Messages from Grand Ayatollahs on Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s election as new Leader

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei's election as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution has been widely welcomed by the top clergy.

Following the election of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution, prominent members of the country’s clergy have issued statements welcoming his election and pledging their full support to him.

Those who have issued statements so far include Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli, Grand Ayatollah Noori Hamadani, Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani, Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Taqi al-Modarres, Ayatollah Shuberi Zanjani, Ayatollah Mazahari and others.

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi:

Praise be to God. The Assembly of Experts in this critical period, with a timely decision, fulfilled its religious and legal duty. This Council, after reviewing the criteria, elected Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may God preserve him) as the third leader of the Islamic Revolution, thus fulfilling its responsibility.

Now is the time for the dear people (of Iran) and the pillars of the Islamic Republic system to continue the bright path of the Revolution with unity and perseverance until the final victory, by pledging allegiance to the new Leader.

I, while once again expressing my condolences over the martyrdom of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, the commanders, the dear people, and the oppressed women and children, congratulate the esteemed leadership and all the noble Iranian people (on the election of the new Leader), and I ask God Almighty for the victory, dignity, and glory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for the humiliation of its enemies.

Ayatollah Jafar Subhani:

In this sensitive situation, the action taken by the Assembly of Experts in electing the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution is praiseworthy and deserves appreciation.

May the new leader be successful in serving the Islamic system, religion, and the country.

Ayatollah Noori Hamadani:

I express my congratulations and condolences over the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and a number of noble military commanders, as well as the defenseless people.

I thank God Almighty that the representatives of the nation, as the trustees of the Islamic Ummah, considering all necessary conditions and rules, and with the special blessings of the Imam of our time, elected the the new Leader who possesses all the necessary conditions for assuming this critical responsibility, including ijtihad, courage, piety, awareness of time, management, and prudence, as well as a deep commitment to the path and teachings of the late Imam Khomeini and the martyred leader, to be the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this way, they once again frustrated and defeated the enemies of this nation.

I, while praising this worthy and wise choice by the Assembly of Experts, emphasize the necessity of adhering to and following the principle of Velayat-e Faqih as the fundamental pillar and steadfast support of the Islamic Revolution, and call on all Muslims, especially the faithful, precious, and revolutionary people of Iran, as well as trustworthy and serving officials, to move forward with insight and empathy behind the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and, while preserving unity and cohesion around the axis of Velayat-e Faqih, continue the proud path of the Islamic Revolution with strength and stability.

Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani

While paying homage to the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (may God be pleased with him), we hope that his worthy successor (may God preserve him) will be successful in serving the great Iranian nation, countering the evil of enemies, and preserving national unity and cohesion.

Ayatollah Javadi Amoli

The system of Imamate and Ummah is one of the best spiritual gifts, May the Assembly of Experts, in its choice (of electing the new Leader), be the guardian of the past and the comprehensive executor of the duties of the coming one.

Ayatollah Mazahari

As the Assembly of Experts in these critical and sensitive conditions, following the tragedy of the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has elected one of the outstanding and worthy disciples of that high-ranking martyr as the new Leader and Guide of the Islamic Republic of Iran with a decisive vote, I ask God, the Almighty, for additional guidance, confirmation, and influence of His words in promoting the word of truth, standing up for justice and equity, spreading ethics and spirituality, protecting the life-giving values of religion, strengthening national unity and social cohesion, solidifying the foundational ideals of the Islamic Revolution, confronting and fighting against the invading and malevolent enemies of Islam and Iran, and lifting the dark shadow of war, disappointing the arrogant powers, and achieving progress and prosperity for the country under the leadership of the Imam of Time, and for the glory of the honorable Islamic nation of Iran, and for the rational and wise guidance of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ayatollah Shuberi Zanjani:

May the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution be successful in his mission of leading the Islamic Republic of Iran. I pray for the honor of Islam and Muslims, the repulsion of enemy schemes, and the return of security and peace to the Islamic homeland.