Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces at Imam Ali Officer University

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

I am pleased to once again participate in this very sweet and desirable ceremony and to witness the success of our dear youth in the Islamic Republic of Iran's army, in the fields of knowledge, faith, and jihad. God willing, may your successes—both for the graduates of this university in the bachelor's and associate degree programs and for the young individuals who have just entered this university and received their epaulettes—be blessed, and may your presence in the vast and effective structure of the Islamic Republic's army enhance the efficiency and progress of this organization, as well as its vitality and liveliness.

My understanding and perception of this university has always been that it is simultaneously a center of knowledge, a center of jihad, a place for the self-cultivation of body and soul, and a center for practicing piety and God-consciousness. We have seen this in practice. The educational courses and your academic work are effective and beneficial for equipping this generation with knowledge. Being part of a young military organization and benefiting from the opinions and experiences of seasoned warriors in the actual battlefield—not just in the classroom—is effective and useful for realizing military power and readiness in combat knowledge. The presence of Islamic education and the existence of commanders who are faithful and deeply committed to the principles of Islam are very beneficial and effective in nurturing the spirits of our dear youth in this university. Therefore, Imam Ali Officer University is a collection of knowledge, piety, jihad, and the cultivation of body and soul. This has been my perception of this university, and God willing, this feeling and perception will increase day by day.

Some may think that expecting piety, chastity, religiosity, and religious knowledge from a military educational institution is an unconventional matter. Of course, it may seem unconventional according to the erroneous norms prevalent—both in the past in this country and today in many countries around the world; however, it is illogical for us to separate a group of youth engaged in military service and training in a progressive and idealistic country, under a system advocating justice and spirituality. This is illogical.

The Islamic Republic has opened a new path for humanity in the world; a new path seeking ideals that humanity has always yearned for and that the powerful have always prevented people from reaching. From ancient times until today, humanity has nurtured the ideal of justice, fairness, and equality among people, and the eradication of oppression from various aspects of people's lives; however, this ideal has been realized in few periods of time. Humans have always been thirsty for human ideals, and these ideals remain constant over time. Knowledge progresses, and the conditions of life and social relations undergo transformation; however, humanity's great aspirations remain the same throughout time and various circumstances. Humanity is always thirsty for purity, unity, justice, fairness, spirituality, truth, and brotherhood, and is averse to deception, lies, oppression, and injustice. Whenever these ideals find advocates in any part of the world, oppressors emerge who either suppress them or create obstacles in their path. However, since these ideals are innate to humanity, they are not perishable and have not disappeared until today, nor will they; rather, day by day, humanity's awareness and capacity to accept and act upon them has increased.

Today, a system has emerged in the world that, based on Quranic guidance and Islamic teachings, seeks and demands justice for humanity and explicitly declares its opposition to oppression and will not tolerate it. Islam has raised a banner under which all human ideals can be fulfilled. This banner has been raised today in the Islamic Republic. Those who oppose this system are the same ones who have historically opposed the calls of the prophets and have adopted a crooked and misguided approach to the words of reformers. All pillars of this system are attentive to those ideals. Its military force is no exception. Our young military personnel today, benefiting from their youth, wearing the attire of military dignity and glory, and enjoying the popularity that military personnel have gained among our people due to their efforts during the imposed war, regard the practice of piety, chastity, and adherence to religion as part of their duties. This is a very important and valuable characteristic.

This is not a place of worship; however, each of your remembering hearts is a place of worship in its own right. The fasting mouths of you young military personnel during the month of Ramadan and your congregational prayers—which I have seen up close in the past—and your spiritual ceremonies, alongside the vitality and liveliness of your spirits and the knowledge you acquire, create a very beautiful and astonishing combination. My dear ones! Complete this combination day by day; intertwine knowledge with faith, spirituality, piety, and chastity, all alongside military experience and complete discipline—which is necessary for a military organization. The future of this country belongs to you young people. This army also belongs to you. Wherever you step, you must illuminate your surroundings with all the radiance you have acquired, like a lamp. Your youth is passing through a good era; cherish it.

The Iranian nation has today introduced a new discourse into the realm of global concepts. This is why, in every major global issue, where people and nations have the right to express and present their position and understanding, the Iranian nation articulates its clear, independent, just, logical, and reasonable position without any fear or hesitation from anyone, through the language, position, demeanor, and clarity of its officials—who are its representatives. This is a very rare approach in the world; and it is also very dignifying and valuable. God willing, day by day, the foundations of this system, the foundations of this thought, and the paths for realizing these ideals will become clearer, more open, and more solid.

I ask the Almighty God for your success, and I sincerely thank all those who are involved in the good administration of this scientific, cultural, and military institution—the officials of the army and the ground forces and this university.

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