qom, may 30, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution, ayatollah
ali khamenei and president mohammad khatami, in separate messages sunday paid tribute to
imam musa sadr and lauded his great services. the messages were read at a congress to
commemorate imam musa sadr held at mofid university of qom sunday. the supreme leader said
holding of the congress can be considered as an appropriate measure to appreciate part of
the services rendered by this great thinker to shia muslims and lebanon in over 20 years
on social and political scenes of that country. praising imam musa sadr's
personality, the
leader said giving identity to shia muslims in lebanon, promoting co-existence and mutual
respect among followers of divine religions and political tribes in that country and his
outspokenness in introducing the real nature of the zionist regime and his affection to
and respect for the late imam khomeini created an all-embracing personality in this great
thinker. the leader's message was read by hojatoleslam rasouli-mahalati at the
congress. meanwhile, president khatami termed imam musa sadr as a great man that one should take
lesson from his steadfastness and piety. in his message read by mohammad taqi
meibodi,
khatami added that imam musa sadr showed that religion is capable of addressing various
needs of humanity and that shia seminaries have the potential to train persons able to
administer society. he expressed the hope that the congress would serve as a step to
better familiarize with the ideas and outlooks of imam musa sadr and all religious
scholars that our history is indebted to their personalities and efforts.
IPIS 26.5.1999, Delmenhorst, Since a few weeks a new magazine called
"Imamat" is published inside IRI. The director of this new magazine
"Mohammad Ali Ramin" has made a trip to Lebanon to visit families of shuhada and
during his visit in germany now he toled us some events I would like to share them with my
dear brothers and sisters:
He visited the father of two shuhada sons (both shahid during exploding zionist enemies to
hell), and living near to the zionists occupied region. The father showed him the room
within one shahid sons clothes. And he explained that this son always had a picture of
Imam Khamene'i on his shirt on the place of his heart. One day the mother saw how the son
removed this picture from his shirt during leaving for jihad. And she asked her son what
has happened, that you remove this beloved picture? He answered that he saw in his
dream,
that he will be shot in his heart on that day, and he did not want the picture of his imam
to fell on the ground nor to be demolished with his blood.
The same father always stand up, when the name of Imam Khamene'i was mentioned and when
the visitor asked him why he did so, the answer was: "I do not really know the great
value of Imam Khamene'i, otherwise I would be with my sons.
In a second situation Br. Ramin wanted to give some pictures of Imam
Khamene'i to a family but they regretted very hardly turned back and the young girl of the
house left the room immideately. Br. Ramin very astonished asked about the reason of this
reaction. The family answered, that they dont have "wudu" (ritual
cleaning) so that they dont allow themselves to
look or touch such a holy picture. In that moment the girl came back
with wet face just after "wudu" and enjoyed the gift.
IPIS 25.5.1999, Delmenhorst, Based on safe sources some time ago the
second son of Imam Khamene'i has married. For the marriage ceremony only about 40 persons
have been invited. For the meal Imam Khamene'i had only given the permission for a simple
meal and bread but no rice. For information it has to bee mentioned, that during public
days (aschura, Id and so on) in the same house some hundreds of persons are provided with
meal and rice as much they want. The director of Imam Khamene'is office then asked for
permission to spend some rice for that simple meal, but Imam Khamene'i did not
allow. Last
not least the office director asked to give a few kilo of rice as marriage gift to the
couple and then Imam Khamene'i gave his permission.
One school teacher of Imam Khamene'is sons (while Imam Khamene'i was
President) tolled, that he saw the young boy how he wrote with such a short lead
pencil,
that it was nearly impossible to held it between the fingers. He asked the boy to change
his pencil and he was ready to give him a new one. But the young boy answered that this
was impossible, because he had to bring back the rest of it to his father to get a new
one.
One representative of "Islamic Way" (rahe islami) went to the
leaders office to get some newer pictures of Imam Khamene'i. After they showed him some he
was informed, that now every of those pictures are available now and have to be printed
again, if he has interest and of course he has to pay for every singe picture. Although
the representative for sure wanted to pay he was astonished about this remark and asked
about the reason. Then he was informed, than Imam Khamene'i does not allow his own picture
to be printed with any public money nor does he give any private money for that. The
members of the office themselves print the picture my own organization and therefor have
to sell them.
Another event was delivered by the member of the mailing group
payam" to islam-pure: In the time of Imam Khamene'is presidency, some friends
visited the house of Imam Khamene'i. He brought tea but there was not sugar cube. He
apologized for the fact that his "sahmieh" had been finished for that
month.
tehran, feb. 24, irna -- afghan sunni and shiia clerics in a resolution
issued at the end of their three-day joint assembly here on wednesday thanked the supreme
leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei for standing by the muslim nation
of afghanistan and sharing in their pains and sufferings. the statement stressed that the
afghan people will from now on feel themselves more in need of the guidelines of ayatollah
ali khamenei and pray the almighty god for his success in handling muslims'
affairs. they
also thanked the iranian nation and government for 20 years of hospitality towards more
than two million afghan refugees residing in iran. the afghan ulama termed as ''un-islamic'' taliban's handling of state of affairs and their ignorance of women's
rights.'' they called on all countries neighboring afghanistan, especially
pakistan, which
they said has had a role in continuing the afghan crisis to help the muslim nation of
afghanistan by encouraging afghan belligerent sides to hold negotiations for peaceful
settlement of the ongoing crisis.
beirut, feb. 4, irna -- various lebanese parties, and islamic groups
and movements in a message released on wednesday congratulated the leader of the islamic
revolution, ayatollah seyed ali khamenei, on the 20th anniversary of the victory of the
islamic revolution in iran. the message, sent following a meeting of the said
groups, read
that the islamic revolution has served as a light which has enlightened the freedom-lovers
and those who fight the world arrogance. the message also noted that the islamic
revolution of iran has become a focal point of hope for the oppressed of the world
vis-a-vis the world arrogance and the zionism. praising the leader, iranian officials and
people for their unfliching support for the anti-zionist resistance efforts, the groups
have also stressed that the oppressed nations notably the lebanese people would never
forget that the islamic iran has been supporting them in the worst conditions in their
struggle against the zionist atrocities.
... We are also convinced that the high religious authority (marjaiyyah) is embodied in ayatollah-al-Uzma Seyyid Ali Khamenei for the
characteristics justice, piety, asceticism, knowledge, scholarship,
administration, and
courage are unified in his personality.
From an interview with Seyyid Hassan Nasrullah (Commander of Hizbullah
in Lebanon) with IRNA 8. January 1999
In His Name, the Most High
What follows is an interview by Ettela'at International with Hojjat al-Islam wal Muslimin
Mohammadi Golpayegani, the head of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,
Ayatullah al-Udhma Sayyed Ali Khamenei. In this interview, Aghae Golpayegani talks about
the health of our dear Leader and the activities of his daily life.
Q: MR. MOHAMMADI GOLPAYEGANI, YOU ARE ONE OF THE CLOSEST PEOPLE TO THE EXALTED LEADER OF
THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION. WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT
HIM. FIRST OF ALL, LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT HIS EMINENCE'S HEALTH. YOU ARE AWARE THAT EVERY
NOW AND THEN RUMORS ARE CIRCULATED BY FOREIGN MEDIA ABOUT THE STATE OF THE HEALTH OF THE
LEADER OF REVOLUTION. THESE RUMORS HAVE BEEN INTENSIFIED IN RECENT MONTHS.
THEREFORE, I
REQUEST YOU TO TELL US THE EXACT STATE OF AFFAIRS FOR THE INFORMATION OF OUR READERS.
A: In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. While expressing gratitude to
you, in answer to your question, I would like to say that one of the tricks of the enemy
is to wage a psychological war in order to overcome its opponent. In view of the fact that
today the pillar of the camp of the Revolution is the Exalted Leader, and, as you are
aware, in his statements he has taken exactly the same position as was taken by the late
Imam (RA) and, in fact, he protects the Imam's ideals, the enemy has tried, in one way or
the other, to pretend otherwise, but has not succeeded in doing so. That is why, the enemy
has now resorted to circulating these rumors in order to disturb people's minds and
dishearten his devotees.
Of course, human beings are naturally exposed to various diseases, but I can tell you that
he enjoys very good health. It may be interesting for you to know that he goes mountain
climbing more than once every week. Each time this activity lasts several hours. Perhaps
few young men can keep up with him. In fact, the Exalted Leader encourages exercising and
sports. He has beautiful words in connection with exercising saying that "doing
exercise is necessary for the young and imperative [wajib] for the old".
Q: WE HAVE HEARD THAT HE SOMETIMES PERFORMS MORNING PRAYERS IN ONE OF THE MOUNTAIN PEAKS
AROUND TEHRAN.
A: Yes, it sometimes happens that he performs morning prayers on mountains, and sometimes
he climbs as high as Toochal.
Q: DO YOU ACCOMPANY HIM?
A: Yes, sometimes. But, of course, I am an old man and cannot go with him very much.
However, I am familiar with his programs. I would like to say that if he were not healthy
he could not do such exercises, particularly, mountain climbing which, as you know, is a
heavy sport. Bihamdil Allah, he is healthy and agile and is in a perfect state of health.
Q: WHEN HE GOES TO THE MOUNTAINS, NATURALLY OTHER PEOPLE OR MOUNTAINEERS SEE HIM. ARE YOU
FAMILIAR WITH THESE UNPLANNED AND NATURAL ENCOUNTERS?
A: I was not a witness, but I am aware of it. Along his route, and while climbing up or
down, people see him, and come forward and greet and pay respect to him, and he kindly
reciprocates.
Q: CAN YOU PRESENT A GENERAL PICTURE OF HIS DAILY OR WEEKLY PROGRAMS? THAT IS BECAUSE,
PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF HIS LIFE, YOU ARE IN THE BEST POSITION TO
INFORM US OF THAT.
A: Yes, one of the programs that he follows regularly is to get up at least one hour
before the call to morning prayers (azan) is announced. He spends this hour in worshipping
and tahajjod. Then he performs morning prayer, and goes mountain climbing some days,
otherwise he rests. He begins his daily work routine at 8 o'clock.
His work consists of several kinds; one is official visits with civilian or military
authorities, who ask for appointments and for whom a certain hour is fixed. The gentlemen
pay visit, submit their reports, and the Exalted Leader gives necessary guidance. These
programs generally last till the time of noon prayers. One of his accomplishments is the
fact that he always performs congregational prayers, even the morning prayer which he
performs at home. The noon prayer is performed with a number of visitors and the personnel
of the Office. Sometimes, some individuals, personalities and ulama who are fond of him,
and who wish to pray with him come at noon or evening and perform congregational prayers
with him.
After noon prayer is performed, he goes to lunch and a rest and resumes his work at 4 p.m.
(sometimes he attends meetings). This program continues until maghreb prayers, which he
performs in congregation also. He spends evenings reading, or watching the news or in the
company of his family.
Q: YOU MENTIONED READING, IN WHAT FIELDS DOES HE STUDY AND READ BESIDES SPECIAL NEWS AND
REPORTS? DOES HE STUDY A SPECIAL FIELD REGULARLY?
A: Yes, he studies scholarly books on Islamic jurisprudence and holds sessions with
prominent ulama. Once a week eminent personalities and mujtahids (religious scholars)
gather there. Various topics are discussed and examined in these sessions, which are very
useful. Besides these, he studies other subjects as well.
Q: ARE THESE SESSIONS HELD REGULARLY?
A: Yes, they are regular and continuous that is to say, they have been going on for years,
except when he is out of Tehran.
Q: WHAT ABOUT OTHER FIELDS, SUCH AS LITERATURE?
A: Yes, in fact his position as the Leader has overshadowed his other distinctions and
talents. He is a literary figure and also a poet. His poems are profound and very
meaningful. He attends sessions with poets several times a year, usually great poets
attend, and recite their verses to which the Leader listens and expresses his opinions. He
is an authority in the field of literature and brings up very delicate points (you
probably have heard his speech on the occasion of commemoration of the poet Hafiz, no one
has spoken so distinctively about Hafiz till now).
One of his regular activities is visiting the families of martyrs. These visits are
carried out without prior notice or information. That is to say that until the moment that
he arrives at the residence of martyrs' families, the latter does not know who is coming
to pay a visit. Contact is made only to make sure that somebody is at home. The members of
the family are told that an official or a commander is going to pay a visit, and they are
requested to stay at home. I sometimes accompany him on these occasions. He usually pays
visits to four or five families of martyrs on the same night.
Q: HOW ARE THESE FAMILIES SELECTED?
A: It is interesting that most often the families who live in the relatively poor areas of
town are selected, many of whom live in narrow alleys in remote districts. He rarely goes
to the rich parts of the city. Often he goes to visit families who have given two, three
or even four
martyrs.
The visits paid to these families are really interesting. He stays at least for half an
hour. When he sits down he first asks for a photo of the martyr. He looks at it, then asks
the bereaved family about the circumstances under which the person concerned was martyred.
He speaks kindly to the martyrs' father and mother. If the martyr has a small child the
Leader puts him on his lap and comforts him.
Sometimes the martyrs' parents become speechless due to their delight of seeing him. They
cannot believe the Leader of Islamic Revolution has come to their house. After the visit,
I have heard repeatedly that the parents say they had dreamt of a visit by one of aolia
Allah [purist friends of Allah] to their house the night before. This very warm and moving
program is one of the regular activities of the Exalted Leader that is never abandoned.
One of his other programs is his trips to various parts of the country, in which case
usually deprived and remote areas are selected. These trips and general public's welcome
of him are very interesting. I have sometimes seen that the queue of the people wishing to
see him stretches for several kilometers. He stands on a platform and ladies and gentlemen
come at a appointed time. These intimate meetings are very interesting for the people. As
long as the time permits, he inquires about people's well-being and difficulties.
If they have problems, they write a letter and submit it to him. These letters are
investigated on the spot by a team of Office personnel. The team sometimes continues to
stay in the region for two weeks after the Exalted Leader's departure to deal with
people's cases and problems.
Q: PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THEIR LEADER. WHAT IS HIS
LIFE STYLE? WHAT ARE HIS SOURCES OF INCOME? PLEASE EXPLAIN.
A: I am going to explain as much as I can. Although it is possible for him to benefit
financially from many sources, his living standard is at a lower level than that of an
ordinary citizen. He observes this point himself and advises others not to be extravagant.
He urges them to be economical in their lives and avoid doing israf and tabzir. As an
example, I would like to refer to one item of his programs, namely marriage solemnization
ceremonies, that he performs on special occasions. Usually 10 or 12 brides and grooms,
from martyrs' families or the believing and committed families, gather on special
occasions (such as Eid of Mabath). When solemnizing the ceremony, the Leader does not
usually accept more than 14 gold coins as marriage portion (dowry). It is not that he does
not allow it but believes that people must get used to simplicity. If the couple wish to
fix more than 14 gold coins as marriage portion, he advises them to go elsewhere to
solemnize the marriage. He has observed this as a rule. He sometimes accepts Hajj trips,
in addition to 14 gold coins, because after all it is a spiritual trip. However, from
financial point of view he does not accept more than 14 coins.
An important point is that for fifteen minutes before the ceremony he advises the bride
and groom and the families about the virtues of simple life and economy. He tells them to
abandon extravagance and luxury. He himself observes these points scrupulously. It may be
interesting for you to know that he neither receives any salary from any source, nor does
he
spend, for his personal use, the wujuhat (Islamic payments such as khums) he receives from
various places. His life is based on gifts he receives from his devotees and admirers and
even nazr (vow, solemn promise to God). That is to say that people sometimes come to him
and say "Sir, we had vowed that if our wishes were fulfilled, we would offer so much
money or gift to you, now that our wish is fulfilled we would like to offer it"
[Imam Khomeini (RA) used to do the same].
Q: DOES HE ACCEPT ANY KIND OF GIFT OR NAZR?
A: Only if it is related to him in person. I would like to add that his children follow
the same life style, and live very simple lives.
Q: WHAT DO HIS CHILDREN DO? DO THEY HAVE POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES?
A: No, not at all, they are all clerics and are engaged in religious work and study.
Q: HOW IS HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PRESIDENT? THE FOREIGN MEDIA USUALLY TRY TO PORTRAY IT
AS UNDESIRABLE, AND SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SITUATION. YOU ARE THE BEST
PERSON TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.
A: This is not true at all. Since the time of the President's investiture, and the day
that he formally started his work, he and the Exalted Leader have had regular meetings;
and sincerity and respect are shown by both sides. The adab and admiration the President
has for the Exalted Leader is exemplary. The same kind of relationship prevails between
the Leader and heads of other branches of the government. There is a high degree of
solidarity at the this level.
Q: HAS IT EVER HAPPENED THAT HIS EMINENCE WOULD PRAISE OR PERHAPS REPRIMAND MEMBERS OF THE
OFFICE FOR A PARTICULAR ACTION?
A: We have never had any reprimands. Whenever some one in the Office has performed
especially well and has attracted the attention of His Eminence, that person has heard him
say "may Allah give you strength" or "bareka Allah". I must tell you
that I personally, and also my colleagues can never keep up with the Leader's pace. He is
at the pinnacle and, because of his kindness, he takes our hands and allows us to follow
him. Overall, we do our best, now how much of that is accepted, only Allah knows.
Q: DOES HE RECEIVE ALL THE LETTERS PEOPLE SEND TO HIM?
A: Yes, there is a unit in the Office, which deals with these letters. There is in the
Office one of my assistants who is in charge of public relations. If the letters are
personal in nature, they are sent to this unit. There are some official letters which have
nothing to do with this unit. But sometimes people write letters saying that they have
problems in such and such office or that their legitimate demands are not met. In such
cases, action is taken and if the demand cannot be met, an appropriate letter is written
to the person concerned and reasons are explained.
Q: THE LEADER IS THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES. PLEASE SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT
HIS RELATIONS WITH THE FORCES.
A: Yes. Alhamdulillah our armed forces are in the best condition. As a result of the
post-revolution restrictions, and by virtue of the old saying that "necessity is the
mother of invention", the armed forces, the Ministry of Defense and University Jihad
as well as other centers have solved many of the complicated military problems. They
repaired, reconstructed and even produced many weapons. I can say that in the matter of
the initiatives and inventions of the armed forces, the Exalted Leader played a
predominant role and was always the source of encouragement and inspiration for the
forces.
Q: HOW ARE IMPORTANT NEWS AND INFORMATION TRANSMITTED TO HIM? ARE THE NEWS AND REPORTS
TRANSMITTED BY ONE SOURCE OR SEVERAL SOURCES? HOW ABOUT NEWSPAPERS, RADIO AND TV? I WANT
TO KNOW WHETHER HE READS ALL NEWSPAPERS, AND WHETHER THE NEWS FROM AUDIO-VISUAL MASS MEDIA
ARE TRANSMITTED TO HIM REGULARLY.
A: His news sources are not restricted to the above. He is well informed about everything,
and, perhaps, is the first person to get information by virtue of his position. He reads
newspapers regularly. A summary of the press is also sent to him. But he is not solely
contented with that, and reads all morning and afternoon newspapers. These are regularly
put on his desk on time.
He particularly reads the editorials. In addition to newspapers, he reads weeklies,
monthlies and quarterlies. He is very active and sometimes says to me that 24 hours are
not enough for him.
Q: HE PROBABLY SLEEPS VERY LATE AT NIGHT?
A: Yes, he does, other friends and ourselves have advised him to sleep earlier. Sometimes
he does so, but normally he sleeps late. Overall, he must think about his health too...
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
You are very welcome.
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