In the Name of God
* How do you feel when you meet the youth?
* What is the first thing do you have to say to them?
When I am accompanied by youth and when I am exposed to a youth environment, I feel the
like one who is breathing in the fresh morning air. I feel a freshness and
vitality. The
first thing that normally flashes into my mind that I have thought about a number of
times, is that "do they (youth) know that a star is shining on their foreheads"
I see this star, but do they see it too? The star of youth is very bright and full of good
fortune. I think if the youth discover this valuable and unique asset in their
lives, they
will make use of it in the best way, God willing.
* How did you spend the period of your youth?
Indeed, the situation those times was different from that of today and it was very bad.
The youth environment was not a desirable one, not only for me as a student of theology
but for all the youth as well (I would like remark that I was student of theology
simultaneous with my primary- school period). Attention was not paid to them. A lot of
potential was destroyed and we witnessed this phenomenon with our own eyes. I even saw it
in the of school theology as well as in the universities (because I had had contact with
university students and I was very close to them for many years).
There were lots of shining potential, and there were also lots of people who probably
did not possess enough ability for the courses in which they were studying but it is
possible that they could have been masters in other fields but nobody were aware of them
and nobody understood.
As "Mr. Mir Baqheri" pointed out, which he expressed correctly that before
the revolution I had spent the entire period of my youth with them. When the revolution
achieved victory I was about 39 years old, by then, I had spent most of my life from 17 or
18 to 39 with the youth, whether with students of theology and religion or with outside
the field of theology. I felt that Muhammad Rida Pahlavys regime had done something
that youths deviate toward decadence, toward moral decadence as well as decadence in their
identity and in their very personality. Of course I can not claim that regime had
deliberately planned to encourage our countrys youth toward lives of
decadence, it
may or may not be so, but what I can say with certainty is that they had planned and were
running the country in such a way that it necessitated that one be totally distant from
matters of politics and of life.
Would you believe me if I say that people like me, in their 20s were not aware of
who were the people in the ruling government? And nowadays, do you know anybody in this
country who does not know who the education minister is? Or who is the minister of economy
and finance? Or is there anybody who does not know the president (Muhammad
Khatami)? Even
people in the farthest reaches of the country are aware. In that era all layers of society
especially the youth were unconscious of political affairs. Youth were mostly
occupied with daily affairs, and some of them had to work very hard just to get a piece of
bread to eat; of course a part of their earning was not only spent on eating they were
spending it on other things as well.
If you study the books at that period on Latin America and Africa- "Franz
Fanon" and others who were writing books at that time which have remained in vogue up
till today because of their own validity -you will find out that our situation was exactly
the same. No one dared to write about Iran, but one could easily write, for instance on
Africa, or Mexico or Chile. Reading these books, I found out that our situation actually
is the same as those countries.
I mean, that young worker who after working very hard just to earn some
pennies, would
spend half of his pay on sensuality, pleasure seeking and things such as these. These were
the same things that we read about in those books and we saw that in reality the same
conditions prevailed in our society. It was truly very bad. Youth environment was not a
good environment. Of course within their hearts it was different; because fundamentally
the young is full of joy, hope, excitement and so forth.
I myself, personally had a very exciting youth, both before the outbreak of the
revolution my literary and artistic activities gave some excitement in my life. And also
after the outbreak of the struggle in 1341 - at that time I was 23 years old - naturally we
found ourselves at heart of the basic excitement of the country, I was imprisoned twice in
1342,- detention, investigation you know how all this can excite a person.
Afterwards, being released, a person would feed even more excited on seeing huge masses of
people interested in such things, and being a witness to a leader like Imam Khomeini
guiding them and correcting their actions and thoughts, the excitement increased even
more. This is how life was for people like me who were living and thinking in this
category it was extremely exciting, but it was not so for everybody.
Of course, youth naturally gather together because it gladdens their hearts.- I mean
there is a kind of happiness in their nature. They enjoy eating and speaking, looking in
the mirror, and they enjoy holidays. You (youths) will not believe that, when a person had
passed his youth he will not enjoy, for example, delicious food as much as you do. At that
time, sometimes our elders -who were at the same age as I am now- said some things that
made us astonished, we asked ourselves, why did they think like that? Now I understands
that those poor people were not too wrong. Of course I have not separated myself totally
from youth and even now I feel something of the youth within myself which I will not let
myself lose.
But those who were subject to old age, as a matter of course did not feel the enjoyment
that a youth feels in all aspects of his \ her life. It was like this at that time. I do
not claim that an atmosphere of grief dominated, but there was an atmosphere of negligence
and of unawareness and of a lack of identity.
That is why we, who were thinking seriously and deeply in affairs of struggle, put our
efforts (extricate the) youth as far as possible out of the circle of the cultural
influence of the regime. For instance, I myself used to go to the mosque to teach
tafsir,
preach to the people after prayers and at times I would go to other cities and give
lectures. The main point of my attention was to take youths out of cultural noose of the
regime. I considered it an "invisible noose". I said "there is an invisible
noose which is taking all of the people in a particular direction" and I would have
to tear this lasso away and release the youth as far as possible.
Whoever got rid of that mental noose which first of all required piety and
secondly conversion toward Imam Khomeinis thoughts- would become sort of immune. It
was like this in those days. This very generation got the basic fundamentals of the
revolution. Now, when I look at our society I can identify many of those
individuals,
whether they were related to me or not.
At any rate you are in a better period now, the atmosphere is better. Of course I do
not say that our youth are provided with everything and that everything is running as it
should, but in comparison to that time, todays situation is better. In my opinion a
youth can afford a good life today and find his or her human identity and personality if
he or she wants.
* What is your definition of a Muslim youth and what are his or her
characteristics?
* How can a youth reach his goals in the course of life?
Of course it cannot be easily traversed. The condition that you put makes it very
difficult for me to answer you.
Actually nor every important and serious work could be done easily. If a man wants to
realize valuable goals, he has to undergo lots of trouble and effort - this is inevitable
Basically, amongst the important characteristics of youth, I consider three as the most
evident, and if these are identified and directed in a right direction it will be feasible
to answer yquestion. These three characteristics are as follows:
Energy, hope and innovation. These are the three most salient characteristics of the
youth. If the media be it a religious lecturer, a lecturer in cultural and
intellectual affairs, T.V and Radio or schools- as cultural assistance can direct these
three main characteristics, I think, it will be very easy for a young person to find the
Islamic path because that which is required by Islam is for us to put our potentials into
effect.
The Quran contains a very basic point and it is not bad that I express it for you
dear youth in that it focuses upon piety. When individuals want to see themselves in terms
of piety, prayer, fasting, servitude, worship, thikr and dua come to their
minds. It
may be that they may all be a part of piety but none of them, themselves mean piety means
being careful of oneself. Piety means that human being should know what he is actually
doing, and that he chooses his every movement in accordance with his own will, thought and
decision; it is like a person who is riding a tame horse, horse, holding its bridle and
knowing where he will be going; this is piety. A person who does not have piety does not
have control over his movements, decisions and future. According to words of the Nahjul
Balagha" he is like one who is placed on a refractory horse,- without having any
control over it. Having the bridle in his hands, he does not know where he will go and his
no choice but to go wherever horse goes and there is no saving him.
If we take piety with this meaning in mind, in my opinion it will be easy to travel
this path of course, not very easy however. It is feasible for a youth to find the Islamic
way of life; if one is religious, one has to be careful about ones deeds, about this
venture, this word, this friendly relationship this lesson and work, this Action and
thought, are they correct or incorrect? This very thinking about the correctness or
incorrectness about ones actions is piety.
If one is not religious, but is however in that very state he will be guided towards
religiosity.
The Holy Quran says: "it is a guide to those who guard (against
evil):
... it does not say: "A guide for those who believe: ....
The first expression means that a non- religious person could be guided by Quran
if he has the piety, (it is possible for a non-religious person to be pious in the meaning
we have outlined). But if a believer does not have piety, probably he is not firm in his
faith and its existence will depend upon his situation: If he is located in a favorable
environment his faith will stay with him.
Therefore if we utilize these three characteristics in the context of piety and guide
them, it will be very easy for them to live in the way advised by Islam, this will be
especially so in our country which is an Islamic country. It is very important point to
note that the government- the national authority-is under the auspices of Islam. The
people who have authority in this country, believe deeply in Islam, and faith has deep
roots in the souls of the people as well. Therefore the way is paved to be a Muslim and
live like a Muslim I will give a short example and conclude my answer to your
question.
During the imposed war which, unfortunately, were not able to experience its upliftment
-of course the fact that you had not experienced war is no cause for regret; but what
someone will regret are those unique features associated with it in this regard- youth
exactly like you now, eighteen and twenty years old from the point of view of spiritual
purity were on the same level as agnostic who had spent forty years travelling on the path
to God. We sensed this in their very being and such individuals were by no means
few.
When I come face to face with such youth, I felt a real humility and it is not that I
wanted to pretend to such humility. You have seen that when man is in the presence of
greatness and witnesses its perfections he comes to understand his own
weakness. I
observed that same feeling in Myself when in the presence of a young Bassiji and a young
combatant. Such was the atmosphere that could change a normal youth in such a
manner.
You know how youth are in the world with "RAP" groups and the like and with
all kinds of mental and moral calamities. Youth in the world are really suffering from a
thousand misfortunes of this kind. "RAP" groups and groups similar to them
existed in our time too. In our time the "Beatles" were famous, I have heard
they have become old men now.
Some time ago I read about them in a foreign magazine talking about where they were and
what they were doing. Those spiritual troubles and psychological complexes made them end
up in these things. Now those people who imitate them in backward and remote countries do
not understand what an illness had afflicted these poor unfortunates.
What they consider as progress is in fact decay and decline. But while the world was in
such a state, our youth was in another situation entirely, in Iran the youth was
bubbling,
enriched honored, in the depths of their hearts they were happy, they had a sense of
responsibility and they were clear about their objectives, what they were doing and for
whom.
Leader of the Revolution Advises Youths on Pattern Selection
* As female students how can we pattern ourselves on Hazrat-e- Zahras life?
* Who were your own role models during the period of your youth?
Thats a good question. First of all I must say that no role model should be
presented to us and then we be told that it is our role model. This type of stipulated and
imposed Pattern role model is commonplace and uninteresting. We must find the role model
ourselves, that is we must scan the horizon of our thoughts then we would see that among
all of the figures that come to mind, that which comes to our minds more often, that is
our role model. I believe that it is not difficult for a Muslim youth especially one who
is acquainted with the lives of Infallible Imams, the family of the Prophet and of the
early Muslims of Islam to find a role model, of which there are quite many.
You yourself fortunately mentioned Hazrate-Zahras name in this context. I would
like to say a few words on sacred existence of Hazrat-e-Zahra. Perhaps, if seen against
the background of the infallible lmams and other great personalities it will provide a
lead.
You, madam living in an era of technological, industrial and scientific
progress, in a
big world a materialist civilization with a multitude of new phenomena in life, you settle
on a role model, for example, who lived l400 years ago in what area would that role model
be analogous to your present situation that could be useful for you. For instance you want
to know how went to university? Or how she thought on world political affairs? These
factors would not be found.
Each human being has a number of fundamental characteristics that you should clarify
and search for your role model in them. How do you suppose, for instance, a human being
should act when faced with events in the environment? Events in the Environment can
sometimes be related to the era of the train, the subway, the jet or the computer and
sometimes it is related to an era where none of these things exist. Nevertheless it is
something which engulfs man.
Man can confront this matter in two different ways: one way is with a sense of
responsibility and other in an apethetic manner.
Having a sense of responsibility is of various types and divisions:
With what mentality and with what kind of perception toward future should he
have? Man
has to search for these basic lines in a person who can be his pattern and follow them.
Once had spoken about this matter in a lecture. Sometimes in our lectures no attention
is paid to noteworthy words and we miss them.
Look, Hazrat-e-zahra, for instance, was about six or seven years old that event of the
Sheb-e-Abitaleb occurred.
The Shuab-e- Abitaleb was a very difficult period in the history of Islam The
public call of the Holy Prophet had begun, he had openly proclaimed this call and little
by little, the people of Mecca, especially the youth and slgradually gravitated towards
the Holy Prophet. Leaders of the Tagut such as Abu-Lahab, Abu jahl, and others had
no other choice but to exile the prophet and those around him and so they did. A large
number of people consisting of tens of families among whom were the Holy prophet and his
family, Abi-Talib -who himself was one of the leaders of the Quraishs heads
children and others were exiled from Mecca, but where could they go? Abi Talib had
some land some miles away from Mecca which was located in a mountain fissure
and was known as Sheb-e- Abi Talib ("sheb" means fissure of mountain or narrow
valley). We from Mashad call it "Bazeh", an original Persian word.
Abi Talib had a "Bazeh" or "Sheb" and they were told that it
was better to go there" Now think about it, in Mecca it is very hot in the day and
very cold at night quite an intolerable situation, and they lived there for three years
only God knows what hardships and hunger they suffered.
This was one of the most trying times for the Holy Prophet. In this period he was not
only responsible for managing a society, but he had to support himself as well as the
people who were suffering from severe hardship.
When a situation is pleasant, the people who have gathered around a leader are
satisfied they say "God bless him that provided us with such a nice
situation, but in
hardship and in the face of uncertainty and they say "he guided us to this and we did
not wish for such a situation" of course people with strong faith resist, but in the
final analysis all the hardships are placed on the shoulders of the Prophet. In the midst
of such a severe situation Abi-Talib who his supporter and hope and "Khadijah-e-
Kubra" the greatest source of psychological support for the Prophet both passed away
within a week, this unforseen calamity left the Holy Prophet completely alone.
I do not know if you have ever been in charge for a work collective to know what
responsibility really means? A situation like this could make a man feel quite
helpless.
In such conditions take a look at Fatimah Zahras role. When man looks at history he
finds such instances pushed aside to the corners and unfortunately no chapter is opened
for them.
Fatemah Zahra was like a mother consultant and nurse to the Holy Prophet. That is why
she is called "the mother of her father" () from the time she was only six or
seven years old. In Arabia and other hot environments girls grow faster physically and
mentally and the equivalent of her age would be like that of a girl of twelve in our
environment, accompanied by a heightened sense of responsibility.
Couldnt this be a pattern for youth that can encourage them to quickly feel their
responsibility toward matters in their environment, to quickly feel that joy? She expended
that excitement, that valuable asset which permeated her existence in removing the dust of
grief and displeasure from a fathers face who was now about fifty years old and was
almost old man. Could she not be a pattern for youth? This is very important.
The next example is that of a married life and haring a husband when someone thinks
about wife hood they think about organizing meals in the kitchen, cleaning rooms, making
beds like in the old days, arranging the cushions and then waiting for the husband to come
home from the office or store. Being a wife, however is not just this.
Just look at the married life of Fatimah Zahra (S.A.).
Fatimah and Imam Ali (á) had been married for about nine of the ten years that the
Holy Prophet spent in Medina. Had wars taken place almost sixty in most of which of Imam
Ali had participated.
Now look here, here is a lady who stays at home while her husband is involved in
fighting battles on a regular basis and without whose presence on the battlefield the
struggle would be paralyzed, so much did success on the battlefield depend upon him.
At the same time they did not have an easy life, exactly as we have heard. It said: The
same things that we have heard "Because of love of God they feed the poor, the
slaves, the orphans, saying: truly we feed you for the sake of God alone".
Truly they lived a life of poverty although she was the daughter of a leader, the
daughter of the Holy Prophet, and with a sense of responsibility as well.
Do you know what a strong spirit a human being needs in order to equip such a husband,
to free his heart from the distractions of family problems, to reassure him and to
properly educate the children? You may say that Imam Hassan and Imam Husayn (á) were both
Imams and had nature of Imamate (leadership), but Zainab (á) was not an Imam. Fatimah
Zahra had trained her during these nine years. After the Holy Prophets demise she
did not live very long. She was that kind of housewife, she was that kind of spouse in
this way they managed the home and in this way this axis of family life is permanently
written in history.
Can not this be a pattern for a young girl? A woman who is a housewife a lady who is
honored as a housewife this is very important.
After holy prophets demise she (Hazrat-e-Zahra) comes to the mosque and gives
that startling lecture. Those of us who vocally give extempore speeches and lectures will
understand how extraordinary that lecture was. A girl of eighteen, twenty or at most
twenty four years old (of course her real age is not certain because date of birth is in
dispute) experiencing those hardships and calamities comes to mosque and in the presence
of a huge crowd of people she gives a lecture whose every word would remain in the annals
of history.
The Arabs are famous for having good memories. A man might come and compose an elegy of
eighty lines, and afterwards, ten people would write it. The elegies which have survived
originated in this way. Poems were read in social gatherings and were recorded. Lectures
and sayings were recorded in the same way, though memorizing or writing and they have
remained with us until today.
Empty talk does not remain in history neither would any kind of speech, lots of words
have been expressed, lots of poems hare been composed, but none have survived and nobody
pays to them any attention. That which history keeps in its heart and after 1400 years
would fill anyone with humility when they consider it this demonstrates magnificence and
in my opinion this can be a pattern for a young girl.
You are correct, the fault is with those of us who are in charge of these affairs. Of
course by this I do not mean those in charge of governmental affairs I mean spiritual and
religious affairs, that we have not offered them to the young generation as we would have
liked, but you yourselves can do work in these areas. There are similar cases to be seen
in the lives of our Imams, as well.
Imam Jawads life is also a model. Imam Jawad (á) despite his stature and his
magnificence died when he was only twenty five years old; these are not our words but the
words of history, a history written by non-shiites. This magnanimous man during his
infancy and his youth attained a magnificence before the eyes of "Mamoun" and
all the people. This is very important and could also be seen as a model for all of us.
Of course, in our time we have a model as well. Imam Khomeini (May his spirit be
sanctified) is a model, these young volunteer forces are a model both those who had been
martyred and those who are still alive to- day. Of course mans culture makes it easy
to speak about people who have been martyred or have passed away. Just look and see what
models we can find. We have seen people in the war who had left their towns or villages as
very average people. I had noted previously that the previous regime could not elevate
these potentials or even realize them. In the previous regime these people were normal
human beings, but in this system they came to the battlefield which was a field of work
and all of a sudden their potentials were realized, they became "major generals"
and later they were martyred. Such cases are many.
Some years ago I was reading about them in a pamphlet entitled "My commander"
recounting the memories of young menabout their commanders on the battlefield. I
dont know if this work was continued or not. They narrated very short stories or
brief memories, memories that manifest the magnificence of such a personality to man.
These could be patterns for us. And of course, in our scientific personalities, athletic
personalities, literary personalities, as well as among our artistic personalities we may
find patterns as well; personalities that are truly notable.
Of course man chooses his model in accordance with his own criteria. You may choose any
pattern that you wish, but I ask you to consider piety as a criterion, piety is something
that cannot be neglected. It is necessary for a worldly life as well as a spiritual one.
In response to your question as to what personalities had impressed me I must say that
there were quite a variety.
The person who impressed me very much in my youth was the late "Navab
Safavi". I was about fifteen when he came to Mashad. I was really impressed by him.
When he left Mashad he was martyred in a terrible way only after some months had passed.
This deepened his impression upon us. Ladder Imam Khomeini profoundly impressed me. Before
I left for Qom and before the outbreak of the struggle I had heard Imam Khomeinis
name, I had not yet seen him but I was interested in him; because all the young men in
Qoms theological school took great interest in his lectures which appealed to them.
When I left for Qom I did not hesitate to go to his classes.
From the start I attended his sessions and I continued to attend his classes for as
long as I stayed in Qom. He impressed me very much. My father and mother, of course,
impressed me as well. My mother especially so, she impressed me deeply. She was quite an
effective lady.
* Considering your interest in art and literature, who among contemporary poets have
you studied most and in whom are you more interested?
I divide contemporary poets into:
Poets who composed lyric poems, poets who composed of satirical poems, and poets who
composed modern verse. Each of these categories consists of some individuals in whom I was
interested. Among the lyric poets there is the late "Amiry Firouzkouhy" who was
a friend of mine and he took a great liking to me we were in contact with each other for
many years after the Revolution. He passed away during my term as president. Besides
"Amiry" there were, of course one or two other composers of lyric poems whose
work attracted me; one of them is the late "Rahy Moayery" I did not hare close
contact with him, the other one is the late "Shahriar" I was very interested in
his poems, and I was also acquainted with him, after the Revolution but we had no relation
before the Revolution. One of the best among composers of satirical poems was
"Malekashoara Bahar" whose satirical poems proved very attracted to me. The late
"Amiry Firouzkouhy" used to compose a sort of satirical poem in the style of
"Khaghany" a famous and noted composer of satirical poems, I was very interested
in him.
There were two or three people in the area of modern verse, whose work I found very
interesting; one of them is "Akhavan". We knew "Akhavan" and his
poetry was very exceptional. There are two or three other people that are also notable but
I do not wish to mention their names. During our youth there were individuals who were
masters in the art of modern verse and I believe they composed modern verse even better
than "Nima Youshij", although he paved the way but in my opinion these people
were better at composing more experienced and more noteworthy. Of course no one had the
sincerity that "Nima Youshij" had neither did "Akhavan" nor the two or
three people that have not mentioned. "Nima Youshij"- contrary to gossip
was a religious man. The late "Amiy" was his close friend and he told me that
"Nima Youshij" was religious. He was interested in traditional poems, but he was
also interested in this style modern verse as well. You know, of course that he imitated
Europeans in this style.
Basically the style of our (modern verse) is not an original style in a real sense; it
is a style of European poetry; with many of the characteristics that these poems possess,
even patterns of English sentence structure has entered modern Persian poetry.
Among the poets we have today, we have some very good ones; we have also good lyrical
poems and to be fair, among those whom we say are good poets; we have those who write
modern verse as well. Among the poets of the Revolution, some are really good and gifted
ones. Allow me not to get into commenting upon the contemporary poets at this time.
* Today literature is directly mixed up with political viewpoints; consequently
bewildering writers of the young generation. What is your opinion in this case?
I do not understand what you are getting at when you by say that literature has become
mixed with politics. Does it mean that it has political content? For instance, suppose we
say that, there is a poet who is in opposition to our current reasoning from the political
point of view but he is a notable poet, if his poems found its way into the universities
and attract attention it may be used, therefore it should not be so employed. Of course I
do not know how such poetry is encountered with in the universities. If we really had a
poet who had a high position from a poetic point of view so that a student in the
university could really make use of his poetry I would not criticize him. Even if that
poet was going against the revolution for coming into a class and being the subject to
attention; but honestly I do not know any such a poet now.
You speak of the separation of modern poem and prose from the poems of the previous
era. In that time when this so called notable poet composed this poem, we probably had ten
other poets who may have had the same fame or more famous. Now this particular poets
poetry, and I wish not to mention his name and will not do so, found its way into the
university but Akhavans poetry did not and I do not think that his poetry was the
best manifestation of the poetry of that period. "Akhavan" was a friend of mine;
during my presidential term we had a warm relationship with each other After my
presidential term.
Subsequent to return from a one year trip to Europe, he wrote me a letter and composed
a poem, and soon after he passed away. Therefore there is nothing wrong with «Akhavan».
In fact why shouldnt we not gravitate towards such a man who could be so useful to
us? In other words, if we really have great poets right now I see no problem in students
of universities making use of their poetry and subjecting them to scholarly research, I
see no problem in this, at least it is not prohibited on my part. I am not aware about any
such programs but I do not know such poets.
You should know that there are some people who have famous names, but really are not
that great and their poems, too, are not that important. When exposed to criticism, and
putting aside their status as poets in considering both good and bad in detail it then
becomes clear that some of them are fakes. Usually I am not uninformed about these
contemporary poets. Some of these so-called poets compose poems and claim that they are
this and they are that, that they are the roots of poetry in this country, while we know
they are nothing of the sort. At the time when it was best for their work they were second
rate, some of them were third rate while there were many in the country who were much
better than them.
Contemporary poems should be worked on. You will find no one in lyric poetry who is
better than Rahy Moayery during his time. «Rayh» is from the same generation that is
connected to this period, and it is the same with the late Amiry Firouzkouhy, and these
are quite noted poets, or the late «Gholam Reza Qodsi» or Mr «Qahraman» who is now in
Mashad and is a very good composer of lyric poems; or for instance Mr. Sahebkar in Mashad
who is not a well-known poet but his lyric poems are excellent. Or for example in
Kermanshah there is Mr. Behzad. These are the poets of note in this period. The young poet
of today will really not be able to find any pobetter than these.
We have exceptional poets that unfortunately the young generation is not aware of. All
of them are also good people. People who are on the line of the Revolution, the system and
Islam; the very line that the people support in Iran. There is no opposition or
separation. They could be quite useful for us, but our youths are somewhat lazy in the
fields of research, investigation and follow up. If it is not too presumptious to the
youth this must be said. If they search a little and be serious they can uncover very good
sources. Right now in our own university in Tehran we have very excellent and noteworthy
poets to whom people pay very little attention.
* We have observed that in social and political affairs, some people take up extremist
positions and also follow up on them. What is your guidance for young people in this
regard?
One should not be very afraid of variety in tastes. Variety in taste is not a bad
thing. Now, for example, if there are two political orientations, and one youth believes
in one of them and the other youth believes in the other its no problem, what is
harmful is action without thinking and without study jumping to quick decisions, becoming
agitated and carrying out activities without proper study. I warn dear youths to beware of
this attitude. Being young does not necessarily mean having speed in making decisions. Of
course, youth means intrepidity in taking action, which means that man should not let
himself be rendered helpless by the complications and complexities of the work that he
wants to accomplish. It does not mean becoming, agitated and acting without methodology
and without deliberation. Youth can act without deliberation but they can also work with
deliberation which is to work completely, thoughtfully and with reflection. These
characteristics that is, the characteristics of deliberation, of thoughtfulness of study
and of seeking the truth all of them can exist in the youth. If some youth, for example
can be seekers after truth which is, basically, part of their attributes there will be no
objection at all to them having variety in taste and it will not be the cause of any
error, at least it will not create any serious damage.
As regards to the attitude of denying the other side, such as in social affairs, a
person taking up a position and saying that it is one hundred percent so and so and
nothing else, is not right. It is not a good attitude to have. Of course, we must be so
with regard to some of the principles of our religious beliefs that is, one must follow it
thoughtfully and take stand on a fixed and well established point, and decisively say this
is it and there is nothing else. In this case it is not bad to say so, rather, its
good but in social matters, in political matters and in various social encounters it is
not right to say that (This is right and there is nothing else. In my opinion man should
tolerate opinions contrary to his own, and concerning the effect upon his thoughts and his
opinions, he must establish deliberation as the criterion and the basis of his work. In my
opinion there would be no problem if such was the case.
* So far, during the course of your activities, to what extent have you given youth
responsibility and what is your experience in this regard? In your opinion, what is the
responsibility of youth for scientific uplifting of the country?
At the beginning of the Revolution, I gave youth responsibilities in areas of work that
were in my control whether in the armed forces, working in the government or during my
term as president. My experience is, that, if we put our trust in youth, that young person
who has what it takes should be given that responsibility, he has the competency. This
does not mean "every youth, every responsibility". Compared to others young
people were better and more responsible in performing their jobs, they also progressed
more rapidly, they would be more innovative and would deliver earlier; in other words they
maintained a progressive method on the job. On the other hand, it was possible for
non-youth to accomplish their actual tasks quite well, but they stopped short of
progressing in practice, and usually such is the case.
When we were on the Revolutionary Council, some other friends and ourselves were
objected against concerning this matter, there were older individuals, mainly sixty,
seventy, seventy-five years old who also sat on the council and did not have much belief
in the youth. They used to say why do you turn forwards the youth and put them to perform
crucial tasks without proper warrant? They didnt like to give away too much ground
to the youth. They certainly preferred that the youth obey and follow them. They used to
say they are young and we are old so they should follow us. They were not quite ready to
place their trust in young people, but we had been placing our trust in them. With the
practical experience they were having, we were giving them the answer, work was well done
and progress was being made. As to the other part of your question, referring to the
scientific advancement of the country. Bear in mind that the period of youth is the period
of capability. How, for what can this capability be employed? In my opinion, it should be
used mainly in acquiring knowledge, in purifying the soul, in instilling piety in oneself
and in strengthening the body-namely through exercise. These three areas are fundamental,
such that if in one short sentence I was asked, "what do you want from youth?" I
would tell that person: acquiring an education, spiritual refinement and exercise. I think
that the youth should go after these three special characteristics. Acquiring an education
includes research as well as intellectual work. Because this ability resides in youth,
they should strive very hard in acquiring an education. Nowadays, I have heard that youth
are not willing to accept this heavy scientific responsibility. This is not good at all.
How could we advise a young person who is not getting an education, his high school
program left in the lurch and not attending university that he should go and study but not
so advise a university student who is not studying hard in university at all? Really, what
did you go to university to do? You should be going to University to advance kowledye. In
my opinion young people should apply their energy which is, in reality, the power of their
youth, in the pursuit of acquiring knowledge.
As to your question whether the gap between the advanced countries and ourselves is
coverable or not, I believe so, I think it can definitely be covered. Of course it is
possible that we cannot cover it by going the same route as they have gone, however, ilâ
mâsha Allah, short cuts do exist in the world. We do not know very well this natural
world that God has created. There are thousands of ways. One way is the very path that
contemporary industrial civilization has taken, and after every step they have mapped out
the steps to come. Why should we not be hopeful of opening a new door and making a new
discovery. There was a time when electricity had not been discovered, I mean, it had been
in existence in the world, but people had not been aware of it, suddenly, they came to
know of it and to utilize it. Yes, they had known of steam power and long before that they
did not even know about fire, however, later on, they came to know about it. So why should
we despair of not coming to know of something hither to unknown once again, just as every
day something otherwise unknown before becomes known? We must work in this area and reach
a road, our road, that will make ready the rapid advancement of science. Its only
remedy is for the youth to work hard especially those involved in science, education and
research.
Once can accomplich whatever task one wants to do during our youth; especially in those
three areas: knowledge, self purification and sport, which are best accomplished while one
is young. Everyone certainly knows that exercise when one is older is not as effective to
the some extent as compared to when one is younger. Most people, however, do not know
about purifying the soul, imagine that when a human being grows old then is the time to
practice worship and self. Purification exactly when self-purification is difficult,
sometimes even impossible. In old age self-purification is a most difficult thing. In your
time, however, the time of youth, self purification is very easy. At any rate, young
people should take these three tasks very seriously.
* With respect to fashion consciousness being regarded as a special characteristic of
man, who, in some manner displays himself in such ways that include make up and dress.
What is your opinion as to how one should confront such a subject? What has the state
machinery done until now? Have they been successful?
In answer to your question, what I can say now, is that the principle behind the
inclination towards the beautiful, beautification and the love of beauty is something
found in the essential nature of man (fitrah). Of course it may be a bit different from
the concept of fashion consciousness. Fashion consciousness is something more general. The
question of make-up, clothing and the like which you have mentioned is a particular
category, that is, that man, especially the youth, like beauty and beautification and like
to be beautiful themselves as well, there is no harm in this, it is something natural and
normal and is not forbidden in Islam, what is forbidden is causing a disturbance (fitnah)
and corruption.
Beauty and beautification should not be the cause for brining corruption and decadence
into existence in society. In other words it should not introduce moral decadence into
society. How does it do so? His ways are clear. If male-female relationships are to be
irresponsible, unconditional and unrestrained, it causes corruption. If fashion centrism
assumes an extreme form you will get corruption. If the topic of beautification,
cultivating external appearances, clothing and the like become the primary occupation of
life this leads to deviation and decadence. It will be like in the period of tyranny
(taghut), when aristocratic women and those from among the nobility would sit behind the
dressing table. And how long do you think they sat there for? Six hours! This is true, I
have accurate information on the fact that they would sit there for six hours. A human
being spending all this time because she wants, for example to go to a wedding and she has
to do her hair or her face in some special way! If it comes to this, that is deviation and
decadence. In itself, however, there is no harm in paying attention to your outward
appearance and clothing, as long as it is not for showing off and for displaying
ones charms (tabarruj).
Tabarruj is forbidden in Islam. Tabarruj means women showing themselves off in front of
men in order to attract and encourage disturbances (fitnah). This is a kind of fitnah that
carries a whole lot of problems along with it. A young man falling into sin with a young
woman is not the only problem, that is only the beginning, I would dare say it is the
smallest problem, it continues right into the family. Fundamentally, this type of
unrestrained, unconditional and unrestricted relationship is a deadly poison for the
foundations of the family, because a family with love is alive. In principle, love is the
basis of the family. If this love -the love of beauty, the love toward the opposite sex-
is provided for in a hundred different places then that strong support, necessary for the
stability of the family will disappear and families would become unstable. Unfortunately
today, the situation has indeed come to this in western countries especially in Europe and
America. America is now severely afflicted with this problem, families are disintegrating
and this has become a great calamity. The negative consequences of this disaster on
its most primary level, affects women themselves. It is, of course very hard for the
men as well, but it affects women more so. Next, it affects the generation to be born. See
what a criminal and delinquent generation we have in the world today and in America? All
of them originate from there. It is the evil introduction and key... after which
wickedness follows in succession.
Islam gives importance to the subject of beauty. We have quite often heard the saying:
God is beautiful and loves beauty:
There are many narratives in our books of traditions (hadith) that treat especially of
looking after our outward appearance. In the book of Marriage (Nikah) it is discussed in
detail that man and woman must pay attention to their outward appearance. Some people
imagine that men, for example, should shave the hair on their heads; no. In religious law
it is recommended (mustahabb) that young men leave their hair, it is narrated that:
"Beautiful hair is among the blessings of God, so treat it honourably or, for example, it is narrated that
whenever the Honorable Prophet wanted to go among his companions he used to look into a
container of water and properly fixed his appearance. In those days when mirrors as we
know them today did not exist, Medina was poor too, so the Prophet had a container of
water which he would use as a mirror when he wanted to go out among his friends. What is
evident here is that looking after your outward appearance, putting on nice clothes and
inclining towards beauty was a thing aimed at from the beginning of Islam. But that which
is bad and harmful is that which become the tools for fitnah and tabarruj. As I had said
before, the damage will hit their families and the generation that comes after them.
Recently I saw mentioned a subject in one of the American magazines which was also
reflected in our newspapers, that two boys of ten or twelve years old had took up ambush
and gunned down a group of teachers and children with a machine gun! First of all they
sounded the alarm so that the children would assemble, then they gunned them down. How
truly bad and painful it is for a society to be in such a state. It was a cold-blooded and
unimaginable criminal act, because of bad upbringing. All of this comes after that very
unrestrictedness.
* How can a youth satisfy his need for excitement and make use of it?
That's a good question. However it's also a difficult one, not among one of the most
easy questions. See here, excitement is in a special area concerning those things in which
excitement becomes evident, for example, sports, especially in some sports like soccer,
which is an exciting event. Soccer is so by nature and it is different to other sports
like volleyball and tennis; from the point of view of the fundamental nature of the game,
it is constructed in such a way that there is a great deal of competitiveness, excitement,
and the like. On the whole sports is an exciting thing, artistic works, also evoke
excitement.
But excitement is not only confined to these areas alone. If a young person was able to
find an area (whatever area) that is attractive to him, he could easily satisfy that
excitement in himself. I felt that excitement when I was younger and donned the garb of a
religious student (talabeh). The dress and also the environment were restrictive,
nevertheless, I was excited and it was also satisfying. How? I liked poetry. It may be
hard for you to believe. There used to be poetry sittings with four or five friends who
all were aficionados of poetry, where we would sit for two or three hours, just talking
about and reading poetry. This is for a person who is interested in that sort of thing. It
satisfies his excitable mood to the extent that it does for a soccer player or for fans
watching a soccer match. As such it is not a restricted field.
Another example is related to the very example you gave about a university engineering
student. You said that he studies but is not excited about it. When the name of study is
brought up, someone would think that it is not an exciting thing. It is true that a
classroom may not be an exciting place, however if you assume that a workplace is set up
alongside the class, whether in the university or outside as is now in vogue with young
people during their engineering program are put irelationships with factories. Such a
young person would feel that this workshop would contain the possibility for him to
initiate and pursue the innovations he desires or the ideas that come to his mind in that
environment. Do you think he would be less excited? In fact he would be even more so.
As I was saying to the brothers, do research, research must be done with love and
enthusiasm. Research in which you force someone, telling him "go research" will
certainly be something dry, unexciting and useless also; but in the case of a field of
study for which you have a great deal of love and affection, for which you have written
your university entrance examinations, which you are now studying in university, where you
have a good professor, and now, you have a well-equipped workplace within your reach where
you can make the results of your ideas and your innovations into a reality, thats
really great.
I would like to express it in this way, that we should not consider the matter of
satisfying the sense of excitement of youth in such a way as to evoke it in the mind as
something questionable or as a cause for concern, no. If the field of life is opened up in
various areas, youth themselves will go into those areas where they have an interest in
order to satisfy their excitement.
As the authorities as well as every person who is interested in this country- inclusive
of governmental, and non governmental organizations and sections concerning youth in
particular - we must open the field for healthy and proper youth activities. Now, for
example, a youth may be interested in the area of literature, or economics. Normally,
economics does not have laboratories, however, if all of a sudden it may be announced that
such and such an economist, foreign or local, in such and such a place, is having a class
or a seminar and is going to give a lecture. This is very meaningful for a young person
who has such an interest. To get a ticket, to go there immediately and to put his
questions to the professor, all this is excitement. With divine grace if the field of work
and activity facing the youth is expanded -a trend that has progressed since the beginning
of the Revolution- the youth will be able to satisfy this sense of excitement which is one
of their blessings. Of course I concur that it has not gone as far forward as it should
have because of the problems that have existed for nineteen years up till now.
In eight of these nineteen years there was a real war going on. In the first two or
three years those in authority were lacking in experience, information and know-how, then,
little by little we began to move ahead.
You are an artist, and all praises be to God, you are also well known, we have seen you
on television. You artists are the ones most capable of serving the people. The people can
learn from you. If the artist really possessed that piety that I was talking about, so
that when you, are performing this role, when you are playing that part that you keep in
mind that a number of youth, a number of children, a number of women and men will be
looking at you and will be learning from you; if you plan it so that your work be well
done and be of the highest excellence, I would imagine that you would be most capable of
service.
Art has an expressiveness of language that no other language possesses, whether it be
the language of science, that of ordinary speech, or the sermon. None of them has the
expressiveness of the language of art. One of the secrets of the success of the Qur'an is
it's artistry. The Qur'an is very much at the pinnacle of art, it is quite extraordinary,
in fact, it enchanted the people of that time; otherwise, if the Noble Prophet had sat
with the people and without an artistic language spoke with them in a matter - of - fact
kind of language, maybe he might have found a small group interested in what he had to
say, but that thunderbolt, that thunder and lightning, that storm would never have been.
It is art that does this kind of thing. Art has that kind of effect. Even now, when
someone reads Hafiz's poetry, he could see a greatness in it. It makes an impression on
you. At the same time, the influence of these performing arts is much more rapidly felt
compared to that of poetry and literature, however I don't know if they are more lasting
or not. It is possible for someone to say that in certain areas it is or is not more
lasting, but at any event its influence is quicker more decisive and more overwhelming.
You all (artists) can make an impression quite well. I want to ask those script
writers, those who write screenplays, the actors, the directors, the set decorators, and
the costume designers - which, by the way, is one of the most important aspects in
artistic work, but is most overlooked, because the clothes you wear serve as a model for
one group and is very attractive to them - I would like to ask them to be aware of what
they are doing, that they should think about its end results. At any rate it is a very
good field and, God willing, I hope you will be successful.
Why don't we see a strong policy in sports? And why isn't sports used as a powerful
tool against the cultural invasion?
The subject you have mentioned concerning what is lacking in the affair of sports is
absolutely correct. Not much has been done in sports. Turning our attention to sports we
perceive two big deficiencies:
First, investment should be made in devising a massive program and in making crucial
fundamental decisions as to the choice of sport. There is the demand, and the potential in
Iranian society. Which sport should be placed under consideration? What should be the
state of mind and how should it be followed up? In this very context, I had spoken in
detail with athletes and national sports authorities one or two years ago. I believe that
if we invest in this area and do some proper thinking and planning, without a doubt, the
same thing would happen in the world sporting arena that had occurred in the war with our
volunteer forces and military organizations who were all but cut off from the modern
equipment of the world. You have seen what honour they brought. Even now, in volleyball
for the handicapped and disabled war heroes, the same thing has happened; these brothers
have consistently been bringing honour and glory; or, for example, in wrestling, you
yourself (addressing Rasul Khadim, the Iranian wrestler) your brother and other brothers
have really brought great honour to this country. We can be like this in every area of
sports. There is no reason why we cannot enter the battlefield among the worlds most
distinguished athletes in soccer, volleyball, equestrian events or in some of our
traditional sports like polo, or in martial arts or swimming.
The reason for the situation being so disorganized at present is because there has been
no programming applied to training or for advancement or utilization of relevant
techniques. This is one problem. The second problem, which is very much related to the
first, is the lack of a spiritual and cultural atmosphere in sports. It is not that our
athletes are not good people, not at all, there are very good, believing, pious and
abstemious people amongst them, however it must be more than just this. Our sports
environment must be an environment of modesty. Modesty has a very intriguing and very wide
meaning. It is the wholesomeness of the soul of a man where so ever he may be. The sports
environment must be a modest environment; licentiousness disrepute, or any form of
immodesty should not be seen in it, we must create this atmosphere in our sports
environment and if this is so, it will shine in the world and our sports will become a
star.
Look, right now, our films are entered into international film festivals, and the point
that proves very attractive to the judges and the audience is the modesty that is now
characteristic of Persian films. Some directors and filmmakers naturally go after this
now, for some others, however modesty is something that is imposed, they have no choice
but to portray women, men and family relations in a manner that is in conformity with the
atmosphere currently accin the Islamic Republic. This is exactly what makes it stand out
in the world.
Contrary to what has been imagined, the world does not like this unrestraint, and
lasciviousness, it is tired of it. Islam has also recommended the very state of chastity,
decency, wholesomeness and propriety which is so natural to Iranian society. We must make
this dominant in the sports environment and in other areas as well, this will become the
culturo-spiritual atmosphere of sports. It will be exactly as you are saying. For with
regard to going into the battleground of the cultural invasion, we must hold on to our own
culture, this is absolutely correct.
Therefore, if in the world of sports, the authorities pay attention to these two tasks;
which are, on the one hand, getting the knowledge and drawing up a precise program in
every respect, such as selection technique, work, training and exercise; and on the other
hand in attaining a cultural atmosphere in sport, I believe that our sports environment
will go forward which will be very good.
However, I would like to ask the youth that they should not wait for that day, and they
should not say that when sports get like that then we would go and participate, no youth
should exercise without exception. Now, when we say "youth" it does not mean
that those who are not young should not participate in sports, they should also, however
sports contain a great deal that is attainable for youth, a subject which I wouldnt
repeat since I've already spoken about it men and family relations in a manner that is in
conformity with the atmosphere currently acceptable in the Islamic Republic. This is
exactly what makes it stand out in the world.
Contrary to what has been imagined, the world does not like this unrestraint, and
lasciviousness it is tired of it. Islam has also recommended the very state of chastity,
decency, wholesomeness and propriety which is so natural to Iranian society. We must make
this dominant in the sports environment and in other areas as well, this become the
culturo-spiritual atmosphere of sports. It will be exactly as you are saying, for with
regard to going into the battle ground of the cultural invasion, we must hold on to our
own culture, this is absolutely correct.
Therefore, if in the world of sports, the authorities pay attention to these two tasks;
which are on the one hand, getting the knowledge and drawing up a precise program in every
respect, such as selection technique, work, training and exercise; and on the other hand
in attaining a cultural atmosphere in sport, I believe like to ask the youth that they
should not wait for that day, and they should not say that when sports get like that then
we would go and participate, no youth should exercise without exception. Now, when we say
"youth" it dose not mean that those who are not young should not participate in
sports, they should also, however sports contain a great deal that is attainable for
youth, a subject which I would'nt repeat since I've already spoken about it frequently.
Exercise is also mandatory for old people, for those who have passed the period of their
youth - for those who are forty or fifty - exercise is mandatory, they should exercise.
* Why isn't there a special policy - making center in youth affairs? Why are the
different sections concerning youth affairs - for example, marriage, not coordinated with
each other?
Of course, this has been accomplished to some extent, that is, with the establishment
of the High Council for Youth, the first step has been taken in this direction, and I hope
that this first step will also take us the rest of the way. Without a doubt some
governmental organizations, for example the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher
Education or that of Medicine are also related to youth affairs, however, with respect to
the main center that can consider youth affairs in a comprehensive and exhaustive manner,
is the very High Council for Youth. So far, in my opinion, the brothers have done a good
job to the extent where their responsibilities apply. They should do the work of a
headquarters and the task of executing the directives should be the work of the
governmental organizations. The Youth Charter that some gentlemen had prepared last year
and presented to me was very good, very comprehensive and useful and it could be a
practical logical and excellent base for organizations to the Islamic Republic of base
their work upon.
The government or even the High Council for Youth could, of course make deliberations
on the subject of marriage which you had mentioned. The issue of marriage, however, is a
completely individual and personal matter. Families must think about it and governmental
and public organizations should give general recommendations. My own recommendation is
that you should make marriage easy; do not make the mahr too high, jahiziehs (trousseaux)
should not be heavy, wedding parties should not be too lavish and extravagant. These
things should be put into practice. If would be very good if this was propagated through
culture and art in order to get the people to adopt it. If this way is adopted, I think
that marriage will be a very easy thing.
Also, the age at which individuals should marry should not be so that, on the one
extreme, you have some people thinking that it must take place very early in youth. No, I
disagree with this. There is no objection if someone wants to marry at a very early age
there is absolutely no problem with this, but in this regard it is not necessary that we
insist upon the matter.
Neither should it be the opposite extreme, like what westerners do, marrying at thirty
or forty years of age. Of course, in my opinion, selfishness could be so dominating that a
man or thirty, forty of fifty years would see no problem in marrying a young girl, I mean
these upper years are those of grown men, but still he is after a young woman much younger
than him with a great age difference between them, which is, of course, found over there
(in the west), the very same place where insecure marriages take place, and so, you have a
lot of single people in Western countries, people who, for their entire lives, have lived
alone, something which, fortunately, is very rare in Iran and in other Islamic countries.
At any rate, marriages should be made easy and should not be for chasing down prestige so
that it would be easier for the youth to reach the stage of getting married. This must
come into existence within families, among the youth, and within the young men and women
themselves. There should be no barrier to marriage. If the government could provide the
facilities that would be very good. I have always been pushing for this, always advising
the authorities regarding housing, loans and other living necessities for the youth; we
presume all these things, however I would like to say that the first level of
responsibility in this task is family and personal responsibility.
In your opinion what ways are there to protect the values and carry over the spiritual
atmosphere of the war years to the youth of today?
You are quite right in every word you said. I also believe in the same point sir. I
believe, and I am proud of people like you. It's a discussion, not about individuals, it
is a discussion about states of mind, it's a discussion on intentions, on the renewed life
and these difficult tests which this revolution has given to our country. In the
circumstances surrounding the Fath (Victory) of "Operation Bustan" the Imam gave
a message in which it was changed to "Fath al Futuh" (Victory of Victories).
Some people imagined that the Fath al Futuh was the Battle of Bustan itself, however, the
Imam did not say that, he was saying that the Fath al Futuh - the Victory of Victories- is
the victory or the fashioning of these aware and awakened souls.
Indeed the biggest victory of the Islamic Republic was that it was able to take these
youth to this level of greatness and spiritual exaltation so that they could believe in
themselves, to be able stand up and defend the country, defend themselves and defend Islam
against the great assault of a united world, which was manifein the Imposed War, and which
has continued up till now. Even now we are facing a worldwide attack.
I have noticed that some of the press, the newspapers, the man new on the scene who has
no idea of what's going on are really uninformed, if not biased. These people seem to
think that it is some kind of art to draw this country back to the state of banality that
existed before the revolution, and they are, at present, actively trying to do this. How
irresponsible. What a pity. Our young people, at the time of their youth were able to save
themselves from the stupefaction that had prevailed in the country, they were able to move
and deliver Iran. Iran was gone and we were lost. We were totally wrecked. The flood of
western cultural sewage which marked the introduction of economic, Political and colonial
domination in the real sense, of the word, really destroyed us. In the midst of all this,
the powerful hand of the revolution and Islam, by means of these very youth, rescued the
country. Now a group of people wants this proud period to be entrusted in the bosom of
forgetfulness and the people to go back to that very state of stupefaction that existed
before. Who wants that situation? The enemies of this country and this nation want it.
I think I have mentioned this in a speech before. Just recently, before Eid (Noruz) in
an American magazine, a well known American writer wrote an editorial, which, in brief,
said talked about the confrontation with countries like Iran, which he, by the way,
referred to in a very derogatory manner, as an outlaw state - meaning that we cannot
operate along economic and military lines. He said that those ways (economic and military)
had been tried but had failed. He said "we must enter by cultural means", once
again making it clear. You may ask, how can they enter? In the middle of that very page
the picture of a totally naked woman was drawn, and he said that this was the way. He said
that "we must promote this for us to be able to overcome them". He's right
that's the way.
Unfortunately there are a number of people who have no idea what they are actually
doing to the country, but certainly, with Divine might and power we will not let them and
they will not be able to. We will not let this treachery take place against this country
and against this Revolution and bring them to an end, however, they continue to indulge
themselves in these whims and want to take the people back to those unfortunate days.
In my opinion, our youth today are godly, believing and good of heart. Take a look and
see the university situation, our workers situation, see what kind of environment
prevails in our country. Look at those days when we hold demonstrations, like the 22nd of
Bahman or the Day of Quds. Who are the majority of the people who flow into the streets
like a flood? They are those very youth. Those very godly souls, that very zeal, that
Divine thunderbolt which is still found in the country and is still quite active. This
spirit once again will take this country to the shores of salvation.
Right now, there is no doubt that we have difficulties and problems in the area of
economics and such, and they will come to an end one day, but that which will eliminate
all these difficulties is nothing more than this spiritual attitude and holding on to
Islam and the Revolution; nothing else will. Once again, it will be this young girl and
this young boy that will save this country. I have said time and time again that the young
generation is the one that will resolve periods of great difficulty and suffering. When
they come on the scene- and all Praise be to Allah they are now on the scene- problems
both intricate and difficult will be solved. Our youth are believers (mumin),
religious they are fond of their country and Islam and oppose American and foreign
domination. This is exactly what will be effective. These people are in the process of
also hatching plots and weaving lies. It will have no effect, God willing. God - willing,
God Himself will help. Hadhrat Baqyyatullah (our souls be sacrificed for him) would also
support this path, this effort and these youth.
Finally there is one point I would like to bring to mind and that is that these efforts
that the youth are making are not minor. Study itself, I'm saying, the very same work in
research, working in art, sports, all of these are not small efforts. I implore you, those
involved in these activities, not to think that your work is insignificant, no, this very
work, among the enormous aggregates of the country, changes into a determining element.
Assume, say a certain artist decides, by himself to do a great work of art, he can't say
"I am now doing one individual work, I, myself, am alone, and this is but an
insignificant work" not at all; this well - done work you did, even if one hundred
other persons thought like yourself, that tremendous upliftment that same great work would
take place all the same. It is the same thing in sports, study, in research and in the
special efforts of the youth. This is exactly like that on a day of a demonstration. If we
all say "Right now I am one person, what effect could I have?" this great flood
of millions on the 22nd of Bahman or at the Friday prayer would not take place, however
everyone still feels that he is fulfilling his duty at that moment.
I would like to emphasize and repeat that the individual efforts of these youth
-everywhere and in every area that they are working, in the area of the Qur'an,
scholarship, in education, in the theological school, in the university or in writing - is
an important effort. The very effort that, God willing will elevate the country.
In the Name of he Almighty
Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and salutation and peace be
upon the harbinger of good tidings, the warner, the light of illumination, our lord Abil
Qassem Mustafa Mohammad, and his immaculate progeny and his virtuous, chosen companions.
The Hajj season has arrived, bearing the good tidings of the greatest
annual gathering of Muslims. It would, therefore, be most fitting if those hundreds of
thousands of eager heart, enjoying the happy blessing of this divine meeting, should be
elated with continuing excitement preparing themselves for this grand occasion. It would
be most appropriate that millions of other longing hearts, not included in the list of the
present year's happy ones, should visualise the blessed moments of those fortunate
pilgrims and through praying for them and for themselves, purify and perfume their hearts
and souls, and certainly all Muslims with craving hearts could, during the season of Hajj
enhance their days and nights with the rites and signs of this blessed period.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is the greatest event of every year, and it
would be proper if within these specified days, all thoughts, feelings and attentions be
sincerely given to it alone, so that each individual could contemplate it.
According to his own mental, spiritual and political capacity and
certainly those who have succeeded in gaining the grace shall be most favoured to make the
most of all the spiritual benefits that the Hajj offers; they are best placed to reap the
best spiritual individual and social fruits from it and bless their souls hearts and
thoughts through it. God willing, so shall it be.
Although the blessings of Hajj practically cover all aspects of human
life not only one's innermost feelings and thoughts but also politics, social affairs, the
combined power of Muslims, co-operation among Muslim nations which are all given a fresh
life and vitality, yet one may safely declare that gaining a new insight knowledge or
recognition is the golden key to all these spiritual treasures. The first gift of Hajj to
any person wishing to have his eyes opened to the truth of things and to benefit from the
God-given phenomena, is the unique insight and cognition available to all Muslims at Hadj
only, never found at any other time or place. No other act of a religious nature may
provide the Islamic Ummah with the congregation of insights and enlightenment available at
the pilgrimage.
This particular insight consists of a group of cognitions, of which the
following are some:
Recognising oneself as an individual recognising oneself as a part of
the great Islamic Ummah recognising representative models of that unique Ummah,
recognising the greatness of God and his abundant grace, and recognition of the enemies.
Recognising oneself as an individual. This means contemplating one's
own being and discovering one's weakness and strengths at a place where all material
manifestations such as status, race, possessions, titles, clothes and ornaments are
completely removed and at a time when man divorced from all those privileges, along with
thousands of others, is performing Tawaf, Sa'y, Salat, Efazeh and wuquf. When the rich and
the poor, the rulers and the ruled and the educated and the illiterate and the black and
the white, all attired in the same garment at the same location, are facing God with hands
raised in supplication and feeling themselves to be present at the centre of God's
greatness brilliance power and grace. Yea then and only then, may a thinking human
discover his weakness and his heedfulness before God and find at the same time that all
His elevation, strength and glory lies in his link with the Almighty alone, then only he
could do away with all false, illusionary and arrogant conception about his own dismal
individuality, then he could throw away his egotism self pride and love for oneself which
are the sources of every ugly deed and evil behaviour.
It is, on the other hand, also at Hajj when one may taste the sweetness
of separation of one's self from all inner idols and join the source of all greatness.
This fundamental enlightenment is the essence of every worship and
service to God, it is the innermost content of the supplications of all men of God; and it
is that insight which purifies and brightens every human soul, prepares it for acquiring
the other insight and enable it to tread upon all paths of perfection.
The routine of temporal life, worldly engagement extreme occupations
with material strife, unending disputes in one's every-day life, makes the human heart
heedless of this basic insight. It leaves him alone in the spider's web of illusions and
false conceptions darkens his heart and soul; Hajj is the final and decisive cure of all
these maladies.
Recognising oneself as part of the Islamic Ummah: is the vision that
looks at the whole world, and at all the nations and territories which have sent pilgrims
to the house of God, it is seeing all the pilgrims in the mirror of this human gathering,
and it is the vision of this great human gathering and it is the vision of the great
Islamic Ummah, consisting of dozens of nations, hundreds of millions of people throughout
the earth, possessing some of the most important material and spiritual Potentials for
living and social welfare, and the whole of mankind and the industrial Civilisation,
despite of its great material volume, is in need of and benefits from the great resources
of this Ummah and its markets and its cultural and scientific heritage.
Recognising oneself as part of this great Ummah shall join the pilgrim
with his own brothers and sisters and kinsfolk in a real emotional bond, disowning the
false concepts of separateness which have ruled for decades, encouraged by yesterday's
colonialism and today's global arrogant under pretexts of race, language, religions, sects
and nationalism. The perpetuators of a world of class societies, that is the politicians
who mean to keep the world divided into strong and weak poles, and people into oppressors
and the oppressed, who are always sharing out the poles of powers between themselves to
the detriment of the oppressed nations, have, for the last two centuries, feared the unity
of the Islamic Ummah, and done their best not to let it be realised. These are the sort of
elements, who, at the present decade, turned a blind eye to the massacres of Muslims in
the Balkans, who continuously discriminate against their Muslim minorities, revealing
their true nature of wishing to "christianise" all Europe but always speaking
contemptuously of unity of the world of Islam and preventing its realisation by adverse
publicity and actual measures.
Strengthening this feeling that an individual is a member of the vast
body of the Ummah together with proper guidance should go a long way to neutralise the
plots for creating discord. This feeling of Ummah membership, while reserving the national
sectarian identities of the components of the Ummah, will help all members to enjoy the
abundant goodness and the power and strength inherent in the oneness and unity of the
Islamic Ummah; all the sites of Hajj such as tawaf, sa'yi, congregational prayers and
similar, collective actions and movements are valuable lessons for the pilgrims in this
respect, and penetrate the depths of his soul.
Recognising representative models of one Ummah. This requires taking
practical steps towards the realisation of the great dream of Islamic unity and, finally
at least, witnessing the actual rise of the united Islamic power in the arena of global
politics. Watching the pilgrims, masses of them, from many different countries, speaking
various languages, and of varying races and colours, shall certainly widen his vision and
take him beyond personal, tribal and national frontiers, the Islamic, moral obligation of
behaving in brotherly manners, shall bring him closer to the hearts and tongues and
feelings of the others, shall help the news from every country to spread throughout the
Islamic world, shall neutralise the propaganda plots of the enemy, who is today more than
ever before engaged in falsifying truths, fabricating lies and spreading rumours , and
shall, finally, remove all distances in location, language, and conception between them:
the secret of the success of one nation gives hope to other batons, the analyses of one
country's experience makes other nations wiser, and removes the feelings of Isolation and
loneliness from the heart of others, and the examination of the suffering of one nation,
helps others find ways of combating and curing them. The pilgrim's staying at the same
places during the Hajj season especially the staying at Arafat Mash'ar and Mabeet at Mina,
are all preparation grounds for this effective and decisive recognition.
Recognition of God's greatest and His Abundant Grace. By this is meant
musing over and contemplating the foundation of this house, which is both the house of God
and the house of people;
Indeed the first Houses ever, built for all men was that at Becca,
Blessed in location and a beacon for every nation (Qur'an 3:96)
It is a place where all needful humans resort to, wherein the majesty
of the divine faith is manifestes, it is a mixture of glory and greatness, purity and
simplicity. It is a place that permanent echoes of the very first calls to the unity of
the word was realised; it still preserves traces of the first combatants of the early days
of Islam who put up a defenceless struggle, and emigrated from it in the most oppressed
manner, but later, did, powerfully and triumphantly, returned to it and pruned it from all
its signs and traces of Arab ignorance; it is perfumed by the breath of its worshippers,
prostrates and sincere admirers, it was the rising part of the sun of Islam in the
beginnings, and it will be the location from which another sun, the promised Mahdi shall
rise in the end, final refuge for the fugitive hearts and the source of hope for desperate
souls. The traditions of Hajj and its ordered rites, symbolise both God's greatness and
gracefulness. And it is by such recognition that hearts are moved at the sight of the holy
Ka'ba at Masjid al-haram, and all gone astray return to the straight path and humans
undergo a great change.
The recognition of enemies. This knowledge is the end result of all
those other recognitions. It completes and perfects them; and without it the heart and
mind of a Muslim is like an unwalled magazine, disposed to every highway robber, plunderer
or traitor. In the rites of Hajj the very Ramy-al-Hajarat is a telling symbol of knowing
and fighting the enemies, the holy prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) did himself
proclaimed "bara'a" (declaration of disassociation from the enemies of Islam) at
Hajj and had the verses of bara'a read by the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon
him) in the course of Hajj. Should the day arrive when the world of Islam and the Islamic
Ummah, does not confront ruthless enemies, if such an era should be plausible, then the
wisdom of "bara'a" would become baseless. Yet at present, when we are facing all
sorts of enemies by evil-wishers, being heedless of enemies and neglecting
"bara'a" would be a big error that causes irreparable losses.
If those recognitions are acquired, then the enemies of the world of
Islam shall also be recognised. Any phenomenon, person, government or system that may
strive to alienate from the Islamic identity, or causes discord and separation among them,
or makes them heedless of or indifferent to the struggle for regaining their glory and
dignity, is in fact engaged in an act of enmity, and, if not the enemy itself, it is still
the fingertip of the enemies. Satan, as interpreted from the holy Qur'an, is also a
manifestation of all evil and corrupt forces facing the ranks of the prophets of God:
"And this have we assigned a foe, for every prophet: Satans, of
men and Jinns " (6:112)
The fact that the names and designations of Satan have been repeatedly
mentioned everywhere in the Quran and throughout the period of revelation, goes to
prove that Muslim communities should never, for a moment, become heedless of the
designations and signs of the enemy.
Therefore, the most intensive endeavours of Satan, through the
political weapons of global arrogant, are focused on making Muslims despair of their
future and letting them forget the treasures of their own knowledge and culture. And for
this reason, any factor that may give hope to world Muslims to think of establishing
future for themselves on the basis of Islam, is violently hated and opposed by the global
arrogant The great Satan's enmity towards Islamic Iran springs from the fact that the very
establishment of this Islamic republic, and the running of a big country, with a sizeable
population and infinite spiritual and material resources, is a herald of Islamic dignity
and glory to all Muslims and keeps the flames of hopefulness alight in their hearts.
In the 19 years since the establishment of the Islamic republic the
whole world has witnessed the beacons of hope in the behaviour of Muslim nations, and,
with the passage of time, the efforts of global arrogant have faced more defeats against
the long, extensive ways of this Islamic event and thus Muslims have increasingly become
more hopeful.
The reawakening of the Palestinian people, their freedom struggle
inspired by Islamic slogans against Zionist usurpers, the awakening usurpers, the
awakening of the Muslim nations in Europe, and the establishment of the Muslim
Bosnia-Herzegovina (despite a systematic genocide and wanton blood letting of Muslims,
which was carried out by the instigation or cheerful violence of Europeans), the coming to
power of believers in the Islamic government in Turkey and Algeria through the usual
channels of Western democracy (though both cases were made abortive by the military
supported by the illegitimate powers and helped by the enmity of the global arrogance
towards any Islamic power), the establishment of a government based on Islamic principals
in the Sudan (which despite detrimental foreign interventions is, praise by God,
still marching towards full Islamic sovereignty), the revival of Islamic mottoes in many
Muslim countries, forgotten for many long years, and numerous other examples are tokens of
the deep and increasing influence of the birth of an the Islamic republic in Iran
throughout the Islamic world and Islamic Ummah.
And, of course, the enmity of the global arrogance towards Iran has
also daily increased and has become more intense and hateful. Today, after repeated
defeats of its military, economics, political and propaganda campaign and conspiracies,
the global arrogance has opened a new front: it is a new publicity campaign, it is based
on an accusation against the Iranian people and government and it aims at extinguishing
all flames of hope in the hearts of the Muslim nations. The message of this campaign is to
insinuate that the Iranian people regret their great revolution, the sovereignty of Islam
and the Qur'an and all their revolutionary slogans, and those in charge of the government
are turning away from Islam and the revolution. For evidence of this and as an example, it
is claimed that the Iranian government intend on establishing friendly relations with the
United States administration. The oft-repeated denials of the Iranian officials and the
frequent emphasis on their love for and adherence to Islam, the revolution and the late
Imam's (may his soul be blessed) policies, however, never the publicity machine of the
global arrogance and its political leaders, especially those of the imperial-minded regime
of the USA, from repeating their baseless allegations by different tongues and in various
forms and methods; the allegations which constantly blown up in their news bulletins,
international reports and analyses particularly those meant for the world of Islam.
At Hajj, the recognition of the enemy means the recognition of such
policies and their motives, bara'a at Hajj means revealing the enemies conspiracies and
declaring bara'a from them.
With their great revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, may
God bless his soul, and continuing his wise policies, the Iranian people and government
raised the honourable banner of Islam and Iran, and revived its dignity, national
independence and historical importance. By the blessing of its revolution, the Iranian
nation has put an end to the previous trends of Corruption scientific decay, moral
degradation, political despotism and American dependence; it has regained its vitality and
started reconstruction, it did rid itself from the domination of the servile, incompetent
dishonest corrupted, despotic and oppressive elements that ruled, and replaced them with a
people's government and caring, competent faithful and honest managers and officials; it
gained control of its God-given national wealth and resources which were plundered by
foreign elements; it gave a fresh life to its own creativity and the power of construction
which had deteriorated under dependent traitorous kings. It has now taken some long steps
in all political and scientific areas and is making up for some two centuries of lagging
behind; and for its future the Iranian nation is banking on its high morals, iron
determination, enlightened ideas and the experience gained during the last nineteen years.
Iran and Iranians owe their life to Islam and the Islamic revolution
and their great Imam. The Iranian people and government shall always remember this truth
and will never deviate from the lucid and straight path of the revolution.
Since about half a century ago, when the US administration began to
play a role in the Iranian political scene, they have only been unjust and committed
crimes against the Iranian people: they propped up the corrupt anti-people Pahlavi regime,
they helped set up weak and subservient government they imposed their will on our nation
and plundered our national resources. They wasted our national wealth through detrimental
oil deals and arms sales, they controlled the Iranian armed forces, they established the
Shah's security apparatus and instructed its torturers, they brought about many disputes
between Iran and other Muslim countries including the Arabs, they encouraged Corruption
and prostitution throughout our country, and helped the Shah to suppress Islamic movements
everywhere, and they co-operated with that regime and guided it in all its actions and
policies.
And when revolution came about despite the combined efforts of the
united fronts of darkness, unbelief and lawlessness, the US government did their best from
the very first days after the establishment of the Islamic Republic, scheming and plotting
against the revolutionary Iranian people, and obstructing the smooth running of affairs
and even invading it. In the course of the eight year war against Iran, they actively
helped the Iraqi invader, they blocked Iran economically, assisted the traitors and
fugitives of the previous regime, prepared a publicity campaign against the revolution
throughout the world, tried to sow differences between Iran and its regional neighbours.
The Terrorist activities, attempted to overthrow the new regime by the CIA mercenaries,
prevented Iran from entering into economic deals with other countries and carried out a
host of other damaging, pernicious acts in every possible field.
But despite all these adverse activities, the world knows, and the US
officials bitterly know, better than others that the American administration have failed
in most areas, and they themselves, rather than Iran, have become internationally
isolated, and Iran has, by the grace of God and thanks to the dignity and the power
acquired from Islam and the revolution managed to pull through, and then let the enemy
taste the bitter fruit of frustration.
Taking all these facts and truths in account how is it at all probable
for the Iranian people and government to extend a hand of friendship to an enemy who is
still, with a heart full of spite and vengeance and angered at its repeated failures,
striving hard to strike a blow at Iran and the Iranian people? How could we be deceived by
an adversary who, even today while smiling spitefully holds a poisoned dagger in his hand?
Certainly the Islamic republic has prove d that it is not after
creating tensions in his relations with other countries, and does advocate the sorts of
relations in his foreign policies that are based on the "three principles of dignity,
wisdom and expediency, it has shown that its main guidelines and criteria for such
material and moral relations are the interests of the country, respects for the dignity
and good of this great nation and maintenance of peace and security in the world's
political climate. Our relations with our neighbours and other countries of the world
including the European countries are clear, expressive, evidence of the policies. Our
unfailing efforts at brotherly dialogues with every Muslim country, some of which are
producing sweet results at present are there for all people of the world to see. Yet along
with all these doings, we have set it as a principal for us to reorganise the true nature
of the enemies, to be on our guard vigilantly and unshakingly; and for this reason we have
not been deceived by the worship of the tempters, and God willing shall never fall pray to
their satanic persuasions. In this light we shall never officially recognise the Zionist
enemy, that has set-up an usurped regime of occupation of the Islamic land of Palestine,
and shall never conceal our firm conviction that it is necessary that this regime of
occupation should be removed, and government consisting of the people of Palestine before
the united States of America, that is a great Satan, and the arrogant leader of the global
trouble and tensions, we shall always consider it our enemy, as long as it adheres to its
present places, and never, stretch out a friendly hand to it.
Dear brothers and sisters, coming here from all over the world of Islam
and at you Iranian pilgrims!
Do your best, with the help of the Almighty God to acquire the kind of
knowledge and recognition already explained, which will be your greatest achievement at
Hajj, to return to your own lands, enlightened by new recognition in those vital fields,
and turn them into new capital for your future and movements. Do, in this Hajj season,
retell to each other the afflictions imposed on the Muslims of Kosovo, which are a
continuation of the bloody episodes of the Balkans and another horrific experience as that
inflicted upon Bosnia-Herzegovina. Pray for the victory and the salvation of those
oppressed people, and take practical measures to help them. Pray for oppressed Muslims in
the other parts of the world find ways and solutions for them and beseech God's infinite
might and grace of the improvement of their affairs. Let us hope that all the pilgrims
shall return to their homes, their pilgrimage having been approved, and their hearts full
of spiritual, mortal and the political gains.
Was Salamu Ala Baqiatu Allahi Fi Ardhihi Wa 'Ajjalalahu Farajahu
Was Salamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullahl Wa Barakatuhu
Ali al-Hussaini al-Khameni
3rd Dhu al-hijjah al-haram 1418
12 Farwardeen 1377
Excerpts from Ayatollah
Khamene'i's speech to officials in charge of hajj affairs (4.3.1998)
Source: Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, in Persian 1104
gmt, 4 Mar 98
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate...
If Muslims were to observe once the social aspect of the hajj season
properly, one year's rituals would be sufficient to transform the entire world of Islam...
The hajj of today is very different from the way it used be before the
Islamic revolution. People today are moving forward with a purpose, and the word hajj
implies purpose and intent. This is something we must encourage. Our experience has shown
us that any ummah which ignores moral and spiritual values in the pursuit of its
objectives will not attain the material benefits it seeks...
It seems that the most important features of the hajj are the
following:
First: We should be able to make everyone understand how great and
efficient the Islamic ummah is and how much its influence has spread. This is our first
obligation. There are perhaps hundreds of millions of people in the Islamic world who are
not fully aware of the infinite magnificence, strength and greatness of Islam. As a result
they believe they are weak, impotent and lonely before the entity of global arrogance.
They should therefore understand what the world of Islam and the Islamic ummah is all
about.
Simple definitions and explanations are not enough. If anyone really
wants to understand the Islamic ummah, he should look at a small segment of this ummah,
namely the Iranian ummah. They will see that when this small constituent made a firm and
resolute decision, all world powers - and this is no exaggeration, as you are fully aware
- were forced to retreat in their military war against this ummah and had to admit defeat
in their political and economic confrontation with it. We are just one small segment...
The greatness of the Islamic ummah is such that, even today, if the
heads of the existing Islamic states were united in their rejection of some world economic
and political trends, no world power would be able to do anything about such a rejection.
If they were really keen to accomplish something, no-one could prevent them. This is how
great the Islamic ummah is.
Secondly, there is the issue of unity. You should promote this concept.
Of course we are not saying that unity should materialize this very minute. After all, it
takes time to translate words into deeds. However, today we see that divisions and discord
are still being advocated. We should confront this process.
We should make everyone understand that unity among Muslims is
essential for one hundred reasons. Moreover, it is possible and feasible, again for one
hundred reasons. This should be borne in mind not only by the clerics and orators, but by
every ordinary pilgrim in the course of his contacts with the Muslims of other
countries...
The other issue which needs a lot of attention concerns relations
between politics and religion. The task of separating the two has been part of the scheme
of the enemies for the last 200 years. The issue is very important indeed. Just the simple
repetition by you that in Islam there is no distance between faith and politics will prove
effective. Just keep repeating that sentence so that everyone can hear it...
The last point which I want to mention is about behaviour and morality.
My dear ones: When there is a social transformation, the last things which are subjected
to reform and modification are ethics and behaviours...
You could attract everyone who is yearning for genuine Islam. You
should do so by observing Islamic ethics of wisdom, forgiveness, kindness,
far-sightedness, humanity and benevolence. This does not mean we should not organize the
Disavowal [of Infidels] rally, just to demonstrate that we are kind and compromising. On
the contrary, one can observe proper ethics even in the course of an armed struggle... |
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