Message of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, on Workers’ Day and Teachers’ Day:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The two days of the 11th and 12th of Ordibehesht (1st and 2nd of May) are days on which the status of the worker and the dignity of the teacher are appreciated. Apart from verbal and symbolic appreciation, which in itself is proper and correct, the progress of any country depends on the two wings of knowledge and action.
The teacher plays a role in the very first stage of achieving this goal. The grave responsibility of imparting knowledge, enhancing skills, and playing an important role in developing insight and shaping the next generation's identity rests upon the teacher. The pupils, university students, and seminary students who grow up alongside each teacher will, in the not-too-distant future, apply the skills and knowledge they have learned. Moreover, in their character, demeanour, behaviour, and speech across various arenas, from the warm circle of the family to the workplace, the streets, and lanes, they will, like a mirror, reflect the behaviours and words of their teachers.
On the other hand, the field of work is as vast as the country itself, extending from homes, offices, businesses, and mosques to farms, workshops, factories, mines, and many types of service occupations. To the extent that this wide arena benefits from the two elements of hard work and commitment, which are counted as pillars of every great success, the more and the better will the country’s progress be guaranteed.
The role of teachers and workers in the cultural and economic battle
We know that, by virtue of his commitment and excellent performance, a worker can attain such a station that, like the loving hand of a teacher and mentor, his capable and skilful hand deserves a kiss of thanks and gratitude. This, of course, is also expected from the laps of everyone's first mentors, namely, their mothers and fathers, and thereafter from the presence of the teacher.
Now that more than forty‑seven years of struggle have passed, the Islamic Republic of Iran has, by relying on divine grace, proven to the world a significant aspect of its impressive capabilities in military engagement with the enemies of its advancement and elevation. It must also not disappoint them on the stage of economic and cultural jihad.
Teachers will be the most effective link in the cultural battle, and workers will be among the most effective elements in the economic battle, so much so that one can claim that these two are like the two pillars of the two arenas of culture and economy. Therefore, it is necessary that they be well aware of the importance of their special position, rather than merely seeing it as a job for which they receive wages.
The need for public appreciation and support for teachers and workers
At the same time, it should also be noted that although proper and appropriate, annual or occasional verbal tributes, no matter how many times a year, are not enough. Appreciation for the efforts of these two groups must be deeper and more practical than that.
I believe that just as the dear Iranian nation shows worthy support for its country’s military forces by appearing in squares and streets, it is fitting that it also demonstrates strong support in honouring teachers and workers.
Among other things, the interaction between students' families and the administration of schools and universities should be strengthened further than before. Also, by prioritising the consumption of domestically produced goods, the people should support productive workers. Business owners, especially those whose businesses have been damaged, should avoid layoffs and workforce separations wherever possible, whether in production or service units. Rather, each worker should be regarded as an asset of that production or service enterprise. Of course, the honourable government should also support this benevolent act as much as possible.
Traversing the Path of Passage Toward the Peaks of Progress
Just as beloved Iran has emerged after years of effort as a military power, it will, God willing and by divine grace, also traverse the path toward the heights of progress and advancement. It can do so by outlining the features of Iranian‑Islamic identity and deepening it ever more in the minds and souls of the country's youth through educators and teachers, and by prioritising the consumption of domestically produced goods, which are the result of the efforts of hardworking Iranian workers. And this, of course, will take place more quickly and effectively through the benevolent prayers and intercession of our Master – may Allah Almighty hasten his noble reappearance. Praise be to Allah Almighty.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God and His blessings.
Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
11 Ordibehesht 1405 (2nd May 2026)