Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting with a group of managers and officials of the Ministry of Education

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

I welcome the dear brothers and sisters responsible in education. It may not be an exaggeration to say that the most sensitive and important part of running the country is education. This is also a blessing that God Almighty has bestowed upon you, that your usual occupation in life is in the service of knowledge, understanding, and the upbringing of today’s children and youth - who are the future leaders of the country. In many places, a person can engage in work and earn a living; perhaps a living much more lucrative than what one earns in education; but this honor and sanctity is not found everywhere. For this reason, education is an outstanding point. Thank God for granting you this responsibility and ask Him to grant you success, God willing, to carry out this task as it deserves.

You are dealing with two groups that are both very sensitive sectors of our country and society and of any society: one is the group of children, youth, and students; the other is the group of teachers. When you nurture the young generation, you are actually training the human resources of the country. No country can achieve progress without having efficient, knowledgeable, wise, and committed human resources, even if it possesses underground resources and various wealth. The main wealth for any nation is its human resources. You bring this wealth from potential to actual; see how important this work is!

The other group that you, the managers and officials of education, deal with are the teachers, who are the continuation of the chain of prophets. Teaching should not be underestimated. You are dealing with a vast and large group of teachers who directly engage with the hearts, minds, and souls of our youth, and these very precious elements are in their hands. The main responsibility of education is to interact with these two groups as they deserve.

Regarding teachers, good efforts have been made - when I looked at the report from the esteemed Minister, I saw that activities and efforts have been made - but whatever is done for teachers is still insufficient. This effort is not only about livelihood - although the issue of livelihood is an important aspect that must be considered - but dignity and respect are also at stake. The dignity of teaching in society must be revived; as Islam has determined for the teacher. I do not think any culture or ideological or religious stream has valued and honored the teacher as much as Islam has. We must do something so that the teacher holds that dignity and value in the hearts of families and the people, youth, and students. Of course, this requires measures. Cultural work must be done in this area; just as investment must be made in the training of teachers, and individuals must be nurtured for teaching, with knowledge, commitment, piety, and revolutionary spirit as the true reserves and main components of their character, and these individuals must go to schools. In this case, the impact of the work of such teachers will be significant, and in such a situation, the dignity and respect of the teacher will be more apparent in the eyes of others. A knowledgeable and competent teacher, who knows their work, is proficient in the subject they teach, and is aware of teaching methods, gains dignity and respect. This is half of the effort that must be made. The other half of the effort must be spent on managing their lives. The same methods that Mr. “Haji” has written in that report for me should continue as much as possible for the government - which we do not expect more than what is possible.

Regarding students, I would like to say: education is a very delicate and precise task. Education is not merely about putting a collection of information on paper and giving it to the student to read; then determining a period of the year for them to come and take an exam; this is not true education. Education must be such that it builds the mind, activates the brain, and primarily instills a desire for knowledge in the heart of the learner. Those who study a field without enthusiasm will not achieve the effectiveness of someone who has pursued that field with passion and zeal. This is true in all fields of study; this enthusiasm and zeal must be created in the learner’s heart, whether in the foundational knowledge or in specific fields of knowledge - which you are supposed to lay the groundwork for from the middle school level - so that within them, this intellectual activity and mental engagement and this heartfelt enthusiasm, as well as the effort that your teacher puts before the student, will transform them into a true scholar. It is not just about “knowledge”; “education” must accompany knowledge, hence you are in education. The educational matters that have been raised since the beginning of the revolution, and I have also advised the esteemed Minister, and I am saying now, must be taken seriously. May God have mercy on Martyrs “Rajaee” and “Bahonar” who wisely activated this sector. This sector cannot be removed from education at all levels; it must be attended to. At least half of the work of education is upbringing and training. Therefore, you see in the Quran that the duty of the prophets is purification and education. Some have used the precedence of “yuzakkihim” in two verses of the Quran over “yu’allimuhum” to argue that purification is higher than education. It can be this way. At the very least, purification is alongside education; “yuzakkihim wa yu’allimuhum al-kitab wa al-hikmah”; and that is the education of the book and wisdom, not the education of trivial matters. This is alongside purification; therefore, purification is very high. Purification means upbringing. The treasures of the nation - that is, children, youth, and adolescents - are in your hands; no treasure is greater than this. If their talents are not utilized for intellectual development and scientific growth; or if they achieve scientific growth but grow up as morally and ethically deviant individuals; as individuals who are indifferent to all moral standards; who have no regard for the nation, the country, the people, Islam, the revolution, the servants and officials of the country, and their fate and history; no matter how knowledgeable they are, this knowledge has negative value; that is, the more knowledge increases, the more damage and harm it will cause; they will be the embodiment of that famous poem:

“When a thief comes with a lamp, he steals more carefully.”

Therefore, great importance must be placed on the upbringing of students as well. Of course, I have heard that it has been proposed in education to combine the training aspect with education so that the teacher also engages in upbringing in the classroom. This is a very correct statement; I also believe that a physics teacher, a biology teacher, a mathematics teacher, or any other teacher can, with a word and a nudge, have such an impact on the student’s mind and provide such upbringing that sometimes a book cannot achieve that impact; but this does not contradict the fact that the training aspect should remain solidly in education and be given attention. Of course, this should be developed and improved. Progress is always good. Stagnation and rigidity in any work is not good. We must progress; but the principle must be preserved.

The officials of education, from the Minister to the level of teacher and school manager, are dear to me in the true sense of the word. What I am saying is not flattery. Therefore, I would like to add one point to my previous remarks: if you want to be successful in your work, after relying on God Almighty and strengthening and solidifying your heartfelt relationship with the Sacred Divine, you must avoid entering into factional and party disputes - which some want to increase day by day in our country. This is the secret of your success. There are hands at work to incite people against each other over trivial matters and to create issues among individuals regarding various party and factional positions and sometimes group issues; this is exactly the opposite of “Indeed, the believers are brothers; so make peace between your brothers.” The Quran, after discussing “And if two factions of the believers fight, make peace between them,” says: “Indeed, the believers are brothers”; believers in God, believers in the religion, believers in the path of the prophets are brothers with each other. Two brothers may quarrel, but what is our duty? “So make peace between your brothers”; create reconciliation between your two brothers. The exact opposite of this is that some always want to stoke the flames of discord and conflict with factional divisions and party statements and create party loyalty (!). They cast doubt on the concept and meaning of loyalty, which is part of the main teachings of the religion and the Quran and is explicitly stated in the constitution, and create a terrible contradiction; but instead, they create party loyalty and this terrible contradiction arises. Keep yourselves away from these issues. Of course, everyone has their own views on various political issues, the political currents of the country, and the positions and statements of individuals. This is not a problem; one must have an opinion; I also always emphasize that one must be a politician and have political analysis skills. This provides security for a nation to understand what the political currents in the world are; that is, what they want to do to it, where they want to lead it, and where it should go and what it should will. These are among the necessary things for the nation, and fortunately, our nation is among the advanced nations in terms of political awareness; but this is different from factional divisions and positioning and political turmoil and disputes. Avoid this and focus on the main work that the future of the country depends on and is in your hands; you must be able to prepare this completely.

I would like to say a few words about the hostilities directed at the Islamic Republic. These hostilities are because the Iranian nation, thanks to Islam and the revolution, has sought to stand on its own feet, not to rely on others, and not to be submissive to the global powers with closed eyes and ears. The recent statement by the President of the United States for our nation and the nations of the world, especially the aware and politically astute, is very enlightening in such phenomena. They should see, take heed, and understand what the enemies, foreigners, and opportunists think about this nation. The crime of this nation is only what we have mentioned; because it wants to be independent and live on its own feet, outside the grip of domination of this and that - which is also thanks to faith in God - “And they did not resent them except that they believed in God, the Exalted, the Praiseworthy.” They want to take revenge on this nation. This statement indicates the confusion of the officials and politicians and political schemers of America in the face of this nation and this revolution. They are truly confused and do not know what to do. They are flailing about, changing their tone, and thinking they can use political tricks to deceive the collective thought of the Iranian nation; but it is all in vain.

The first point that can be derived from this statement is that the American regime - we have nothing to do with the people of America; the discussion is about the regime and power of America - has not yet lost its insatiable appetite for domination over this country. They are still thinking about maintaining their shameful and cursed twenty-five-year domination that began with the 28th of Mordad in 1953 and continued until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. They have not given up and are dreaming of the days when the ruler of this country - namely, the treacherous and corrupt Mohammad Reza - if he wanted to make a decision, would not do so without consulting the Americans! Even regarding a minister, a prime minister, and an international action, one had to consult with the American ambassador, and he would dictate what to do. Despite the claims of supporting democracy and the freedom of nations that are constantly issued from the lips and tongues of American officials, saying that we support democracy and popular governance and elections, their hope is still more than anyone else in the remnants of the corrupt monarchy. They have not yet given up hope of the corrupt and dependent Pahlavi dynasty and are still pursuing the same formulas. The talk of elections, democracy, and popular sovereignty that flows from their lips is among the words they do not believe in at all. Of course, we do not expect anything from them; they lie to their own people, so what can we expect them to tell the truth to the Iranian nation?

The second point that is noteworthy in this statement is the same gross mistakes they have always tried to create divisions among the main elements in our country. It seems that their security and espionage methods and other tricks have not worked and have backfired. Therefore, they have involved their president in the matter to come and distinguish between the elements managing the country and say we accept this part, we do not accept that part. As if the Iranian nation is sitting and waiting to see who they accept and who they do not accept! Of course, they are lying; those they say they accept, they do not accept; otherwise, if the Iranian nation truly knows that they are seriously pursuing to bring certain individuals and factions to power in the country, they will oppose that faction even if they are not against it, just out of spite. Of course, this trick has not worked and will not work. Our esteemed president has hit back at the American president in his stance. Various factions in the country, despite having differences on various issues, all spoke with one voice on this matter; they all told the Americans: “Mind your own business! Interference is prohibited!” They stood against this statement in our internal affairs! God willing, on Friday, the people will show a display of unity that will further regret the Americans. God willing, you will see that on that day, people from all factions will come out and march. Both officials and various political factions, as well as the general public, have stood against this statement, and this is the expectation.

Another point is that they talk about friendship with the people and love for nations! This part of the issue really requires a lot of audacity. Americans commit crimes in various countries around the world, the latest of which is in Afghanistan. Apart from the atrocities and crimes they committed during the attack on Afghanistan in the name of fighting the Taliban or a specific group, they continue to create disasters regularly; they bomb, kill dozens, injure more than a hundred; and then they say it was a mistake, but we do not apologize! They bomb a caravan of people heading to participate in their political ceremonies in Kabul, and then they say we thought they were part of a group coming for sabotage! This is their love for the people. The atrocities they commit in Palestine are such that we have seen less of it even during the colonial era. This massacre and disaster in Palestine - in which America is undoubtedly a definite partner - is less seen even in the dark days of direct colonialism. In many places, there was direct colonialism - India, Algeria, and other countries - but what today the savage Zionists, devoid of humanity and ethical and human concepts, are doing to the people of Palestine is beyond all of this. Undoubtedly, at least half of these atrocities are related to the Americans; the burden of these atrocities lies on the Americans; they are the ones who encourage them; they are the ones who constantly give rights to these people and declare that we support them. In such circumstances, the President of the United States, who is practically at the head of the sedition - of course, we do not know how much he influences the behind-the-scenes policies of America - comes and talks about love for the people and concern for their progress! This truly requires audacity.

Another point is that he says the people of Iran desire progress and advancement. There is no doubt about this, and they work hard. The people and officials of Iran after the revolution have seen the field open for progress and advancement and are striving; but it is you who do not want it; you, who are the enemies of the Iranian nation, cannot tolerate this progress at all; hence, you create obstacles. Look at the international scene and in the fields of economics, politics, and security, how much the regime of the United States has conspired against the Iranian nation and its popular system. He says the Iranian nation wants progress like other nations of the world. Yes; they want progress. But it is not just that; the Iranian nation, like most nations of the world, detests you; this is also a reality. A month or two ago, polls were published; it became clear that in Islamic countries and the countries of Asia and the Middle East, the most hated governments in the eyes of the people are the American government. This is not just specific to the Iranian nation; the Iranian nation shares this hatred with other countries. You see, there was a time when only in Iran did they burn the American flag or the effigy of the American president or any American symbol; but today, where in the world do they not do this? Even in Europe and Asian countries, they have burned the American flag. You are infamous in the world. The international dictatorial and oppressive regime of America is infamous and hated in the world; this expression of hatred is not specific to the Iranian nation. Of course, many nations do not dare to do so; because some governments prevent them. The Iranian nation and government, thanks to God, are brave; therefore, they freely and without any restrictions express their feelings against America and have made “Death to America” one of their main slogans.

The American president claims to support a faction called reformists in Iran. You are lying! First of all, you do not support any faction that believes in the revolution. Secondly, you do not support reform at all. Any reform that is to take place in this country will certainly be against the will of the dictatorial, oppressive, and dominating regime of America. Thirdly, if there is anything called reforms that you write the prescription for the Iranian people, they will consider these reforms as American reforms and throw them in the trash. The greatest reform movement in this country was carried out by the Islamic revolution and the esteemed Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) of this nation. Today, any movement that strengthens the foundations of the revolution and implements our progressive and modern constitution will undoubtedly be a reform movement, and the people will support it. Any action that is scientifically, religiously, practically, ethically, socially, and politically in the direction of the advancement of the Iranian people is a reform movement, and the people will support it.

The essence of reforms is that we fight against poverty, corruption, and discrimination. Any reforms - if they are truly reforms - revolve around this. The worst corruptions in society are the spread of poverty and the increasing gap between the rich and the poor. The worst corruptions in society are when individuals become financially and economically corrupt and feed off the public treasury for personal gain and to fill their own pockets. The greatest corruptions are when there is discrimination in the implementation and enforcement of laws in society and the merits, qualifications, and capabilities of individuals are not taken into account. The same poverty, corruption, and discrimination that we have repeatedly mentioned, the people have confirmed that fighting against these is the real reforms. This is what the people want; but the Americans do not want this; the American president does not want such a thing at all within the country.

What is important today in facing these hostilities for the Iranian nation is, first and foremost, brotherhood and unity. They should minimize these differences as much as they can; leave the people in the hope and love they have for the Islamic system, and do not undermine their hope. Unfortunately, some create conditions for the enemy to feel hopeful. The American president thought that on the 18th of Tir, there would be an uprising against the Islamic system in Tehran; but our students, with their awareness, dashed the enemy's hopes. In our country, the students and their officials are aware. The entire nation, with their awareness, does not allow the enemy to take advantage. The enemy has misunderstood badly.

Dear brothers and sisters! What will preserve the strength of this nation is unity around the axis of faith and revolution; this is what discourages the enemy. They think we are seeking weapons of mass destruction and pursuing nuclear weapons and such things to strengthen our system. They are mistaken; this is also a wrong analysis and incorrect information. We know that what cannot be overcome even by nuclear bombs is a determined, motivated, faithful, united, and cohesive nation; this is what no one can overcome and dominate, otherwise, has there been little enmity against us from the beginning of the revolution until now? Have we had nuclear bombs from the beginning of the revolution until now? What has preserved the dignity and identity of this nation; has made the Islamic system proud and the name of the Imam eternal, is the faith and resolute determination of these people and their steadfastness, unity, and cohesion. Let not some commit certain naive and ill-considered actions and make some ill-considered statements and take some ill-considered positions that would discourage the people! If there is a weakness in a certain institution, do not immediately question the Islamic system as to why this weakness exists in this institution. Institutions, governments, and working groups have good work; they also have mistakes and errors and bad work that must be corrected; what does this have to do with the composition and geometry of the Islamic system that some make ill-considered statements? Many times in these ill-considered statements, there is no malice; rather, there is ignorance; ignorance that the enemy takes advantage of. This “ignorant friend” that exists in our literature and poetry is exactly this. They may be friends, but they are ignorant. They say something that questions the Islamic system; they say something that discourages the people regarding their future; why at all?! These lively, hopeful, and capable people who have overcome so many obstacles can reach the summit; why do you discourage them?! If even the strongest climbers are told in the middle of the way that your back will break, your leg will break, your head will break, your eye will go blind, you cannot do it, and you will slip, it will indeed make them hesitant.

Why should the Iranian nation be made hesitant in pursuing the path of dignity, honor, and elevation that it has taken?! So many dedicated and caring officials are working hard; the vast body of officials at various levels are striving; how many acts of sincerity exist that I and those like me are too small to comprehend this sincerity and dedicated work; only God knows. To overlook all of this and draw a line through it and question the entire system! These are the things that God Almighty must protect a person from certain slips. One must ask God not to let one fall into error. The higher a person is, the more dangerous their slip is. Be good and kind to each other; have good thoughts about each other; have good thoughts about the officials of the system. We said we would fight against corruption - this is a clear point in the system - but some want to turn this into a dark point and say that corruption has taken over everywhere. No, sir! Corruption has not taken over everywhere. We must fight against even minor corruption - wherever it exists - it may be that a newspaper highlights a case of corruption; is there corruption everywhere? Corruption exists in some corners. Humans have slips and commit sins; we must fight against this sin. We are guilty when we do not fight against corruption - even if it is minor - because it will spread. Fighting against corruption is necessary; but discouraging the people by saying that corruption has taken over everywhere is a clear error and a result of ignorance and deception by those who one knows are not malicious; the malicious have their own place.

We ask God Almighty to increase His attention to this great nation day by day. We ask God Almighty to include the prayer of the Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him) for this great nation and to grant the prayers of that great one and the supplications of the righteous and good people for the serving officials and this great nation.

O Lord! Grant us all the success to serve the religion, the revolution, and this nation. O Lord! Defeat and humiliate the enemies of this nation. O Lord! Those who wish ill for this nation and this country and revolution, if they are worthy of guidance, guide them; otherwise, remove them from the path of this nation.

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