TEHRAN - During a meeting with a significant gathering on Tuesday, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Iranian nation and Muslims across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Ghadir.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the Ghadir event as the bedrock for upholding Islamic governance and ensuring the perpetuation of the Islamic way of life.

As he pointed to some of the virtues of Imam Ali (PBUH), Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized, “We have learned the people-centered nature of the Islamic system and belief in the impact of each individual's presence on the fate of the country from our master.”

During the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution discussed the upcoming presidential elections, noting that these elections will be held 40 days after the loss and funeral of President Raisi, a poignant event that drew millions in a heartfelt tribute. Additionally, he expressed hope that God will grant glory to the Iranian nation in these elections.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the key to national pride in the elections lies in maximum public participation and the election of the most qualified candidate. He stated that “The reason for the insistence and emphasis on maximum participation in the elections is that the most important impact of a high turnout is that it brings honor to the Islamic Republic.”

While referring to the continuation of hostilities against the Islamic Republic from the moment of its formation until now, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution regarded the elections and high voter turnout as factors overcoming enmities. “People's participation is a part of the essence of the Islamic Republic. The most important demonstration of this is in the elections,” he added.

Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the belief held by certain politicians that progress can only be achieved by relying on foreign powers and the illusion that the US is the only path to development. “Those who are pinning their hopes on those outside the borders of the country do not see these capacities [within our borders]. When they do not see or understand the value of these capacities, they will naturally fail to make plans to use them,” he stated.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution underscored that despite facing hostility and challenges, the Islamic Republic has advanced with the help of God and without relying on foreigners. “The Iranian nation will not permit others to determine its fate in the future either,” he asserted.

The Leader considered the act of not relying on foreigners as a demonstration of valor and national independence. With these two components, he noted, the Iranian nation will showcase its capability, character, and power, and it will garner further respect on the global stage.

Elsewhere in his speech on the day of Eid al-Ghadir, Ayatollah Khamenei attributed the despair of the disbelievers to the continuation of Islam's political sovereignty in the light of God's command to announce the succession and Imamate of Imam Ali (PBUH) by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). “The continuation of Islamic sovereignty and politics, which is manifested in Imamate, is the continuation of the spirit of Islam,” he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei attributed the continuation of the Islamic way of life to the continuation of Islamic sovereignty through the concept of Imamate and Wilayah. “The goal of the 250-year-long endeavors and battles of the Imams – which some Shia scholars later pursued and continued, and in the present era with the endeavors of Imam Khomeini and the Iranian nation – was the sovereignty of Islam, in order to promote the Islamic way of life in society,” he stated.