Message of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Beginning of the Year 1381

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

O Turner of hearts and sights. O Manager of night and day. O Transformer of years and conditions. Transform our state to the best state.

This year, the beginning of spring and the new year coincides with the days of Ashura of Hossein and the renewal of the memory of that great historical epic. For our dear nation, which is devoted and in love with Hossein ibn Ali (peace be upon him), although there is no celebration in the sense of childish joy; however, there exists a spiritual joy that arises from dignity and pride; because Hossein ibn Ali (peace be upon him) is the embodiment of true dignity and the complete manifestation of real pride; both in the eyes of us, the people trapped in the material system of the world, and for the salvaged ones in the realm of the heavens.

This year, our solar year, both in Farvardin and at the end of the year in Esfand, coincides with the Ashura of Hossein. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider this year as the "Year of Hosseini Dignity and Pride." We hope that our dear nation, by adhering to the spirituality of Hossein ibn Ali (peace be upon him) and becoming more familiar with that great figure, will earn dignity, pride, and elevation for itself; just as, thanks be to God, by the blessing of that noble figure and by the blessing of Islam and the Quran, it has been and continues to be endowed with spiritual dignity and pride.

The year 1380, like all other years, passed with its joys and sorrows, and a new year and a fresh spring lie ahead of us, and spring is the season of growth, flourishing, renewal, freshness, and purity. We ask the Almighty God that our dear nation, wherever it is in the country, and in every part of the world where people have their hearts set on the desires and goals of this nation, be encompassed by divine grace and enjoy freshness, vitality, and joy. I send greetings to all our dear nation on this occasion and ask the Almighty God for health, success, and progress in both material and spiritual matters for all of them.

Although in the past year - which was adorned and known as the year of Alavi behavior - many useful efforts and actions were made by officials and the people; however, particularly two movements in the direction of Alavi behavior were initiated by the country's officials, which we hope will continue with the same seriousness, enthusiasm, motivation, and diligence: one was addressing the issue of employment, which is one of the most important solutions to the people's problems, and solving problems is the Alavi way; and the other was the fight against corruption, which is one of the prominent characteristics of Alavi behavior. God willing, both actions must be pursued with utmost seriousness and diligence by the officials in the new year.

For the issue of employment, good efforts were made and useful planning was carried out; however, this is just the beginning of the work; this is one of those tasks that requires serious follow-up and pursuit by all the officials of the country; this is a very important need for our people and our country.

The issue of fighting corruption is also a real and fundamental element in reforming the affairs of the country. Fighting corruption is the duty of all; however, primarily, it is the duty of the country's officials. The fight against corruption must be conducted with seriousness, precision, complete impartiality, and free from extremism and excess.

All officials must identify and pursue their duties towards this great nation in the best possible manner. Our dear people have shown over the years following the revolution that they are interested in Islam, the foundations of religion, the dignity of their country, and the comprehensive progress of this country. Our dear officials, whatever they do for this great nation, have certainly not done more than their duty, and if we can work as much as our duty requires, we should be grateful to God.

I hope that, God willing, the year ahead will be a year of material and spiritual elevation for our nation and progress in all matters of the country, and just as Hossein ibn Ali (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of dignity and he said: "Heedlessness is not for us," this nation will also show in various arenas that it will not allow disgrace to settle upon it and will follow in dignity and honor, the path of its master and leader, Hossein ibn Ali (peace be upon him).

We ask the Almighty God to include the attention of the Master of the Age and the prayers of that great figure upon all of you dear people and to unite the pure spirit of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) and the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution with their saints.

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