Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Friday Prayer Sermons in Tehran

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, seek His help, believe in Him, ask for His forgiveness, and rely on Him. We send blessings and peace upon His beloved, chosen one, the best of His creation, the guardian of His secrets, and the messenger of His messages; our master and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny; the infallible guides; especially the Awaited One on earth. And may blessings be upon the leaders of the Muslims, the protectors of the oppressed, and the guides of the believers.

I advise all brothers and sisters who are gathered for prayer, and particularly myself, to observe piety, God-consciousness, and to pay attention to what God the Exalted has commanded us for the happiness and reform of our religion and worldly affairs. If the speaker practices divine piety, God the Exalted will guide him in his speech; and if the listener and doer observes divine piety, God the Exalted will make his heart acquainted with truth and reality and will guide his strength and power towards achieving what is right and just. Piety is the source of guidance, relief, and the empowerment of human determination and will. Let us consider this gathering an opportunity to pay attention to piety. Piety is nothing but the vigilance of oneself; regarding one’s speech, actions, interactions, and decision-making. Let us be careful that in our decision-making, in our actions, in our thoughts and words, the will of Satan does not enter; this is what piety is. Whoever maintains this vigilance, God the Exalted will assist him. It does not mean that he will not make mistakes or that he will be infallible from sin and error; rather, God the Exalted will help him and support him. This is the secret of the necessity of paying attention to piety and the recommendation to piety in every Friday prayer. The Imam of the Friday prayer himself is in need of this recommendation. We all need to be advised to piety and to have our hearts reminded of this strong pillar of Islam.

At the beginning of this sermon, I find it necessary to express my gratitude to our dear people for the very great and magnificent rally that took place on the twenty-second of Bahman throughout the country. Contrary to the wishes of the enemies of this country, this nation, and this system, they showed that they are present in the scene and are interested in their own interests, and wherever their presence plays a role, they show up and create impact. This year, just like every year, the people demonstrated this on the twenty-second of Bahman. I must tell you that the rally of the twenty-second of Bahman is an unparalleled phenomenon in the world; no country has witnessed such a gathering in its large and small cities during any ceremony, and it is unique to you. The slogans are unified, the motivations are unified, and the understanding of the realities across the country regarding this great movement is uniform. This phenomenon is very significant; it has content and a message, and it shows that, firstly, the people are aware, alert, and attentive to their own interests; secondly, they are interested in the fate of the country, the system, and the revolution, and they are attached to the great teacher of the revolution - their great Imam. From generation to generation, they pass on and transmit these high values. In these great gatherings, the youth who were not alive on the twenty-second of Bahman fifty-seven participate today with the same enthusiasm and vitality as those whose minds are filled with the glorious memories of those days. This is important and protective for the nation. As a servant and a member of the Iranian nation, I sincerely thank each and every one of our dear people who participated in this great popular movement. We, the officials, must also appreciate this great phenomenon and respond appropriately to the sense of responsibility that exists among the people. This sense of responsibility weighs heavily on us.

In this sermon, I will speak a little about the revolution. Firstly, what was our revolution and what role did this phenomenon play and fulfill? Secondly, what is the motivation behind the enmities towards this phenomenon that continues to this day - although the enemies sometimes change? Thirdly, what is the tactic that the enemies of this revolution and this system employ? Fourthly, what is the remedy? These are the main points of my remarks in the first sermon, which I will try to present briefly, God willing.

This revolution marked the beginning of a new era in our history. For a long period in the past, we, the Iranian nation, suffered from despotism; the dictatorial and tyrannical kings held all the authority of this country; they considered the country their own and the people their subjects. In recent times - from the late Qajar era to the entire Pahlavi period - another pain and illness was added to this phenomenon, and that was dependency. The old kings, if they were dictators, were not dependent and did not obey foreign powers; however, from the late Qajar era and throughout the Pahlavi period, the kings were both dictators and dependent! This became a compounded illness of the political system governing Iran in the past. This despotism and dependency had many effects and consequences on our country and our nation. It was this despotism and dependency that kept our country backward; it handed over our natural resources and wealth to the enemies and prevented the intellectual and scientific growth of our nation, and we, who once were the flagbearers of knowledge in the world, became beggars of knowledge - even for the weak and insignificant remnants of the knowledge of others - and extended our hands in need towards others! They also gave us a little whenever they wanted; and whenever they did not want - which was often - they prevented us. Therefore, our nation, due to the shame of that despotism and that dependency, became a backward and weak nation. Our oil and other resources were taken away. For the future, they had drawn up plans that were far more dangerous than in the past. When one looks at the documents from the recent era of the oppressive Pahlavi regime, it is clear that they had very dangerous plans for the future of this country and this nation that, if implemented, would set us back another hundred years. The revolution came and cut off this trend, and a new era in the history of our nation began. The four main characteristics of the revolution, which are independence, freedom, self-belief, and progress, are the solid foundations that, despite all the oppositions and enmities, the revolution established in this country.

Independence means that the Iranian nation and government are no longer obliged to accept the imposition of foreign powers. Foreigners could do whatever they wanted according to their desires; if they sacrificed the interests of the country, the government would not say a word; if they attacked and violated the national resources of the country, no one would speak up; if the nation opposed, the government would strike them down! This was the situation we experienced with our own flesh and blood during the Pahlavi era. The revolution came and made the nation, country, and government independent. Today, no power in the world can influence our country’s affairs or force us to do anything. The officials of the country look and do whatever they deem appropriate. The nation is the observer and judge of the actions of the officials; if they approve, they stand behind the officials; if they disapprove, they replace them; the power is in the hands of the nation.

Freedom means that our nation elects the officials of the country within the framework of its own law - and not the imposed laws of others. If they are satisfied with their performance, they continue this selection; if they are not satisfied, they replace them with others. This is the most important branch of freedom in our country. Today, in our country, freedom of thought and freedom of expression exist completely; now, foreign radios may say otherwise; the nation sees for itself. There are those who do not accept the system, nor the government, nor the leadership; yet they speak and express their opinions; no one interferes with their work. Today, no one is held accountable by the authorities for having spoken according to their beliefs. Of course, they are still dissatisfied, and their dissatisfaction is because the people do not listen to them. This is no one’s fault; the people do not like them and do not have pleasant memories of them. The people have seen their kind and similar individuals from the recent past, from the beginning of the revolution until now; therefore, they do not trust them; this is no one’s fault. Thus, freedom exists.

Thirdly, self-belief. This nation, due to the Islamic revolution and the Islamic system, has achieved self-belief - meaning it believes that it can - this is what the Imam taught us, and the general atmosphere of the Islamic system brought this to us. Today, our youth, our students, our professors, our researchers, our industrialists, and our builders believe that they can. This self-belief has helped us in science. Today, we have made significant advancements in the field of science; however, we are still behind. No one should think that because we have made progress in science, we have reached our destination and that is enough; no, we have been kept very far behind; but we have progressed and have come a long way in these twenty-five years. According to statistics, during the revolution, our rate of scientific progress has been higher and greater than that of the entire world! A few days ago, when talented youth came to me, I mentioned this point to them as well. Self-belief in science, politics, and in defending the country has helped us. During the eight-year war, if we had not had self-belief, the father of this nation would have been lost, and this country would have been trampled upon. This was why a twenty-five-year-old youth was entrusted with an army; he would go, build, prepare, move, act, and accomplish great tasks. Today, this self-belief exists. Our universities are conducting scientific work today; our youth are making scientific advancements; in some areas, our scientific advancements have worried the world; this is thanks to the revolution. They do not want the Iranian nation and country to advance scientifically; they have explicitly stated this. A country that does not have scientific and economic progress will always be bullied by the powerful. Japan, which was under occupation and subjugation, gathered itself and made scientific progress. The Westerners, who are not inclined to look at the East and pay attention to anything other than the European race, are compelled to take it seriously due to scientific progress. In some political or political-scientific centers in America, they have said that they do not want an Islamic Japan to emerge! An Islamic Japan means you. They have said they do not want to allow the Iranian nation to show scientific progress. They see the movement of the Iranian nation; they see this self-belief; this is also one of the blessings of the revolution and the Islamic system.

Fourthly, progress. Despite what our enemies wanted and what they promote today, we have made progress. The meaning of these advancements does not mean that we have reached our goals. I have said many times, and I say it again: I, as a revolutionary cleric who believes in Islam and the revolution, believe that in many of our goals, we are still halfway there. We wanted social justice, the eradication of poverty, and comprehensive development of the country; however, we have not yet reached those objectives and are in the middle of the way; yet we have moved forward and have made significant progress. The revolution and the Islamic system accomplished these tasks.

These four fundamental pillars of the revolution have been achieved thanks to Islam and under the banner of Islam. If it were not for Islam, independence, freedom, self-belief, and progress would not have been attained; these were given to us by Islam; these are the blessings of Islam. Some oppose Islam in the name of Islam, some oppose the laws of Islam, and some oppose the spirit of Islam; they do not understand what damage they are inflicting on their country and its future. "One cuts the branch on which he is sitting." They want to cut the root of the movement of the Iranian nation. Fortunately, the power of this good tree and its resilience is greater than these words. In any case, some inflict wounds; however, they are mistaken.

What are the enmities? Some think that the officials of the revolution or Imam, may God be pleased with him, have created enmities; no, that is not the case. If you have a house that has been usurped by a powerful and tyrannical person for years, and then you refer to legal authorities with documents and stand firm to reclaim your house, it is natural that that usurper will become your enemy. You cannot be blamed for creating enmities; you have sought to reclaim your rights; this is not creating enmities. There was a table laid out for foreigners, and they did whatever they wanted at this table of plunder. The revolution gathered this table; it is clear that they will become enemies and harbor resentment and anger. This revolution revived hopes in the Islamic world and the Arab world. When our revolution triumphed, the entire Arab world and the Islamic world were in a state of stagnation, silence, and despair; the Zionists were advancing their agenda and had terrified everyone, and no nation thought there would be a door of hope open for them. Suddenly, the great door of relief was opened, and nations found hope. The Zionists thought they had consumed Palestine and that it was over. You see today that the Palestinian nation, with all its existence and strength, has come to the forefront, and despite the immense pressure on them, they still stand firm. This is not just a defeat for Israel; it is a defeat for America; it is a defeat for all the Zionist powers that dominate the world. An unarmed nation trapped in the territories of Palestine has rendered all of them helpless and miserable. This spirit of hope awakened the nation of Lebanon. During the days of our revolution, Lebanon was in turmoil; the Zionists did whatever they wanted with Lebanon: they attacked, killed, violated, and their planes flew in the skies of Lebanon as if it were their own country! In contrast, the Lebanese groups were at each other's throats. Near the victory of the revolution, a two-hour tape of the late Dr. Chamar was brought to me; I listened to it in Mashhad. He was in Lebanon and described the details of the calamities faced by the people of Lebanon. Now, the people of Lebanon have reached a point where they strike Israel in a way that no Arab government has done since the beginning of the presence of the Zionists in this region. Two years ago, they forced them to retreat; a few weeks ago, despite the Zionists, they freed several hundred of their prisoners and celebrated powerfully. If there is no hope in the heart of a nation, these things do not happen; this hope is what you provided. Today, this hope is evident throughout the Islamic and Arab world, which I do not have the opportunity to detail. The Iranian revolution revived the Islamic world. It is clear that when a revolution enters the field with these characteristics, those who benefited from the stagnation and weakness of the Islamic world will become enemies of it; even a living being like us will defend itself. When a nation is alive and has been opposed, it is natural that it will react. We cannot sit idly by while they oppose us - politically and economically - and say that we do not want to create enmities, so we will remain silent and not defend ourselves! This is not rational logic. This is the matter of enmities.

How are these enmities exercised? They do not explicitly say that we are enemies. They act enviously, but hypocritically. Our global and international enemies, who are in America and some other centers of the world and provoke governments, have had this tactic from the beginning of the revolution until today. Firstly, they try to belittle and demean the valuable achievements obtained by the Iranian nation. The Iranian nation proudly and honorably announces what it has achieved. We have brought a new experience to the world. We have established democracy not separate and alien from spirituality and religion, but rather completely rooted in religion and spirituality in our country. Today, countries whose governments and some of their parliamentary representatives speak of democracy and freedom, their democracy is alien to spirituality. As a result, wherever they have been able to, they have manipulated those democracies, contrary to the will of the people. Today, the President of the United States governs with less than twenty-five percent of the votes of his own people, and that too by court order! Democracy that is not accompanied by spirituality is like this. Then, with the claim of democracy, they extend their hand of friendship and brotherhood to the most dictatorial dictators in the world! Look at the dictators of the world and military coups! All of them are close friends of these so-called democrats and supporters of democracy and popular sovereignty. When democracy is not accompanied by spirituality, truth, and religion, it becomes like this. We have brought a new experience; we have taken democracy from religion; our democracy is accompanied by spirituality and religion; thus, it became religious democracy; it became the Islamic Republic. The people are proud of this achievement and defend it and take pride in it. The enemy constantly tries to belittle this achievement in its propaganda; as the common saying among merchants goes, they try to belittle the product. Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said to his student: If you have a precious gem in your hand, if the whole world says it is a stone, and you know it is a precious gem, you will not believe the words of the whole world. If you have a stone in your hand, and the whole world says it is a precious gem, you will still not listen to them; you see it is a stone. When there is a precious gem, if the whole world says what you have is worthless, you see it is a valuable commodity. Our nation has understood and realized this; thus, it stands firm.

One of their tactics is the issue of human rights, and another tactic is the issue of democracy. In England, when a member of parliament defends that young Palestinian girl, he is expelled from his party and parliament; yet they claim to support democracy and freedom! In the early years of the revolution, I mentioned the Irish fighters and a person named "Bobby Sands" - who now has a street named after him in Tehran. Bobby Sands died after fifty days of hunger strike in prison; the second person also went on hunger strike and then died; I think the third and fourth also went on hunger strikes; but these English supporters of human rights and supporters of strikes and sit-ins in other places just watched! This is the claim of supporting human rights by these gentlemen. Now, you see what happens in Palestine! They destroy homes, kill women, kill children; they do so right before everyone’s eyes, yet these gentlemen, who claim to support human rights, show the slightest reaction. Then they say we are looking for human rights in Iran! Does the Iranian nation not have the right to consider them liars and hypocrites?! Are they supporters of human rights?!

What is the remedy? The Iranian nation has one remedy, and that is the remedy it has pursued until today, which is steadfastness and adherence to its ideals and principles and presence in the scene. I told our dear nation that day, and I say it now: Great nation of Iran! Know that if your steadfastness and presence in the scene were not there, the Islamic Republic and none of the officials could have resisted for even a year. Keep your will strong and maintain your presence and unity. We see and know that the Iranian nation has acted this way until today, and after this, it will continue to do so; our nation is an exceptional nation. Alongside this, the officials must work with efficiency and awareness, with scholarly and compassionate efforts, to solve problems one after another and to complete this half-finished path. Both scientifically, politically, and economically, this nation must strengthen itself day by day; this is the remedy for the Iranian nation. Part of this work is in the hands of the people - who have acted and, by the grace and power of God, will continue to act - and part is the responsibility of the officials who must recognize their duties correctly and act accordingly. In this case, the enmities will no longer have an effect. Of course, foreigners will exert economic and political pressure, but it will be futile. In the short term, there may be economic pressure against the Iranian nation, but they also know that in the long term, it is both in favor of the Iranian nation and against them. These pressures have led the Iranian nation and our talented and capable youth to pursue scientific paths and discover complex and inaccessible scientific avenues; therefore, economic pressure has no effect. As long as you are present in the scene, political pressure will also have no effect.

This nation has made a great effort and a tremendous struggle; God the Exalted has also rewarded this nation according to His promise: independence and the Islamic system. God has decreed a good end for you, and God willing, you will reach this end.

O Lord! Day by day, send down more of Your mercy and grace upon this nation. O Lord! Make our hearts more loving towards each other day by day. O Lord! Do not withdraw Your grace from this nation and its officials regarding Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. Make the sacred heart of the Awaited One, may our souls be sacrificed for him, happy with this nation and its officials. O Lord! Illuminate our eyes with the beauty of that great beloved.

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

By time. Indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds. And blessings and peace be upon our master and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny; especially upon the Commander of the Faithful and the pure and chaste lady, the Mistress of the Women of the Worlds, and Hasan and Husayn, the two grandsons of mercy and the Imams of guidance, and Ali ibn Husayn, the Master of the Worshippers, and Muhammad ibn Ali, the Prophet's Knowledgeable, and Ja'far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, and Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kazim, and Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, and Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad, and Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi, and Hasan ibn Ali al-Zaki al-Askari, and the Hujjat ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi. O God, send blessings upon them and upon their souls and bodies, and resurrect us with them and make us among their followers, and send blessings upon the leaders of the Muslims, the protectors of the oppressed, and the guides of the believers.

Once again, I advise you, dear brothers and sisters, and myself to piety. Beyond everything, the word of piety is more pleasant, important, and effective. Wherever the sense and spirit of piety existed and entered the field, we succeeded. Wherever we failed, slipped, and retreated, when we investigate our actions, we find that it stems from our lack of piety. If there is piety, an individual, a group, and a nation will never be deprived of divine guidance and relief.

There are two or three important topics, the most important of which is the issue of elections. Elections are important for our nation, important for our friends in the world, and important for our enemies. This election, like previous elections, is a point of attention and scrutiny; both for our friends and for our enemies; it is also very important for our nation.

The importance of the parliamentary elections is twofold; first, because your presence at the ballot boxes is the most prominent manifestation of popular presence and is the backbone of the revolution and the country. Those who deal with news see that political centers around the world are raising their heads and saying that they are concerned about the elections in Iran and are following the issues of the elections in Iran; this is because of this. They look to see whether the people are present in the scene or not; if they are, it will not be like before, and they will not be able to do anything with this system; if the presence of the people weakens, then they will conclude that there is a gap between the people and the system; in this case, they see the way open for interference and domination and for once again laying hands on the country. Therefore, they are attentive to the elections. Thus, the first importance of the elections is that they are the fortress of the country; the presence of the people at the ballot boxes secures the fate of the nation and prevents the enemy from further aggression and audacity. In these twenty-five years, the enemies of Iran have pursued various paths to dominate this country and have all failed. One path remains for them, and that is to separate the people from the officials and the system; they have their eyes set on this path. All the efforts and propaganda they do and all the many words they say are for this reason; they want to separate the people. Elections strike the enemy in the face and disappoint them; they feel that the people are firmly and resolutely standing in defense of their country, borders, interests, and system.

The second aspect of the importance of the parliamentary elections is that by electing a representative to parliament, you are actually determining the fate of the country for the next four years. The parliamentary elections are a manifestation of the people's involvement in their own fate and that of their country; because parliament is the center of legislation. Law means a road that is opened so that the executive officials can move along that road and, with their efforts, develop and reform the corners and aspects of the country. This road opening is the responsibility of the law, and the law is established by your representative in parliament; therefore, parliament is very important. In addition, according to our constitution, parliament oversees the government. If the government acts poorly or deviates in any way, and God forbid, if there is any misuse or corruption, the center that can prevent corruption and deviation is parliament; see how important it is! This parliament is formed by the votes of the people. The more votes there are, the stronger the parliament will be. When you consider someone to be competent and worthy and send him to parliament, you have been able to apply part of your power in building and advancing the future; the importance of parliament is from this point. Therefore, for their own interests, the interests of the country, and the interests of the system, the people must not allow the elections to lose their grandeur and magnificence. Unfortunately, some individuals who have platforms - whether through pen or speech - and can speak do not realize what grandeur elections and parliament have; they have nothing to say or do that would discourage the people from participating in the elections and the voting arena; this is due to negligence and heedlessness; otherwise, every patriotic Iranian who cares about the dignity of Iran and the prosperity of the country and the fate of the nation should strive to form a strong and reputable parliament. Of course, the seventh parliament has an additional characteristic, which is that it must take the first step towards the twenty-year outlook. A twenty-year outlook has been approved and communicated to the institutions, which truly opens a very solid road towards a bright future under the feet of the nation and the officials. The first four-year term towards that outlook must be traversed by this parliament, and the first movement must be made by these representatives, which is significant. In the world, there are some who are interested in the interests of the Islamic Republic; among nations, there are some, and among governments, there are some. Some governments are also interested in the interests of the Islamic Republic for various reasons. Many nations, especially Islamic nations, are also interested. All of them are looking at this election; they wish for this election to be strong, enthusiastic, and indicative of the firm resolve of the Iranian nation. There are also some in the world who wish ill for the Iranian nation; they want this election either not to be held at all so that this popular support is taken away; or if it is held, to be very cold and lifeless. Two days ago, some representatives of the American Congress appeared before a few of their followers and instructed the Iranian nation not to show up at the ballot boxes! What clearer evidence is there for the statement I made to the Iranian nation last week that the overall strategy of the enemy is to prevent elections from being held in the country? The reason is clear; because if there are no elections, the country and the system will be without support; they know this; thus, they want there to be no elections.

Some European parliaments have also shamelessly intervened in this matter. Of course, their words have no significance; they can speak; let them speak; we also have many criticisms regarding their actions and we express them; it is not that we refrain from speaking; no, our officials also always express the weaknesses that exist in their actions loudly; therefore, we are not at all upset by their words and we do not expect more from them; but everyone must know - whether their governments or parliaments - that as long as the work remains at the stage of talking and speaking, we do not give it importance; but if it leads to interference in our affairs, the Iranian nation will give a strong response to all of them. The people and officials, according to their revolutionary and religious duties, will act according to what their interests dictate, with the same awareness and insight, by the grace of God. Of course, one sometimes observes that some institutions complain about each other, and sometimes they exaggerate the complaints. I do not believe that officials in such sensitive situations should complain and grumble about each other. We must look at what is in the interest of this country and this nation. In the last month or two, some enemy-pleasing actions have taken place. Of course, our nation was and is aware and alert; they understood what they should do and what they should not do; just as it was right, they acted; well done, you nation! But one feels regret to see that some people wish to do something that would earn applause from the enemies of this nation across the borders! This is a disgrace. If you see that the enemy is applauding you, look at where your mistake lies. The Imam said, "Woe to the day when the enemy praises us!" Well; when does the enemy praise a person? There were and are many commendable points in our nation and country and our Imam that our enemies acknowledge in their hearts, but they do not want to express it verbally. Wherever the enemy applauds someone and cheers for them, one must understand that they are making a mistake. Some were beating the drum for the cancellation of elections - of course, by the grace of God, they are not part of the nation; they are isolated - and even now, there are some who appear here and there saying that you should not participate, or we will not participate. This is wrong; this is not the right path. The nation must, with unity and consensus, do what is in its interest. I also absolutely disagree with those who say that if this or that does not happen, Islam will be destroyed; and some say that if this or that does not happen, the republic will be destroyed; no, this is not the case. In this country and in this system, Islam is accompanied by the republic. Our republic has been derived from Islam, and our Islam does not allow for there to be no popular sovereignty in this country. We did not want to learn the republic from anyone; Islam taught us this and dictated it. This nation is attached to Islam and believes in the republic. In the minds of this nation and in this system, God and the people are in harmony, and God the Exalted has granted this success to the people to follow this path. Some come and say that if we are not there or if this or that does not happen, Islam will be destroyed; some also come and say that if we are not there or if this or that happens, the republic and popular sovereignty will be destroyed; no, this is not the case. This nation, this system, this framework, and this constitution have been able to guarantee both Islam and the republic. Of course, when we say that enemy-pleasing actions should not lead to negative perceptions of the officials; no, the officials of our country and many representatives of the people in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and in other centers are interested and caring. There are small groups, and they exist everywhere, they may even be within our own ranks, and they may exist in the legislative and other centers; these enemy-pleasing actions are the work of a few individuals; therefore, the mind should not become pessimistic towards the large group of officials of the country - whether in parliament, in executive bodies, or in other places.

In electing representatives, the people must consider the criteria. When I look, I see that thanks be to God, among these candidates, there are a very large number of educated, good, capable, knowledgeable, religious, and caring individuals. Search among them to identify individuals, or hear from trustworthy and reliable people, and send such individuals to parliament for legislation. In my opinion, the most important conditions for a representative are that they should be religious, capable, caring, and courageous. If these four conditions are met in a representative, they will do what you hope and expect. A representative must be religious. Irreligion and lack of piety are bad; wherever they exist, they make a person vulnerable. If they are in a sensitive position, that vulnerability will be very costly. A representative must also be capable. Some are religious, but they are incapable of doing anything. They must be such that they can fulfill the duties assigned to them.

Thirdly, they must be caring for the people - especially the underprivileged classes - and think and work for them. In the previous elections - perhaps in the Friday prayer - I said that candidates should be careful not to become indebted to the wealthy and powerful. If someone becomes indebted to institutions and individuals and is indebted to money and power, they can no longer care for the people. Thus, caring is also a major condition.

The fourth condition is that the representative of the people must be courageous. This nation is a brave and free nation; it is a nation that the threats of the arrogant powers of the world do not intimidate. Therefore, their representative must also be courageous and not afraid; courage in the face of the enemy, courage in confronting falsehood, courage in accepting the truth. If you can identify individuals who possess these characteristics, go and vote for them; but if you do not know anyone, ask trustworthy individuals in every part of the country whom you can trust; they will introduce them, so that God willing, a strong, popular parliament based on the votes of the people can be formed, which can accomplish the great tasks assigned to it and, according to what is worthy of this free and great nation, God willing, satisfy and please the people, which will also bring divine satisfaction.

It is necessary to mention this point as well: In previous stages of the elections, various officials in different sectors have done good and great work. A few days ago, I mentioned some names of officials; I am also sincerely grateful to all of them now. There are further stages ahead, the most important of which is holding the elections and safeguarding the votes of the people. Preserving and safeguarding the votes of the people is very important. All officials should make every effort to ensure that the votes of the people are fully preserved and safeguarded; that a healthy election is held, and that no excuses are given to anyone.

I ask the electoral candidates to speak the truth in their campaigns and to tell the people what they can actually do and what they truly believe. Let the people be free to choose whomever they wish. In these campaigns, there should be no waste and extravagance. I believe that if someone avoids extravagance in campaigns and inappropriate actions for the sake of God, God the Exalted will help them and will grant them success in their objectives.

O Lord! Day by day, increase Your favors upon this nation; make the sacred heart of the Awaited One pleased with us; make the pure souls of the martyrs happy with us.

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

When the victory of God and the conquest comes, and you see the people entering into the religion of God in multitudes, then glorify the praises of your Lord and ask for His forgiveness; indeed, He is the Most Accepting of Repentance.

And peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.