The great religious leader said that he did not like his personality to be exaggerated or repeatedly mentioned as a reference during the speeches in parliament. Imam said such a repeat of appreciative remarks could create a misunderstanding if they were released by the media.
Imam used to strongly condemn the use of flattering tongue by any official because it could harm the norms and values of the Islamic society and community.
The great leader usually advised the officials and masses to avoid from mentioning or repeating even his real merits and virtues. This could simply shows imam’s modesty and humbleness towards God the Almighty.
The great intellectual and philosopher also made it vivid that some Islamic traditions such as sole virtues were merely allocated for the holy prophet of Islam and his infallible successors.
Imam said although religious scholars are assigned to conveying the prophets’ mission, yet they don’t deserve to be praised with such special virtues and qualities.
No doubt, imam was blessed with great deal of knowledge, wisdom and spirituality. His knowledge of philosophy, mysticism, poetry, jurisprudent and his unique spiritual personality had turned him into a unique religious leader. However, he used to appear as an ordinary man among the officials and masses and confronted any idea describing his spiritual and religious superiority.
Imam’s noble character and conduct will continue to appeal the current and future scholars and generations across the globe and also for the coming centuries.
The following is the full text of Imam Khomeini's speech:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
With great thanks for the esteemed Majlis deputies, since the words of the gentlemen may be aired and prompting misgiving among the people, it is necessary to say that there are verses and narrations attributed to the Immaculate Imams (May God's peace be upon them). The noted fughaha and `ulama' (distinguished religious scholars) of Islam have no participation in them let alone me. Although qualified fughaha can act as vicegerent of the Immaculate Imams in religious, political and social affairs and they are vested with the custodianship of affairs in time of the greater occultation, this is different from the greater wilayah that is exclusive to the Infallible Imams. I request that no ambiguity should exist in the talks that will be broadcast and the borders should be distinct. May God's peace be upon you!
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
October 23, 1985 [Safar 8, 1406 AH]
Sahifeh, vol19, Page: 366