Leader denounces any moves satisfying enemies

Leader denounces any moves satisfying enemies
2011/04/30 - 16:21

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that any moves that might satisfy the enemies or disappoint friends should be avoided.

Islamic Revolution Leader made the remark in a meeting with members of the High Council of Mayors, on Saturday.

Ayatollah Khamenei lauded the grave responsibilities of Islamic councils in urban and rural areas and said the will of God is with the convergence of people in handling the affairs.

Relying on and respecting the ideas of people is a source of pride for the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Guardian Council is the only reliable body to interpret Islamic law," Islamic Revolution Leader said while defining the duties of the Islamic city and village councils.

Underlining the significant role of city and village councils, the Islamic Revolution Leader said these councils are accountable to people irrespective of geographical or cultural differences.

"Under the blessing of Islam, we have maintained our Iranian identity and this should be demonstrated by rendering services to people in both urban and rural areas," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Any disharmony or negative competition would be harmful to the country," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=contentShow&id=8031

Enemies are distorting Iran realities

Enemies are distorting Iran realities
4/29/2011 3:46:45 PM

Interim Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Sayyed Ahmad Khatami denied the western media claims that there was a political schism in the Iranian government.

"Enemies of the Iranian nation try to make others believe there is a political schism in the Iranian government and that the country was in tumultuous condition," Ayatollah Khatami said, adding the claims are all baseless.

Ayatollah Khatami was delivering his first Friday prayers sermon in Tehran University campus Friday.

He said the enemies "slapped in the face by the Iranian nation try to make others believe there was a double rule in Iran, while Constitution rules in the country."

Turning to regional developments, Ayatollah Khatami said in Libya, Americans and Europeans have launched war of attrition so that none of the belligerent parties will be victorious.

"The wish to see both parties to remain independent on them for ever," he added.

In Yemen, he said, the US covertly tries to keep conditions under its control with the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council acting as its arm.

He criticized the UN for its silence over situation in Yemen.

http://english.iribnews.ir/newsbody.aspx?ID=13623

Future will be more promising for nations

Future will be more promising for nations
2011/04/27 - 20:37

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that all people and state-run organizations should contribute to promotion of domestic industries and agriculture.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark in a meeting with thousands of enthusiastic laborers on the threshold of 'Labor Day' in Tehran.

Islamic Revolution Leader said Islam attaches importance to dignity and status of laborers.

"Laborers played significant role in the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and many political groups including communists tried in vain to mislead them but workers strongly thwarted their plots," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Mass presence of laborers on the scene of sacred defense truly indicates their royalty to Islamic Revolution and Iran," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Committed Iranian laborers are determined to continue their struggle with arrogant powers and thwart plots hatched by the enemies," Islamic Revolution Leader said.

All should do their best to render invaluable services to laborers in the country, said Ayatollah Khamenei.

Referring to the current Iranian year designated as "Year of Economic Jihad, the Islamic Revolution Leader said the enemies try to employ all their potentials in their struggle with Iran in various fields such as culture, security, politics but they are now focusing on the country's economy to attain their sinister goals.

Islamic Revolution Leader advised the laborers to carry out their duties more carefully.

"All should endeavor to improve the quality of Iranian made products and this requires more cooperation among government organizations to this effect," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the country's officials should create more employment opportunities and help promote industry and agriculture.

"The enemies did their utmost to isolate Iran as they fear that the country would turn into an exemplary model of development for other regional countries," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"People in the region show more respect for the Islamic Revolution and the American administration has turned into the most hated government before the eyes of people," Islamic Revolution Leader said.

"Future will be more promising for the nations following the path of Islam in attaining their aspirations," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"Failures of enemies along with success of the Iranian nation indicate that the promises given by Almighty God are coming true," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=contentShow&id=8025

Tabas Scandal

Tabas Scandal

In the early hours of April 25, 1980, a commando of 90 American special forces aboard six C-130 cargo planes and eight helicopters violated the airspace of the Islamic Republic of Iran to try to free their agents who were spying for the government under diplomatic cover.

Hundreds of pages of documents released later showed that America had turned its embassy in Tehran into a centre for spying against the Islamic Revolution.

The embassy was then described as den of espionage by the Iranian people.

The helicopters had been due to land close to the America's embassy, but the operation turned into a disaster when the desert rendezvous point -- near the city of Tabas some 400 kilometers (250 miles) southeast of Tehran -- was whipped by a miraculous sandstorm.

The operation, dubbed by US as Eagle Claw, resulted in the deaths of eight American servicemen and was quickly abandoned. Its failure also contributed to the subsequent election defeat of then American president Jimmy Carter.

The event of Tabas can reveal God’s grandeur and the aids from the World Unseen to people so that it would be a lesson to the next generations.

The event of Tabas is the most terrible scandal on the field of unsuccessful American threats against the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

This event which was ended by the Americans defeat, is certainly considered as one of the greatest miracles of the century, because America started his attack aiming at destroying the Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Revolution.

It used all of her energy and used all of the most sensitive and the most sophisticated military equipment along with the complete facilities and the coordination of all of the forces (inside and outside).

This country adhered to an excuse, which was about the freedom of the American spies who were in Iran.

The officials of the White House and the Pentagon thought the operations would be successful for as they would consider no factor for interrupting the process.

However, since God has always been keeping the nation and her revolution, there was a case realization of his aids from the World Unseen in Tabas event so that it would be a solid proof for the tyrannical figures, to believe when God wants to do something it will surely happen.

US meteorological center had kept Iran’s climatic atmosphere to ensure the secure landing in Tabas. Since that night was marked with the beautiful moonlight, no one would expect any drastic change in the weather, or occurrence of any storm.

According to the available documents and reports and essays on the issue, America had used the then latest military facilities and techniques. U.S. Congress had devoted a lot of money to the project.

The helicopters, which were to be used for setting the American spies free, were the best of all kinds.

The night of the operation was marked with the moonlight, which would mean no sign of winds and storm. Furthermore, according to American weather forecast, there should not have been the case of storm.

The sandstorm however occurred unlike all expectations to prove God is watching over the affairs of the Islamic nation.

The late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini said following the disastrous incident that the sandstorm was commissioned by God.

http://english.iribnews.ir/IranVision_body.aspx?ID=332

IR Leader urges media not to imply tension

IR Leader urges media not to imply tension
2011/04/24 - 21:59

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that political and cultural officials, as well as journalists and online media should not publish news articles which would induce lack of tranquility in the society.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar and a group of commanders and officials of the Law Enforcement Forces.

The IR Leader noted that procurement of security, particularly moral and psychological security in the society is one of the most important responsibilities of the media, press, groups and individuals.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that under the present conditions the country is quite calm and people also have good morale so the media or newspapers should not act in a way as to imply lack of tranquility within the society.

'The incumbent tranquility in the society and the awareness of people about their ideals is only due to the benevolence of the Almighty God,' he added.

The Leader said that our writings and statements should not be in such a way as to imply any differences.

"Even if we have difference of opinion, it should not be used as a pretext by certain foreign media," yatollah Khamenei added.

Elsewhere in his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed gratitude for the efforts of the IRI Law Enforcement Forces, and said one of the most important duties of the security forces was creating psychological and moral security in society.

In the meeting Chief of Law Enforcement Forces Esmail Ahmadi-Moqaddam presented a report about the activities of the security forces.

http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=contentShow&id=8005

Islamic awareness will thwart enemies' plots

Islamic awareness will thwart enemies' plots
2011/04/23 - 18:23

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday commended services of three branches of government especially the incumbent President who is working hard day and night ceaselessly to serve people.

Islamic Revolution Leader made the remarks in a meeting with large group of people from the southern province of Fars.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution appreciated the three branches of government for serving the nation and said that his office is commending services of the executive branch of the government.

Ayatollah Khamenei assured the nation that his office would interfere whether the major trend of the Islamic Revolution to face negligence.

"With reliance upon grace of Almighty God, I will not allow the major goals of the nation to be neglected as long as I'm alive," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that since the Iranian people have stood up and turned into exemplary model for people in the region, they have been the target of antagonistic propaganda.

"You should not let disputes or differences to be created otherwise the enemies would attain what they are seeking through masterminding propaganda."

Islamic Revolution Leader drew attention of the audience to numerous scenarios raised by the western propaganda machine over the issues of the Intelligence Ministry and said, "The enemies have indicated that they are looking for a possible opportunity to reach their goal of causing dispute in the ranks of the nation."

"The Islamic Republic is a powerful system whose leader has adopted a firm stand in defending the path of Islamic Revolution."

On Muslim awakening, the Islamic Revolution Leader said the people in the region have become vigilant thanks to Islam and the Islamic Revolution.

"The US, Europe and the Zionists are in the state of shock and bewildering by the Islamic awakening in the region," said Ayatollah Khamenei adding that the global arrogance seeks to dominate the entire region but the Islamic awareness will thwart their plots.

"People in the region will be the final winner of these developments but they should exercise vigilance as the enemies will spare no efforts to mislead them."

Ayatollah Khemeni underlined that a fair judgment in regional developments indicates that western powers have oppressed nations in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya.

Islamic Revolution Leader said that fabricated Zionist regime is the root cause of tyrannical behavior of US and West on people in the region and the people in Bahrain have suffered the most.

Referring to wide scale propaganda of the west against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Leader said since the country has adopted righteous stands in dealing with global developments; it has been the target of western propagandas.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, the nation, government and political elites cannot remain indifferent toward the current developments in the region."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has explicitly voiced its stands on regional developments and has not interfered in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya," he added.

Ayatollah Khemenai said that Iran is not afraid of the bullying powers and declares its clear stands on global developments.

"It is the legitimate rights of people in Bahrain to express their protest."

"The government in Bahrain has adopted a wrong approach in dealing with its people and the anger of people may bring down the government," said Ayatollah Khamenei.

"Those who have dispatched military forces to Bahrain have committed a grave mistake," the Leader said.

Referring to recent developments in Libya, the Leader said the westerners are to prevent coming to power of Islamic and democratic government in Libya but the people have read their cards.

"Global arrogance and the international Zionist network are the main culprit for current events in the region, said the Islamic Revolution Leader adding that they are now suppressing people in Gaza and massacring them and the nations in the region along with their governments should not neglect the goals of the Zionist regime.

http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=contentShow&id=7993

'Massacres will not kill ME revolutions'

'Massacres will not kill ME revolutions'
4/22/2011 6:25:31 PM

Provisional Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani said regional uprisings can not be put out by public suppression.

Delivering his second Friday prayers sermon, Ayatollah Kashani criticized the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council’s stances in support of massacre of regional people.

Ayatollah Kashani said "being Muslim" is the axis of such uprisings with their flag being the Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH).

“Certain groups of Muslim states raise vain claims instead of supporting people and preventing massacre of Muslims in Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and elsewhere,” he noted.

Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani also criticized the policies of the arrogant world in supporting the massacre of innocents in the Middle East.

He highlights the Islamic and popular nature of the recent revolutions in the Middle East region, saying that violence will not stop the uprisings.

The cleric lashed out at Arab states and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and said, “Those who are among the Muslim nations, instead of preventing the killing of the Muslim people of Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and other countries and supporting the people, talk nonsense.”

The senior cleric condemned the silence of Arab leaders on the massacre of the people of regional countries and said their silence shows their desperation and their fall from humanity.

Ayatollah Emami-Kashani also addressed the Western media's hue and cry over the resignation of Iranian Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi and his reinstatement by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.

“Through such acts they intend to suggest there is division and conflict in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said, insisting that the Leader is above all institutions and all are “legally, religiously and morally” obliged to obey him.

http://english.iribnews.ir/newsbody.aspx?ID=13538

The Supreme Leader’s View of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

The Supreme Leader’s View of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)
20/04/2011

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) leniency and strictness
Trustworthiness of the Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.)
Patience of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)
Calling people to ethical virtues
Magnanimity of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)
Honesty of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)
Cleanliness of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)
The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) attitude towards other people
The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) eating and dressing habits
The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) worship
The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) government
The attitude of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) towards the enemies of Islam

The Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) used to instill Islamic values into the general atmosphere of his society in order to completely institutionalize Islamic values and ethics in society and to instill them into the souls, beliefs and life of the people.
The Supreme Leader’s View of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) leniency and strictness

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) has been praised in the Holy Quran because of his lenient treatment of people. Addressing the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran, “Thus, it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you.” [The Holy Quran, 3: 159] Elsewhere in the Holy Quran, Allah the Exalted tells the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), “O Prophet, strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be hard against them.” [The Holy Quran, 66: 9] Allah the Exalted tells His Messenger to treat the unbelievers and the hypocrites roughly. The word “hard” has been used in both ayahs. However, the first ayah is related to the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) behavior towards other members of his society, while the second ayah is about enforcing the law, managing society and establishing order. In the first case, being hard-hearted is bad. But in the second case, being hard-hearted is good. Being rough is bad in the first case and good in the second.

Trustworthiness of the Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.)

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was so trustworthy that he was known as Muhammad al-Amin [Muhammad the Trustworthy] in the jahaliyya pre-Islamic society. Whenever the people of his society had something which was very valuable to them, they used to give it to the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) to hold it in trust, and they were sure that he would return it to them undamaged. Even after the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) started calling people to Islam and hostilities were aroused with Quraysh, the enemies of Islam still used to leave their valuable belongings with the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). When the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) migrated to Medina, he left the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) in Mecca in order to return what people had left with him. Therefore, it is clear that when the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) decided to migrate to Medina, he was still holding certain things in trust. And these things did not belong to Muslims: they belonged to the unbelievers and those who were hostile to him.

Patience of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was so patient that he was not disturbed by the kind of things that made other people impatient. Sometimes the enemies of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) in Mecca used to treat him in a way that when Abi Talib [Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) uncle] heard about one case of such treatment, he got so angry that he drew his sword, went to those who had treated the Prophet (s.w.a.) with disrespect and treated them in the same way. He said that he would behead anybody who protested. But the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) had tolerated that treatment with patience. In another case, Abu Jahl insulted the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) in a very bad way, but the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) exercised patience and remained silent. Somebody went to Hamza and told him that his nephew had been mistreated. Hamza lost patience and went to Abu Jahl. He banged his bow so hard on Abu Jahl’s head that blood gushed out from his head. Affected by this event, Hamza converted to Islam later on. Sometimes some people used to go the mosque where the Prophet (s.w.a.) was and stretched out their feet, and they used to tell the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) to cut their nails. But the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to tolerate their insolence with patience.

Calling people to ethical virtues

It is necessary to call people to ethical virtues, namely mercy, leniency, kindness, patience, steadfastness, controlling one’s anger and avoiding betrayal, theft, slander, malevolence and ill will. People will always be in need of these ethical values. It is not possible to imagine a day when people will not need these values. They will always need these ethical values. A society in which these values are absent will be a bad and insignificant society even if it achieves the peak of progress.

Magnanimity of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

In the jahaliyya pre-Islamic society, the people of Mecca had created an alliance called “Hilf al-Fudul” [Alliance of the Virtuous], and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was a member of this alliance. One day a stranger enters Mecca and sells something that he had brought with him. The person who had bought it was a man called Aas ibn Wail, a burly thug who was among Meccan aristocrats. He had refused to pay the man. The stranger goes to different people, but nobody helps him. Therefore, he climbs to the top of Mount Abu Qubays and shouts, “O children of Fahr, I have been wronged.” The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and his uncle Zubayr ibn Abdul Mutallib hear his shout. So they gather in a place and decide to defend his rights. They go to Aas ibn Wail and tell him to pay the man. He is scared and is forced to pay the man. They maintained the alliance and decided to defend non-Meccans whenever they were wronged by the people of Mecca. Usually the people of Mecca used to treat non-Meccans unfairly. Many years after the introduction of Islam, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to say that he was still committed to the terms of the alliance. He repeatedly treated his defeated enemies in a way that was not understandable to them. In the 8th year of the Hijri calendar, when the Holy Prophet captured Mecca in an impressive way, he said, “Today is the day of mercy.” Therefore, he did not take revenge. This shows the magnanimity of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.).

Honesty of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was a virtuous man. He used to engage in trade in the era of jahaliyya. He used to go to Shaam [Syria] and Yemen. He had business partners in trade caravans. One of his business partners during the pre-Islamic era of jahaliyya would later on say that the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) had been one of his best business partners. He was not stubborn. He was not hostile. He would never impose his responsibilities on his business partner. He would never treat his customers badly. He would neither overcharge his customers, nor would he lie to them. He was an honest man. It was his honesty that made Khadijah fall in love with him. Khadijah was the most prominent lady in Mecca, and she was a distinguished person in terms of her wealth and lineage.

Cleanliness of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was a neat person since his childhood. Unlike children from Meccan and other Arab tribes, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was hygienic and neat. When he was a teenager, he used to comb his hair. During his youth he used to comb his hair and his beard. After being appointed as Prophet, when he was an old man around the age of 50 to 60, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was still completely committed to personal hygiene. His hair, which was long enough to reach his earlobes, was always clean. His beautiful beard was always clean and perfumed. I read in a narration that he had a bowl of water in his house which he used to use as a mirror because mirrors were not very common at that time. Whenever he wanted to call on his friends and other Muslims, he used to clean his turban and his beard. He always used to wear perfume. In spite of the fact that he had a very simple lifestyle, he used to pack up perfume and a comb whenever he wanted to go on a trip. He used to pack up kohl because at that time it was usual for men to use kohl around their eyes. He used to brush his teeth several times a day. He used to advise other Muslims to observe hygiene, brush their teeth and take care of their appearance in a similar way. His clothes were old and patched up, but they were always clean, as was his body. These things play a very important role as far as one’s social interactions, appearance and hygiene are concerned. These things – which may seem to be insignificant – are very important in reality.

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) attitude towards other people

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to behave well towards other people. He was always cheerful when he was with other people. He used to reveal his sorrows when he was alone. He did not show his sorrows when he was with other people. He was always cheerful when he was among other people. He used to greet everybody. Whenever somebody upset him, his sadness would become clear on his face, but he would never start complaining. He would not allow anybody to curse or slander other people. He would never curse anybody, and he would never slander a person. He was kind to children and women. He behaved extremely well towards weak people of his society. He used to joke with his companions, and he used to race horses with them.

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) eating and dressing habits

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to sit on a carpet made of straw. His pillow was a leather bag filled with palm leaves. His main meals were barley bread and dates. It has been narrated that he would never eat wheat bread – or different types of food – three days in a row. Ayesha [Holy Prophet’s wife] said that sometimes the Prophet’s (s.w.a.) family would not cook anything in the kitchen for one month. Sometimes he would ride an unsaddled horse. There was a time when other people used to ride saddled horses and show off, but the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) would use a donkey on many occasions. He was humble. He used to repair his shoes with his own hands.

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) worship

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to prolong his worship so much that his feet would blister because of standing up for too long. He used to spend a major portion of his nights in prayer, supplication and solemn worship. He used to worship God and pray for His mercy. Apart from the month of Ramadan, he used to fast every other day in that hot weather during Rajab, Sha’ban and other months of the year. “That Allah may forgive your community their past faults and those to follow and complete His favor to you and keep you on a right way.” [The Holy Quran, 48: 2] His companions were surprised why he would ask God to forgive him, so they would tell him, “O Messenger of God, you have not committed any sins. What is all this prayer, worship and penance for?” The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) would tell them, “Should I not be a thankful servant for all these blessings He has bestowed on me.”

The Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) government

The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was just and wise. If somebody studies the time the Prophet (s.w.a.) entered Medina – about the tribal conflicts, the attempts to attract the enemies from Mecca out into the desert, the repeated blows, the fight against the warring enemies – he will notice such wise, firm and comprehensive strategies that he will be astonished. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was the person who enforced the laws, and he would not let anybody violate the laws. He himself was subject to the same laws, and Quranic verses clearly show this point. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to act according to the laws that other people had to observe, and he would not allow any violations of the laws.

He would always keep his promise, and this was another characteristic of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) as the leader of his society. He never broke a promise. Quraysh broke their promise, but the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) did not. The Jews broke their promise, but he did not.

He was also secretive. When he led his army towards Mecca, nobody found out where the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was going. He mobilized the entire army and ordered them to follow him. They asked him where they were going, and he told them that everything would become clear later on. Nobody realized that he was moving towards Mecca. Quraysh did not know that the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was moving towards Mecca until he got close to the city.

When he was among a group of people, it was not clear that he was the Prophet of Islam and the leader of those people. He had excellent skill for managing social and military affairs, and he used to directly supervise everything. Of course it was a small society: it was just Medina and the surrounding areas. Later on Mecca and a couple of other communities were added this small society. He was serious about anything related to the people, and he acted with discipline. He managed to promote management and accountability in that primitive society.

The attitude of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) towards the enemies of Islam

Not all enemies were the same to the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). This is one of the important points about the life of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). Some enemies were extremely hostile, but if the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) believed that they were unlikely to pose any serious threats, he would not take it hard on them. There were certain other enemies – such as Abdullah ibn Ubayy – who were dangerous, and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) used to watch them closely. Abdullah ibn Ubayy was a real hypocrite who would sometimes design plots against the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). But the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) did not do anything to harm him. He only kept him under surveillance. Abdullah ibn Ubayy was alive until the end of the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) life, and he died shortly after the Prophet (s.w.a.) passed away. The important point is that the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) tolerated him. People like Abdullah ibn Ubayy were enemies who did not pose a serious threat to the early Islamic government and the Muslim community. However, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) was very strict with the enemies who posed a serious danger to the Islamic society. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) who was so kind and forgiving ordered his men to kill hundreds of traitors from the Bani Qurayza tribe and to force out Bani Nazir and Bani Qaynuqa. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) also captured the Khaybar citadel. This was because these enemies were dangerous. When the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) captured Mecca, he treated them kindly, but they responded with treachery. They stabbed the Muslims in the back. They designed plots and threatened the Muslims. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) tolerated Abdullah ibn Ubayy. He tolerated the Jewish people in Medina. He tolerated the members of Quraysh who had taken refuge in Medina or were harmless. When he captured Mecca, he was kind to people like Abu Sufyan and other prominent figures of Quraysh because they did not pose any dangers. But he used to vigorously suppress dangerous and untrustworthy enemies.

http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1447

Supreme Leader’s Speech to Cultural and Political Figures

Supreme Leader’s Speech to Cultural and Political Figures
12/04/2011

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on April 12, 2011 by Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting with cultural and political figures of Iran.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

May God make the new year auspicious for the friends, brothers and sisters [who have attended this meeting] and their family and relatives. I hope the new year will be auspicious and enjoyable for all of you and the entire Iranian nation. Of course we are partially responsible for this. We are the ones who make our lives auspicious or inauspicious through our behavior and our orientations. That is to say, the destiny of people is determined by the choices they make. Allah the Exalted has given us the capability to make choices. "And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways?" [The Holy Quran, 90: 10] Allah the Exalted presents us with choices. Of course sometimes the conditions make it easy for people to make a choice. Other times the conditions make the choices difficult. However, one should always make a choice.

Every day we repeatedly ask God to "guide us to the straight path" [the Holy Quran, 1: 6], and this shows that every minute a path branches off from the straight path we are treading - assuming that we have identified the straight path and that we are following this path. That is to say, the straight path is not like a tunnel that leads to the end once you enter it. It is not like a railroad with no junctions. There are many junctions on the straight path, and it is necessary to identify these junctions and to choose the right direction. When we say "show us the straight path", we are asking God to show us the right path every day and in the case of all issues.

I do not want to say that this is very difficult or impossible. No, Allah the Exalted has placed clear signs in front of everybody's eyes. "This is because your Lord would not destroy towns unjustly while their people were unwarned." [The Holy Quran, 6: 131] Allah the Exalted will not admonish or punish us for doing the wrong thing if we do not have any means of guidance. No, Allah the Exalted provides His servant with the necessary means of guidance. Of course there are certain exceptions to this general rule, but Allah the Exalted generally provides people with guidance.

Norouz is an appropriate name for the beginning of a new year, but we may call this beginning whatever we like. Norouz is a very good opportunity. It is very good if we divide our life into certain stages. If life continues with monotonous regularity and new stages never start, one would not think of innovation and new beginnings. One of the advantages of dividing life into stages is that one would be able to think, "Well, this year is over, and a new year has started." And the new year will definitely bring about new actions, new ideas, new resolutions and new motives. According to the traditions we and other nations of the world observe, when the new year starts, people put on new clothes and make their houses look new. For example, our people traditionally practice spring cleaning and other such things. Apparently other nations have similar traditions. Therefore, Norouz is a new stage.

The beginning of a new stage is useful in that people get the opportunity to think about their past and future actions. That is to say, they get the opportunity to say, "Well, I had these flaws in the year that went by, so I will start eliminating these flaws in the new year." This affects all aspects of life.

I believe the most important thing that people should think about is their relationship with God. At the beginning of each new year, people should tell themselves, "Last year and the previous years are gone, and there is nothing I can do about them, but now a new stage has started." We should define a new relationship with Allah the Exalted, proactively and retroactively. The proactive aspect is related to committing sins. People get used to committing certain sins, and they do not realize the importance of those sins. If they stop to think about these sins, they will notice them in their behavior and their actions. Of course people give themselves the benefit of the doubt. People do not usually suspect themselves. Unfortunately human beings justify their actions, but it is not impossible to critically evaluate one's actions. Allah the Exalted has provided us with the ultimate proof. If we look carefully, we can identify our flaws. Human beings have an inner voice which is honest with them. If they refer to their inner voice, their flaws will be revealed to them.

Well, human beings get used to certain sins. They underestimate the significance of certain sins. This is one of the things that can be done in the new year. One can think of a way to reduce the number of the sins one commits by writing them down.

If I remember correctly, I read the biography of Shahid Afshordi last year or the year before. It was mentioned in the biography that Shahid Afshordi used to write down his mistakes every day. Ulama of ethics and certain traditions recommend that we write down our mistakes. We are advised to evaluate ourselves every night. Shahid Afshordi used to write down these things. People like us cannot do so: our self-esteem cannot take this although nobody else is supposed to see what we write down. For example, he used to write in his notes, "I committed these sins today."

Self-evaluation is a very good thing. It is necessary to evaluate oneself and then reduce one's sins one by one. We are used to committing certain sins. Sometimes one may be used to committing 5, 6, 10 sins. We should try to eliminate these sins one by one. We should try to reduce the weak points one by one.

The same is true about the retroactive aspect. I believe if we start with daily prayers, many of the problems will be automatically solved. This is because daily prayers are very important. One should perform daily prayers in an appropriate and attentive manner. Being attentive during daily prayers means paying careful attention to what one says and thinks about. One should not perform one's daily prayers without paying attention to the meaning of what one says. For example, I am speaking to you, and you are listening. I am aware that my audience is listening to my speech. The same thing should be true about praying: we must believe that God is listening to us. I believe that a person can get closer to God even if he does not at all understand the meaning of what he says during praying - he should just be aware that he is speaking to God. The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) said, "Daily prayers are a means for every pious man to get closer to God." People like us may know the meaning and interpretation of everything said during daily prayers, and we may have read several books about daily prayers, but we may still fail to pay attention to the meaning of what we say during daily prayers. As the poet Saeb says, during praying some people think about anything except God, and sometimes they remember what they have misplaced.

Performing daily prayers in an attentive manner - that is to say, paying attention to the fact that we are speaking to God - is a good start. The same is true about performing one's daily prayers on time. The same is true about congregational prayers and nawafil [prayers which are not obligatory]. This way one can gradually change one's life. Each new year can bring about such auspicious things if we try to make the best of it.

Beyond these things, we can use our job to get closer to God. Each of us has a responsibility to fulfill. Each of us has a job. The more carefully we do our job and the more we try to make our job serve a divine cause, the more the benefits will be.

May God bestow His blessings and assistance on all of you. I hope He will make the new year auspicious for all of us and the entire Iranian nation in the sense that I explained.

Greetings be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings

http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1443

The Supreme Leader’s View of Democracy and Religious Democracy

The Supreme Leader’s View of Democracy and Religious Democracy
20/03/2011

Part one: religious democracy

What is democracy?
Two sides of democracy
The meaning of religious democracy
The founder of logical democracy
Why people like their rulers in Islamic communities
A method to improve government officials
Legitimacy of political systems in Islam
The basis of democracy in Islam
Holiness of democracy
Reconciling worship of God and democratic attitude

Part two: western democracy

Explanation of western democracy
The framework of western democracy
The goal of western democracy
The legitimacy of political systems in the west

Part three: democracy in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Utilizing the experiences of humanity
The republican and Islamic aspects of the Islamic Republic
Democracy in Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) school of thought
The Islamic Republic of Iran
The relationship between the people and government officials

The Supreme Leader’s View of Democracy and Religious Democracy

Part one: religious democracy

What is democracy?

Democracy means that the opinion of the people should be the criterion for determining the political methods of managing and governing a country. Democracy means that the political system and its officials should originate from among the people. A genuine democratic system lies where the decisions, emotions, faith, and interests of the people overlap.

Two sides of democracy

Democracy has two sides. One side requires the establishment of a political system on the basis of the wishes and votes of the people. That is to say, the people should elect the government and its key officials directly or indirectly. The people should willingly identify the right choice and make a decision so that they can fulfill their religious duty. They will have no duty to carry out in the absence of knowledge and willingness.

After government officials are elected in a democracy, they take on serious responsibilities. This is the second side of democracy.

The meaning of religious democracy

Religious democracy ties the rule of God’s religion to the votes, beliefs, faith, wishes and emotions of the people. Just as we consider ourselves as servants of God alone, so we ask Allah the Exalted to help us tread the path of righteous people: “You (alone) we worship. You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the right path, the path of those on whom You bestowed grace.” [The Holy Quran, 1: 5-7] Following the path of righteous people and God’s prominent servants is the same as pledging allegiance to faith, religion and spirituality. It is not the same as surrendering to a particular person. It is not the same as surrendering to the whim of a particular individual. In Islam, it is religion that is in power, the kind of religion that pays attention to prosperity of all human beings. And this is something that human beings are responsible for.

The founder of logical democracy

In fact democracy belongs to Islam. It was Islam that founded the appropriate and logical form of democracy. All Muslims, men and women, went to the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and pledged allegiance to him. At that time women did not enjoy a good position in society. Women had been kept behind in Arabia. Even in the Iranian Empire and the Roman Empire women were not allowed to prove themselves. But the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) took orders from God alone. “O Prophet, when believing women come to you to pledge that they will not associate anything with Allah….” [The Holy Quran, 60: 12] Allah the Exalted tells the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) that when believing women go to him to pledge allegiance to him, they should follow certain principles, just like believing men. Both men and women went to the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) to pledge allegiance to him. Hearts and wills came together, and monotheism revealed itself among the believing members of the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) society. It is a fact that they loved the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), but this is irrelevant because in Islam individuals do not matter.

Why people like their rulers in Islamic communities

In Islam individuals do not matter. Nobody should call on the people to follow the whim of a person. Without representing a spiritual value, nobody deserves the love, affections, self-sacrifice and favors of another person. Muslims have been used to this state of affairs since the beginning. Muslims show their affection, love, friendliness and sincere emotions to a person only when they believe that he is connected to the center of spiritual values – namely, Islam. The same was true of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.), and this is why Muslims of his time liked him. This is democracy.

A method to improve government officials

Today religious democracy is the best thing that can be used as a criterion to reform the behavior of government officials. Addressing Malek al-Ashtar, the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) says, “Do not boast of the favors and kind acts that you have done to your subjects and do not try to make them realize this, do not think too much of the good that you have done to them, and do not go back upon the promises made – all these three habits are very ugly features of one's character. The practice of boasting about the favors done undoes the good done, the habit of exaggerating and thinking very highly of our good actions will make us lose the guidance of Allah, and the habit of breaking one's promises is disliked both by Allah and by man.” [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 53] The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) says that if a person boasts about the favors he has done, he will not receive any rewards. He also says that exaggeration will kill the light of the truth. That is to say, an exaggeration causes people to ignore the element of truth that it contains.

Then the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) cites a verse from the Holy Quran: “It is most hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do.” [The Holy Quran, 61: 3] “So far as your own affairs or those of your relatives and friends are concerned, take care that you do not violate the duties laid down upon you by Allah and do not usurp the rights of mankind, be impartial and do justice to them because if you give up equity and justice, then you will certainly be a tyrant and an oppressor.” Imam Ali (a.s.) asks Malek al-Ashtar to avoid doing injustice when it comes to his friends and relatives. He asks Malek al-Ashtar not to give any privileges to them. If a government official gives special facilities or financial resources to a specific group of people just because they are his friends or relatives, his action goes against democracic principles. “You must always appreciate and adopt a policy which is neither too severe nor too lenient, a policy which is based upon equity and is appreciated by the people.” He tells Malek al-Ashtar not to go to extremes and to try to please the majority of the people. “Remember that the displeasure of common men, the have-nots and the oppressed people overbalances more than the approval of important persons, while the displeasure of a few big people will be excused by the Lord if the general public and the masses of your subjects are happy with you.”

Legitimacy of political systems in Islam

The essence of religious democracy requires that the political system of a society should be managed through divine guidance and the will of the people. In Islam the people are only one pillar of legitimacy, not the only pillar. In Islam a political system should be based on the wishes and votes of the people, but it should also be based on another essential pillar: piety and justice. If an elected leader does not observe piety and justice, his rule is not legitimate from an Islamic point of view even if everybody – let alone the majority of his people – votes for him. Imam Hussein (a.s.) says that unless a ruler observes justice, he cannot be the ruler of an Islamic community. If a ruler does not observe justice, his rule is not legitimate, no matter who has installed or elected him.

The basis of democracy in Islam

The essential point which I have repeatedly emphasized is that as far as the Islamic Republic is concerned, being Islamic is not separate from being republican. The republican aspect of the Islamic Republic is rooted in Islam. In a system that is called “Islamic Republic”, it is not possible to ignore the people. Islam is the basis of the people’s right to elect. Therefore, religious democracy is based on a philosophy.

In religious democracy and in sharia it is believed that in order for a ruler to have the right to rule, the people should want him. Why are the votes of the people important? Because in Islamic thought man is a dignified creature and his vote is valuable to Allah the Exalted. In Islam no government has the right to rule human beings unless it is chosen by Allah the Exalted. In Islamic jurisprudence whenever we are doubtful about the existence of a religious justification for a certain kind of Vilayat, we reject it. Why? Because the assumption is that there is no justification for Vilayat unless proven otherwise. This is the Islamic logic. Vilayat is acceptable only when sharia has approved it, and the approval of sharia depends on the qualifications of the person who accepts the responsibility for Vilayat. That is to say, the person who accepts the responsibility for Vilayat should be just and pious, and the people should want his Vilayat. This is the logic behind religious democracy, which is extremely firm and deep-rooted. A believer can safely accept this logic and practice it: there is no room for doubt and suspicion.

Holiness of democracy

Genuine democracy – freedom of the people, relying on the votes of the people – is sacred to us. Why? Not because of the liberal philosophy behind it, but because Allah the Exalted is our creator and the owner of our lives. According to a narration, “All people are free.” The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) says, “Take care not to make yourself a slave of anybody. Allah created you a freeman.” This is what Allah the Exalted says. When the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) says something, it means that it comes from God. The same is true of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). They have the final say on everything. The second caliph told his agent, “You have enslaved people, while God created them free.” This is a foundation for genuine democracy. The most important instance of freedom is to be able to choose one’s own destiny. This is the basis of democracy.

Reconciling worship of God and democratic attitude

The paradigm of religious democracy has presented a new course of action to humanity – a course of action that is aimed at saving mankind from the maladies of the systems founded on individual or party dictatorship or systems created by the influence of wealthy people and plunderers, a course of action that is aimed at saving mankind from sinking into the quagmire of materialism, hedonism and lack of spirituality, a course of action that is aimed at putting an end to the conflict between worship of God and democratic attitude. In terms of its growth, permanence and success in attaining its objectives, this novel paradigm is conclusive proof against all those systems which have alienated people from the Almighty and spirituality in the name of humanism, systems which have dominated human beings in various forms in the name of democracy. In Islamic culture the best people are those who are most useful to other people. Unlike hypocritical and demagogic democracies, religious democracy is a system for rendering sincere services – services that are rendered out of sense of responsibility.

Part two: western democracy

Explanation of western democracy

Western democracy is rooted in liberalism. They say because man is free, dictatorship should be abolished and replaced with democracy. The kind of freedom that liberalism is based on is absolute freedom. That is to say, if they want, the people can accept something which is certain to harm them. For example, just as the English legalized homosexuality in their parliament, so they may legalize heroin or incest only if they decide to do so. In this case there is no logical reason why they should not listen to us. They have to accept what we say. What is the difference between homosexuality and incest? In this case they do not have a logical justification for what they do. Therefore, there are no logical limits to restrict this western freedom. If they say, “This is the point where freedom goes against ethics”, we can say, “What ethics? There are no ethical limits. Everybody is free.” This is because liberalism is based on freedom, and no limits can restrict this freedom unless one kind freedom goes against another kind of freedom or against the essence of communal freedom. This is the only red line that they have. In fact by relying on the philosophy of liberalism, western democracy proves its hollowness. Then all ethical values may be destroyed in society. Today those who believe in western democracy are not prepared to acknowledge this. But this is the inevitable consequence of accepting the philosophy behind liberal democracy.

The framework of western democracy

Everything that is called democracy in the world has a framework. In western democracies the framework is the interests and wishes of wealthy people and the capitalists who dominate the fate of western communities. The votes of the people will have an effect only within that framework. If the people want something that goes against the interests of capitalists and those who have financial – and consequently political – power, then there is no guarantee that their democratic systems and regimes will surrender to public demands. There is a rigid framework which dominates all public demands and democracies. The same framework was dominant in socialist countries of the past – which used to describe themselves as democratic. The votes of the people were insignificant outside the framework of the tendencies, policies and motives of the ruling party.

The goal of western democracy

Western democracy has failed and is outdated. Its flaws have become clear. This kind of democracy is based on a desire for power. What happens is that two groups or two parties deploy their forces against one another. If you ask them what they are after, they will tell you that they want power. Why do you want power? Do you want to promote morality in society? Do you want to help people achieve spiritual improvement? Do you want to improve living conditions of the people? Do you want to go beyond the slogans and the appearances? No, these things are not what they are looking for. After all, they are just a party trying to seize power for a few years. But this is not a valuable goal. It does not contribute to human dignity. Today even western democracy is not practiced anywhere in the world, not even in a country like America which shouts democratic slogans most loudly of all.

The legitimacy of political systems in the west

Western democracy – namely, democracy that is based on liberalism – is based on a particular philosophy. According to this philosophy, the votes of the majority of the people form the basis of the legitimacy of governments and political systems. This philosophy is based on liberalism, according to which individual freedom is not restricted by any ethical limits and the only limit is that your freedom should not restrict freedom of other people. Absolute individual freedom in all areas, which manifests itself in the political system of the country as well – this is the philosophy behind western liberalism. It is argued that because there is always a minority and a majority in a human community, there is no choice but to force the minority obey the majority. This is the basis of western democracy. If a government follows this principle, it is legitimate as far as liberal democracy is concerned, otherwise it is not legitimate.

Part three: democracy in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Utilizing the experiences of humanity

Today in the Islamic Republic we adapt the experiences of humanity according to Islamic principles. There is religious democracy in Islam. Through experience, human beings have managed to partially realize this concept in the form of parliamentary government. We adopted the idea of parliamentary government immediately. We did not reject parliamentary government. Islamic thought is flexible enough to adopt all the things that have accumulated through years and centuries of human experience. However, Islam molds these experiences according to firm Islamic principles. This is what is being practiced in Islamic Iran today.

The republican and Islamic aspects of the Islamic Republic

Islam is accompanied by a republican aspect in the Islamic Republic. The republican aspect originates from Islam. Islam does not allow lack of democracy in our country. We did not learn the republican aspect from anybody. It was Islam that taught it to us. Our nation relies on Islam and believes in the republican aspect. Our people and government believe that God and the people are both important. And Allah the Exalted has given the people the opportunity to tread this path. Our nation, our government, our framework and our Constitution have managed to guarantee both the Islamic aspect and the republican aspect.

Democracy in Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) school of thought

In Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) political school of thought human nature is both valuable and dignified, both powerful and effective. The consequence of being valuable and dignified is that the votes of the people should play a key role in managing the destiny of individuals and society. Therefore, in Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) political school of thought – which is rooted in Islam – democracy is genuine. The people freely choose their path and government officials relying on their faith. On the other hand, the Imam (r.a.) believed that it is possible to stand up against all aggressive powers of the world by relying on the steely determination of the people, and he proved this. In Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) political school of thought democracy is rooted in religion – it is rooted in “their rule is to take counsel among themselves” [the Holy Quran, 42: 38] and in “He it is Who strengthened you with His help and with the believers” [the Holy Quran, 8: 62].

The Islamic Republic of Iran

I have repeatedly stressed that we should adopt the form, spirit and content of our system from Islam, not from foreign schools of thought or from cultures which have been trying to promote their ideas and their path in the world. That is to say, these cultures want other nations to accept what they dictate to them. We must not accept what others have decided for us. We must go after our interests and needs. We must go after what we believe is right: Islamic teachings, Islamic justice and the path of Islam. Religious democracy is what we have used to define the form of the Islamic Republic. Religious democracy means that the goal is to practice Islamic rules and teachings in society. If these rules are practiced, it will be possible to establish genuine Islamic justice in society. Democracy is a religious obligation in the Islamic Republic. Government officials of the Islamic Republic have a religious duty to preserve this quality, and they will answer to God.

The relationship between the people and government officials

Among the nations we know, we may not be able to find another nation which is similar to the Iranian nation. In Iran the relationship between the people and government officials is not limited to a formal relationship, the kind of relationship that reveals itself only during election times in a particular form and for a particular purpose. The relationship between the people and government officials is rooted in emotions, religious faith and beliefs, which means that the people trust their government officials. This is a very important point which provides strong evidence to prove the existence of democracy in the Islamic Republic. This kind of democracy – which includes a mutual relationship between the people and government officials accompanied by emotions, religious faith and heartfelt trust – is the best form of populist government.

http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1435

Sa’di Shirazi

Sa’di Shirazi

April 21 marks Commemoration Day of Sa’di, the great Iranian poet. Various programs are held in his tomb each year on the occasion.

He is one of the luminaries in the world who has left behind the best ethical teachings for the humanity in an eloquent manner.

His fame has gone beyond the Iranian borders and he and his works are well-known across the world.

Abu Mohammad Moshrefeddin Musleh bin Abdollah Shirzai, known as Sa’di, was one of the major Persian poets of the medieval period.

He is not only famous in Persian-speaking countries, but he has also been quoted in western sources. He is recognized for the quality of his writings, and for the depth of his social and moral thoughts.

His best known works are Bustan (Orchard) completed in 1257 and Golestan (Rose Garden) in 1258.

Bustan is entirely in verse and consists of stories aptly illustrating the standard virtues recommended to Muslims (justice, liberality, modesty, contentment) as well as of reflections on the behavior of dervishes and their ecstatic practices.

Golestan is mainly in prose and contains stories and personal anecdotes. The text is interspersed with a variety of short poems, containing aphorisms, advice, and humorous reflections.

Sa’di demonstrates a profound awareness of the absurdity of human existence. The fate of those who depend on the changeable moods of kings is contrasted with the freedom of the dervishes.

He was buried in his hometown, Shiraz.

http://english.iribnews.ir/IranVision_body.aspx?ID=329

Supreme Leader Meets Army Commanders

Supreme Leader Meets Army Commanders
2011/04/17 - 20:35

Ayatollah Khamenei the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces met today with a group of Army commanders. Speaking during the meeting, which had been arranged on the occasion of Army Day, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his gratitude for the efforts made by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution urged the Army to render services to the people and reiterated: "When a sincere effort is made to utilize intellectual and physical capabilities, God will bestow His assistance and blessings on that effort and the ground will be prepared for making increasing achievements."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that a precise timetable should be prepared for the implementation of projects in the country. He added: "One of the things which the Armed Forces, especially the Army, should pay attention to is to renovate military bases and to prepare an appropriate professional environment for the Armed Forces."

In this meeting, General Salehi the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan the Commander of the Army's Ground Forces presented a report about the plans and projects of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army.

At the beginning of this meeting, the participants said their midday prayers led by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=contentShow&id=7970

The Supreme Leader’s View of Nuclear Energy

The Supreme Leader’s View of Nuclear Energy
13/04/2011

Good and evil use of knowledge
Knowledge minus ethics
The true meaning of progress
The position of nuclear technology
Indigenous technology
The unhealthy nuclear race
The nuclear uproar
Material and spiritual power
The urgent need to destroy weapons of mass destruction
The threat to global peace
Iran’s logic against the pressure exerted by the arrogant powers
National demands
Violation of legitimate rights
Nuclear weapons, not necessary for Iran

The Supreme Leader’s View of Nuclear Energy

Good and evil use of knowledge

If advanced knowledge were at the disposal of a perfect and moral nation, it would be a source of blessings. If modern weapons were at the disposal of a wise and perfect nation, they would not pose any dangers. The situation will always be like this. They produce atomic bombs – just as what the Americans did at the end of the Second World War and the tragedy that they caused for the people of Japan. Similarly, the nuclear disaster in one of the Soviet Union’s nuclear power plants led to the death of a large number of people. If something bad comes out of nuclear technology, it is all because of the unrestrained power of the superpowers. If the power of the arrogant US government is restricted in the world, nuclear threats will decrease automatically.

The word atom is associated with the progress of human knowledge, but unfortunately it is equally associated with the most hideous event in history and the greatest genocide and misuse of the scientific achievements of humanity. Although many countries have taken action to manufacture and stockpile nuclear weapons - which in itself can be considered a preface to committing crimes and is a serious threat to global peace - there is only one government that has committed a nuclear crime so far. Only the government of the United States of America has waged an atomic war against the oppressed people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in an unfair and inhumane war.

Knowledge minus ethics

Today the reason why the advanced knowledge of western civilization is not capable of saving humanity is that it is not accompanied by human values. It is important to combine knowledge and human feelings. This combination is a necessity everywhere. Wherever there is knowledge but feelings, ethics, spirituality and human conscience are absent, human beings will not benefit from that knowledge. In the absence of spirituality and ethics, knowledge would turn into atomic bombs and would plague the lives of innocent people. It would turn into military weapons and would target civilians in Lebanon, Palestine and other parts of the world. This kind of knowledge would turn into chemical weapons and would be used in Halabcheh and other parts of the world to annihilate women, children and men – to destroy human beings and animals alike. Where did these weapons come from? These lethal weapons were produced by scientific centers of European countries. They were the ones who produced these chemical materials and gave them to a regime that was not wise enough.

Today weapons and various types of scientific products have not been able to bring about prosperity for humanity, and it is impossible for such things to bring about this prosperity. Such products and weapons have not been able to help families achieve happiness. They have not been able to help women, children and men to enjoy their lives. This is because such products are not accompanied by ethics and spirituality.

The true meaning of progress

Love for spirituality and a close relationship with God are the most important factor that guarantees genuine progress for nations. Otherwise, every achievement that is commonly known as advances in the modern world may be used for the wrong purposes. That is to say, a country may be moral and disciplined in terms of its social behaviors. It may acquire knowledge and wealth as well, but at the same time it may use the knowledge, wealth and discipline of its people to annihilate another nation. This is wrong. According to our logic, it is not right for a country to use its knowledge to produce such weapons as nuclear bombs which annihilate armed soldiers, innocent civilians, children, babies and oppressed people indiscriminately once they are dropped somewhere.

The position of nuclear technology

Nuclear sciences and the study of atoms are one of the greatest human achievements which can and should be at the service of the wellbeing of nations across the world as well as the growth and development of all human societies. The applications of nuclear sciences cover a wide range of medical and industrial needs as well as energy requirements, each of which has considerable importance. For this reason, it can be said that nuclear technology has gained a prominent position in economic life. And with the passage of time and the rise in industrial and medical needs and energy requirements, its importance will continue growing, and the efforts to achieve and utilize nuclear energy will increase accordingly. Just like other nations of the world, Middle Eastern nations that are thirsty for peace, security, and progress have the right to guarantee their economic position as well as a superior position for their future generations through utilizing this technology. One of the goals behind creating doubts about the peaceful nuclear programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to preventing the nations of the region from paying serious attention to this natural and valuable right.

Indigenous technology

Much to the disappointment of the enemies, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved nuclear technology on its own. Iran has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and it has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. According to the regulations, they were supposed to provide Iran with certain kinds of help. Influential Zionists and Americans told the world not to help Iran. Talented Iranian youth and scientists managed to achieve this technology gradually without the help of others. Nuclear technology is different from building atomic bombs. Achieving nuclear technology constitutes scientific growth in a field that offers many different advantages. Those who are after building an atomic bomb can achieve their goal by following a certain branch of nuclear technology. Iran is not after an atomic bomb, and it is even opposed to possession of chemical weapons. Even when Iraq used chemical weapons against Iran, we did not try to manufacture chemical weapons. Such things are not in line with the principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The unhealthy nuclear race

The Chinese have made great scientific advances. But one should also take into consideration the fact that they had nothing in the year 1948 – when the new communist China was established. However, the Soviet Union – which had a government with a more established background in terms of ideology and scientific and technological advances – provided China with whatever they had at their disposal. This was during the Stalin era. The existence of a great country like China – which did not have the same population as today but was a vast and highly populated country anyway – next to the Soviet Union and at the heart of Asia was very valuable for the communist Soviet Union of those days. Therefore, they provided China with whatever they needed. They even provided them with nuclear energy. But our youth achieved nuclear energy through their own efforts. This is while the Chinese received nuclear energy as a gift from the Soviet Union. They even provided North Korea with nuclear technology – both China and Russia did. If you take a look, you will see that the achievements made by countries like China were all due to the exceptional support which they received from other countries. The same is true of India as well – of course in other aspects. The bitter dispute that was caused between China and Russia – there was a bitter dispute between these two communist countries for several years after the Stalin era, like the dispute between the east and the west, and maybe a little more serious than that – caused the Russians to support India which was a neighboring country to China. For their part, the Chinese started to support Pakistan which was a rival for India. This indicates that political factors played a role in the selection of allies. On the one hand, China provided Pakistan with nuclear technology, and on the other hand, Russia provided India with nuclear energy and helped it make other sorts of accomplishments. That is to say, both India and Pakistan owe their achievements to other countries.

The nuclear uproar

Today they try to create uproar about Iran’s nuclear activities. Regarding nuclear energy, what is the position of the world on Iran? In particular, what is the position of Asian, Middle Eastern and Islamic countries in this regard? The Americans keep saying that the world is opposed to Iran’s enrichment activities. No, you do not know the world. The peoples of the world and even their governments are all saying that global powers should not have a monopoly on nuclear energy, and they sincerely praise the Iranian nation for treading this path in a brave and determined manner. For example, the vast majority of the countries of the world – including more than one hundred members of the Non-Aligned Movement, about one hundred countries which had attended the Islamic conference and the Non-Aligned summit and a number of other organizations – have expressed their support for this cause. Treading its glorious path, the Iranian nation will continually advance and develop its ideas – which have challenged and questioned certain illusions of the western world – in a powerful, enthusiastic and tireless way, and it will offer them to the world of Islam and to Muslim nations as a spiritual gift. And the camp of arrogance has to retreat.

The Zionists who have occupied the Palestinian lands and the US government which bears innumerable grudges against the Islamic Republic and is prepared to use every possible means to achieve its goals – these two promoted a false idea in the world about Iran. They said that Iran is after a nuclear bomb. In order to achieve their goal, they made public opinion and many governments sensitive to this issue. After creating uproar, they tried to convince the world that Iran’s nuclear activities had caused widespread fear in the world.

The Islamic Republic allowed them to inspect Iran’s enrichment activities. They came to our country to inspect our enrichment activities, and they were allowed to go and inspect wherever they suspected enrichment activities so that they understand that the propaganda broadcast by the Zionists is a lie.

Material and spiritual power

In order to defend its lofty ideals, any nation needs to strengthen itself and increase its power. Of course power defined by religion is quite different from power seen from a material perspective. From a material viewpoint, power lies in military force, advanced and sophisticated equipment and weapons of mass destruction like nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. But real power lies in those people who strive to restore their rights and accomplish their noble ideals, those who are ready to make every kind of sacrifice to achieve their goals. Those trying to promote righteousness and justice never use power in a brutal and unjust manner. They never humiliate or oppress others or act in an arrogant way. They never attack other nations' territories with an eye to plundering their national wealth and natural resources. However, those relying on material power have no respect for the rights of others or for moral and spiritual values, as they follow the law of the jungle. They think they are the criterion for truth only because they are powerful, and this is wrong. This is a faulty equation.

The urgent need to destroy weapons of mass destruction

After the detonation of the earliest nuclear weapons by the US government in Hiroshima and Nagasaki created a human disaster of unprecedented proportions in history and posed a great threat to human security, the global community reached a unanimous agreement that it is necessary to completely destroy such weapons. The use of nuclear weapons resulted not only in large-scale killings and destruction, but also in indiscriminate massacre of people - military members and civilians, young and old, men and women. And its anti-human effects went beyond political and geographic borders, even inflicting irreparable harm on future generations. Therefore, using or even threatening to use such weapons is considered a serious violation of the most basic humanitarian rules and is a clear manifestation of war crimes.

The threat to global peace

From a military and security perspective, after certain powers were armed with this anti-human weapon, there remained no doubt that victory in a nuclear war would be impossible and that engagement in such a war would be an unwise and anti-human act. However, despite these obvious ethical, intellectual, human, and even military realities, the strong and repeated urge by the global community to dispose of these weapons has been ignored by a small number of governments who have built their illusory security on global insecurity.

The insistence of these governments on the possession and proliferation of nuclear weapons as well as increasing their destructive power - which are useless except for intimidation, massacre and a false sense of security based on pre-emptive power resulting from guaranteed annihilation of everyone - has led to an enduring nuclear nightmare in the world. Innumerable human and economic resources have been used in this irrational competition to give the superpowers the imaginary power to annihilate their rivals as well as other inhabitants of the world more than a thousand times. And it is due to this reason that this strategy has been known as "Mutually Assured Destruction" or MAD.

In recent years, a number of governments that possess nuclear weapons have even gone beyond the pre-emptive strategy based on “Mutually Assured Destruction” in dealing with other nuclear powers, to the extent that in their nuclear policies they insist on maintaining the nuclear option even if they are faced with conventional threats from countries violating the NPT. This is while the greatest violators of the NPT are the powers that have reneged on their obligation to dispose of nuclear weapons mentioned in Article 6 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. These powers have even surpassed other countries with respect to promoting nuclear weapons in the world. By providing the Zionist regime with nuclear weapons and supporting its policies, these powers play a direct role in proliferating nuclear weapons which is against the obligations they have undertaken according to Article 1 of the NPT. These countries, headed by the bullying and aggressive US regime, have posed a serious threat to the Middle East region and the world.

Iran’s logic against the pressure exerted by the arrogant powers

The Americans should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a warmonger. Acting on the basis of its principles, the Islamic Republic is opposed to warmongering. Iran does not welcome war. Everybody should know this. This is the position that all officials of the Islamic Republic unanimously agree on. All government officials of the Islamic Republic consider avoidance of war as their responsibility. Islamic principles require Iran to present a message of friendship, peace, love, security and tranquility. This is because the Iranian nation has something to say. Those do not have anything to say would naturally create uproar so that nobody can listen. It is bullying people who would want to create uproar, but those who have logical reasons to present would want a peaceful atmosphere in which they can present their logical reasons.

‎The capitalist and colonialist camp is using all its economic power and media networks to ‎exert pressure on our nation in the hope that it will force the Iranian nation to retreat and ‎to surrender. Not only do they want us to give up our nuclear rights - the nuclear energy ‎is one of the rights of the Iranian nation - but they also want our nation to give up its right ‎to grandeur, independence, free decisions and scientific progress. The Iranian nation is ‎now on the right path towards scientific and technological progress and is determined to ‎make up for two centuries of backwardness under evil despotic governments. Our ‎enemies are alarmed and do not want our nation - which is located in a strategic part of ‎the world - to achieve these accomplishments. They do not want the Iranian nation to be known as the standard-bearer of Islam. That is ‎the reason why they exert pressure on us, but the Iranian nation is standing firm. The Americans have learnt through experience that nuclear weapons and other such things are highly ineffective tools for confronting peoples and their willpower. Such weapons can intimidate governments and armies, but they can never be used to intimidate peoples.

National demands

The morale of the Iranian nation is high. The nuclear slogan that is shouted in various parts of the country [“Nuclear Energy Is Our Indisputable Right”] is not a simple and ordinary issue. There are many nations which do not know what nuclear energy is or what their indisputable rights are. Even if they know their rights, they cannot take a step towards claiming their rights. But the Iranian nation knows that nuclear energy is a significant indicator of progress in the modern world and that if a nation lacks this technology, it is in great trouble. The Iranian nation also knows that nuclear energy is its indisputable right. They shout this slogan and sincerely demand nuclear energy from their government officials. The Iranian people know that they have the capability to claim this indisputable right without begging others to give it to them. This is a very important point. This shows the morale and hope of the Iranian nation.

Today other nations throughout the world have focused their attention on the Iranian nation. They are inspired and motivated by our nation. Today the anti-hegemony slogans of the Iranian nation have spread to all parts of the Muslim world. If you travel to different Muslim countries, you will notice that their people have a high opinion of your slogans, motives and aspirations regardless of their governments. They admire our slogans against oppression, the octopus-like Zionist network and hegemony. They admire our slogans shouted in support of the oppressed and the Palestinian nation. This is what Muslim nations think. This points to the spread of the Islamic Revolution. As you can see, even our nation's slogans regarding nuclear energy - the fact that the Iranian nation resisted the pressures by the enemies and claimed its right - have been reflected in the Islamic world in a way that Muslim and Arab countries are declaring that nuclear energy has turned into a public demand in all Arab countries.

Violation of legitimate rights

Violation of rights by the US in this region is not limited to some isolated cases. In the case of our own country, they denied so many realities regarding our nuclear program, which has been hotly debated during the past few years. They twisted the truth beyond recognition and spread many lies. They made many efforts to oppose what our nation wanted - a nation that was trying to secure its legitimate right, an achievement gained though its own efforts. Our nation says that it seeks to achieve nuclear technology and that it seeks to develop the capability to use nuclear energy for peaceful civilian purposes. They say that the Iranian nation is trying to develop a nuclear bomb. Why do they tell these lies? Why do they say such things and make the Iranian nation detest them? They have been doing these things during the past years. On numerous occasions, the Iranian people and government officials have announced that they do not seek to develop nuclear weapons and that nuclear weapons have no place among the needs of the nation and the military system of the country. We believe that using nuclear weapons is haraam and prohibited and that it is everybody’s duty to make efforts to protect humanity against this great disaster. We believe that besides nuclear weapons, other types of weapons of mass destruction such as chemical and biological weapons also pose a serious threat to humanity. The Iranian nation which is itself a victim of chemical weapons feels more than any other nation the danger that is caused by the production and stockpiling of such weapons and is prepared to make use of all its facilities to counter such threats.

The interesting point is that currently the only nuclear criminal in the world is falsely claiming to fight proliferation of nuclear weapons. This is while there is no doubt that it has not taken any serious measures in this regard, and it will never do so. If America's claims of fighting proliferation of nuclear weapons were not false, would the Zionist regime be able to turn the occupied Palestinian lands into an arsenal where a huge number of nuclear weapons are stored while refusing to respect international regulations in this regard, especially the NPT?

Nuclear weapons, not necessary for Iran

They mix up nuclear technology with development of nuclear weapons. The truth is different from what they say. Nuclear technology and nuclear weapons are two different things which are not closely related to one another. Nuclear weapons are based on uranium that is enriched above 90 percent through the use of complex technologies. Only those who have the motivation will go after nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not have this motivation, and it has never been after nuclear weapons. Iran does not need a nuclear bomb. Iran has overcome its enemies so far without depending on nuclear weapons. The Iranian nation has continually defeated America for several years. Is this not true? Did Iran defeat America relying on its nuclear weapons or did it defeat America relying on its determination, willpower, faith, awareness and unity? Iran knew what it wanted, and it knew how to get it. Iran moved in this direction and was not intimidated by the threats of other people. This was how Iran overcame its enemy. It did not use nuclear weapons to overcome its enemy. Did the Soviet Union not have atomic bombs? Its atomic bombs were probably more than the atomic bombs of America, yet it was defeated. Defeat and victory in important areas are not determined by such things.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has presented a model to the world of Islam: a model for religious democracy, a model for independence and national glory. Today the world of Islam has turned against America, and nations of the world are shouting “Death to America”. Which nation first shouted this slogan? Apart from the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation, was there anybody else who used to shout this slogan? Today everybody is shouting this slogan. Islamic Iran did not make progress relying on an atomic bomb. It is not possible to win memorable and historic victories by relying on such weapons. Does the Zionist regime not have an atomic bomb? It is estimated that the Zionist regime has stockpiled 200-300 nuclear warheads. But for many years the Zionist regime has been powerless against people who do not even have guns, against people whose only weapons are rocks. Of course the rocks that they throw are accompanied by willpower and faith. Iran is not after a nuclear bomb. Why would Iran want a nuclear bomb? Moreover, when an atomic bomb is detonated, it does not just kill enemies. Rather, it kills innocent people as well, and this goes against Islamic beliefs and the principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran. An atomic bomb does not discriminate between good and bad people, and it is not something that the Islamic Republic would use. The Islamic Republic is relying on something that is not affected by bombs, foreign invasions and other such things. Such things only strengthen what the Islamic republic is relying on. The Islamic republic is relying on the people.

http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1442

Jannati: Enemy unable to stop Islamic awakening

Jannati: Enemy unable to stop Islamic awakening
4/15/2011 4:44:45 PM

Intrim Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said enemy can not withstand the Islamic awakening movement in the region.

Delivering his second Friday prayers sermon, Jannati urged Muslims in the oppressed countries to take lessons from Iran's Islamic Revolution and continue uprising.

Bahraini people are the most oppressed people on earth and their only guilt is being Muslim as well as Shii, said Jannati, adding that different kinds of crimes are committed in the case of the oppressed people these days.

He said Saudi Arabia's silence against Zionists' crimes in Palestine and Gaza for several years and its dispatching troops to suppress people in Yemen and Bahrain is unjustified.

Jannati also appreciated IRI Foreign Minister's letter to the UN Chief and the Head of the UN Security Council,asking them to condemn massacre of Bahraini people.

http://english.iribnews.ir/NewsBody.aspx?ID=13437