Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Officials and Servants of the System on the Occasion of Eid al-Ghadir

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

I congratulate this great and blessed Islamic holiday to you dear brothers and sisters, to all the people of Iran, to all Shiites in every corner of the world, and to all supporters of truth and justice from every religion and sect.

Although our heartfelt connection as Shiites with the event of Ghadir is a strong and prominent one in the Islamic world, the truth is that the issue of Ghadir, in its true content and spirit, does not belong solely to the Shiites but to the entire Islamic world. This is because the event of Ghadir arises from the spirit and true essence of Islam. The fact that God Almighty commanded the Prophet Muhammad - after all his struggles - about seventy days before his passing to say, "O Messenger, convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not do so, you have not conveyed His message" (Quran 5:67), indicates that the spirit and true essence of Islam exists in the event of Ghadir.

There are two matters in Ghadir: one is the designation of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), and the other is the criteria that the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) expresses regarding the reason and philosophy behind the designation of Amir al-Mu'minin in the Ghadir sermon. This great and historic movement, namely the appointment of Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him), is based on certain criteria, and this act has a meaning. Although the Guardianship is a political matter, the entire essence of Guardianship is not summarized in politics. This Guardianship is a reflection of the Guardianship of the Sacred Lord. This Guardianship arises from the presence of divine Guardianship in the existence of Amir al-Mu'minin, just as it was in the existence of the esteemed Prophet of Islam. This Guardianship is a branch of that root and a fruit of that origin. Therefore, it is referred to as "Guardianship." Guardianship, in essence, means connection, relationship, and attachment. The one who is appointed to this position, unlike the rulers and sovereigns of the world, is not merely a ruler or a king but a guardian, close to the people, connected to them, and a source of reliance for the hearts and souls of the people. This meaning exists in Amir al-Mu'minin and in the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Even after the era of the Imams, if weak reflections of this truth emerge somewhere, Guardianship takes shape there. This is the true essence and meaning of the matter. Thus, the Noble Prophet, in describing the attributes of Amir al-Mu'minin, says: "He is the most just among you in the community" (Quran 5:67). This refers to both the inner, spiritual, and individual justice of Amir al-Mu'minin and his behavioral and social justice. These are things that can easily be expressed in words, but it is in realization and manifestation in action that one comes to understand the greatness of this truth and those who have embodied this truth. True justice, in the real sense of the word, exists in the being of Amir al-Mu'minin, in his behavior, in his piety, and in his attentiveness. Justice also manifests in his external behavior. Today, after centuries, if we want to define justice and express it through examples and models, we cannot find a more eloquent and clearer example than the behavior of Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him). This is why the Noble Prophet introduces him to the people by the command of the Lord and appoints him to the position of Guardianship. This is an Islamic truth. Where is this and where is the belief that any oppressor, by any means and theatrical behavior, can seize power, and the people must obey him?! Is this Islam or that?!

Therefore, the issue of Ghadir, with this noble content, belongs to all Muslims, as it signifies the sovereignty of justice, the sovereignty of virtue, and the sovereignty of the Guardianship of God. If we also want to truly be among those who adhere to the Guardianship of Amir al-Mu'minin, we must bring ourselves and our living environment closer to justice. The greatest example of this is that we should establish justice as much as we can. The scope of justice is limitless. The more we can establish justice in society, the more our resemblance to Amir al-Mu'minin and our adherence to the Guardianship of that great figure will increase.

Today, the people of the world are thirsty for justice. This message reaches the ears of the people of the world as well. Today, look at the state of the world. With all the advancements in science and with all the scientific research that scholars and scientists have conducted in the matters of existence and life, and with all the discoveries and inventions and advancements in science that are mind-boggling, in the realm of ethics, the pride of the superior powers of today’s world lies in bullying, aggression, oppression, and disregard for the opinions of people. Even today, the audacity among these powerful individuals is so great that they openly admit and say that public opinion does not prevent us from attacking Iraq; this is a completely animalistic move. Someone who does not consider ethics, justice, virtue, and the rights of people in their actions and movements is an animal. Otherwise, the human spirit observes these criteria and values, and human life is based on these values. The world and the heavens and the earth are established on justice; "The heavens and the earth are established by justice" (Quran 55:7). And then they trample justice like this! Of course, the powerful shout through loudspeakers and their voices fill the world, but the truths of the world do not disappear. The truth of the world is that oppression cannot establish itself and will not remain. Nations, human beings, wills, desires, and the power of spirituality and virtue will do their work. We hope that God Almighty will show a day to humanity in our time when a glimpse of the justice of Ali and the true meaning and concept of Ghadir will illuminate the Islamic world and all of humanity and benefit the people. We hope that God Almighty bless this holiday for you and for all the people of Iran and unite the pure soul of our great Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) and the dear martyrs of the path of the revolution and the dignity of this nation with His saints and convey our greetings to the presence of Imam al-Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him).

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