Imam Mojtaba Khamenei’s Message on the 40th of Shaheed Khamenei

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

“Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, that Allah may forgive you your past and future sins, complete His blessings upon you, guide you to a straight path, and grant you a mighty victory.” [Quran 48:01-03]

Forty days have passed since the occurrence of one of the greatest crimes committed by the enemies of Islam and Iran, and one of the heaviest public griefs in the history of this nation: the grief of the heartbreaking martyrdom of the illustrious Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the father of the Iranian Nation, the Leader of the Islamic Ummah, and the guide of the seekers of truth in this age, the Master of the Martyrs of Iran and the Resistance Front – Khamenei the Great – may Allah elevate his pure soul.

It is forty days now that the exalted spirit of our martyred Leader has been a guest in the nearness to Allah, at the [divine] banquet of the Awliya [of Allah], the truthful [and righteous], and the martyrs. And simultaneously, or in the wake of that – a great multitude of companions, commanders, soldiers of Islam, and oppressed fellow citizens – ranging from newborns only a few days old to the elderly – have attained this immense grace [of martyrdom].

Forty days and nights have passed since Allah the Exalted called the guide of this Ummah to His appointed meeting. Yet this time – unlike what occurred in the age of Kalim-Allah [Prophet Musa (A)] –the companions of the martyred Leader and his Ummah were raised up to uphold Truth and confront falsehood, standing firm as immovable mountains against Samiri and his [golden] calf, and descending like [great] rivers of fiery molten lava upon the heads of the aggressors and Pharaohs.

For forty days and nights, the Arrogant Powers of the world have removed their deceptive and false masks, and have exposed their hideous and satanic faces of murder and oppression, of aggression and lies, of arrogance and killing children, and of despotism and corruption.

Yet against all of this [evil] – for forty days and nights – the valiant and honorable children of Khomeini the Great and Khamenei the Beloved Martyr, and the followers of pure Muhammadan Islam have shown their presence with exemplary resolve and courage in city squares, in the streets, and in the trenches of war.

And despite the damages and losses incurred due to the enemy’s savage onslaught, they have transformed the Third Imposed War into the epic of the Third Sacred Defense.

The aware and vigilant people of Iran – while showing the world that they bear the great grief of separation from their martyred Leader – have created an epic from their grief and have created battle cries from their lamentations; following in the footsteps of the direct inheritors of the Ashura of Husayn (A).

All of this has left the heavily armed-to-the-teeth enemy bewildered and desperate, and [on the other hand,] has drawn the admiration of the free people of the world.

And this time, the ignorance and foolishness of the Arrogant Powers caused March 2026 to mark the dawn of a new era of a rising power, and the ascendance of the name of Iran and the Islamic Revolution, and the raising of the flag of Islamic Iran not only across the territorial borders of our nation, but also deep within the hearts of truth-seekers throughout the world.

The Qualities and Virtues of the Martyred Leader

This occasion presents a fitting opportunity to offer a brief introduction to the illustrious Leader. We speak of a man who – for all his fame – was never truly known. All are aware that our martyred Leader was a jurist attuned to his time and possessed deep insight; a tireless warrior, steadfast and unyielding as a mountain. A Rabbani (Godly) scholar who practiced what he preached; a man who would constantly remember Allah, pray the midnight vigil prayers, humbly supplicate before the Lord, and a man of seeking intercession with the sacred persons of the Infallible Imams – Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all – and one who believed in the promises of Allah from the very depths of his soul.

Among his other notable qualities was his deep love for Iran and his unceasing efforts toward ever greater independence for this esteemed nation, alongside which he placed constant emphasis on unity of word and national cohesion.

He spent a lifetime striving for the establishment of the Islamic system and for its consolidation and continuity – and yet, in his view – an Islamic Republic without the people was meaningless.

For all his authority and firmness, he possessed an abundant measure of elegance in thought and in his approach to affairs. He paid particular attention to the capacities of the country, especially its youth. He greatly valued science, technology, and the progress that flows from them.

He held in special esteem and [high] regard, the greatly esteemed families of the martyrs and wounded war veterans, and the honorable self-sacrificing people.

He carried a wealth of valuable and accumulated experience in various fields – some of them spanning several decades – in addition to many other qualities besides these; enough to fill a long list.

In recent days, some media outlets have repeatedly spoken of his artistry, his knowledge of art, and his cultivation of art. While capable on its own of conferring great worth upon a person’s character – and it was certainly present in our dearly esteemed Leader in the truest and highest sense – this quality appears somewhat small when set besides the other elements of his being and the full measure of his distinctions.

I am personally acquainted with many of his talents:

One of his great talents – which receives less attention than it deserves – was the art of social nurturing, educating, and cultivating of vast masses of people and social groups via shaping the thoughts, spirits, and emotions.

Another one of his talents was purpose-oriented institution-building, which he especially undertook in the early years of his leadership, with his gaze fixed upon distant horizons.

Another one of his talents was his effort to strengthen the military structure of the country, the positive fruits of which the Iranian nation has come to know and benefit from, in the two most recent Imposed Wars.

Likewise, among his talents was the power of ingenuity and innovation across multiple dimensions – including scientific, strategic, and in policymaking – a glimpse of which is reflected in the formulation of the general policies of the system.

There was also his power to create meaning through the timely coining of words and novel expressions, each carrying and generating a wealth of meaning, from which a public discourse would take shape and come to life.

And among his talents was also one that was forged through the polishing of his exalted spirit via hardship, trials, and tribulations; born out of his patience and steadfastness on the path of Truth: the talent of foreseeing distant events, for “The believer sees via the light of Allah.” [al-Kafi, v. 1, p. 218]. And there are other talents as well, too numerous to enumerate in this brief account.

The Source of the Qualities and Virtues of the Martyred Leader

All of these talents and excellences had no source other than the special endowment of Allah and the particular attention of our Master [Imam al-Mahdi (A)] and his pure forefathers (the 11 Imams) – Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all. Perhaps what drew these endowments and [special] attention toward that great person (Shaheed Khamenei) can be summarized in his ceaseless and sincere efforts and struggle to exalt the word of Truth.

And yet – beyond the hardships of struggling against the treacherous apparatus of the Pahlavi regime – he benefitted immensely from another unique opportunity [presented] during a specific instance while on the course of fulfilling his duty; an opportunity which the general public is largely unaware of.

After years of sitting at the feet of eminent teachers, it was so ordained that this young Sayyid – intensely devoted to seeking knowledge and of course, eager for action – chose to abandon all the manifest prospects of scholarly advancement and a promising future in Qom, at the time when his noble father was on the verge of losing his sight; and trusting in the grace of Allah, he devoted himself entirely to [caring for] his father.

The divine favor that followed this act of selfless sacrifice manifested suddenly: Sayyid Ali Khamenei – before [reaching] the age of thirty – rose like a sun from Khorasan and was soon recognized as one of the intellectual and revolutionary pillars [of the movement], while simultaneously making remarkable strides in the traditional religious sciences – so much so that during the 1970s – the SAVAK apparatus called him “the Khomeini of Khorasan.” I must emphasize that the process of this great persona’s inward and outward ascent continued in the next phases of his life as well.

Now, in drawing lessons from the conduct of great men – and especially from such a figure – it is most fitting that we make the quality of sincere goodwill toward one another and mutual solidarity our own way of life.

For this quality, coupled with a constant gaze toward the vast mercy of Allah, marks a vital distinction between those who stand under the banner of Truth and those who have gathered around the banner of falsehood. Pursuing such a path will surely open the gates of Heaven and will bring down every kind of divine and unseen aid; from the descent of the rain of mercy, to victory over the enemy, and even advances in science and technology.

In these days, one repeatedly hears various groups of our dear people – quite rightly so and with longing – speaking about that unique individual of the era (Shaheed Khamenei); and gradually, more facets of the luminous gem of his lofty persona are coming to light.

Likewise, the resolve to emulate certain particular qualities of his eminence, is steadily becoming widespread. Among these, our dearly esteemed people have drawn lessons from his eminence’s clenched fist at the moment of his martyrdom, and that same clenched fist has now – for some – become a shared symbol of faith and conviction.

Thus, it is once again proven that the martyr’s influence surpasses that of a living man; and his resounding invitation toward Tawhid, to the pursuit of Truth, and to struggle against oppression and destruction rings louder, and his message penetrates deeper than it did in his [own] lifetime.

And the heartfelt wish of this martyr of immense standing – who was the prosperity of this nation and of all Muslim nations – has already drawn closer to reality than [ever] before.

The Victory of the Heroic Iranian Nation in the Third Imposed War

Brothers and sisters, fellow compatriots! Today, and up to this point in the epic of the Third Sacred Defense, it can be said with confidence: you – the heroic nation of Iran – have been the decisive victors of this arena.

Today, the dawn of the Islamic Republic’s emergence as a great power, and the descent of the Arrogant Powers into the [slippery] slope of weakness, stands revealed before the eyes of all.

This is without a doubt, a divine blessing bestowed upon the Iranian nation via the blessings of the blood of our martyred Leader and the other martyrs wrapped in their burial shrouds of red, through the blood of oppressed compatriots and the [innocent] flowers torn to pieces at the Shajareh Tayyebeh School of Minab, and in the wake of the intercessions and entreaties of the masses of the nation before the Lord, their Mujahid-like presence in city squares, in neighborhoods, and in Masajids, and through the boundless, selfless, and sincere sacrifice of the soldiers of Islam – with their lives in the palms of their hands – in the IRGC, the Army, the Law Enforcement Forces, the anonymous soldiers (intelligence units), and the guardians of the borders.

This blessing – like every blessing – must be met with gratitude if it is to endure and grow; “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” [Quran 14:07] The practical expression of gratitude for this blessing is a ceaseless effort toward reaching a strong Iran.

The Importance of the Continued Presence of the People in the Arena

That which is necessary at this present juncture – in order to reach the strategic objective and slogan of our martyred Leader – is the continuation of the presence of our dearly esteemed people, just as it has been throughout these forty days that have now passed. This presence [of the people] is a vital pillar of the [exalted] structure that the powerful Iran now stands upon.

Therefore, the announcement of an intention to negotiate with the enemy must not give rise to the assumption that presence in the streets is no longer necessary. On the contrary, if for example – due to necessity – the time has come for a period of silence on the military front, then the duty of every individual among the people – who is able to be present in city squares, neighborhoods, and Masajids – appears heavier than before.

Most certainly, your shouts in city squares will have an effect upon the outcome of negotiations, just as the astonishing and ever-growing millions-strong ‘Janfada Baraye Iran’ (Ready To Sacrifice Our Life For Iran) campaign is itself among the influential factors in this arena. By the permission of Allah – the Blessed and Exalted – through this active participation and its continuation, the horizon before the Iranian nation heralds the dawn of a glorious and radiant era, overflowing with dignity, pride, and abundance.

When our martyred Leader assumed the mantle of leadership, the Islamic Republic’s system was like a [young] sapling that had suffered many wounds inflicted by the enemies of Islam and Iran, but had of course, borne them all well, [with resilience].

[And] yet – after nearly 37 years – when he departed the seat of the leadership of the Ummah, he left behind a blessed tree whose roots are firmly anchored, [and] whose branches and leaves cast their [protective] shade over important parts of the region and the world.

The path toward achieving a “Stronger Iran Than Ever Before” runs through the unity of the different strata of society, a point he (Shaheed Khamenei) emphasized time and time again. A significant glimmer of this unity was realized in these forty days: the hearts of the people drew closer to one another, the ice between different segments of society with differing inclinations began to thaw; all gathered under the flag of the homeland.

And day by day, the number and quality of these gatherings continue to grow. Many of those who have not yet [physically] joined in these gatherings – are wholeheartedly in full accord with the crowds assembled in city squares.

These days, many are experiencing a civilizational outlook, they are gazing toward distant horizons, and are forming for themselves a vision that is not illusory, but rather, is grounded in the realities of the present and the future. This was a quality that – until not long ago – was only seen in a small number of people, at whose head stood the martyred Leader.

It is in this way that any observer comes to understand the rapid and near-miraculous [spiritual and intellectual] growth of this nation. And it is not without reason that in these days, the renowned sage of the age and the eminent jurist, when he speaks to you of this dignity, finds his words halted – time and time again – by a grief that rises and catches in his throat.

A Note About [Iran’s] Southern Neighbors, on Reparations for Damages, and the Blood Money of the Martyrs

At this point, I say to Iran’s southern neighbors: you are currently witnessing a miracle. So see it properly, understand it properly, and stand on the right side. And be suspicious of the false promises of the Shayateen (devils).

We still await an appropriate response from you, so that we may show you our brotherhood and goodwill.

[Yet,] this will not come to pass except through your turning away from the Arrogant Powers, who miss no opportunity to humiliate and exploit you.

All must know that – by the permission of Allah the Almighty – we will most certainly never let go of the criminal aggressors who attacked our country.

We will most certainly demand reparations for every single harm inflicted, the blood money of the martyrs, and the compensation owed to the war-wounded of this conflict; and we will most certainly bring the management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase.

We did not seek war, and we do not seek it now, yet we will by no means relinquish our rightful claims – and in this regard – we consider the entire Resistance Front as one unified whole.

Counsel to All Segments of the Nation

First and foremost, at this juncture – until we reach what is rightfully ours – let all segments of the nation strive to show consideration for one another so that the pressures arising from the shortages – which is a natural consequence of any war – weigh as lightly as possible on the different strata of society.

Of course, these shortages – which are in some cases far more severe in the opposing front – have been managed to a considerable degree by the grace of the efforts of your brothers and sisters in the government and other institutions.

Second, it is necessary to [carefully] guard our ears – which are the windows of the mind and heart – against media outlets that are either supported by the enemy or are aligned with them. Most certainly, those outlets are not the well-wishers of the country nor of the nation of Iran; and this has been proven time and time again. Therefore, let us either abandon engagement with them altogether – or at the very least – approach everything they present with the deepest suspicion.

Third, although the dearly esteemed nation will set aside its garments of mourning as the official period of mourning for the martyrdom of its illustrious Leader comes to a close, it will keep alive in its soul and heart the firm and unwavering resolve to avenge his pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of the Second and Third Imposed Wars, and will remain ever watchful for the fulfillment of this [revenge].

Addressing Imam al-Mahdi (A)

In closing, I humbly address our Master [Imam al-Mahdi (A)] – may Allah the Exalted hasten his noble reappearance: we stand under the banner of your excellency, and in opposition to the front of Kufr and Arrogance, with faith in Allah the Exalted, and through intercession with the Infallible Imams – Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all – and following in the footsteps of our martyred Leader.

And along this path, we have offered precious martyrs from all walks of life in the cause of the dignity and independence of this country and for the exaltation of Islam and the Islamic Revolution, and we have sustained other losses as well.

[And] now – with our whole being – we have set our hearts upon your eminence’s special Dua (supplication) for a decisive victory over the enemy, whether it be at the negotiating table or on the field of battle, and we hope that as soon as possible, both we and our enemies will witness its miraculous effect, Insha Allah.

And may peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.

Sayyid Mojtaba Husayni Khamenei

9 April 2026