Statements of His Eminence in Meeting with Officials on the Occasion of the Birth of the Prophet and Imam Ja'far Sadiq

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

I extend my congratulations to all of you gentlemen and the Iranian nation on this auspicious birth, which is attributed both to the noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him and his family), and to Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him).

The important thing is that we, as the continuers of the path of those great figures—at least this is our claim, and the people of the world recognize us by this claim—should strive to embody and revive the various dimensions of those great and divine personalities within ourselves, even if in a weak manner. It is not enough for the Mojahedin in the path of God and the fighters for the sovereignty of Islam to merely think about building an Islamic society and system—although this is a supreme duty and a great obligation, and perhaps the most essential duty of a believer and Muslim. However, alongside the struggle to establish and complete the Islamic system and achieve its victory, another and perhaps more difficult struggle is necessary to bring about a transformation and revolution within our own existence, hearts, and souls.

When we speak about the personalities of the saints of religion—whether the noble Prophet, the infallible Imams, or Fatimah Zahra and Zainab Kubra (peace be upon them all)—we often refer to this second aspect. Truly, today the Islamic Republic needs us officials, and then all the people, to strive precisely, systematically, and regularly to bring about a transformation within ourselves towards the moral goals of Islam. Of course, it is true that if a transformation in hearts and souls had not occurred, the revolution would not have succeeded. The very victory of the revolution means that, overall, a change and transformation took place in hearts. Without this transformation, the revolution would not have succeeded; but for the continuation of the revolution, its victories, and the steadfastness of this path without deviation—which is the most important thing—we all need to make changes in our existence, ethics, and spirits.

Repeatedly over these past few years, I have thought and realized that a significant part of our victories is due to the personal spirit of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified). That great figure, in addition to being truly and justly an exceptional and disciplined person who had worked on himself—everyone who knew him from the past acknowledges this point—we felt that even during the revolution, he was not stagnant within himself and, like the saints of God and the holy existence of the Prophet and the Imams—who were constantly progressing and evolving—he was on a path of progress and perfection.

The moment of the Prophet's mission was not like the moment of his passing. In these twenty-three years, he had many advancements and developments that are astonishing for us ordinary people. A believer is like this, progressing moment by moment. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) was exactly like this, and we especially felt it in specific times. For example, during the month of Ramadan, he usually had no meetings and focused more on himself. After Ramadan, when one met him, it was noticeable that he had become more luminous and spiritual. Certainly, many of the successes of the revolution and this nation stemmed from that luminous and radiant source.

Of course, another significant part is related to the sincerity, purity, sacrifices, and luminosity present in our people, especially the youth and those who went to the front lines; those who, for the sake of God, gave up the pleasures and joys of life during their youth and went towards the front lines. Even now, they are present and continue to make those sacrifices in various arenas. The most important was the war, but it was not just the war. We need these spirits and sacrifices. Each of us must strive to create purity and luminosity within ourselves. This is the lesson of the Prophet's birth, and without it, this heavy burden cannot be carried.

The heavy burden of the Islamic Revolution is incomparable to any other burden or duty. Truly, keeping the revolution healthy and advancing it healthily is a heavy task, and this nation, thanks be to God, has borne and advanced this burden well in these difficult years and various trials. Our revolution and government are not like other revolutions and governments. The Almighty God addressed the Prophet: "O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise [to pray] the night except for a little—half of it or subtract from it a little or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation. Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word." This heavy word and burden are so heavy on the Prophet's shoulders that it requires him to engage in spiritual and self-purification and continuous practice, and we weak individuals, in comparison to those fountains of divine power and strength, have our place. The secret of the revolution's progress so far is also this.

Global policies and powers made a mistake in thinking that they could deal with the Islamic Republic like other countries and governments with similar material power and apparent breadth, and that with threats, temptations, and pressure, they could remove our country from the field. No, their big mistake was that they did not understand this spirituality and the spirit of attention to God and meaning in our people and revolution.

If this spirit of piety and attention to God exists, there will be no disputes. In my opinion, these small and shallow differences—and of course unimportant—are less significant than to be given much attention. The more unity and cohesion there is from all aspects, the more beautiful and magnificent it will be, and it will be more crushing for the enemy and more hopeful for the friend.

I hope that the Almighty God, by the blessing of this sacred day and these two blessed births, will bestow His success, grace, and mercy upon all our dear nation and our self-sacrificing people, and grant the officials spiritual strength, determination, and also the ability to act so that they can strive as is worthy of this nation.

We thank God that today, the country's managers and responsible bodies are sincerely and honestly striving in front of the people and God. Thanks be to God, it has always been like this, and everyone in the Islamic Republic has worked with sincerity and honesty. Thanks be to God, the situation is good and cohesive, and the nation is present with good spirits and ready. We must also seek strength and help from the Almighty God and make our efforts to bring this heavy burden to its intended destination.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings