Statements of His Eminence in Meeting with the Devotees of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) on the Blessed Birth Anniversary of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (SA)

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

I sincerely congratulate all the dear ones present on this auspicious birth and great festival. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the dear brothers who have made efforts for this gathering and to those who have performed the program, especially to the friends who have come from afar, as well as to the brothers who arranged and performed this beautiful song.

We must appreciate this connection and heartfelt bond, this spiritual link. It is the backbone of our faith; it is a precious gem that constitutes our human and Islamic identity. Let us increase our love day by day among ourselves and with the pure and infallible family of the Prophet, especially Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), and let us draw closer to them through obedience to God.

The poem that our brother just recited does not convey the correct message that we, as Shia and lovers, might say that even if we sin, the Almighty God will not punish us; no, it is not so: "Whoever obeys God is our ally"; their ally must obey God. This is because these great individuals attained this rank and status through obedience to God. Their test occurred before their existence and arrival in this world: "God tested you before He created you and found you patient in the test."

God's system is not without account and record. In a narration, the Noble Prophet said to Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) regarding this rank and status: "O Fatimah, I will not avail you before God in anything"; meaning that in relation to God, my status and connection with me will not benefit you. Were there not among the children of the Prophet and the Imams those who had no relationship with God and could not benefit from that luminous gem and spiritual value? What has placed the friends of religion at the pinnacle of human dignity, from the noble person of the Prophet and Amir al-Mu'minin and the rest of this pure family—who are unparalleled in existence and there are none like them—is their obedience and servitude to God. Therefore, when you want to mention the name of the Prophet of God in your Tashahhud during prayer and honor him, you say, "And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant." You mention servitude first, then you say, "and His Messenger." Servitude is above the message. The essence and core of the work is servitude. You and I must also follow this path. Of course, these peaks are very high. If our eyes can see these peaks, we must be very grateful to God; let alone reaching those places; however, we must go; this is the way. We must traverse these slopes to the extent of our power and ability; if we do so, we will benefit according to our capacity.

We hope that the Almighty God increases His blessings upon you dear ones day by day. God willing, may this gathering and you dear ones and the organizers and those who have established this gathering be encompassed by the attention, grace, and satisfaction of the pure and chaste Fatimah (peace be upon her); may He look upon your love, devotion, enthusiasm, and affection for that great lady with the eye of grace and kindness; may He make us more familiar with the high rank and status of these great ones day by day; may He also make the sacred heart of the Awaited Imam (may our souls be sacrificed for him), who, thanks be to God, this gathering was perfumed in his name, kind towards us and include us in the grace and prayers of that great one.

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