Martyred Leader’s tomb to be located along pilgrims’ path: Custodian

Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi (AQR), spoke during a meeting with scientific, cultural, and social elites held at Qods Hall of Imam Reza Shrine, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad. 
While explaining the process of reviewing potential locations for the burial of the Martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution within Imam Reza Shrine, he stated: "We identified various locations within the holy shrine. For each site, we prepared a report detailing its characteristics, including both positive and negative aspects of the corridors and spaces, and sent these to the Leader, Ayat. Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei."
Ayat. Marvi added: "The Leader instructed us to place the honorable tomb of the Martyred Leader along the pilgrimage route, so that pilgrims can offer prayers and recite the Surah Fatiha as they make their way to visit him."
He continued: "We had proposed a space similar to the tomb of late Sheikh Bahaei, designed to become a permanent site where men and women could gather, recite the Quran, and visit the Martyred Leader's tomb; however, he did not approve this proposal."
The top official noted: "The authority to determine the burial location for this sacred body and the highly esteemed martyrs rests with the household of the Leader."
AQR’s Custodian emphasized: "The Martyred Leader belongs to the entire nation and to future generations. Therefore, we have received various opinions and suggestions from different segments of society and have conveyed all of them without exception. Wherever the location is determined, the burial of the Martyred Leader will be carried out with full preparation."
In another part of his remarks, he explained the pure ideology of Imam Khomeini regarding ‘rising for God’ and how it extended into the life and conduct of the Martyred Leader, stating: "Imam Khomeini began his movement by referencing the holy verse: 'Say, I only advise you to one thing: that you stand up for God, two by two or singly' (Quran 6:71). Even in circumstances where many had lost hope, the Imam never ceased his struggle."
Ayat. Marvi added: "Our beloved Martyred Leader stood firmly on this same resolute path. Loneliness, sarcasm, sharp tongues, and unkindness—which sometimes came from those who appeared to be friends—were more painful to him than the prison and exile of the previous era of tyranny. Yet, this never had the slightest effect on the life of this great man of God. His entire productive life was defined by a sense of responsibility and the fulfillment of religious duty."
He further highlighted the personality of the Martyred Leader, noting: "During the pre-Revolution struggles, the Sacred Defense, and his years of leadership, no sense of fatigue was ever seen in him. He loved indefatigable work and serving the public, standing firmer every day upon his ideals. Reprimands, malice, and enmity caused no tremor in the will of this divine man. He was truly a servant of God and a righteous servant of God."
Emphasizing that martyrdom was the reward for the Martyred Leader's struggles, the AQR custodian declared: "God the Almighty rewarded the efforts and struggles of this great man; his life was a blessed and holy one, and his martyrdom was full of blessing."
He also addressed the grand epic of the Martyred Leader's funeral procession, saying: "The funeral of the Martyred Leader created a great epic. The processions in Tehran and Qom were magnificent, the one in Iraq will be as well, and God willing, we will witness the most magnificent procession in the shrine city of Mashhad."
He added: "Some might say they came to the streets but did not see the body; however, the important thing is the act of presence itself. The funeral is a symbol of declaring loyalty and continuing the luminous path of the departed Imam and the Martyred Leader.
Therefore, by being in the streets and participating in the procession, this goal is achieved. The presence of millions of people on the streets and squares is the primary purpose, and a new day of God is being created in the history of this country."
Recalling Imam Khomeini's words that ‘divine prophets never had a nation like the Iranian nation," the Custodian added: "Following the martyrdom of the Martyred Leader, the people took to the streets without any fear or concern regarding enemy threats, creating such a great epic. These scenes will remain in history. In the face of the greatness of the Iranian people, words fall short. The people of Iran have recorded a new pattern in history; a pattern that shows one can fight the enemy, defend high ideals, be present in the field, and continue normal human life simultaneously. This new phenomenon and pattern will certainly inspire oppressed nations in the future."
Referring to the Martyred Leader's expression that ‘the people will be resurrected,’ Ayat. Marvi said: "This was a word that God placed on the tongue of the Martyred Leader. God has resurrected the Iranian nation, and He will certainly grant favor and help to this nation. So far, we have seen nothing but divine victory."
Emphasizing the necessity of honoring the victories of the Iranian people, Ayat. Marvi pointed to the initial stances of the enemy against Iran. He remarked: "At the beginning of the attack on Iran, the U.S. President gave a speech in the White House as if he had conquered Iran and was speaking from the Field of Freedom. He said, 'We have killed the leaders and commanders; the Iranian nation is with us. If the Iranian armed forces want to stay alive, lay down your weapons and surrender, otherwise, we will kill you all.'"
He continued: “With utter impudence and shamelessness, they declared they would return Iran to the Stone Age. Their goal was the destruction of Iran, but now they are seeking negotiations with Iran; this is a victory."
AQR’s Custodian warned against downplaying the achievements and victories of Iran in the recent war, stating: "Dear ones, let us not count our victories as small. Yes, we must move toward even greater victories, but up to this point, we have achieved many victories. Why do some commentaries and analyses try to make this victory, which God granted and the nation created, bitter for the people?"
Stating that while the enemy caused significant damage, it did not achieve any of its goals, he expressed: "The enemy's goal was not the martyrdom of the Leader of the Revolution; the martyrdom of the Leader was a means to destroy and annihilate Iran. They imagined that with the martyrdom of the Leader, the structures of Iran would collapse, but they did not achieve any of their objectives."
Ayat. Marvi said: "The claimant to being the world's greatest military power, with thousands of atomic bombs and its savage attack dogs in the region, fell upon Iran, but achieved none of its goals. We must value this divine victory, be grateful, and proclaim this divine blessing, not ignoring that God's wrath can come."
He highlighted the role of the Iranian nation in this victory, adding: "The American, who claims global superpower status, entered a war with Iran and achieved none of its goals. This victory must be proclaimed—that we stood tall and we emerged dignified from this war. This victory must not be ignored."
The AQR Custodian concluded: "In another country, their president was taken overnight and imprisoned in America, yet not a ripple was felt in that country; their people were indifferent. But what happened in Iran? Compare the two. America came to destroy us, but the nation, by divine permission and help, did not allow it. Dear ones, cherish this divine blessing, appreciate it, and speak of it to the people. Do not make life bitter for the people."