Culture Minister Highlights Love for Imam Reza Manifested in Martyred Leader’s Life

IQNA – One of the characteristics of the martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, was his deep love and affection for Imam Reza (AS), which was clearly felt in various aspects, both in his speech and in his actions, the Iranian minister of culture and Islamic guidance said.

Seyed Abbas Salehi made the remarks while addressing an event held under the title of “Iranian Epic of Imam Reza (AS)”.

It took place at the Vahdat Hall in Tehran on Tuesday, on the eve of the birth anniversary of the eighth Imam (AS).

Love for Imam Reza (AS) exists among all Muslims and Iranians of every religion, but the type of relationship between the martyred Leader and the eighth Imam (AS) was of a different kind, Salehi said in his speech.

The martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution had numerous characteristics, all of which are distinguished and noteworthy, but one of his characteristics was his deep love and affection for Imam Reza (AS), which was completely palpable in various aspects, whether in his literature, speech, or actions, the culture minister added.

Stating that the martyred leader referred to this affection in his speech, he noted, “(Ayatollah Khamenei) said, ‘Truly, the sweetest moments for me are those moments when I visit the holy shrine’ and he also said, ‘The illuminated shrine of Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (AS) is a source of countless blessings and is considered one of the greatest blessings of God, especially for me.’”

Salehi added that the martyred Leader also said in a meeting that he was honored to visit the mausoleum of Imam Reza (AS), noting that there is no doubt about his sincerity and the expression of his personal experiences.

Referring to the practical life of the martyred Leader, the culture minister stated, “If not the most important, but certainly one of his main speeches was the Nowruz speech that he delivered in a symbolic space next to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS). Also, his continuous official and unofficial trips to Mashhad, …, all showed the type of practical relations he had with this holy shrine.”

Salehi said Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei’s love for Imam Reza (AS) had three main roots; first, his father’s love for Imam Reza (AS) which made them stay in Mashhad, second, direct observation of Razavi miracles, including the healing of a blind muezzin, and third, cognitive recognition of Imam Reza (AS) as “the guardian of Iran's spiritual, intellectual and material blessings”.

He went on to say, “Imam Reza (AS), in the words of the martyred Leader, is the spiritual, intellectual, and material benefactor of our nation and our dignity. Iran, after Islam, has had a special bond with Imam Reza (AS). Today in Iran, in this special atmosphere where we are facing demonic enemies, we need the care and love of Razavi more than ever.”

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