Internal and External Challenges in the Performance of Ayatollah Khamenei
Through what foresight and strategy did the leadership of the Islamic Republic manage domestic problems as well as external challenges and threats?
One of the distinctive features of the speeches of the martyred leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, especially during major public gatherings, was his deliberate selection of Qur’anic verses as the opening of his remarks. These choices were never arbitrary; rather, the selected verses always maintained a profound and meaningful connection with the contemporary issues of society and the central themes of his speeches, serving as guidance for listeners in understanding the circumstances ahead.
He would recite the verse: “It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith. And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.” (Al-Fath / 4)
This verse refers to the descent of divine tranquility into the hearts of the believers during the turbulent episode of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. This choice conveyed a clear message: just as God sent serenity upon the believers after those difficult events, calm and stability would likewise return to the country following its particular crises.
In his speech of 14 Khordad 1393 (June 4, 2014), the martyred leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recited two verses, each referring to one of the major challenges confronting the Islamic Revolution. First Verse: Safeguarding the Pioneers and Preserving Internal Unity “And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts any resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.’” (Al-Hashr / 10)
This noble verse emphasizes the creation and strengthening of an atmosphere of brotherhood, affection, and unity within Islamic society. It means that believers should desire good not only for themselves but also for all their brothers in faith, and cleanse their hearts of resentment and envy. However, this call for tolerance in no way implies turning a blind eye to deviations, legal violations, or conduct contrary to the Sharia; for other verses of the same surah likewise stress the necessity of standing firm against aggressors and those who break their covenants.
Second Verse: Steadfastness in the Face of Global Arrogance “And Moses said, ‘Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, our Lord, that they may lead people astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment.’” (Yūnus / 88) This verse recounts the supplication of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) at the final stage of his struggle against Pharaoh, after he had employed all means of guidance, yet Pharaoh and the arrogant elites surrounding him persisted in their pride and obstinacy. The term malā’ refers to Pharaoh’s dignitaries and inner circle, while zīnah denotes the adornments and ostentatious wealth that made them appealing in the eyes of the people. The expression “obliterate their wealth” signifies the destruction and nullification of their riches.
By reciting this verse, the martyred leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drew the attention of both domestic and international observers to Pharaoh’s defining characteristic—arrogance (istikbār)—and to its clear manifestation in the contemporary era: the government of the United States. The United States, which like Pharaoh lays claim to hegemony and, relying on its resources and economic power, exerts pressure on other nations while refusing to accept the truth, has over the past four decades engaged in various plots against the Islamic Republic of Iran: from supporting Saddam Hussein during the imposed war and planning coups, to imposing unjust sanctions, supporting internal sedition, conducting media warfare, and assassinating Iranian scientists.
Through the recitation of these two verses in that speech, the martyred leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outlined the roadmap of the Revolution in confronting two fundamental challenges. In the face of the internal challenge—namely division and the creation of rifts within society—he proposed internal cohesion, brotherhood, and unity as the solution. And in the face of the external challenge—consisting of hostility and the pressures of global arrogance, particularly those of the United States—he advocated steadfastness, perseverance on the divine path, and resistance against oppression. These verses remain a guiding light whose radiance continues to illuminate the path ahead.
Note
- This article is mainly taken from "چالشهای داخلی و خارجی در عملکرد آیتالله خامنهای" on Persian Wikipasokh.