Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with Hajj Officials

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

I welcome all respected brothers and dear sisters and thank all of you, the organizers of the great obligation of Hajj. I hope that the Almighty God grants us the success to perform this great duty this year, just as in previous years - indeed, better than in previous years - in its season and with its conditions, God willing, so that our people can feel the divine, social, and political meaning of Hajj within themselves and manifest it in the atmosphere of the Islamic world.

Hajj is, on one hand, a manifestation of spirituality - a connection with God, the heart becoming familiar with divine verses, and a closer approach of humanity to God - and on the other hand, a manifestation of unity - the integrity of the Islamic Ummah, breaking down walls and veils, and filling the valleys and gaps that have arisen either by the hands of the enemy or through prejudices and illusions, and also taking a step towards the united Islamic Ummah - and on the other hand, a manifestation of disavowal from the enemies of God, disavowal from polytheists and the agents of polytheism and disbelief. If, God willing, these three aspects are embodied in Hajj, then Hajj has fulfilled its purpose. First, it is you and the pilgrims who benefit from Hajj. In the second instance, it is the Islamic world and the Islamic community that benefit from this. One of the characteristics of Hajj is that it spiritualizes the atmosphere. Now, the atmosphere of the country, thanks to the proximity of the days of Hajj and the departure of the pilgrims, is on the verge of becoming more spiritual. When the pilgrims return, they bring back a burden of spirituality with them; that is, the gifts of spirit and spirituality. Whenever the mention of Hajj arises, spirituality spreads. It must be this way.

Today, on the occasion that our country and nation, thanks be to God, after the twenty-second of Bahman and that great divine test, are before the elections, I must say that the spiritual atmosphere is beneficial for everything in a country. It is not just a matter of inclination towards the Hereafter and spirituality. The spiritual atmosphere is even beneficial for the administration of a country's affairs, and this came about thanks to the revolution in our country, and today the atmosphere of our country is largely filled with spirituality. Therefore, you see how when it comes to the presence of the people, the masses step into the arena with spirit and vitality! What motivates the people, except for that spiritual factor? I must take this opportunity to thank our dear nation for the grandeur they created on the twenty-second of Bahman this year. These matters are very important.

At the same time that all the enemy's propaganda centers are trying with all their might to alienate the people from their past and their revolution, to separate them from their Imam, to make them forget the memory of the Imam, and to try to create new values in their minds, when the twenty-second of Bahman arrives, you see that in Tehran and large cities and small towns and even in remote areas and many villages, the people come out; no one invites them, and there is no material incentive; yet the people come. This is that spiritual factor.

I must say that the planners and ambushers who are waiting for a sign from the Iranian nation that they have no connection with the revolution and have separated from it - who are indeed lying in wait - are in contradiction! On one hand, they look at some statements and some headlines in newspapers, which indicate that all spirituality in this country has vanished; there is no news of the revolution and the Imam, and everything has been forgotten; they become happy and think that it is so; but then when the time for the people's presence arrives - like on the twenty-second of Bahman - suddenly they are faced with a massive flood of people, chanting slogans of Islam, slogans of the revolution, remembering the Imam, and commemorating the glorious memories of the past! They are in contradiction and do not know what to do; hence, in their planning, they are constantly oscillating and hesitating!

The Iranian nation has been able to bewilder its enemy with its power. Do not pay attention to their statements; statements that sometimes, out of power, they make remarks that may intimidate some. The truth of the matter is different. The nation is alive; the nation is faithful; hearts are with Islam; hearts are with the Imam. To this day, no power has been able to empty the hearts of the people from the love of the Imam and the memory of the Imam and the respect and glorification of the martyrs, martyrdom, and the values of the revolution. Elections are the same. I find it necessary to say a few words regarding the elections on this occasion:

Elections are not just a political phenomenon. Elections are a manifestation of the presence of the people, a manifestation of the realization of rights, and a manifestation of national capability and power for a country. Today in the world - whether in our country or anywhere else - it is calculated how many percent of those who could vote participated in an election and cast their votes. From the perspective of the world’s people and analysts and policymakers, the system that is solid is the one where a larger number of its people come to the polls and vote during elections. This is a sign of the strength of a system; which, thanks be to God, we have always shown in the various elections we have had over these consecutive years, and the people have had a strong presence. It is both the right and the duty of the people to come and determine the fate of their country themselves; because the country belongs to the people. The people must come and freely and correctly choose their legislators in the legislative branch; they must determine their executors in the manner specified by law. This is the right of the people and belongs to them; but it is also a duty. It is not the case that someone says I do not want to exercise this right; no, the fate of the system depends on the realization and reclamation of this right; this is a duty; everyone must participate. The Islamic Republic has been able to grant this right to the people; but in the past, we did not have this right. In previous systems, the people were deprived of exercising such a right. The Islamic Republic has given this right; the people must go and reclaim it. Sometimes a single vote is effective; no one should say what impact my single vote has. Sometimes a single vote or a few votes can affect the fate of a country. You can send a faithful and righteous person to the parliament with your vote. That person who goes to the parliament, at a critical moment - where the vote of a representative can determine the fate of the country or a sector, or the fate of the economy - their vote will be effective. Therefore, no one should ever say what impact my vote has. The important thing is that on election day, God willing, all the people - men and women, old and young, and anyone who can legally vote - should go and vote and make the elections vibrant and prosperous. Anyone who cares for the Islamic system will participate in this election. Anyone who cares for the dignity of the Islamic Republic will participate in this election. My prediction is this: just as we have seen this great, aware, and intelligent nation present in all arenas so far, God willing, they will also participate in this election with enthusiasm and will announce their presence and will indeed show their support for Islam and the Islamic system.

The second point is that elections must be held in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, away from tension and conflict and an atmosphere of hatred. It is obvious that in all places there are various candidates with different opinions and tastes, and the people will look and, God willing, will choose with awareness and deliberation and will vote. This work must be done in a calm atmosphere. This is our honor. A few days ago, we celebrated the twenty-first anniversary of the revolution, and a few days later we will hold the twenty-first election in our country. This is not a small matter; it is a very important matter. Now, let others sit and worry for our nation that this country must move towards democracy! What is democracy? If by democracy, you mean the presence, involvement, and participation of the people and their choice, then please tell me; where in the world do you find such a thing?! Those who ruled this country for years with American money and political power and squandered everything in this country, did they ever have the opportunity to create such elections throughout this country?! Twenty-one elections in twenty-one years; is this a joke?! In all these twenty-one experiments, the atmosphere of this country has been like this until today; a calm atmosphere, a friendly atmosphere. Of course, some propagate and speak. The atmosphere of political violence and political tension and hatred is detrimental to elections. It discourages some from participating in elections; it creates doubt in some, kills hearts, and diminishes hopes. I see, unfortunately, that some, with their statements in some of these publications that are released, try to impose an atmosphere of hatred on society. One side speaks ill of the left, and the other side speaks ill of the right; where are they going?! Where are you going and what do you want?! What is this terminology they have created, and often these have been put in their mouths by the enemy and thrown out, and a number of oblivious people - now we do not say malicious; but some of them are certainly malicious - have taken these and are constantly repeating these words?! What is left and right?! This nation is a united, Muslim, and faithful nation. All segments of this nation created this revolution together; they have preserved this system for twenty-one years together; they have together repelled a great danger during the eight years of war that was imposed on us. Therefore, the nation is united; what is this wall-building?! A group with one name in one corner, another group with another name in another corner, and they are fragmenting the people. Of course, the people have shown that they do not pay attention to these words; this is also evident. The people go their own way, do their own work; now let them go and do their own work.

The atmosphere must be a calm one. Some insist that there will be violence and tension, and they create tension in minds; no, the people have no such intention. I say, these two or three days that remain until the end of voting - which may extend to a second round - during all this time, our dear people, especially the youth, should control their emotions and work with their intellect; they should look with two open eyes and choose. Of course, there are many tastes; there are all kinds of tastes; it has always been like this. Everyone should act according to their own taste; however, everyone should pay attention that this choice we make, we must answer for it somewhere. It is not the case that we say now we either do not choose at all, or we choose and no one understands what we chose! Yes; people do not understand what we chose; but the Almighty God knows how to discern. We must answer Him. We must calculate, investigate, examine, and consider the criteria, so that we can respond to God. If a person cannot, they can consult those who are trustworthy, those whom one can rely on in important matters - in matters for which one must answer to God - and it is not a problem. Therefore, the atmosphere must be a calm one, and everyone must be vigilant. I advise those who are sitting in a corner and ruining the atmosphere with political tension and filling it with illusions and rumors to leave the people alone; let the people do their work. The result of the elections, whatever it may be, everyone will accept. No one among the people or the officials of the country will say why the result of the elections was this or that; no, it is the votes of the people. Thanks be to God, in this country, the law is strong, and the clear criteria of the law are before everyone's eyes.

The next point is that the parliament must be one that can stand against the bullying and excesses and intimidation and bribery of the global powers and calculate and pursue the interests of the country and the nation. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) often mentioned the name "Modarres". What was the characteristic of Modarres? We had more knowledgeable people than Modarres. The main characteristic of Modarres was that no factor of intimidation, threat, bribery, or deception affected him. Even when they had apparently created such a tense atmosphere against him that they were chanting slogans against him, he stood firm and spoke his mind. This is the characteristic of a good representative in parliament. Some become intimidated quickly! I have often said that the arrogant powers - that is, these global dominating powers - that constantly lay their hands on this country and bring governments and nations under their yoke, mainly operate through intimidation. Their real power is not as much as they claim. It is evident that if they had this much power, this revolution would not have grown and remained as it has. Is this not evidence that the arrogant powers of America and the Zionists of the world do not have the power they claim?! Their main work is carried out through threats and intimidation. A representative must be someone who is not intimidated. Who is not intimidated? A person whose heart relies on God. When a person is reliant on God, they are not intimidated by anyone. We have seen a living example of those who are not intimidated in our time - that is, Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) - and we have observed thousands of other examples in the battlefield and in the political arena. These faithful and pure-hearted youths feared God; they were not afraid of anyone other than God: "Those who said to them, 'The people have gathered against you, so fear them,' but it increased them in faith and they said, 'God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.'" In every corner, individuals and radios and agents of the enemy constantly told them: they are conspiring against you; they intend to strike; they intend to do this; they intend to do that; to scare them; but they said no. Their faith increased; they said: "God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs"; God is enough for us; we trust in God and rely on Him. Then the Almighty God says: "So they returned with a favor from God and bounty, and no evil touched them." Yes; when someone relies on God, it is like this. Those who witnessed the war and were present in those scenes know what I am saying. All the armed powers of the world united to try to take even an inch of this country's soil; to be able to say that Iran's border has retreated several kilometers from this point; but they could not. This nation stood against them; therefore, they could not. God helps and does not allow the enemy to prevail. Being intimidated is a very bad trait. Now, sometimes a person is sitting in their own home and becomes intimidated - that is one individual - but when a person is in a position of responsibility - in parliament, in government - if they become intimidated, it is a disaster! Their intimidation means losing many of this nation's capabilities! A representative must not be intimidated.

On the other hand, a representative must not be captivated either. Some become captivated and enchanted and are left speechless! These are naive individuals who are mesmerized by fanciful economic, political, or security solutions that are presented with all sorts of embellishments! They experience years of trials; but in the end, they lead themselves and others to ruin! Therefore, they must not be captivated; rather, they must seek the correct solution, an independent solution, a solution arising from the specific conditions of this nation and this country, and a solution presented by Islam. Islam has provided all solutions in all matters; we must go and find them ourselves. If we misunderstand, if we misinterpret, if we do not pursue it and do not reach it, it is not Islam's fault; we must correct ourselves.

A representative must not be greedy. Some, when their mouths are sweetened by a little something from the enemy, lose everything! If you want a representative who is not intimidated, not captivated, and not greedy, seek a trustworthy and pious person. It is well-known that those who are not trustworthy themselves, when they want to safeguard their wealth, hand it over to a trustworthy person! Trustworthiness is a value. A pious person may make a mistake at times; but when they realize they have made a mistake, they return. This is very valuable. They are not like those who, if they make a mistake, step onto the slippery slope and slide towards hell; and when they realize, they stand firm on their words that no, this is it, and they go to the depths! Therefore, choosing a representative is important.

Of course, there is propaganda. Unfortunately, these Western methods in many aspects of life - including in propaganda - are often detrimental to nations; they themselves do not pay much attention to these propagandas in their own centers now. In one of the recent elections in the United States - despite all this propaganda - they said that thirty-some percent of the people participated! They themselves have become fed up with this propaganda; but now some have brought that same souvenir here and are conducting their superficial propaganda to fill the eyes of the people! This propaganda is worthless. One must look, investigate, seek and inquire from righteous individuals, and reach a person; whoever it is, it does not matter. If you have investigated, even if you have made a mistake, the Almighty God will reward you; the Almighty God will not hold you accountable. One must investigate and carry out this work in the best possible manner. This is a great test for the nation, the government, and the organizers.

Recently, some of these American gentlemen have been shaking their beards and talking about the elections. One has said that we are watching closely and hope that such and such people will come to parliament! The people must hit them in the face. Another has said that we are following the issue of disqualified candidates! The officials of the country must be very vigilant. What happens that the enemies - those who are undoubtedly the enemies of the Iranian nation and the enemies of Iran's interests and want to re-establish their dominance over this country - are worried about whether someone has been disqualified or not? Does this not indicate that what is done as disqualification in legal centers is something that directly conflicts with the interests of the powerful and the dominators? Some of those who do not understand what they are saying and are not aware of their words must pay more attention.

The enemy has opened its mouth. One day this country, with all its resources, was at the disposal of America and its agents. The revolution came, completely transforming the situation; it made the nation independent, made the country independent, made the resources of the country independent. They are lying in wait and have laid down their chests, hoping to once again seize the country and its interests and vital matters for this nation. The nation must be awake; and it is awake. By God's grace, the presence of the people in the elections and the good choice that these people will make will once again thwart America and the arrogant powers and the Zionist centers - wherever they are in the world.

We hope that the Almighty God grants you success in this work you have begun - serving the great obligation of Hajj - God willing, may your Hajj be an accepted Hajj; may the efforts you make in this path be accepted and appreciated, and may you be able to - both in your departure, in that place, and in the return of the pilgrims - further color the spiritual atmosphere of the country.

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