank for monitoring cultural maladies in the
country
Depoliticizing the cultural domain
Recruiting youths in the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution and
allocating a share to student organizations in the council
Necessity of taking firm legal action against violators in the issue of
illegal scholarships
Making incessant efforts to avoid the drop in the country’s scientific
ranking at global level
Necessity of making intensified efforts by the judiciary to fight
financial corruption
Supporting efforts made by the nuclear negotiating team for standing up
to the excessive demands of America and protecting national interests of
the country
Attention to knowledge-based economy
Necessity of expelling seditious elements from executive posts
Necessity of preventing mental inflammation in the society by
refraining from highlighting political differences
Taking good advantage of the capacity of Friday Prayers podiums and
non-involvement of Friday Prayers leaders in partisan activities
Reliance on domestic potential and Jihadi management to resolve
economic problems
Necessity of blocking distortion of the Imam Khomeini’s line in
political, cultural and economic fields
Blocking external infiltration into the cultural sector of universities
Necessity of transferring management experience of the first generation
of the Islamic Revolution’s executives to future generations
Criticizing the restriction of the country’s diplomatic capacity to the
nuclear issue and negotiations with the US
Criticizing the wrong comparison of the present circumstances in the
country with conditions that forced Imam Hassan (AS), the second Shia
Imam, to accept peace with his enemy, and
Necessity of serious attention by officials to the impoverished and
oppressed social classes.
Sermons by Ayatollah
Khamenei in the Eid al-Fitr congregational prayers
(2015/07/18 - 19:26)
Today, the monotheist, faithful and united nation of Iran, turned out
massively across the country in its most glorious Eid al-Fitr Prayers to
mark the end of one month of fasting and worship and self-purification.
The nation also asked the Almighty God for the persistence of the national
salvation as well as happiness in this world and the Afterworld on this
auspicious day.
In Tehran, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei led the Eid al-Fitr congregational prayers.
In his first sermon, Ayatollah Khamenei offered congratulations on the
auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr to the Iranian nation and the entire
Muslim world, saying describing this year’s month of Ramadan as the month
in which divine blessings rained on the Iranian nation in the real sense
of the word.
“Fasting during hot and long days of summer, [organizing] Quranic
forums; [holding] beautiful ceremonies of prayers, recourse, and
supplication; simple iftar feasts at mosques and on pavements; and finally
the huge rally on the Quds Day were among the manifestations of this
heavenly blessings,” the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei added, “The correct way to know the Iranian nation
is to reflect on these realities, the realities showing that the [Iranian]
nation performs in that way when it comes to worshipping [God], while
showing the way to other nations with regard to the battle against the [world]
arrogance in this way.”
Referring to the slogans “Death to Israel” and “Death to the US”
chanted by the Iranian nation on the Quds Day, the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution said, “Major orientations of the Iranian nation should be
understood through these slogans and not on the basis of the biased
language of foreigners, which is unfortunately repeated by some people who
misunderstand [the realities] inside [the country].”
In his second sermon, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to tragic
developments in the region, saying, “Unfortunately, unholy and mischievous
hands made the blessed month of Ramadan bitter and difficult for many
nations in the region [including] in Yemen, Bahrain, Palestine and Syria.
These issues are important for the people of Iran.”
Most of the second sermon of Ayatollah Khamenei was devoted to several
points about the nuclear issue. In the first point, he appreciated those
who were involved in the lengthy and breathtaking nuclear negotiations,
particularly the endeavors and efforts made by the nuclear negotiating
team, saying, “For the [final] approval of the drawn up text, a legal
course must be followed. Of course, whether or not this text is approved,
the negotiators will be rewarded, God willing.”
Addressing those who are to review the “drawn-up nuclear text,”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Do your job with care based on the country’s
expediencies and national interests, so that you would be able to present
the outcome of your reviews to the nation and to God with your head held
high.”
Reiterating Iran’s determination to confront any exploitation of the
“drawn-up text,” the Leader said, “Whether or not this drawn-up text is
approved, we will allow nobody to harm the basic principles of the Islamic
Establishment.”
Referring to the current atmosphere of threat and the enemies’ focus on
Iran’s defense issues, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “With God’s grace, the
country’s defense capabilities and security domain will be safeguarded and
the Islamic Republic will never give in to the excessive demands of the
enemies.”
Continued support for the allies of the Islamic Republic in the region
was another point which the Leader of the Islamic Revolution highlighted
in his discussion of the nuclear issue.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Whether or not this drafted text is approved
through legal process in the country, the Iranian nation will not stop
supporting the oppressed nation of Palestine, Yemen, Bahrain as well as
the nations and governments of Syria, Iraq and the honest combatants in
Lebanon and Palestine.”
Noting that the policy of the nation and the Islamic Republic
Establishment will by no means change vis-à-vis the United States, the
Leader of the Islamic Revolution added, “We will have no negotiations with
America regarding bilateral, regional and global issues unless in
exceptional cases like the nuclear [issue], which has had precedent.”
Sharply criticizing the US policies on “supporting the terrorist and
infanticidal Zionist regime while labeling terrorist the devoted
combatants of Lebanon’s Hezbollah,” Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Our policies
are 180 degrees opposite of America’s policies in the region. Therefore,
how can we negotiate with them?”
Ayatollah Khamenei then referred to ranting by US officials in recent
days following the conclusion of nuclear talks, saying, “These days, both
statesmen and stateswomen in America have no option but to rant in order
to resolve domestic problems, but there is no truth in their bombastic
rhetoric.”
The Leader referred to the US allegation of having blocked production
of nuclear weapons in Iran, saying, “Years ago, we issued a fatwa, based
on Islamic teachings, forbidding the production of nuclear weapons, and we
face religious obstacle for the production of these weapons, but Americans
who have sometimes owned up to the significance of this fatwa, keep lying
in their propaganda and ranting, and claim that their threat has blocked
the production of nuclear weapon by Iran.”
“The incumbent officials of America speak about the surrender of the
Iranian nation. Of course, five former presidents after the [1979 Islamic]
Revolution had these wishes in mind, but they either died or got lost in
history, and like them, you may only dream of Iran’s surrender.”
Referring to the current US president confessing to his country’s past
mistakes with regard to Iran, including the August 19, 1953 coup d’état in
Iran and Washington’s support for former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein,
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “That is just the tip of the iceberg and there
are many mistakes which Americans still refuse to admit to.”
Ayatollah Khamenei recommended the US officials to reconsider their
current mistakes so that their successors would not have to acknowledge
their current mistakes.
Reiterating the daily growing strength of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
the Leader said, “For around 12 years, six big countries of the world have
been trying to keep Iran from pursuing nuclear industry and, as some
people said, dismantle the nuts and bolts of Iran’s nuclear industry, but
today, they have been forced to accept and tolerate the spinning of
several thousand centrifuges and the continuation of [nuclear] research
and development in Iran, and this means nothing but the strength of the
Iranian nation.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the growing power and strength of the
Islamic Republic stems from the steadfastness and resistance of the nation,
as well as the bravery and creativity of Iranian scientists. Honoring the
martyred nuclear scientists and their followers and families, the Leader
said, “May God bestow His mercy on a nation which has stood by its word in
this way.”
In the concluding part of his second sermon, Ayatollah Khamenei
referred to the incumbent US president’s remarks about his country’s
ability to destroy the Iranian Army, saying, “In the past, such remarks
were interpreted “boasting among strangers” [who are not aware of the
inability of the person who is boasting].”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressed American officials,
emphasizing, “We welcome no war, nor do we initiate any war, but if any
war happens, the one who will emerge loser will be the aggressive and
criminal America.”
see also:
Supreme
Leader's Sermons at Eid ul-Fitr Prayers
The Leader remarks in a
meeting with professors and faculty members of universities from across
Iran
(2015/07/05 - 13:46)
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a
meeting on Saturday with more than 1,000 professors and faculty members of
universities from across the country, described the role of academics in
teaching and training an industrious, faithful and progressive generation
as unique. Underscoring the necessity of steering clear of marginal
affairs in scientific environments, the Leader said, “The country’s
scientific speed should not slow down for any reason.”
During the more than two-hour-long meeting, the Supreme Leader listened
to views and proposals offered by a number of university professors.
Referring to the natural influence of professors on the hearts and minds
of students as an exceptional opportunity, the Leader said, “Benefit from
this very big opportunity for training youths [who would be] ‘faithful,
with national zeal, motivated, revolutionary, studious, ethical,
courageous, self-confident and hopeful in future’ and educate and train
powerful arms for the progress of the dear Iran.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said being independent of foreigners, correct
understanding of the country’s conditions and direction [of movement], and
sensitivity and firmness against any harm to the country’s independence
were among other necessary characteristics for the younger generation. The
Leader added, “The esteemed professors must bring up such a generation
through [the influence] of their own methods and conduct.”
The Supreme Leader described the professors as commanders of the soft
war, telling them, “Exactly like the [military] commanders of eight years
of Sacred Defense (1980-1988 Iraq war on Iran), command and lead young
students, that is, the officers of the soft war, through objective
presence in this vital and profound struggle, because this arena is also a
‘Sacred Defense’ [in its own right].”
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed satisfaction with the presence of 70,000
faculty members in universities, saying, “The majority of these professors
are ‘faithful, religious and loyal to the fundamentals of [the 1979
Islamic] Revolution’, which is a very important issue and a source of
honor for the country.”
Ayatollah Khamenei called on officials at the Ministry of Science,
Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical
Education to appreciate the value of faithful and revolutionary professors,
saying: “The elements that are not scared of extensive, sly, and mostly
hidden propaganda, and are fulfilling their important duties, must be paid
attention and praised.”
The Supreme Leader said Iran standing 16th in global scientific ranking
is a result of relentless efforts undertaken over the past 10-15 years in
universities and scientific centers, adding: “The enthusiasm-inspiring
scientific speed, which has brought Iran this honor, has slowed down today
and officials must double their efforts so that the scientific progress
movement would not lose steam and would pick up speed in proportion to the
country’s need.”
Offering a pathological analysis of the factors that have slowed down
the speed of the country’s scientific progress, Ayatollah Khamenei sharply
criticized undue attention to marginal issues and politicization in
scientific environments, saying, “The environment in university must be an
environment of political understanding, [as well as] political knowledge
and awareness, but politicization and focus on marginal issues will deal a
serious blow to the main task of universities, which is [making]
scientific efforts and progress.”
As an example of politicization at universities, Ayatollah Khamenei
highlighted the issue of recent row on granting scholarships, describing
it as one of the most erroneous measures taken in the past couple of years.
“Accurate investigations show that the issue of scholarships was not
like what was played with by newspapers. However, even if it was so, the
privileges granted to some people against the law must have been abrogated
through legal channels instead of making a fuss [over it].”
Ayatollah Khamenei described politicization as poisonous to scientific
environments, and while expressing regret that some people were wronged in
the issue of scholarships, added, “The poison that was injected to
universities in this issue [of scholarships] stemmed from an attitude
based on politicization and, unfortunately, was both illegal and against
the law, and against foresight, and against ethics.”
In another part of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei spoke about the
necessity of serious efforts by officials for changing humanities courses
in the country.
The Leader added, “This necessary change needs both internal dynamism
inside the universities and such centers as the Supreme Council of
Cultural Revolution and the Humanities Transformation Council, and
external support from responsible organs.”
“Thanks to God, the internal dynamism already exists and responsible
organs are required to make operational the theoretical efforts made to
change humanities, and execute the decisions of the Humanities
Transformation Council.”
The fourth point in the Supreme Leader’s speech was attention to
“budget allocation to research sector out of the country’s public budget.”
The Leader referred to his own repeated emphasis in this regard in the
past years, and expressed regret about non-allocation of the expected
share of research sector from budget, saying: “In the Vision Plan, a
four-percent share of the public budget has been considered for research.
Such [budgetary] allocation cannot be realized in the short run, but the
nearly two-percent share of the research sector from public budget should
be realized. Meanwhile, these budget [allocations] and financial resources
for the research sector should be consumed correctly and in the right
place.”
The necessity of implementing the country’s comprehensive scientific
roadmap was another point mentioned by the Supreme Leader in his address
to higher education officials and university professors.
Referring to the endorsement of the comprehensive scientific roadmap by
experts, Ayatollah Khamenei said the first step towards implementation of
this important document was building a suitable discourse.
“As the issue of the country’s scientific progress has turned into a
common discourse and become a scientific current, with regard to the [implementation
of] the comprehensive scientific roadmap, university professors and
managers and students are required to be kept abreast of the details of
this roadmap, and the comprehensive scientific roadmap should become an
established discourse.”
To that effect, the Supreme Leader highlighted the “higher education
planning document,” and while referring to the necessity of completion and
implementation of this document, added, “The country’s territorial and
scientific planning means recognition of and making decision on the
capacities of universities and [academic] disciplines before determining
priorities in which it is possible to invest specifically for fundamental
advances.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said having a large-scale view of the growing number
of students at different levels of post-graduate education is an important
advantage and a major task assigned to the Ministry of Science, Research
and Technology.
“By having a large-scale view and through correct planning and general
guidance, the Ministry of Science, [Research and Technology] should
orientate the result of the work and effort of students at these
educational levels towards cutting the knots [that exist] in the country,
because otherwise, the country’s resources and facilities will be
squandered,” said the Supreme Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the role of professors and scientific
management organs of the country in countering the enemy’s plots as
important, saying, “The enemies’ objective behind sanctions is not the
nuclear issue, nor issues like human rights and terrorism, because they
are the main terrorism-nurturing and anti-human rights centers. Their
objective is to prevent the Iranian nation from reaching the
civilizational status it deserves, which by precisely knowing our position
and status, it is necessary [for us] to proceed with the country’s
honorable drive, which in this process, professors and scientific organs
have a prominent role [to play].”
At the beginning of this meeting, seven university professors expressed
their views as follows:
