Message of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on the Occasion of the New Year

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 states! Transform our state to the best of states."

I congratulate the joyous occasion of Nowruz and the beginning of the new year — which marks the onset of spring and the vitality of nature — to all my dear compatriots living across our vast and beloved country, as well as to all Iranians in every corner of the world who have their hopes and expectations directed towards their cherished homeland; especially to the young men and women who have made great sacrifices for the lofty goals of the revolution and the country; who have given their lives and dedicated their youth to the revolution and the glory of the country; to the dear families of the martyrs, to the Disabled Veterans and their devoted families, and to all the selfless individuals who strive and work for the dignity of the country. I send greetings and peace to the pure soul of our great Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), who was the driving force behind this great popular movement and the source of progress and elevation for the great Islamic country of Iran.

Nowruz is the beginning of growth. This growth, just as it is evident in nature, can also manifest and become apparent in our hearts, souls, and our forward-moving progress. Let us take a look at the year 1388 (2009) which we have now concluded. If the year 1388 were to be defined in one sentence, in my opinion, it would be: the year of the Iranian nation, the year of the greatness and victory of this great nation, the year of the historic and impactful presence of this nation in the arenas that were tied to the fate of our great revolution and the fate of our country.

At the beginning of the year 1388, the people organized an unprecedented election with their remarkable presence, which had no precedent in the history of our revolution — and indeed in the long history of our country — and it was considered a prominent and peak point. In the months following the election, the people demonstrated their presence, will, steadfastness, national determination, and insight in a great and fateful test, in a massive movement.

A brief interpretation of the events following the election over the course of several months is that the enemies of the country and the enemies of the Islamic Republic, after thirty years, concentrated all their efforts, capabilities, and forces to try to defeat this revolution from within. In the face of this great conspiracy, this hostile movement, the nation, with awareness, insight, and unparalleled determination and steadfastness, was able to bring the enemy to defeat. The experience that this nation and this country went through in the eight months following the election until the twenty-second of Bahman (February 11) was filled with lessons, full of admonitions, and truly a source of pride for the Iranian nation.

In the year 1388, the nation shone brightly; the officials also made valuable and significant efforts. These efforts, in their own right, are commendable; they deserve appreciation. It is incumbent upon all fair observers to acknowledge these efforts, these labors, and the work and endeavors made for the development and progress of the country in various fields. In the scientific field, in the industrial field, in social activities, in foreign policy, and in various sectors, the officials of the country have accomplished great works. May God grant them all reward and bestow success in their progress.

What can be gleaned from observing the current situation of the country and the immense capacities hidden within this country and great nation is that what we have done, what the officials and the people have done, is not a great work compared to the immense capacity of this country for progress and achieving justice. Efforts must be made more than what has been done in the past, and everyone must consider themselves obligated.

In this prayer that we recite at the beginning of each year, at the time of the transition, there is a noteworthy phrase that states: "Transform our state to the best of states." It does not say to bring us to a good day, a good state; it addresses the Lord, asking to bring us to the best of states, the best of days, the best of conditions. The noble aspiration of a Muslim is to achieve the best in all arenas.

This year, in order for us to be able to fulfill what has been taught to us in this noble prayer and what is our duty, in order to move according to the necessities and capacities of the country, we need to multiply our efforts; we must make our work denser and more diligent. I name this year as the year of "Multiplying Efforts and Work." I hope that in various sectors — economic, cultural, political, developmental, social — in all arenas, the officials of the country, along with our dear people, can take larger strides, with greater determination, with more work and density, to traverse untraveled paths and get closer to their great goals, God willing. We need this multiplied effort. The country needs this multiplied work.

We must rely on God Almighty; we must seek assistance from God Almighty and know that the ground for work is abundant. The enemies are the enemies of knowledge and faith in our society. We must strengthen knowledge and faith among ourselves doubly. God willing, the paths will be made smooth; obstacles will diminish, and divine assistance and support will accompany our nation, our country, and our officials under His shadow.

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