1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:02,730 In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful 2 00:00:03,400 --> 00:00:07,230 و الحمدلله ربّ العالمين 3 00:00:46,600 --> 00:00:52,800 و الصّلاة و السّلام علي سيّدنا و نبيّنا ابي‌القاسم المصطفي محمّد 4 00:01:03,300 --> 00:01:10,800 و آله الطّيبين الطّاهرين المعصومين سيّما بقيةالله في الارضين 5 00:01:11,460 --> 00:01:28,330 Happy your Eid [al-Ghadir]; God willing, the Almighty God, through the blessing of this great Eid (festive occasion) and through the blessing of the memory of Mowla [Ali Amir al-Mo'menin (PBUH)] , 6 00:01:29,430 --> 00:01:41,530 will always illuminate your hearts with His favors and serenity and tranquility and grace 7 00:01:44,960 --> 00:01:54,360 and enable us to, God willing, 8 00:01:55,830 --> 00:02:04,460 take good advantage and take a really desirable advantage of this occasion and the likes of this occasion. 9 00:02:05,830 --> 00:02:15,000 Well, our meeting today began in a very good manner; the Quran recitation was very good, [and] poems, 10 00:02:15,760 --> 00:02:23,430 which they read out here,were very good both in terms of format, and in terms of content. 11 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:31,600 Your hearts are also overflowing with the love and compassion for Mowl-al-Mowahhedin (The Lord of Monotheists) [a nickname for Imam Ali (PBUH)] – 12 00:02:34,230 --> 00:02:47,160 May God’s Greeting and Salute Be Upon Him – and this very enthusiasm and this very love and this very sense of friendship and attention must, 13 00:02:47,530 --> 00:02:57,360 God willing, turn into a means, which would drag us in that direction that is desired by [our] Mowla [Lord]. 14 00:02:58,160 --> 00:03:11,530 One point is about [Eid al-]Ghadir itself. [The fact] that in some comments they have noted 15 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:18,230 that Eid al-Ghadir is the Greatest Eid of Allah and is superior to all [other] eids, 16 00:03:19,530 --> 00:03:30,130 what is the reason and logic behind this? Well, there are verses in the Holy Quran, which 17 00:03:30,600 --> 00:03:38,130 cannot be ascribed to any other issue apart from the issue of Ghadir. This very famous verse [of the Quran, which says:] 18 00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:44,360 اليَومَ يَئِسَ الَّذينَ کَفَروا مِن دينِکُم فَلا تَخشَوهُم وَ اخشَونِ 19 00:03:45,060 --> 00:03:53,260 اَليَومَ اَکمَلتُ لَکُم دينَکُم وَ اَتمَمتُ عَليکُم نِعمَتي وَ رَضيتُ لَکُمُ الاِسلامَ ديناً 20 00:03:54,360 --> 00:04:11,000 which is among early verses in Chapter Maeda [of the Quran], cannot be ascribed to any other issue, which would be comparable to the issue of Ghadir in terms of significance and importance. 21 00:04:13,530 --> 00:04:23,000 It is only such an important issue [as the incident of Ghadir] about which it could be said that “this day those, who reject faith, have given up all hope of your religion.” 22 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:36,600 Those who have been trying to find fault with the content of these verses [of the Quran] say things and have brought up [certain] points, 23 00:04:37,260 --> 00:04:44,500 [and] the opponents and those who do not accept the issue of Ghadir have interpreted this verse one way or another, 24 00:04:45,260 --> 00:04:58,630 but this part of the verse cannot be interpreted [in any other way]. Today is the day when enemies – [namely,] infidels – have given up hope of your religion. 25 00:04:59,100 --> 00:05:05,430 What has been added to the religion, which has made the enemy desperate? 26 00:05:06,730 --> 00:05:15,260 How important are basically those commands, which have been announced in this verse at the beginning of Chapter Maeda, both before and after this item? 27 00:05:15,860 --> 00:05:26,300 This comment has not been made about the [daily] prayers, has not been made about the zakat [a form of Islamic tax], has not been made about the jihad, 28 00:05:26,530 --> 00:05:32,400 [and] has not been made about any other of secondary divine commands that 29 00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:35,960 “this day those, who reject faith, have given up all hope of your religion;” 30 00:05:37,560 --> 00:05:44,500 so, [if follows that] this is a different issue; [and] is something different from these secondary commands. What is that issue? 31 00:05:45,100 --> 00:05:56,960 It is the issue of the leadership of the Islamic society, [and] the issue of the system of government and Imamate in the Islamic society. 32 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:03,660 Yes, they [Muslim rulers] may go astray – as they did 33 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:13,700 [and] for a few centuries, the Umayyad and Abbasid [rulers] and the likes of them ruled as kings in the name of Imamate and caliphate and the likes of these – 34 00:06:14,200 --> 00:06:21,400 [but] this does not harm the [basic] philosophy of Ghadir. 35 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:31,600 The story of determining Ghadir is all about determining regulation, [and] determining rule. 36 00:06:32,100 --> 00:06:40,800 A rule was made in Islam; [and] it was the Venerable Prophet [of Islam] (PBUH), who set this rule during the last months of his life. 37 00:06:40,930 --> 00:06:46,860 What is this rule? It is the rule of Imamate, [and] the rule of Velayat [guardianship of a religious leader]. 38 00:06:47,730 --> 00:06:53,760 Human societies have had governments from ancient times, 39 00:06:54,660 --> 00:06:59,130 [and] humans have experienced all kinds and forms of governments. 40 00:06:59,300 --> 00:07:08,600 Islam does not endorse these governments, [and] this form of being in power and wielding power, 41 00:07:09,430 --> 00:07:16,500 [because] it accepts Imamate. This is the rule of Islam, [and] Ghadir expresses this [rule]. 42 00:07:17,060 --> 00:07:30,130 Its addressee is also specified. Amir-al-Mo’menin [Imam Ali] (PBUH) is a person that nobody, neither at that time, nor in later times, 43 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:41,300 has been able to find the smallest fault with his grand personality and that he represents the concepts and knowledge of the Quran. 44 00:07:42,500 --> 00:07:52,930 Well, yes, they swore [at Imam Ali (AS)], just as they swear at God as well, [and] swear at the Prophet – God forbid – as well. Insult proves nothing. 45 00:07:54,600 --> 00:08:03,860 No human, when they start thinking, [and] when they give up [ordinary] sentiments and biases, 46 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:16,000 can ever find [even] the slightest fault – even partially – with this illuminated being and this divine embodiment [of humanity]. 47 00:08:16,130 --> 00:08:23,260 The Prophet appointed this [person] as the [highest] example of Imamate, [and] this became the rule [of government in Islam]. 48 00:08:25,130 --> 00:08:32,060 To the end of the world, anywhere that Muslims want and endeavor 49 00:08:33,060 --> 00:08:41,600 and be guided by God to realize [the true] Islam and materialize the Islamic society, 50 00:08:41,800 --> 00:08:46,930 this is its regulation and rule: they must revive Imamate. 51 00:08:47,300 --> 00:08:56,930 Of course, no other example will ever match up to those examples, who were specified by the Prophet, 52 00:08:57,900 --> 00:09:06,930 [and even] match up to lower [levels] than them. the greatest scholarly and spiritual and mystical personalities 53 00:09:07,730 --> 00:09:14,830 and our ascetic and ideological dignitaries, When compared with Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH), 54 00:09:15,160 --> 00:09:24,530 would look like that dim light, which one may see a small light at the bottom of a well; compare that with the Sun; 55 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:34,930 yes, it is [exactly] like that, [and]it is the same ray [of light], but how long is the distance [between these two]? How [big] is the difference [between them]? 56 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:46,160 Our greatest personalities, for example, a personality like our honorable Imam [Khomeini], which well, fairly speaking, was a perfect, 57 00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:58,130 great, grand, [and] overarching personality and was a prominent and outstanding personality from all viewpoints, 58 00:09:58,300 --> 00:10:04,560 if we want to compare them with Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH), [the result of] the comparison would be what I said: 59 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:13,030 [I mean, it is like when] you compare the sunlight with that ray [of light], which for example, is seen at the bottom of a well, or 60 00:10:13,530 --> 00:10:22,860 at the corner of that given dark place, for example, from the Sun or [another source of] light.The distances [between Imam Ali (PBUH) and other great personalities] are like this. 61 00:10:23,700 --> 00:10:32,300 Yes, these gaps do exist, but this is the regulation; it is the regulation of Imamate. 62 00:10:33,030 --> 00:10:43,960 The rule of governance and authority and wielding power in the Islamic society was made clear and founded with Ghadir; 63 00:10:44,560 --> 00:10:48,230 this is the importance of Ghadir. 64 00:10:50,330 --> 00:10:57,060 The importance of Ghadir is not just that [the Prophet] determined Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) [as leader of the Islamic society]; [of course,] this is important, 65 00:10:57,830 --> 00:11:05,100 but even more important than this is that they set the regulation, [and] set the rule [for the Islamic governance]. 66 00:11:06,630 --> 00:11:14,930 [Therefore,] it became clear that in an Islamic society, the monarchial rule has no meaning, 67 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:23,630 the personal rule has no meaning, the rule of money and force has no meaning, the rule of aristocracy has no meaning, the rule of arrogance on people has no meaning, 68 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:32,400 the rule [of those people] who seek privileges [for themselves] 69 00:11:32,660 --> 00:11:44,060 and [seek to meet their] excessive demands and [try to] collect [money] for themselves and add [to their personal wealth] has no meaning, 70 00:11:45,130 --> 00:11:50,400 [and finally] the rule of lustful people has no meaning; it became clear that it [the governance] is like this in Islam. This rule was set in Ghadir. 71 00:11:51,100 --> 00:11:53,360 When this rule was set, then 72 00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:56,260 يَئِسَ الَّذينَ کَفَروا مِن دينِکُم 73 00:11:57,400 --> 00:12:07,360 then enemies gave up hope about being able to change the course of this religion, 74 00:12:07,530 --> 00:12:18,960 because the course of religion [only] changes when that focal point, [and] that main nucleus changes; that is, the nucleus of power, 75 00:12:20,630 --> 00:12:29,000 the nucleus of management, [and] the nucleus of leadership; if it changes, everything will change. Yes, 76 00:12:30,400 --> 00:12:37,800 changes take place in the practical reality and people like 77 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:44,360 the caliphs of Umayyad and Abbasid [dynasties] rise to power under the aegis of Islam, [and people like the despotic ruler] Hajjaj ibn Yusuf [also rise to power], 78 00:12:45,460 --> 00:12:48,900 but these people cannot disrupt the regulation. 79 00:12:50,060 --> 00:12:58,000 Today, if people in the Islamic world, [and]those, who are familiar with the Islamic teachings, 80 00:12:58,700 --> 00:13:05,560 refer to the Quran, [and] refer to those regulations, which have been specified in the Quran 81 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:18,860 for serving truth and for the life and orientation of servants of truth – that is, nations – 82 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:29,330 [if they do this] it would be impossible to reach any conclusion, but the conclusion of the Imamate of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) and his progeny. 83 00:13:29,460 --> 00:13:35,360 This is our claim and we can totally prove this claim. 84 00:13:35,530 --> 00:13:43,200 Any person in the Islamic world, [including] the intellectuals, thinkers, those with a conviction, 85 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:52,630 [and] those who have been raised with a different conviction [than the Islamic faith] from the beginning [of their life], if they take the Quran 86 00:13:53,030 --> 00:14:02,830 and the Quranic values and the Quranic regulations for the life of human societies as the norm, they would reach no other conclusion than the fact that 87 00:14:03,530 --> 00:14:12,500 a person like Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) must rule the Islamic societies; 88 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:21,460 I mean, this is the [correct] path; [and] the [correct] path [is] the path of Imamate. This is about Ghadir. 89 00:14:21,630 --> 00:14:28,160 Well, when Ghadir is so important, then the meaning of that other honorable verse [of the Quran] which says, 90 00:14:29,130 --> 00:14:37,500 ياَيُّهَا الرَّسولُ بَلِّغ مآ اُنزِلَ اِلَيکَ مِن رَبِّکَ وَ اِن لَم تَفعَل فَما بَلَّغتَ رِسالَتَه 91 00:14:37,860 --> 00:14:47,900 becomes clear. [The Quran says] if you [the Prophet] do not proclaim this [God’s] command, you would not have fulfilled your mission. 92 00:14:48,900 --> 00:14:52,730 The Prophet has been struggling for 23 years 93 00:14:53,460 --> 00:15:02,830 – those struggles in Mecca, those struggles in Medina, those wars, those sacrifices, those [cases of] forgiveness, that strictness on himself, 94 00:15:03,430 --> 00:15:09,800 [and] that huge human guidance, which that Honorable One did, 95 00:15:10,230 --> 00:15:16,600 all of these took place in this period – [so] what incident and what development 96 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:21,860 is that, which in its absence, [as if] all these [struggles] do not exist, [because the Quran says:] 97 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:26,300 وَ اِن لَم تَفعَل فَما بَلَّغتَ رِسالَتَه 98 00:15:26,930 --> 00:15:33,330 This cannot be a few secondary commands; this is something far beyond these things; what is that? It is Imamate. 99 00:15:34,530 --> 00:15:43,030 Who is the first Imam? The Prophet himself. When in Mina [as part of Hajj rituals], Imam Sadeq (PBUH) said, 100 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:46,600 “Verily, the Messenger of God was also Imam;” 101 00:15:47,100 --> 00:15:49,600 [therefore,] the Prophet (PBUH) was the first Imam [as well]; 102 00:15:50,630 --> 00:15:53,000 “then Ali ibn Abi Talib comes after him” 103 00:15:53,160 --> 00:16:03,660 and then other [Shia] imams. After the Almighty God tested Prophet Abraham with all those tests, [and after he] 104 00:16:05,230 --> 00:16:12,000 went through all those difficult stages – he was thrown into fire when he was young; 105 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:19,700 then came to Babel and made all those efforts and worked hard in those regions where he was 106 00:16:20,330 --> 00:16:24,360 – [after all this] when he reached senescence, then God says, 107 00:16:24,500 --> 00:16:27,130 اِنّي جاعِلُکَ لِلنّاسِ اِمامًا 108 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:35,130 [God says,] now I want to make you the Imam. This is the [real] meaning of Imamate. This is conviction; 109 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:45,800 [this is an] Islamic conviction based on strong grounds and irrefutable arguments. 110 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:50,830 We invite the entire Islamic world and all thinkers 111 00:16:51,430 --> 00:17:04,500 [and tell them] that this unity, which the Islamic world needs today, can be easily realized through reflection on the verses of the Quran and deep thinking about these facts, 112 00:17:05,700 --> 00:17:11,100 [of course,] if those who are given to thinking and given to [study of] the fundaments [of Islam] follow up on these issues. 113 00:17:11,900 --> 00:17:19,800 Of course, their sentiments must not be incited from this side. 114 00:17:20,230 --> 00:17:29,030 Some people think that proving [the truth of] Shiism depends on 115 00:17:29,260 --> 00:17:37,000 one continuously swearing at the dignitaries, who are believed in by Sunnis and other people; no, this would be against the conduct of [Shia] imams. 116 00:17:38,260 --> 00:17:48,630 [The fact] that you see radio or television stations are launched in the Islamic world, whose main job is 117 00:17:49,130 --> 00:17:59,860 to insult dignitaries, who are believed in by other Islamic sects, under the aegis of Shiism and in the name of Shiism, 118 00:17:59,930 --> 00:18:05,200 it is clear that the budget [allocated to such activities] comes from the budget of the British treasury; 119 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:15,700 the budget of [such activities] comes from Britain’s budget, [and] this is the British-style Shiism. Nobody should think that promotion of Shiism and the Shia conviction 120 00:18:15,930 --> 00:18:25,400 and strengthening the Shia faith hinges on this insulting behavior and this [type of foul] talking; no, these [measures] backfire. 121 00:18:26,460 --> 00:18:34,330 When you insult [them], a [virtual] fence of anger [and] of sentiments is built around them 122 00:18:34,460 --> 00:18:40,660 and even the truth would not be tolerable for them. 123 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:46,830 We have many plausible things to say and many logical things to say, 124 00:18:48,360 --> 00:18:55,000 [and these are] remarks that would be accepeted if heard by any thinking person; we have a lot of [such things to say]. 125 00:18:55,300 --> 00:19:04,300 Let these remarks be heard, [and] let these remarks find the opportunity to infiltrate into the hearts of the opposite side. 126 00:19:04,430 --> 00:19:15,560 When you swear, [and] when you insult, a barrier is erected and what you say is not heard at all, [and] they don’t listen to it; 127 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:26,660 then wicked and dependent and mercenary groups that take money from America and the CIA and [the British] Intelligence Service – 128 00:19:26,830 --> 00:19:35,560 like Daesh and al-Nusra Front and the likes of these – take advantage of a bunch of ignorant [and] negligent laypeople 129 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:43,730 and trigger these conditions, which you have observed in Iraq and in Syria and in other places; 130 00:19:46,060 --> 00:19:52,000 this is what the enemy does. The enemy is waiting for an opportunity; [and] the enemy takes advantage of any opportunity. 131 00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:57,530 We have a true statement to make, we have logical things to say, [and] we have a strong statement to make. 132 00:19:58,760 --> 00:20:04,060 A small example of it was what I told you today. This is about Ghadir. 133 00:20:04,260 --> 00:20:11,660 [Next, I will talk] about Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). All the values and traits that a person 134 00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:20,930 – whether as a person who has faith in Islam, or as a person who has faith in any religion, 135 00:20:21,300 --> 00:20:28,200 or as a person who does not believe in any religion; 136 00:20:28,600 --> 00:20:36,830 [I mean,] any kind of human being – respects them and venerates them can be found altogether in Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH). 137 00:20:37,930 --> 00:20:47,300 I mean, Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) is a personality you would respect if you are a Shia, 138 00:20:47,630 --> 00:20:57,130 you would respect if you are a Sunni, [and] you would respect [even] if you are not Muslim at all, [if] you know him and study his life and works. 139 00:20:57,730 --> 00:21:04,430 George Jordac, who is a Christian, has written that five-volume book; 140 00:21:04,600 --> 00:21:17,500 There are also many people from among Sunnis, who have written about the virtues of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) over long years. 141 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:26,060 a Christian writes a book about Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) many years ago which is full of love. 142 00:21:27,360 --> 00:21:35,630 This very personality came here to meet with me and we talked about his book. He said, “Since adolescence, 143 00:21:35,930 --> 00:21:43,030 I had become familiar with [Imam Ali (PBUH)’s book] Nahj-ul-Balagha. Nahj-ul-Balagha guided me to know the personality of Ali ibn Abi Talib;” 144 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:48,660 [and then] he wrote this book [whose title is] “[Imam] Ali (PBUH), the Voice of Human Justice.” 145 00:21:49,660 --> 00:21:56,030 [Even] a person who has [faith in] no religion – I mean, who does not believe in any religion – 146 00:21:56,300 --> 00:22:03,630 when he comes to know the personality of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH), he would feel humble and bow before him. 147 00:22:05,900 --> 00:22:14,260 There are three groups of traits in Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH): one [group] is those spiritual [and] divine traits, 148 00:22:14,860 --> 00:22:24,460 which are not measurable for us at all by any scale. [They include] faith, that sublime [and] profound faith; 149 00:22:24,930 --> 00:22:33,430 being a pioneer in accepting Islam, [and] making sacrifice on the path of Islam. Devotion [is another of Imam Ali (PBUH)’s traits]; 150 00:22:35,830 --> 00:22:44,960 there is not the smallest factor apart from the divine intention in his actions; 151 00:22:45,600 --> 00:22:52,200 do we understand [this] at all? Can this state be comprehensible for the likes of me? 152 00:22:55,000 --> 00:23:04,060 [When] all deeds are for God, are aimed at [obtaining] the divine satisfaction, [and] to carry out the divine command, [this would mean] devotion. 153 00:23:04,700 --> 00:23:12,230 These [traits] are [among] those things, which cannot be measured by us at all, [and] cannot be correctly explained neither. 154 00:23:12,830 --> 00:23:20,960 [Another trait] is the knowledge and understanding of Allah; understanding of Allah. What do we understand about God? 155 00:23:21,460 --> 00:23:30,560 When we say [in our daily prayers that] “Praiseworthy is my Great Lord and I eulogize Him,” what do we understand of this grandeur, [and] what Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) understands of it? 156 00:23:32,100 --> 00:23:43,630 Understanding of Allah [is an important trait of Imam Ali (PBUH)]. These are a chain of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s traits, which are not really describable for us at all, 157 00:23:44,700 --> 00:23:55,030 [and] are not understandable. [Therefore, even if] they sit down [with us] and explain [these traits] to us, we would not understand their depth, so humongous they are, 158 00:23:55,260 --> 00:24:01,430 [and] so profound they are. These are [just] one group of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s traits. 159 00:24:03,860 --> 00:24:10,900 Another group [of Imam Ali (PBUH)’s traits] consists of his prominent humane traits. These [traits] are those things, which 160 00:24:11,630 --> 00:24:20,630 attract Muslims and non-Muslims and Christians and non-Christians and irreligious and religious human beings alike: [they include both] “bravery,” 161 00:24:23,830 --> 00:24:31,260 and “mercifulness.” A man, who fights in that way in the battlefield, 162 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:43,630 when he deals with an orphaned family, he treats orphans in that way, 163 00:24:44,130 --> 00:24:51,300 bends down, plays with orphaned children, [and] puts them on his shoulders. 164 00:24:51,860 --> 00:25:01,430 These are basically among those things, which have nothing to do with whether we are religious 165 00:25:01,660 --> 00:25:07,660 and in what religion we believe in order to show respect for these [traits]. Any human being 166 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:13,600 would feel humbled and bow down when they are faced with this grandeur. 167 00:25:14,500 --> 00:25:24,700 “Selflessness” [is another of Imam Ali (PBUH)’s traits]. Selflessness means to prefer others over yourself; it means forgiveness; it means that where you have a right, 168 00:25:25,360 --> 00:25:33,500 you would pass over this right – of course, [when it is a] personal right – for the sake of God [and] for the sake of an expediency; 169 00:25:34,530 --> 00:25:48,260 whether it is a financial right, a right related to your honor, [or] any other one of your [personal] rights. This is the meaning of selflessness. 170 00:25:49,930 --> 00:25:57,930 These are also another group of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s traits, which if one wants to enumerate, these traits will amount to a [complete] book, [and] will form a long list. 171 00:25:58,900 --> 00:26:01,930 [and] will form a long list. 172 00:26:03,500 --> 00:26:09,930 The third group of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s traits is governmental traits, 173 00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:17,360 which are the result of the issue of Imamate. Imamate means to rule in this way. 174 00:26:17,830 --> 00:26:27,330 Of course, it waxes and wanes, with its highest point being [manifest] in a personality like Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). 175 00:26:27,330 --> 00:26:36,000 What are examples of governmental traits [of Imam Ali (PBUH)]? [They include] for example “justice,” for example “fairness,” 176 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:55,500 [and] for example “considering all people on equal footing,” even those people who live in your society, but do not believe in your religion. 177 00:26:56,530 --> 00:27:06,230 When Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) heard that Busr ibn Arta'ah [a commander of the enemy army] went into the city and entered [the sanctuary] of families, 178 00:27:06,730 --> 00:27:11,500 he read a painful sermon [in which he said]: 179 00:27:12,400 --> 00:27:24,300 “I have been told that one of their men has entered [the house of] a Muslim woman and another one [has entered the house of] a woman of the book and took away her ankle bracelet;” 180 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:35,800 [Imam Ali (PBUH) says:] “I have been told” that these tyrant and oppressor and insolent forces [of the enemy] have entered the houses of Muslim women and non-Muslim women – 181 00:27:36,030 --> 00:27:41,200 “woman of the book” was [a title for] the same Jewish and Christian people, who lived in the Islamic society – 182 00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:47,760 and pulled off and took away and plundered their clothes, their ankle bracelets, their bracelets, [and] their foot ornaments. 183 00:27:47,960 --> 00:27:53,530 Then [Imam Ali (PBUH)] says that if a person 184 00:27:53,660 --> 00:28:01,430 passes away and dies out of sorrow over this incident, he should not be blamed. 185 00:28:02,300 --> 00:28:07,800 Look, this is the personality [of Imam Ali (PBUH)], his mercifulness toward people, [and] his sympathy with people, 186 00:28:08,060 --> 00:28:17,730 and that all the people. Well, Jews and Christians and others also live in an Islamic society, who are called the People of the Book. 187 00:28:18,360 --> 00:28:26,200 Well, these are among his governmental traits: “justice,” “fairness,” [and] “equality.” 188 00:28:27,300 --> 00:28:33,860 “Avoiding worldly attractions and mundane ornaments for one’s personal use” [was another trait of Imam Ali (PBUH)]. 189 00:28:34,500 --> 00:28:45,900 This is one of the scourges [which afflict most] of governments in the world. [This means that] because we have become leader of the country [and] financial resources of the country are at our disposal, 190 00:28:47,330 --> 00:28:55,130 we would be tempted [and say that] here is good land, here are good facilities, [and] here is big money, 191 00:28:55,960 --> 00:29:03,830 [therefore,] now [we can take] a share from these [amenities for ourselves]. Those people who are too vicious and miserable and infamous 192 00:29:04,030 --> 00:29:11,160 take everything for themselves, like Reza Khan [former Iranian monarch]. Those who are somehow fairer, 193 00:29:11,500 --> 00:29:17,860 give some of it to others, mostly to those close to them, [and] take some for themselves. 194 00:29:18,530 --> 00:29:26,300 This is among scourges of governments. [Even] these very democratic governments of the world are like this. You hear [about that]; 195 00:29:26,860 --> 00:29:35,100 the wife of that given president has traveled to that given island, which has pleasant weather, on a holiday, for example, in winter or summer, 196 00:29:35,400 --> 00:29:42,730 [and] has spent several million dollars! From what source [this money has been paid]? 197 00:29:44,900 --> 00:29:55,230 [Or] that given royal family has arrived in that given city for a trip, [and during that trip] this number of hotels, [and] this number of facilities 198 00:29:55,800 --> 00:30:07,100 were made available to them, [and] they have spent this [several] billion [dollars] – the figures are in billion – during 10 days, [or] 20 days, they stayed [there]! 199 00:30:09,330 --> 00:30:18,530 The government of Imamate is opposed to these things. Personal use of public facilities is prohibited; 200 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:24,460 [therefore,] avoiding [attractions of] the world for personal purposes [is a characteristic of the Islamic government]. 201 00:30:24,800 --> 00:30:31,360 “Prudence” [is another governmental trait of Imam Ali (PBUH)]. [It is necessary] for an Islamic society 202 00:30:32,060 --> 00:30:38,330 to have prudence in thinking [and show it by] separating enemies [from friends], separating friends [from enemies], [and] dividing enemies into a number of categories. 203 00:30:38,630 --> 00:30:46,560 Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) was engaged in three wars; these three wars were against three groups of enemies, but he did not fight them alike. 204 00:30:47,030 --> 00:30:56,660 [His] war with Muawiyah and [the army of] the Levant was one way, [while] the war with [people coming from the city of] Basra was another way. 205 00:30:57,100 --> 00:31:03,100 When Imam Ali (PBUH) fought against Talha and Zubair, he fought in a different way. 206 00:31:04,760 --> 00:31:17,900 There, he called Zubair and talked to him in the middle of the battlefield, [and] advised him [by saying]: “Brother, remember our past records; 207 00:31:19,560 --> 00:31:23,930 we fought so much along each other, [and] did many things along each other;” 208 00:31:25,700 --> 00:31:35,100 [and his advice] was effective as well. Of course, Zubair did not do what he must have done; he must have joined Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH); [of course] he did not do this, 209 00:31:35,330 --> 00:31:42,800 but left the battlefield and went away. His [Imam Ali (PBUH)’s] behavior in the battle against Talha and Zubair was like this. 210 00:31:43,660 --> 00:31:46,530 However, he did not deal with [the army of] the Levant in this way; 211 00:31:47,660 --> 00:31:53,900 what was Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] supposed to say to Muawiyah? Could he tell him that ‘I and you were together’? When they were together? 212 00:31:54,800 --> 00:31:59,760 They had stood against each another in the Battle of Badr. [In the Battle of Badr], 213 00:32:00,360 --> 00:32:07,860 Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) had killed his grandfather and uncle and many of his family and relatives; [therefore,] 214 00:32:08,360 --> 00:32:15,030 they had no [common] background with each other. He [Muawiyah] also took advantage of the same hostilities and fought against Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). 215 00:32:16,100 --> 00:32:24,630 Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) divided [his] enemies [into different groups]. In the case of [the Battle of] Nahravan, 216 00:32:25,500 --> 00:32:35,130 when [his enemies] added up to 10,000 people, Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] said, “Out of these 10,000 people anybody who switches sides toward this flag that I have hoisted, we would not fight them;” 217 00:32:35,300 --> 00:32:42,660 they came [to Imam Ali (PBUH)’s side], [and] most [of them] switched to this side. Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] said, “[You are free] to go;” [and] let them go. 218 00:32:43,230 --> 00:32:49,230 Yes, those who stayed and showed obstinacy and were prejudiced, [Imam Ali (PBUH)] fought against them, 219 00:32:49,800 --> 00:33:00,560 [and] triumphed over them. This means prudence in running the country; [which requires] knowing the enemies, [and] knowing the friends; not all the enemies are the same, 220 00:33:03,360 --> 00:33:09,630 [and this is why Imam Ali (PBUH)] went easy on some enemies. Some people did not swear allegiance to Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) from the very beginning. 221 00:33:10,660 --> 00:33:17,030 [His military commander] Malik Ashtar was standing over Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] with his sword in his hand. He said, “O! Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH), allow me 222 00:33:17,330 --> 00:33:22,700 to cut the head of this person who does not pledges fealty to you.” Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] smiled [and] said, “No, 223 00:33:23,030 --> 00:33:31,300 this [man] was bad-tempered and short-tempered when he was young, [and] now that he has got older, he is more short-tempered, let him go;” [and] they let him go. 224 00:33:31,830 --> 00:33:40,500 This is PRUDENCE. The highest [degree of] prudence is that a person who is on top of the power [structure] 225 00:33:40,500 --> 00:33:46,030 would know who he is dealing with and how he should deal with any person. 226 00:33:46,460 --> 00:33:54,730 This was one of the governmental characteristics of Imam Ali (PBUH)’s. [Another trait of Imam Ali (PBUH) was] “speed of action.” [He] did not dawdle, 227 00:33:55,730 --> 00:34:01,430 [and] as soon as he realized that this action should be taken, he took [that] action. 228 00:34:03,600 --> 00:34:11,060 “Elucidation [of facts]” [was another trait of Imam Ali (PBUH)]. He explained facts to the people. You look at [Imam Ali (PBUH)’s] sermons in Nahj-ul-Balagha, 229 00:34:11,060 --> 00:34:17,300 [and you see that] most of them are about elucidation of realities that existed in the society of that time 230 00:34:17,630 --> 00:34:25,930 – [and this is evident in] both Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)]’s sermons and in his letters – [because] part of Nahj-ul-Balagha contains [Imam Ali (PBUH)’s] sermons, [and] another part contains [his] letters. 231 00:34:26,260 --> 00:34:36,360 Those letters were mostly letters [written] to those people to whom Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] objected; they are either [his] enemies like Muawiyah and the likes of these, 232 00:34:36,530 --> 00:34:41,830 or were agents of Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] himself to whose performance Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] objected. It is like this most of the time. 233 00:34:42,660 --> 00:34:49,430 Some [of his letters] contain recommendations and directions and commands, like the letter to Malik Ashtar. 234 00:34:49,860 --> 00:35:01,630 In all of these [letters and sermons] he elucidates [and] explains the facts to people. This is one of the fields of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s work. 235 00:35:03,130 --> 00:35:10,730 The issue of “guiding the society toward piety” [is also important]. Among Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s sermons, 236 00:35:11,360 --> 00:35:19,830 there is seldom a sermon in which the issue of piety has not been addressed, [and the phrase] “be pious before God” [is frequently seen in Imam Ali (PBUH)’s words], because piety is [the basis for] everything. 237 00:35:20,260 --> 00:35:27,160 When there is piety in a society, all material and spiritual problems of that society would be solved; this is how piety works. 238 00:35:27,730 --> 00:35:34,600 [Of course, only] piety in its correct sense [solves problems, because] piety is not just averting eye contact with 239 00:35:35,200 --> 00:35:44,200 [men or women who are] strangers [and not a next of kin] or, for example assume, refraining from doing that given prohibited act; [of course,] this is [included in piety and] this is part of piety, but piety [in its real sense] is much broader than these [issues]. 240 00:35:44,600 --> 00:35:53,660 [What I mean is that] the real meaning of piety is to take care of oneself, take care of one’s moves, 241 00:35:54,030 --> 00:36:00,960 and make an effort to keep oneself on the direct road and the direct path; this is the [real] meaning of piety, 242 00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:08,430 [and] if this [kind of piety] exists in the society, all problems would be solved. Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) kept inviting people to piety. 243 00:36:09,630 --> 00:36:15,700 Look, this is the third part of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s traits, which are his governmental traits; 244 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:21,600 [and this is] apart from his personal traits, apart from those spiritual and divine aspects [of his personality], 245 00:36:22,360 --> 00:36:28,830 which are not understandable for us, [and] indescribable through our feeble and flawed expression. 246 00:36:32,700 --> 00:36:41,600 [Imam Ali (PBUH)] was intrepid in acting upon [what he considered to be] right; was intrepid in acting upon justice, 247 00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:47,700 [and] had no consideration [in this regard]; standing on ceremony did not exist in Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s life. 248 00:36:49,500 --> 00:36:58,860 The same person who tells Malik Ashtar let this person who refrains from swearing allegiance go, 249 00:36:59,230 --> 00:37:08,330 is [totally] strict in other cases, exercises care, [and] insists. 250 00:37:08,630 --> 00:37:16,330 This is the personality of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH); that is, an overarching personality, which really [is an example of what the poet says:] “You are too great for a small mirror to reflect your image.” 251 00:37:17,100 --> 00:37:22,960 We cannot see that enormous personality with these weak and disabled eyes [of ours], with this incomplete vision, 252 00:37:23,830 --> 00:37:32,130 [and] with these hearts, which are covered in illusions. 253 00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:45,430 However, well, we know and say something about that Honorable One [and give] a description of that Honorable One. This [unique] human being was determined [as leader of the Islamic society] in Ghadir. 254 00:37:45,660 --> 00:37:54,400 Well, now, what are we supposed to do? It is evident that we cannot live, 255 00:37:54,660 --> 00:37:59,860 cannot act, and cannot be [exactly] like Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). [Even] that Honorable One said himself, 256 00:38:00,200 --> 00:38:03,130 “Be aware that you cannot do that [and live like me].” 257 00:38:03,660 --> 00:38:12,960 Addressing his [appointed] rulers, governors, and provincial governors, Hadhrat [Ali (PBUH)] said that you cannot act in the same way that I am acting. 258 00:38:13,260 --> 00:38:18,830 We must set our sight on this peak. I have said frequently [that] this is the peak [of human perfection]. 259 00:38:19,860 --> 00:38:30,900 They tell you, “Sir! That peak is the goal, [therefore,] move toward that peak.” This is our duty to move toward the peak. 260 00:38:32,260 --> 00:38:39,960 Take these traits of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) into consideration, [and try] to move in this direction in proportion to our ability [and] in proportion to our strength; 261 00:38:40,300 --> 00:38:42,400 do not move in the opposite direction. 262 00:38:42,930 --> 00:38:50,330 Our society [must] move in the direction of [reaching] Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s ascetic life; 263 00:38:51,360 --> 00:38:57,660 [I do] not [mean] that it must become as ascetic as Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) was – because we neither can, nor have we been required to do that – 264 00:38:57,960 --> 00:39:04,400 but [at least, we must] move in that direction. I mean, we must distance from extravagance, indulgence, and vying. 265 00:39:04,900 --> 00:39:08,400 In this way, we would become Shia [and a true] follower of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). 266 00:39:10,130 --> 00:39:14,800 Our action causes people to believe in us. 267 00:39:15,660 --> 00:39:22,660 As [a Shia Imam has said:] “Try to be source of pride for us and don’t be a cause of shame.” 268 00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:31,400 He tells Shias to be “source of pride for us.” What does being a source of pride mean? I mean, how we must act so that when somebody looks [at our actions they] 269 00:39:31,800 --> 00:39:39,900 would say, “Wow! How good are Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH)’s followers!” The person who asks for bribe 270 00:39:40,460 --> 00:39:44,000 is not a source of pride, [but] is a [cause of] shame; 271 00:39:46,600 --> 00:39:52,830 that [person] who wants more [than his share] from the public funds and takes more [than his share], 272 00:39:53,100 --> 00:40:02,000 he is a cause of shame for Shiism; that [person] who turns a blind eye to bad things 273 00:40:02,600 --> 00:40:11,400 and does not feel any responsibility for guiding the society toward piety, this is a [cause of] shame for the Islamic establishment and Islamic society; 274 00:40:14,030 --> 00:40:21,130 [and finally,] that [person] who is given to extravagance in his personal life, he is a [cause of] shame. 275 00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:29,760 We are, unfortunately, afflicted with [these blights]; we are afflicted with extravagance, [and] afflicted with indulgence. 276 00:40:30,660 --> 00:40:41,160 I have been giving advice to myself, people, and others in this regard for many years; I keep saying, [and] repeating this; 277 00:40:41,700 --> 00:40:52,030 well, we must make a headway [in this regard and] reduce extravagance in the society. Our men, our women, our youths, [and]our elders [must give up] extravagance 278 00:40:53,030 --> 00:40:59,800 – [including] extravagance in clothing, extravagance in food, extravagance in luxuries of life, 279 00:41:00,430 --> 00:41:07,400 [and] extravagance in various ornaments and jewelry; or vying, 280 00:41:08,860 --> 00:41:18,130 which[one may say that] in this marriage [ceremony], [and] in this party, this lady has put on such clothes, worn such jewelry, 281 00:41:18,930 --> 00:41:27,100 [and] used this type of cosmetic and the likes of these, [and] I must not lag behind. 282 00:41:27,460 --> 00:41:35,660 These are the same grave errors and risks. It is these [errors] which ruin [people’s] life, 283 00:41:36,230 --> 00:41:43,960 it is these [errors], which foster injustice in the society, and finally, it is these [errors], which devastate the economy. 284 00:41:45,200 --> 00:41:50,060 A large part of devastation of economy can be attributed to these things. 285 00:41:51,460 --> 00:42:00,930 If a society wants to reach a point in terms of internal strength of its economy 286 00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:08,430 where it would be invulnerable, one of the obligatory steps that must be taken is 287 00:42:08,830 --> 00:42:13,900 to give up extravagance and indulgence and excessive consumption and the likes of these. 288 00:42:14,700 --> 00:42:21,830 Of course, there are many examples [to be mentioned in this regard, but] I have talked a lot about these issues and do not want to repeat the same statements. 289 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:29,330 With regard to water [consumption], with regard to bread, with regard to food, [and] with regard to all types and sorts of things that we consume, 290 00:42:29,560 --> 00:42:38,800 we see a high degree of extravagance and indulgence and unnecessary consumption and bad consumption and the likes of these, [and this is why] we must be careful about these [issues]. 291 00:42:39,760 --> 00:42:43,730 Most of these [corrective] measures are not for the administration to take, [because] they must be taken by ourselves. 292 00:42:44,400 --> 00:42:50,360 We, ourselves, [must take these steps] inside our families [and] in our own lives. This is [true meaning of] following Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH). 293 00:42:50,830 --> 00:42:58,400 [When we say:] “Praise be to God, who made us among those who make recourse to the guardianship of Amir-al-Mo’menin (PBUH) and his infallible progeny,” 294 00:42:58,400 --> 00:43:04,630 how is this recourse to [Imam Ali (PBUH)’s] guardianship? 295 00:43:05,600 --> 00:43:09,860 Yes, one part of this recourse to the guardianship [of Infallible Imams] is heartfelt, 296 00:43:10,530 --> 00:43:17,500 that is, you believe in [their] guardianship; this is both very good, and very necessary as well, [and] is also undoubtedly effective. 297 00:43:18,060 --> 00:43:27,160 But this is not the entire [scope of] recourse. [In this case,] recourse means that we look [at Infallible Imams] and these traits, which are achievable for us 298 00:43:27,260 --> 00:43:36,100 – that [high level of] selflessness and that spirituality and that knowledge and that understanding of God and that [devoted] worship 299 00:43:36,760 --> 00:43:42,430 and those wailings and that [high degree of] attention to God and the likes of these that are not possible for us [to achieve] 300 00:43:43,100 --> 00:43:46,560 and we lag far behind in these fields – 301 00:43:47,000 --> 00:43:58,230 [but at least] with regard to human traits, with regard to those traits, which are related to management of the society and government and so forth and [achieving these traits] is possible for us, 302 00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:05,100 [though even with regard to these traits] we cannot match up to that Honorable One and [even] lower than him, but [at least] we can move in this direction; 303 00:44:05,400 --> 00:44:10,160 [therefore,] let’s take these steps and then this could be called recourse to the guardianship of Amir al-Mo'menin (PBUH). 304 00:44:11,600 --> 00:44:16,700 After all, there is a lot to say. Dear brethren, [and] dear sisters, pay attention! 305 00:44:16,960 --> 00:44:22,430 Look, about the enemy and knowing the enemy and [the necessity of] steadfastness against the enemy and the likes of these, 306 00:44:22,560 --> 00:44:31,330 we speak a lot, say a lot, [and] also say the truth , I mean, these very slogans, which you and [other] friends chant 307 00:44:31,700 --> 00:44:37,600 and [what our] dignitaries and officials say that we [stand] against the enemy, [they] are [all] truthful, [and] are correct. 308 00:44:38,100 --> 00:44:44,660 I also know that there is the enemy, but pay attention [to the point] that the enemy sometimes 309 00:44:45,230 --> 00:44:52,000 takes advantage of our weaknesses without breaking a sweat. 310 00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:58,900 We must mend our personalities, [and] rectify [our errors] so that the enemy would not take advantage of our weaknesses. 311 00:45:00,330 --> 00:45:12,900 Today, our enemies have focused their attention on economic needs and shortages and disorders inside the country. 312 00:45:13,360 --> 00:45:19,000 [The fact] that I have been talking about the economic issues, [and] the Economy of Resistance and the likes of these 313 00:45:19,700 --> 00:45:28,660 during these recent years regularly [both] at the beginning of the year, in the middle of the year and at the end of the year, [and] keep repeating [these statements], is because the enemy 314 00:45:29,330 --> 00:45:33,760 has focused its attention on this specific point. 315 00:45:34,560 --> 00:45:38,960 [They want to] undermine the country’s economy, [and they want economic] situation of people to worsen, 316 00:45:39,730 --> 00:45:47,760 people’s pockets be empty [of money], facilities available to people be decreased, people’s money lose its value, [and] their purchasing power fall 317 00:45:48,800 --> 00:45:58,930 so that they would become discontent; this is the goal [pursued by our enemies]. [They want to] make people dissatisfied with Islam and with the Islamic establishment; 318 00:45:58,930 --> 00:46:08,000 this is the enemy’s goal. Therefore, they focus on the economy in order to make people’s situation worse, so that, as a result of their undesirable [economic] state, 319 00:46:08,200 --> 00:46:13,600 they would turn their back on Islam and on the Islamic establishment. 320 00:46:13,960 --> 00:46:21,400 Well, whose duty is to stand against this situation? It is a duty for all; it is a duty for the administration, 321 00:46:21,930 --> 00:46:28,630 a duty for the Majlis [Iran's parliament], a duty for various officials, [and] a duty for the entire people. 322 00:46:29,400 --> 00:46:32,360 We are all duty-bound, [and] we must fulfill [this duty]. 323 00:46:34,060 --> 00:46:40,030 Of course, the general movement of the country is, fortunately, a good movement. 324 00:46:40,600 --> 00:46:47,300 I know many people, many people who refer to me; they write letters, 325 00:46:47,960 --> 00:46:55,960 refer [in person], send messages, [and] present the work they have done and I spend time and observe many of these [works]. 326 00:46:57,200 --> 00:47:07,160 The number of young people, who are today working seriously across the country to reinvigorate Islam, [and] to promote religion 327 00:47:08,300 --> 00:47:11,830 is, thank God, increasing on a daily basis. 328 00:47:12,930 --> 00:47:18,600 These [young people] are those who, by the Grace of God [and] through the divine assistance [of God], 329 00:47:18,800 --> 00:47:24,100 will bring any enemy, including America and [the] Zionist [regime of Israel] to their knees. 330 00:47:46,660 --> 00:47:55,630 [The fact] that I say and keep repeating time and again in my different speeches that I am optimistic about the future 331 00:47:56,800 --> 00:47:59,830 is because of observing these realities. 332 00:48:00,960 --> 00:48:08,360 We have many good realities which can help us move ahead, 333 00:48:08,360 --> 00:48:15,000 [and] serve as the driving force behind the general movement of the society. [These realities include existence of] good youths, faithful youths, 334 00:48:15,860 --> 00:48:24,730 ready youths, [and] those [young people] who when it comes to presence in [various] arenas of struggle 335 00:48:25,260 --> 00:48:32,460 and defending the country and defending the religion, they shed tears [and request] that [officials] allow them to go and defend [the country]. 336 00:48:32,660 --> 00:48:38,430 [And] this is not limited to a few and scores and hundreds [of youths], [because] their number is too many. 337 00:48:39,400 --> 00:48:44,130 This is the same motivation, which will save the country, [and] this [motivation] must be strengthened. 338 00:49:06,700 --> 00:49:19,730 Well, you, who want to sacrifice [your life] why not sacrifice it for Islam? [Why] sacrifice it for the Leader; who is the Leader? Sacrifice [your life] for Islam, for this path, [and] for the goals [of Islam]. 339 00:50:02,630 --> 00:50:04,900 Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and His blessings