Salaam young friends, on the eve of the start of the new academic year. The summer has come to its end, and with the start of autumn another new chapter begins in your exuberant life.
Our heartiest congratulations to all of you – those promoted to higher classes; those entering universities after completing high school; those ready for post-graduation, doctorate and even post-doctoral courses; as well as those starting their professional careers and family life.
May God grant you success in all spheres of life, and may the All-Merciful bless the souls of the martyrs, to whose sacrifices along with those of the veterans of the Holy Defence, you, us and all the country is indebted. 
Thanks to the selfless efforts of the Muslim combatants during the eight long years of the war that the US had imposed on the Islamic Republic through Saddam in the 1980s, we are breathing the fresh air of freedom, independence, progress, self-sufficiency, national honour, and Islamic dignity. 
That is the reason we continue to commemorate the Holy Defence Week each year on September 22 (the day of the start of the 8-year war this day in 1980), in order to pay tribute to our departed heroes as well as our living legends. Without the least doubt, their indomitable spirit has ensured the durability of the Islamic system of government, the country’s political stability, internal security, defence invincibility, industrial ability, technological superiority, medical maturity, cultural dexterity, economic prosperity, regional vitality and rapidly-growing international clarity.
Well friends, the month of Rabi al-Akher has started. It is the auspicious month in which a great blessing of God descended upon mankind. The 8th of this month is that auspicious day on which the 11th Infallible Heir of the Almighty’s Last and Greatest Messenger, was born.
As a matter of fact, Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), who was destined to be the father of the Promised Redeemer of mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS), strove to enlighten the minds and hearts of the people with the genuine teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
The 10th of Rabi al-Akher remains an eternal reminder in this regard. It was on this day in 202 AH that a noble lady of the Prophet’s Household departed from the world as a result of a dastardly attack on her entourage by agents of the usurper Abbasid regime.
Yes, dear youngsters, we are referring to the passing away of Hazrat Fatema al-Ma’souma (SA) – the daughter of Imam Musa al-Kazem (AS) and the sister of Imam Reza (AS) – whose shrine in Qom is the site of pilgrimage for followers of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt from all over the world, and the centre of diffusion of the genuine teachings of Islam.
Take care, and see you all next week. Goodbye