Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with a Group of Eulogists and Praise-Singers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)

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

First of all, I sincerely and deeply congratulate all the brothers and sisters present in this warm and affectionate gathering, filled with love and kindness, on the occasion of the birth of the pure and chaste Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) and also the birth of her proud and honorable son, our dear Imam (may God's peace be upon him). I thank the dear brothers who have quenched our thirst from the fountain of the love of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) with their artistry and programs - both the esteemed singers and the poets who composed these poems.

Truly, the realm of the love of the Ahl al-Bayt is a worthy arena for artistic expression, and among this collection of light, the love of Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) is the place for expressing art, taste, and the delicacy of spirit. Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) is a profound word of God, akin to a deep and vast sea. The more one delves into this ocean of light and spirituality with the help of the hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt, the more gems one will discover. Our constant recommendation is that deep exploration in this ocean of light and spirituality should be aided by the hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt. As was mentioned in one of the poems recited, the knowledge of this family is also in their own hands; we should learn from them and consider them as our guides. We should contemplate and pay attention to deeply understand these words and meanings. Our esteemed poets, eulogists, and praise-singers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) who have the honor of referring to the words and narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt should contemplate, reflect, and seek assistance from those with insight and knowledge for deeper understanding. Then, they should bring their taste, delicate spirit, attention, inquiry, good voice, and strong throat to serve these meanings. This is one of the best and noblest endeavors.

Regarding the eulogy of the Ahl al-Bayt and the praise of these sacred and pure lights, I have spoken extensively over the years that this esteemed and precious gathering has been held here, and I do not find it necessary to repeat those discussions. However, I will say that as we move forward, the role of connecting with art becomes more evident; connecting with the minds and hearts of our audience, our people, with the help of the very effective tool of art. Today, those who have a message for the people, whether it is a divine message or a satanic one - it makes no difference - the best tool they utilize is art. Thus, you see that with the help of art, today in the world, the most false statements are presented to a vast audience as truth, which would not have been possible without art. Cinema is art; television is art; various artistic methods are employed to convey a false message in the guise of truth to people's minds. Therefore, art has gained such importance. However, we Muslims, and especially we Shiites, have an advantage that other nationalities and religions do not possess to the same extent, which is the religious gatherings that are formed face to face, heart to heart, soul to soul, which are rarely found in other parts of the world and in other religions. Not with this strength, not with this breadth, not with this impactful and noble content. For those who are familiar with the language of the Quran, when the noble verses of the Quran are recited with a pleasant voice, the impact is very high. The matter of eulogy and praise by our praise-singers stems from this; employing art to convey high and valuable concepts that penetrate the depths of the listener's soul. This is a means, a very valuable tool. It is a tool, but it gains such weight that sometimes it becomes as important as the content itself; because without it, the content cannot be conveyed to hearts. Your eulogy is of this kind. The more artistic it is, the better it is to have the tools of art, a good voice, and a strong throat, and the more educational the content - what we recite - is, the more understandable it is for the audience, the more instructive it is, and the fresher and more innovative it is in terms of managing the thoughts of your audience, the more valuable it becomes. Of course, considering the same point I mentioned at the beginning, that is, within the framework of the teachings and knowledge of the Ahl al-Bayt. Therefore, playing with the issue of eulogy is not appropriate. Turning eulogy into a merely superficial, formal, and outward act, or making it a mere imitation of a trivial Western act is not permissible. This should be noted, especially by the youth who enter this path. It is not objectionable to use poetry in the language of the people, but with the correct and proper content. If our praise-singer and reader of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) imitates those who are themselves immersed in confusion and misfortune - the artistic realm of the West, especially their music which has been dragged into triviality - and in the realm of satanic confusion and not divine wonder, it is inappropriate to model this noble, pure, and sacred work after them; it is an unworthy and inappropriate act.

Another point that we have constantly reminded is that you should make the content something that your audience can benefit from; either a comprehensible virtue or an inspiring quality of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) that strengthens a person's belief and faith. You see that the praise-singers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) during the lifetime of the infallibles (peace be upon them) focused on what themes. The poetry of Dabbal, the poetry of Kumayt, the poetry of Farazdaq - these poems that the Imams (peace be upon them) encouraged - focused on what themes. Look at the content of these poems, which is either the proof of the truth of the Ahl al-Bayt with reasoning, with arguments - reasoning that is presented in the beautiful and delicate form of poetry. Look at the poetry of Dabbal - or the expression of the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them); this is what was repeated several times today in the poetry of our dear singers. References to the event of Hal Atā, references to the event of Mubahala, references to the expressions of the noble Prophet regarding Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), or lessons that can be drawn from the lives of those great figures, which is a sweet example close to our time, are the poems that emerged during the revolution - during the peak of the movement in the years 56 and 57 - in Muharram, the mourning processions, initiated by the praise-singers themselves, were evident. The mourning procession in the market, in the street, was beating their chests, reciting elegies, yet everyone who heard understood what they should do today; they should know which direction to move in.

When you place this art - the art of voice, tone, melody, and poetry, which is a combination of several arts - in the service of these meanings that either prove the truth of the Ahl al-Bayt, or express the virtues and merits of the Ahl al-Bayt that enlighten the heart of the listener, or clarify the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and illuminate the path of life for your audience, then it gains the highest value; at that point, your eulogy program is worth as much as several hours of argumentative speech and lessons.

The issue is not just to stir emotions; it is to guide minds. Fortunately, today I see that both in this gathering and in the mourning sessions and occasions where dear praise-singers come to recite, thanks be to God, good attentions have emerged in these years, but the capacity is still very vast. You young people who are engaged in reciting, composing, expressing, and executing programs, look at the needs of today’s Islamic society, see how much our nation, our youth, and our society, amidst the tumult of various political and cultural attacks and all kinds of insinuations and propaganda, need a fresh perspective, a spirit filled with hope, and a heart overflowing with confidence in the future, to understand the clear path. This is something that everyone must do; each in their own way. And you can have a significant share in this regard. In any case, the groups of masters and veterans of eulogy can do good work, and we hope, God willing, they will.

One fundamental point is that we should always keep the current situation of the revolution in our minds, both in our discussions and in the scope of our speech, reminding others of our impact. My dear ones! The revolution was not just an event in the history of Iran; it was an event in the history of the world and in the history of humanity. I emphasize this point - this is not a slogan, this is a reflection on a truth - that this is an event in the history of humanity. The more time passes, the clearer this truth will become. It was not the case that there were tyrannical and corrupt regimes in a country, and then it transformed into an Islamic regime. Of course, that was the case; but it was not only that. For centuries, the world has been deliberately pushed towards a materialistic view and understanding of life and the universe, and they are still doing so. This revolution stood against this massive wave that was constantly intensified by all material power, and it struck a blow. The revolution, by raising the banner of spirituality, disrupted that movement which was advancing aggressively. Today, you see in those countries that were the cradle of materialism, spiritual inclinations have emerged in various forms; that is, the quest for spirituality, love for spirituality, and yearning for spirituality has arisen among their youth - of course, when they cannot manage this spirituality correctly, deviant inclinations arise; false mysticism, false spiritualities. And there are charlatans who play a role - that if in these conditions, Islam and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) can reach the heart of the materialistic empire of the West, there will be demand, listeners, and interest there. And this is today palpable and certain in the world. The attacks against Islam, in the name of the noble Prophet (peace be upon him), are a manifestation of the saying of Molavi:

The moon sheds light, and the dog barks Each one weaves according to their own nature.

They bark according to their own nature regarding the blessed name of that great one. This has created a new phenomenon where the influence of this name in the world has increased; its presence has become stronger; its attraction for the hearts of the youth has doubled, and this has unsettled the orchestrators of global arrogance, compelling their agents and mercenaries to react daily in various ways, which indicates their defeat. This is from a spiritual perspective.

From a political perspective, since the era when the issue of colonialism began in the world - that is, from the nineteenth century - which gradually started about two hundred years ago, the issue of colonialism, that is, the encroachment on other countries by powers that could encroach, emerged; the system of domination came to power; that is, the world was divided into two parts; one part being the powerful, arrogant, and domineering, and the other part being weak, submissive, and subjugated. Your Islamic revolution stood against this movement that had become a natural movement in the world of politics. What you see today in many countries, the cry of “Death to America” rising, is something new; it is a product of the movement of the Iranian nation. Such a thing did not exist. What you see today in all the world, whether in Islamic countries or even in European countries, the American policy is the most detested of policies, and the leaders of the American country are the most detested politicians in the world; this is a result of this great movement of the Iranian nation. Here, it was that the horns of the superpower of superpowers were first broken, and the system of domination was challenged. Why? Why should great powers like America and others speak from a position of power with countries that have always been submissive? In our own Iran, the wretched leaders of the tyrannical regime would not make important decisions unless they first consulted with the American and British ambassadors in Iran. Why? Why should a nation, with its own capabilities, cultural, material, and spiritual resources, be subservient and submissive to a foreign power? Why? This “why” was first raised by the Islamic revolution.

Now, this is two examples of the impact that your revolution has left on the general movement of the world, not just in the history of Iran, from both a spiritual and political perspective. These two examples have other instances, but now is not the time for elaboration.

This great action took place, and hostilities against it began; mutual resistance also started. The astonishing leadership of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) was able to preserve and advance this movement with complete power during the most difficult times. The Iranian nation, the youth of this country, truly listened to the words of their Imam (may his soul be sanctified); they accepted that message from the heart and soul, understood it, and followed it. A great deal of effort was made to divert the people, to dissuade them, to change their path, to take away their beliefs, but it did not happen; it has not happened until now, and God willing, it will not happen in the future. This movement has continued, and these hostilities have existed in various forms day by day. We are like a runner heading towards a destination, but some do not want him to arrive and constantly create obstacles in his path; he jumps over the obstacles, is hit with stones, is reproached; from the sides, they shout at him: “Don’t go, you won’t reach, it’s useless”; but he does not listen; he endures the wounds, bears the pains; however, he continues on his path and reaches. The Iranian nation has acted like such a champion runner until today; it has progressed.

Well, in such a situation, the well-wishers of this country, the well-wishers of this nation, the lovers of the Islamic and revolutionary ideals and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) have a duty. Everyone has a duty to facilitate this path for the travelers, that is, for the Iranian nation. Politicians in one way, statesmen in another, religious scholars in another, university scholars in another, intellectuals in another, and various classes in another. One of the most influential groups is this community of religious speakers, religious poets, and standard-bearers of love for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) who bring hearts closer to them in joy and sorrow.

What is necessary today is that everyone recognizes this duty, knows where we are. Some become heedless, do not understand that we have made so much progress; they do not understand that we still have a long way ahead; they do not understand that we have an enemy, and the enemy takes advantage of our laziness, our heedlessness, and our differences. The main audience of this message is the prominent figures of society - political, cultural, and others - who must be careful about their speech, their writings, and their positions. Unity and agreement, which is the key to all progress and victories, is more necessary for this country today than ever. The officials of the country are truly making efforts; they are genuinely working hard. The government, the officials, the managers of various sectors are striving. If someone has a criticism or objection, it should not be raised in a way that undermines the manager who is striving to do the work better. Differences often arise from selfish desires. If someone says that my action was divisive, it was divisive, for the sake of God, do not believe it. Division among believers is not a divine act; it is not done for a divine purpose; it is a satanic act; it is a satanic act. Creating enmity and hatred among believers, creating a space of division, this is the work of Satan, not the work of God. The work of God is empathy. If someone has a task, a responsibility, others should help him to do the work well. If he has a weakness, they should remind him; but they should not let him be weakened. This person who has raised this banner, everyone should help him; one wipes his sweat, another fans him. If they see that he is making a mistake in holding the banner, the way is not to hit him on the back, to overthrow him and the banner. The way is to help him correct this mistake; this point should be noted by everyone, especially those who have a role and presence in the fields of politics, culture, media, and various arenas.

O Lord! By Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, we beseech You to make us among the recognizers, lovers, and devotees of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them); keep us alive with this faith and belief, and let us die with this faith and belief; do not separate us from them in this world and the Hereafter. O Lord! Facilitate our duties for us; whatever You will question us about, grant us success in fulfilling it; make the sacred heart of the Awaited One pleased and satisfied with us.

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