Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with Officials on the Occasion of Eid al-Ghadir

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

I also extend my congratulations on this great Eid, Eid al-Ghadir, to all Muslims around the world, especially the Shia across the globe, and particularly to the esteemed, faithful, and devoted nation of Iran, as well as to the dear officials and servants of the Islamic nation present here. We hope that God grants us the success to truly embark on the path of 'Guardianship,' which is established in Islamic knowledge and historical life.

Regarding Ghadir, one can view it from various dimensions and gain spiritual and intellectual benefits. One aspect is the principle and subject of 'Guardianship' as the continuation of Prophethood. This is a significant topic. Prophethood is about delivering God's message to humanity at a certain time and realizing God's will through a person who is appointed and chosen by God. It is evident that this period would also end and pass, as stated: 'Indeed, you will die, and they will die.' (Quran 39:30) However, this divine and spiritual event does not cease with the departure of the Prophet; rather, both aspects remain. One aspect is the divine authority, the governance of religion, and God's will among humanity. Prophets were the manifestation of God's authority among humans. Prophets did not come merely to advise people. Advice and preaching are part of the prophets' work. All prophets came to establish a society based on divine values, meaning they aimed to impact the reality of people's lives. Some succeeded, and their struggles bore fruit; others did not. This aspect of the Prophet's life, which is the manifestation of God's power on earth and among humans and the manifestation of divine governance and guardianship among people, continues; to show that religion can never exert its influence unless governance, authority, and power are present.

The second aspect of the subject, which is equally important, is that since this governance does not cease with the departure of the Prophet and continues, it cannot be a bare governance devoid of the Prophet's spiritualities. It is true that the Prophet holds an exceptional and unparalleled position, and no one else can be compared to him; however, the continuation of his existence must be proportionate to him. The values of the Prophet's sacred existence must be preserved in the one who continues his existence, according to that person's capacity. In that important period and chapter of the history of Prophethood and Guardianship, which had to be infallible to prevent deviation, such a thing was realized and manifested only in the sacred existence of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). The event of Ghadir recorded these two things together in the history of Islam. Therefore, this is one dimension of the issue of Ghadir. Another dimension is the personality of the Commander of the Faithful himself. Another dimension is the Prophet's concern for the issues after his own demise. These are different perspectives from which the issue of Ghadir can be examined. What I find appropriate to say today regarding the issue of Ghadir to you, brothers and sisters who are the country's officials, and also to our dear nation with its diverse sects and the great Islamic Ummah, is that Ghadir is a reality that has occurred and also has a concept that one person may understand and another may not. We, as Shia, understand the meaning of Ghadir as what we have reiterated, researched, written, and recorded in our hearts and minds over the past fourteen hundred years. Others and the rest of the Islamic sects each have their own views.

Regarding the event of Ghadir, there are two things that the Iranian society and all Shia in various parts of the world and different countries must pay attention to together. One is that the belief in Ghadir, Guardianship, and Imamate, which is the main pillar of the Shia sect, should not become a cause of division among Muslims, just like other important theological discussions. Neither Shia nor non-Shia Islamic sects should create this sensitivity that causes division and discord among themselves, because this is what the enemy wants. Now, the issue of Ghadir, which is an important and great issue; the enemies of Islam even want to use minor issues related to each of the Islamic sects and groups to create division.

Look at the Islamic countries! Everywhere there are means for sowing discord. Some people, unfortunately, are deceived in this matter. They are deceived, played, and become tools in the hands of the enemy. Today, the Islamic Ummah must be united. There are many points of unity and gathering that we must always keep in mind.

The second point that should be considered is the essence of the concept of the Hadith of Ghadir and the event of Ghadir, which should not be neglected. Of course, we recommend this to all Islamic sects, not just to the Shia, saying, 'Do not forget your Ghadir!' We tell all Islamic sects: 'Do not forget your foundations.' Here, we emphasize to the Shia to focus on the thought and idea of Ghadir. This is a progressive thought. If we say 'Islamic unity' and stand by it (we stand with all our power for the issue of Islamic unity against the enemies of unity), it should not be assumed that we will forget this important, progressive, fundamental, and salvific Islamic concept, namely the concept of Guardianship and Ghadir. The issue of Ghadir should not be forgotten because it is a very important matter. As I mentioned, if the issue of Ghadir is considered with the two aspects I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, today Islam will save the world. Some people think that a nation can be Muslim but not act according to Islamic laws! This notion means the separation of religion from politics. It means that your name is Muslim, but you do not act according to Islamic laws, and your banking system, economy, education, the form and content of government, and individual and societal relations are contrary to Islam and according to non-Islamic and even anti-Islamic laws. Of course, this is in countries that have laws, even if they are according to the will and desire of an incompetent and incomplete human being. Today, in some Islamic countries, there is not even a law; not even a non-Islamic law exists, and the will of individuals is important. A person sits at the head of power and orders: do it this way, do it that way. We cannot assume that some people are Muslims, but they only have Islam in terms of prayer, fasting, purity, and impurity, and such things. In societies that want to be Muslim, Islam must govern. Ghadir had this message. Today, many societies suffer from the lack of belief in this meaning. See how the event of Ghadir can be inspiring here!

The second point is that some countries that somehow show themselves committed to Islamic laws refer to verses and narrations for their issues; they even employ a few turbaned individuals to give them a fatwa and do something. These countries, although they appear to have something like Islamic governance, Islamic governance with the values and standards of Prophethood and Guardianship, knowledge and piety, justice, servitude to God, and fear of God, 'whose limbs tremble in the prayer niche,' which is the method of the prophets and saints and the closest individuals to God, is not present in their society. If we do not want to use harsher and clearer expressions, they are a group of people far from religion.

Therefore, Ghadir is a progressive and salvific concept. Guardianship in Islam is a high concept. This must be understood. Shia should take pride in Guardianship, and non-Shia should try to understand it. Scientific discussion and knowing are not contentious. They should know what this subject is.

Unfortunately, today one of the things that enemies do in a planned manner is to portray Shia beliefs in the world in a distorted way. Some people write books and receive money for this very purpose, so that this attraction of the Islamic Revolution, the great movement, and Islamic awakening cannot attract the people of the world. Today, these things are happening. Therefore, those who can convey the correct message of Shia to the minds, hearts, and thirsty and needy souls should undertake this important task. In our society, too, thanks be to God, Guardianship has shown its effects in all dimensions from the past to today. From the beginning of the revolutionary movement, it was like this. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), with the help of the branches of Guardianship, led this revolution to victory. The subject of Ashura and Karbala, love for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and striving to resemble them, the spirit of oppressed jihad and patience in this jihad, are among the characteristics and knowledge related to Guardianship. The Imam was able to lead this revolution to victory and establish this system through this means. Of course, an Islamic system is one that is also nourished and enriched by Guardianship. Enemies should not propagate that 'this is a Shia revolution and exclusive to Shia and does not include non-Shia.' One of the characteristics of the environment of Guardianship is that it opens the eyes to Islamic concepts. We, by the blessing of the lesson given by the Ahl al-Bayt, have made maximum use of Islamic and Quranic concepts. Shia are followers of the Ahl al-Bayt. Today, too, thanks be to God, it is the same. This state of intense emotion and love that exists among our people towards friends, towards the oppressed and deprived, the people of Palestine, the oppressed of Europe, and the oppressed in other parts of the world, is essentially a Shia and Guardianship spirit.

These tears, sitting together, mentioning the tragedy, this Muharram and Ashura, affect the spirit and atmosphere of our people's lives. The dryness and soullessness of some anti-Shia societies, unfortunately, some governments raise their people not as non-Shia, but as anti-Shia, thanks be to God, is not in our society. Our society is a flexible, lively, spirited, emotional, and compassionate society.

Standing against the enemy is also a characteristic of Guardianship. Because our Imams are the model of this resistance; from the example of Karbala to the Imams who resisted in the harshest conditions and were martyred, to Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) who fought the enemy with a divine policy, to Musa ibn Ja'far (peace be upon him) who endured years of imprisonment, to the Imams of the sons of al-Ridha (peace be upon them) who endured years of exile. Various forms of enduring hardship for God existed among the Imams from the beginning to the end and throughout these two hundred and fifty years. Well, our people learned these. These are lessons. Therefore, you see that people stand firm, and this steadfastness also makes them victorious.

Our people stood against global arrogance, America, and threats. At the time when the two blocs of East and West had joined hands against the Islamic Republic, the people stood firm and did not kneel; rather, they brought the enemy to its knees. Today, too, in the face of America's threats, the plots and machinations of various enemies, and the hypocrisy of those who try to present themselves as supporters of human rights while they are against human rights and are the essence of terrorism, they stand firm and, by God's grace, will also be victorious against these hostile propaganda and confrontations. This is thanks to Guardianship. This spirit has been injected into our society and each of our hearts by Guardianship.

We hope that God Almighty keeps us alive with Guardianship until the end of our lives; transfers us to the next world with Guardianship; resurrects us with the Guardianship of the Imams (peace be upon them) on the Day of Judgment.

O Lord! Bestow the blessings of Guardianship upon our people.

O Lord! Bless the pure soul of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), who was the great teacher of Guardianship.

O Lord! Include all those who strive and toil in the path of religion and religious knowledge in Your grace and favor.

O Lord! Unite the memory of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), who is missed among us today, with Your saints and his noble father!

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