The Supreme Leader's New Year Message on the Occasion of the Arrival 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 conditions, transform our state to the best state.

O God, send blessings upon Fatimah and her father, her husband, and her children.

O God, be for Your Proof, the Awaited Imam al-Hujjah (may Your blessings be upon him) and his forefathers, in this hour and in every hour, a guardian, protector, leader, supporter, guide, and eye until You settle him in Your land willingly and grant him long enjoyment therein.

O God, hasten his reappearance and make us among his helpers, supporters, and followers.

I congratulate the arrival of the new year to all our dear compatriots and every Iranian living across the country and in every corner of the world. I especially congratulate the families of the martyrs, the disabled veterans, their spouses, and all those who have strived and continue to strive in the path of Islam and Iran, bearing the burden of hardship. I also congratulate Nowruz to all nations that honor it and hold it in esteem.

This year, the arrival of the new year coincides with two Fatimiyyah commemorations and the memorial ceremonies for the martyrdom of the great lady of the Islamic world, Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her). This coincidence allows our nation, God willing, to benefit from the blessings of the Fatimid lights and to place themselves in the orbit of her teachings, illuminating themselves with the divine guidance bestowed upon all people through Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her) and the Prophet's family.

The passage of years and the exchange of different years should lead us to experience and insight; we must learn from the past and look to the future with open eyes and aware hearts, making decisions for the future. I ask the Almighty God to grant all our dear Iranians in this new year, good health, a joyful spirit, psychological security, spiritual tranquility, and progress, elevation, and happiness. I hope that the Almighty God grants our youth vitality and energy, and our men and women determination, will, and steadfast resolve to tread the paths of honor, and grants our children joy and health, and our families security, love, and affection. What is upon us is to look to the past for lessons and to look to the future for planning and decision-making.

The past year was declared the year of "Political Epic and Economic Epic." Thanks be to God, the political epic was realized in various arenas in the best manner; both in elections, in large rallies, and in the presence of the people in various activities and efforts made by officials and the people throughout the year. It was a year of government exchanges and the transfer of power; this was done peacefully and with utmost security in the country, and thanks be to God, a new link in the long chain of the country's management emerged.

Regarding the economic epic, the work that needed to be done and was expected to happen did not occur. Efforts were made that are commendable, but the significant work that must be done in the realm of the economic epic still lies ahead of us, and we are obliged to create this epic. The fundamental issue of the economy for our country and our nation is an important matter; at the end of 1392 (2013), thanks be to God, a conceptual and theoretical infrastructure for the economic epic was established; the policies of "Resistance Economy" were announced, and the groundwork is prepared for the necessary efforts to be made in this regard, God willing.

Looking to 1393 (2014), what seems to me to be more important than anything else are two issues: one is the issue of the economy and the other is the issue of culture. In both arenas and in both areas, there is an expectation of joint efforts between the country's officials and the people. What is expected for building life and constructing the future cannot be realized without the participation of the people. Therefore, in addition to the management that officials must carry out, the presence of the people in both arenas is necessary and essential; both in the economic arena and in the cultural arena. Without the presence of the people, work will not progress, and the goal will not be achieved. The people, in various groups, with national will and determination, can play a role. Officials also need the support of the people to carry out their work correctly. They must also, relying on the Almighty God and seeking divine assistance and support from the people, enter the field of action with diligence; both in the economic sphere and in the cultural sphere. I will, God willing, explain all these matters in my speech on Friday to the Iranian nation. Therefore, in my opinion, what we have ahead in this new year is an economy that flourishes with the help of officials and the people, and a culture that, with the efforts of officials and the people, can determine the direction of the great movement of our country and our nation. Thus, I have set this year's slogan and name as: "Economy and Culture with National Determination and Jihadi Management."

We hope that the Almighty God assists both the people and the esteemed officials so that they can fulfill their duties in this regard; and may the sacred heart of the Awaited Imam (may our souls be sacrificed for him) be pleased with us, and may the pure spirit of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) and the dear martyrs be satisfied and pleased with us.

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