Statements in Meeting with State Officials on Eid al-Fitr

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I also extend my congratulations on this great day and this unparalleled Islamic Eid to all the Islamic Ummah and the lovers of Islam and Muslims around the world, especially to the great, faithful, and proud nation of Islamic Iran and to you, the esteemed attendees. The point that is embedded in the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is that these two days, from the perspective of Islam, are an opportunity to renew Islamic principles in minds and to review them, whether in the form of the Eid al-Fitr prayer or in the form of sermons and gatherings where discussions about Islam take place. This is why in today's Qunut supplications, believers say to the Lord: 'The one who made it a festival for Muslims and a treasure, honor, and dignity for Muhammad and an increase' (Mafatih al-Jinan, Eid al-Fitr prayer, Qunut supplication). Today, it is a treasure and a source of honor and pride for the Seal of the Prophets, and an increase in the meaning and content of the continuation of his mission in the minds of people.

One of the topics that should be considered today is the greatness of Islam in the form of the Islamic Ummah. Our request from Islamic governments is to pay special attention and care to this issue. Thanks be to God, in recent years, nations have paid attention to the issue of the entirety of Islam and the Islamic Ummah. We do not say all individuals of the nations, but among all nations, unity and solidarity among Muslims are felt and its melody is heard. This hope and aspiration have arisen in the hearts of Muslims in the farthest corners of the world. The important thing is that governments and states also pay attention to it. This is an issue that every Islamic government, meaning every government ruling over a land where Muslims reside, benefits from. Sometimes, in Muslim nations, ethnic and nationalist aspects, language, blood, and the like are strengthened. It is obvious that this state indicates the beginning of the separation of parts of the Islamic Ummah from each other. We saw how the issue of extreme Persianism and Iranianism and the return to wrong imaginations and myths related to race and lineage became prominent during the previous regime in this country. For what? What benefit did this have for the Iranian nation? It had no effect other than harm. The most important harm was that it gave the Iranian nation a separatist attitude towards other Islamic nations and created a state of discord and demand between this nation and other nations. The same thing was done with Arab nations. The same thing was done and is being done with some other ethnicities in this region. We have no opposition to each nation preserving its characteristics and special features under the title of nationality for itself. But only to the extent that the unity of the Islamic Ummah is not undermined. This is a priority; this is important; this is influential in the world. Unfortunately, events against Muslims are taking place in the world, and in international forums, they are ignored. Like the very important and tragic recent incident that occurred in occupied Palestine; or the incident of the Ibrahimi Mosque, or the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or the events in Kashmir, or other events that occur against Muslim nations or Muslim communities in some countries. If the Islamic Ummah had relative unity and took a stance against these events, certainly these incidents would not have happened. You see, if a tragedy as great as what happened in the Ibrahimi Mosque occurred anywhere in the world that had even a slight connection to the interests of superpowers, what reactions would follow! If under the protection of the oppressive government of a state, such an event happens to people, even people considered foreigners in that country, can that government not be held responsible and not be blamed? Let alone that the Palestinians are the homeowners there; homeowners who are unfortunately considered a minority! Even if they were not homeowners and this incident happened, it would be appropriate for the usurping Zionist state to be held accountable, pursued, and punished by international forums and anyone who has influence in the world and global affairs. But nothing happened. Of course, articles are written, words are spoken, and even individuals condemn it; but even governments were not willing to condemn such a great tragedy.

You observe, what an unjust order governs international relations and the arrogant policy in the world today. What is the remedy? Of course, the same actions being taken today and the actions of nations are undoubtedly effective. Let no one think that these gatherings and slogans in the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, and other cities are ineffective. No; each of these is a strong punch and a crushing hammer on the head of the usurping regime. I feel it necessary to thank the individuals of this great and magnificent nation who are so timely and do what they must do at the right time. Our nation performed a great act both in the February 11th march and in the great movement on the last Friday of Ramadan, Quds Day. Of course, we cannot blame some Muslim nations. There is a difference between a nation that is encouraged by the country's officials and government to come to the streets and shout against Israel and America; and a nation that has to be beaten in the streets for the same legitimate action. There is a difference between these. We cannot say why a certain Muslim nation in a certain country did not act like the Iranian nation. There, too, if governments cooperated with the people; encouraged them and set them in motion, or at least did not prevent them, the people would act the same way. The people's feelings and understanding of this issue are very high. But these are duties that nations perform. These actions will only be crushing for that usurping entity if the Islamic Ummah acts in a united manner. Condemn together, hold accountable together, pursue issues related to the Palestinian issue together, and ensure and guarantee the security of the owners of Palestine in their own homes together. If this action is not taken by Muslims, the oppressed people themselves will do it. If Islamic governments cannot defend that oppressed nation, which is a stranger in its own home, globally, so that they can at least have security in their own home, the Palestinians themselves will do something to create security in their own home. They will do this, and this is feasible by the blessing of Islam. We hope that Almighty God awakens all nations; makes all governments aware of their duties and grants success, support, and victory to the great and dear Iranian nation in this path. I thank all the esteemed gentlemen who have come and the foreign guests who are here, and I hope you are included in God's grace and favor.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings