Meeting with Officials, Ambassadors of Islamic Countries, and Various Social Groups

On the day of Eid al-Fitr, the first of Shawwal 1434

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

I extend my congratulations on the blessed Eid al-Fitr to the great Islamic Ummah in every corner of the world, and to the great and valiant nation of Iran - which has proven its worthiness and capability to receive divine guidance and blessings in various arenas - and I also congratulate you, esteemed attendees, the proud officials of the country, and our guests, the honorable ambassadors of Islamic countries; we must also congratulate the Iranian nation for having experienced a truly blessed month of Ramadan.

The people of Iran, through their obligatory and recommended acts of worship during this month, have once again made themselves worthy of receiving divine mercy. These fasting mouths during these long and warm days, these nights filled with remembrance, worship, prayer, and supplication, these numerous Quran sessions held across the country, where individuals, especially the youth and adolescents, expressed their deep love for the Quran, these nights of Qadr and the magnificent and meaningful gatherings that took place during these nights, and the various individuals from different classes, professions, and backgrounds who were all captivated by the center of remembrance and supplication during these nights; all of this is very valuable. We must appreciate this spirit of supplication and remembrance that, thanks be to God, exists in our country and manifests more prominently during many times of the year - especially during the blessed month of Ramadan and the nights of Qadr - and during such cherished occasions.

I find it necessary, on the occasion of the greatness of these days and the value of divine remembrance, to advise the esteemed officials of the country, the newly invigorated group that has taken on the responsibilities of the country, to, God willing, proceed with steadfast steps, willpower, and resolute determination in this endeavor, to utilize this weapon of remembrance, attention, and supplication to the Almighty God and trust in God throughout this difficult path. "O You who do not respond to the call of those who are in need of You" - a supplication that has been narrated for the day of Eid al-Fitr, in the blessed Sahifa Sajjadiyya - even those who speak boldly in addressing the Lord of the Universe, the Almighty God encompasses them with His mercy. The vast mercy of God is accessible to those who seek it and ask for it. The important thing is that we seek divine guidance, we seek divine mercy, we ask for it; then it will be attained.

All officials of the country - especially those in high positions - should pay attention to the Almighty God, and seek His intercession. Heavy tasks, important duties, and the public rights of the people are responsibilities on their shoulders; these responsibilities can be well fulfilled with the help of the Lord. If we can open the way for divine assistance towards ourselves, there will be no problem that cannot be solved. They should have hope in the Almighty God and bring all their efforts to the forefront. One cannot be lazy, not work, and still hope for divine mercy. Divine guidance, divine assistance, and divine grace come when we bring all our capabilities - which also belong to the Almighty God - into the scene; utilizing our thoughts and planning, our physical strength and work capacity, the vast human resources of the country, and everything; then the Almighty God will certainly bestow His grace.

Many have, at times, despaired of the future of the country. Over these thirty-some years, we have numerous experiences; there were individuals who were either short-sighted, or suffered from a lack of belief in divine assistance, or did not have a good opinion of divine promises; at certain times, "and they were shaken until the Messenger and those who believed with him said, 'When will the help of God come?'"; this has also occurred throughout history; in those times, the Almighty God has provided assistance. And today, observe our nation, our country, compared to all past periods, is in a leading position; progress has become inherent to the movement of the Iranian nation; day by day, thanks be to God, the nation has progressed, and it will continue to progress; the important thing is to strengthen our relationship with the Almighty God.

Today, the Islamic world is facing great problems. We are situated in a region where, unfortunately, in many of the countries surrounding us, there are problems that are often injected and imposed by others and foreign entities. Certainly, the events occurring today in the region of West Asia and North Africa would not have become so complicated if it were not for foreign interventions and the malicious policies of the powers. Today, the remedy is for the nations to decide, for others not to interfere, for foreigners not to intervene. The remedy for the events occurring in this region is solely this. Egypt is the same, Libya is the same, Syria is the same. Nations can find paths to salvation with the wisdom of their elites and the guidance of their leaders and wise individuals, if the foreigners allow it, if they do not inject discord, if they do not sow doubt among the people.

The Iranian nation, by the grace of the Lord, with divine assistance, with a spirit of faith, with a spirit of unity and cohesion and the oneness that is at their service and disposal due to religion, has been able to traverse this path; and again, in the future, with divine success, it will continue to be so.

The conspiracies that have been carried out in other countries have no effect here. Either they incited people against each other under the pretext of religious differences, or they set brothers against each other under the pretext of ethnic differences, or they did so under the guise of political differences; none of these dangerous and poisonous weapons have any application in Islamic Iran; various sects stand together, different ethnicities join hands, and various groups and currents move forward with unity of opinion on the most fundamental issues.

And my recommendation to the officials of the country, to the political elites, to the chosen and distinguished religious figures, to those who have a significant influence among the people, is this: as much as possible, rely on this valuable unity and cohesion of the Iranian nation; faith in God and unity, religion and unity of word; these two things can keep countries and nations on their feet; give them the power of resistance; and the Iranian nation, thanks be to God, possesses these two. I wish that political and cultural officials in other countries would pay extra attention to this point and wisely resolve the problems that have arisen for countries in this region.

Let us pray that the Almighty God keeps the Islamic Ummah dignified and steadfast. O Lord! By Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, may Your grace and mercy be continuous and enduring upon the Islamic Ummah throughout the world. O Lord! Cut off the hands of foreigners from the lives of the people in Islamic countries.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.