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  1. Letter 4 U | Ayatollah Khamenei letter for western Youths Imam Khamenei letter against Bin laden letter (a campaign for spreading truth of Shia Islam against Zionism & rogue state of Israel & wahhabism) please everyone share the letter (4U/for you) among everyone who you can for defending the truth & Palestine (Palestinians) against sheer evil the rogue state of Israel & global zionism.
  2. How can I go about bringing people to Shia Islam as a follower of Imam Khamenei?
  3. Did late Ayatollah Rohani (May Allah have mercy on him) allow following the Deceased Mujtahid? My mujtahid says that a girl needs father's permission for temporary marriage as an obligatory precaution. But Ayatollah Rohani (may allah have mercy on him) has given a proper fatwa on this topic and in my view Ayatollah Rohani is equally knowledgeable. Can i follow him in this case? As of now I am a new Shia, and I am following the Supreme Leader right now. People say that a new Shia should start Taqleed by following a living Mujtahid. So I followed a living Mujtahid and am still doing it. So can I turn to Ayatollah Rohani in this matter? Thank you!
  4. https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 PREVIOUS SLIDE NEXT SLIDE Cell No.14 AMIN PUBLICATIONS Regular price£18.00 Default Title Quantity ADD TO CART This autobiography covers the first half of the life of the leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyid Ali Khamenei, from his early childhood all the way to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the monarchical regime to an end in Iran. It provides a gripping account of a life full of struggle and fighting for justice and establishing an Islamic order in his country. It is a remarkable saga of a young cleric blessed with an indomitable spirit who fights a dictatorial regime with his sermons and speeches as well as with his organisational abilities. He never loses hope despite being sent to prison and exile, and finally emerged victorious against all odds. This book serves as a source of inspiration to all activists around the globe who are trying to bring about social and political change. This book contains beautiful illustrations depicting different stages in the life of Ayatollah Khamenei. https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Islamic Governance £12.99 GBP ADD TO CART Shining Sun £15.00 GBP ADD TO CART Kitab Al-Irshad: The Book of Guidance £25.99 GBP ADD TO CART Prophetic Traditions in Islam £14.99 GBP ADD TO CART Spiritual Psychology: The Fourth Intellectual Journey in Transcendant Philosophy £35.99 GBP ADD TO CART The Faith of Shia Islam £4.99 GBP ADD TO CART An Altar of Roses £15.99 GBP ADD TO CART Islamuna - Our Islam £9.00 GBP ADD TO CART https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 Powered by Simile.ai Delivery Information Refund Policy Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact us Join our mailing list SUBSCRIBE Facebook Instagram © 2021, House of Taha, Brought to you by AIM https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14
  5. Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah. I have seen many Muqallid's of Ayatullah al-Udhma Khamenei thinking that the only set of laws he has are in Leader.ir. So for those who do not know yet let me clarify this. Ayatullah al-Udhma Khamenei says to refer to Imam Khomeini's Tahrir ul Wasilah and then, on stuff that he disagrees with Imam Khomeini to refer to his Q&A. KhudaHafiz
  6. In the 1920s, the Iranian city of Qom developed as a prime center of Shia learning to rival Najaf and came to be regarded as the religious capital of Iran. Centuries ago, it had already been prophesied to play a major role in the end times: Imam Musa Kazim (عليه السلام). said: "A man will invite people to Allah from Qom. A crowd will gather around him. Indeed their hearts will be firm like iron pieces such that nothing can terrify or unnerve them. They will not get tired of war and will not get afraid. They will rely on Allah and they will be the real righteous." (Bihar al-Anwar: v.60 p.216 Iranian print) In the whole history of Qom, this prophecy by Imam Musa (عليه السلام). befits none but his descendant Ruhollah Musawi (Imam Khomeini), the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1989) and the anti-Zionist forces of the Islamic Revolution. Qom remains the ideological center of the Islamic Revolution. The forces of the "Qom" Movement (the Islamic Revolution) will support Imam Mahdi (عليه السلام). : Afwan Basri narrated from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (عليه السلام). that he said: "The Imam (Muhammad Baqir (عليه السلام).) asked me "do you know why they call the city Qom?", I said "Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). know better". He said "indeed they call this city Qom because the people of Qom will gather around Imam Mahdi (عليه السلام). and will rise up with him, remain with him and help him"." (ibid.) About the forces vanquishing the Jews in the Holy Land in the end times, Imam Baqir (عليه السلام). said: "They are Mahdi (عليه السلام). and his companions." Imam Sadiq (عليه السلام). said about them: "I swear by Allah they are of Qom, I swear by Allah they are of Qom, I swear by Allah they are of Qom!" (Tafsir Nur al-Thaqalayn: tafsir surah 17 ruku' 1) Today the whole world knows that the greatest threat to the Zionist state of Israel is posed by the forces of Qom i.e. Imam Khomeini's movement.
  7. Does Khamenei believe in the Qiyas? I asked it after I came to know he had written a books named " Personal views on arts ".
  8. Is there a Tauzeeh-ul-Masail of Ayatullah Khamenei (online or otherwise)? I have heard that he has not published or translated it???? The only thing I can find on the Net is Question and Answer books. How is someone to be a Muqallid of Aga Khamenei without an actual comprehensive Tauzeeh-ul-Masail, rather than these crummy Q&A books? This is the closest thing I've found so far: http://www.islam-pure.de/imam/fatwas/practical00.htm Thanks in Advance
  9. The Muslim World League chief has criticised Imam Khamenei for politicising Hajj, in light of what Ayatollah Khamenei has said and in light of the MWL's response, what are your thoughts on the current state of Hajj? http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2019/07/10/Muslim-World-League-chief-denounces-attempts-of-politicizing-Hajj.html#
  10. What really annoys me is that these women who put hijab and posts pictures on facebook and their insta account not to mention the rest of the platforms. Both Sayed sistani and khamenei doesnt allow it. And when i ask them if they're committed they'd be like yes of course... if you mention them the picture issue they start giving all the excuses possible which is even more disappointing. What kills me more is to see them doing the duckface! Do you think imam al mahdi is proud of these women? Shame.
  11. The Iranian Interior Ministry has released the final list of candidates qualified to run in the forthcoming presidential election. Iran’s Interior Ministry on Thursday night gave the following list of eligible candidates (in alphabetical order) vetted by the Guardian Council. Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim Mostafa Hashemi-Taba Es'haq Jahangiri Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi Hassan Rouhani The vetting body was examining the qualifications of more than 1,600 candidates who registered to run for president for days. "We held the final session on examining the qualifications of the presidential election nominees today and fortunately reached a conclusion after five days of numerous sessions,” the council's spokesman, Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei, said before releasing the final list. Here is a brief summary of the candidates’ backgrounds: Aqa-Mirsalim is a member of the Expediency Council. He used to be a senior aide to former President Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and an ex-minister of culture and Islamic guidance, and a former caretaker of the Presidential Office. Hashemi-Taba was a vice president under former Presidents Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami, a former minister of industries, and the former head of the Sports Organization. Jahangiri, who currently serves as the first vice president, used to be the minister of mines and metals under Khatami, the governor of Isfahan, and a parliamentarian. Qalibaf, the mayor of Tehran, was a former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Air Force, an ex-chief of the national police, and a former commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbya Air Defense Base (formerly known as Khatam-al Anbiya Construction Headquarters). Raeisi is the chief custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, the organization managing the affairs of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), the eighth Shia Imam, in the city of Mashhad. Besides performing in other positions, he used to function as the attorney general of Iran’s Administrative Court of Justice. Rouhani, the incumbent Iranian president, is a member of the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts, which appoints the country’s leader. The former posts he used to fill include membership of Majlis (Iranian Parliament) and headship of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The qualified candidates can now start election campaigning until 8 a.m. May 18, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Disqualified among the high-profile aspirants were former two-time President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his former aide Hamid Baqaei. Earlier this month, the Iranian Judiciary spokesman said lawsuits filed against Ahmadinejad and Baqaei with regard to administrative violations were open and no final verdicts had been still given on them. Speaking to reporters on April 16, Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said the lawsuits were filed against Ahmadinejad in the capacity of president and have not yet led to the delivery of a verdict. A number of lawsuits have been filed with Iran's judicial officials after Ahmadinejad’s term in office concluded among which cases of malfeasance are more prominent. Out of major cases filed against the former president are three complaints by the Iranian Parliament’s Article 90 Commission. TO WHOM YOU WANT TO SEE AS PRESIDENT OF IRAN?
  12. Greetings, To begin this, I need to express that I am not a Western leftist, or anyone trying to virtue signal to Muslims about how "open-minded" i am. I believe in God, country, community, family, and honor. I reject the godlessness of modern America, and seek to resemble my ancestors and their faith. I am the descendant of French Huguenot pilgrims that came to America in the early 17th century, American militiamen that fought against the British, and Confederate soldiers that fought against an invading Federal government. I would give my life to fight this godlessness that has taken the West. Now though i consider myself a true patriot, i despise the American government (and mostly all Western governments) that have been the source of our moral decay and separation from God. Since 1861, they have been the only true enemy of Christianity and the freewill of the American people, and now their tyranny has spread throughout the world. I would give my life to fight against this satanic entity without hesitation. I am reaching out to Shias because i see them fighting this same cause, but with remarkable honor. I listen to Ayatollah Khamenei, and Hassan Nasrallah, and their insight and wisdom. The NSA is probably going to have a field day with me after saying this, but i have a great respect for Hezbollah, and the Islamic revolution of Iran. I will not condemn men who are willing to fight and die to protect Christians and innocent civilians against Daesh in Syria and Iraq. No where else in the world can a resistance movement even begin to compare. I cannot deny that i have felt an urge to convert to Shia Islam, but my heart feels empty when i drift from Christ. Even though i know that there is still a great respect for Jesus as a prophet in Islam, my soul cannot abandon Christianity. I am learning more and more about Islam everyday, and gaining more and more respect, but i do have some serious concerns about what is happening with migration and the heinous crimes that are following. Before anyone else, i again condemn these governments for destabilizing these Middle Eastern countries (and i would even go so far as to speculate that these criminals have engineered this to tear apart Europe, making it easier to control). However, this doesn't change the fact that there is now a horrible rape epidemic that is plaguing European women, the terrorist attacks, the migrants assaults, etc. etc., and the fact that in the next hundred years, native Europeans and Christians may be a minority on their own soil. I cannot tolerate this, and it absolutely drives me insane with rage. I want to see Muslims and Christians living together peacefully, but capitulation to Islamic values in Western nations via immigration is invasion, and i believe wholeheartedly European men need to begin to fight back. I know these are not true Muslims, but how else does a Christian fight this invasion without fighting Islamic migration? Of course, there are Muslims who condemn this, but with the undeniable spike in crimes coming from Muslim migrants (especially horrific migrant sex crimes), what is there left to do? To the Muslims reading this, could you ever imagine seeing a Christian-Islamic alliance to fight both the criminal Western governments, the Zionist control of our government, media and their debauchery, but also the criminal migrants assaulting Western women, and disrespecting our nations? There would have to be compromises on both sides, but do you believe there is a possibility for this? And when i say Christians, i don't mean the modern Western Christian. Imagine Christianity could be reformed to where we resemble what we were during the Renaissance up until the 19th century. Men like Jan III Sobieski, and Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Honorable men who stand against immorality and invasion with great honor, and do so, without fear, and give all credit to God. Even though Islam and Christianity have a horribly brutal and bloody history fighting one another, perhaps i must learn to accept God's will and see this Islamic migration as a potential blessing. The understanding of God and honor has been lost in the West, and with the rise of immoral atheism, we see their replacement. I believe there is great potential for Muslims and Christians to unite and fight against these evils, bringing an end to this horrible violence between our two religions. However, i am not a Muslim, and I do not know if this is possible. To Muslims, if Christians would act as true Christians, do you believe this type of alliance would be possible? I want to end saying i greatly respect true Islam, and I thank you for reading this wall of text, Sincerely, [Name removed by moderator] PS I must convey that though i condemn and despise the actions of the US Federal government and their use of the US military, i will always have a great respect for much of the American military community. Though there is evil among their ranks, many of these men are very honorable. They are men trying to serve their nation, but are horribly abused by the treachery and selfishness of their Generals and government.
  13. Salam, I am curious if there is any Marja that permits the eating of Lobster and Crab. Maraja that classify Lobster and Crab as Makhrooh are mentionable as well. I know Ayatollah Sistani and Khamenai say Lobster and Crab is haram. I am looking for Maraja that say otherwise.
  14. The supreme leader of Iran Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei(ha) stated: "We thank Trump for exposing the reality of the U.S." Read the full statement here: http://english.khamenei.ir/news/4617/We-thank-Trump-for-exposing-the-reality-of-the-U-S-Ayatollah
  15. As-Salaam Alaykum, I have recently read an article on the website of Ayatollah Khamenei (khamenei.it) wherein he has stated that 'It's not allowed to insult the Sunni.' I have always been an advocate for taqleed and Marja's, but it's this type of opinion that disenchants & turns our very own youth against the principles of Taqlid. On the face, it seems very broad however after studying the article it's clear that it's aimed at preventing the lanat as it's deemed as 'insulting' to the Sunni Muslims. Furthermore, after having read the mentioned article it's very unclear whether the Muqallideen of Khamenei in the west are now even permitted to recite many duas & Ziyaraats such as Waritha, Ashura, Arbaeen etc as they all contain curses that will most certainly 'upset' Sunni brethren. It doesn't help the cause when our own scholars are repelling the same people that they should be attracting. It's clear from authentic historical sources that Lady Fatima s.a. cursed the first two usurpers after every Salat. Three Imams a.s. were present & none of them a.s. admonished Her s.a., therefore it's considered sunna. In addition, She s.a. prohibited the two from attending Her s.a. funeral & stated very clearly to them that She s.a. would complain to Rasoolullah saww regarding her treatment at their hands. So should we disregard all this just for the fear that our fellow brethren may be insulted? Please would someone kindly please explain this. Jazakallah Khair.
  16. Hello (Assalam Alaikum) I'd like to know the difference between Ayatollah Sistani and Ayatollah Khamenei. Thank you
  17. The Second Message of Imam Khamenei to the Western Youth in 62 Languages http://en.abna24.com/cultural/archive/2015/12/26/7
  18. International Conference on Islamic and Christian Model of Inter-religious Dialogue ( Based on Prophet Muhammd (S) Model and the Second Vatican Council) IIPR intends an event to be happen on the subject of Prophetic Model of Interfaith Dialogue with Christians. This event benefits from the famous letter of prophet Muhammad called “The Promise of Muhammad to the Christians untill End of the World” IIPR also intends to have a “Call for Paper” note on the site inviting friends from other faiths to take part in this event and specially to have a comparison between this letter and the Second Vatican Council document opening the horizons for dialogue. Conference Details: The Conference Date: 17th to 19th of December 2016 Deadline for the abstracts and paper: 1st of November 2016 Venue: Al-Mustafa Open University, Saheli Str, Qom, Iran Accommodation: Not provided- A guide for hotels in Qom. The prices in this season of year is so fair. Each night between 10 to 50 Euros, at most Transportation: Is very cheap in Qom. By taxi, all directions between 2 to 5 euros. Registration Fee: 150 Euro (Includes the conference materials, coffee breaks, cultural events, and guided Qom city tour) Maximum number of participants: 30 persons Webinar (online Presentation is also possible) We invite all papers, yet especially those dealing with the following: Prophet Muhammad’s Model of Dialogue and the second Vatican council any interreligious manifestations modern challenges of being religous problems in education related to the social and cultural change the best models of dialogue the idea of the university in the modern world academics and academic work in the contemporary times cultural and social experience of interreligous dialogue challenges of intercultural societies 2nd Vatican Council Contact person: Dr. Sheikh Taher Amini Golestani Email: info@iipr.ir , taheramini2010@gmail.com T:+989125520570 Halal Tourism Plan In the case you would like IIPR to organize all the affairs for one week stay in Iran. IIPR will manage the following programs: the costs related to te conference Transportation from and to IKIA airport in Tehran Hotel reservation for 4 days in Qom, 1 day in Isfahan and one day in Tehran (One week at whole) All the catering materials including lunches, dinners : Halal Tourism inside Qom and excursions: Introducing the main centers of the holy city of Qom, specially the holy Shrine of Fatima Ma’suma and visitng Al-Mustafa International University (miu.ac.ir), the greatest Shi’a university in the world: In the case you are interested in this Halal tourism plan by paying 950 Euro,, send an email to t.amini@iipr.ir. There are a few scholarships available for religious leaders, university professors. https://www.facebook.com/events https://www.facebook.com/IIP http://conferencealerts.com/show-event?id=172815
  19. Assalamou Aalaykom brothers and sisters. As you all know that when a person enters a community, a group, a team, etc.. He sees things from an objective point of view. What disturbs me as a new committed revert is when i see the followers of Sayed Sistani and Sayed al khamenei argue and dispute over minor matters which makes the disunity of shias more obvious and manifest. This actually makes our enemies feel really happy and satisfied, not only they are succeeding in killing us and showing us in a horrible picture but they are succeeding in dividing us. At first i didn't believe that these shias actually exist and they aim to out speak stuff like that until i started seeing some fellow shias actually stating it and it annoyed me so much. This makes me sad and angry. If only those people start seeing their actions first and judging their commitment and loyalty to Ahlulbayt(as) im sure they wouldn't dare to speak. Isn't it enough that the whole world is against us?
  20. Some people look at the scene and see the power of #America, the support of the west for the #Zionists and the power of Zionists’ financial and propaganda networks in America and in other parts of the world. As a result of this, they think that restoring #Palestine to the Palestinians is an impossible task. But I say that this impossible task will become possible ... What's your opinion? http://sayyidali.com/viewpoints/restoring-palestine-2544.html
  21. Although old but this is a great speech given by Sayyed Hassan on the qualities of Imam Khamenei
  22. ------ description Haaj Bassim karbalai praising Ayatollah Khamenei (ha) after many people, including myself slandered him by saying that Haaj Bassim al Karbalai slandered Ayatollah Khamenei (ha). These are clearly lies, as can be seen in the above video- we can see explanation of why it is all lies on these two links: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/2... http://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/2... The video which those who want to cause divisions among Muslims where he supposedly attacks Ayatollah Khamenei is this: if you actually look at it, there is 0 reference to Ayatollah Khamenei in the video, so we musn't ever fall into the traps of those who want us to be divided amongst ourselves.
  23. Question: Asalamoalaikum, According to many people, the Sunnis believe that Ayat-ul-Kursi only consists of verse 2:255, while the Shias believe that Ayat-ul-Kursi consists of 2:255 to 2:257. What is your ruling on this case? When Ayat-ul-Kursi is required to be read, should only one verse be recited, or all three? Is it permissible to recite only the first verse? Answer: According to caution, Ayat al-Kursi should be read to هم فيها خالدون (Note: That is, till the end of 2:257)
  24. What do you guys think about this ? Even if he controls 1billion dollars, is this right ? Part 1: A Reuters investigation details a key to the supreme leader’s power: a little-known organization created to help the poor that morphed into a business juggernaut worth tens of billions of dollars. The 82-year-old Iranian woman keeps the documents that upended her life in an old suitcase near her bed. She removes them carefully and peers at the tiny Persian script. There's the court order authorizing the takeover of her children's three Tehran apartments in a multi-story building the family had owned for years. There's the letter announcing the sale of one of the units. And there's the notice demanding she pay rent on her own apartment on the top floor. Pari Vahdat-e-Hagh ultimately lost her property. It was taken by an organization that is controlled by the most powerful man in Iran: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She now lives alone in a cramped, three-room apartment in Europe, thousands of miles from Tehran. The Persian name of the organization that hounded her for years is "Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam" – Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam. The name refers to an edict signed by the Islamic Republic's first leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, shortly before his death in 1989. His order spawned a new entity to manage and sell properties abandoned in the chaotic years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Setad has become one of the most powerful organizations in Iran, though many Iranians, and the wider world, know very little about it. In the past six years, it has morphed into a business juggernaut that now holds stakes in nearly every sector of Iranian industry, including finance, oil, telecommunications, the production of birth-control pills and even ostrich farming. The organization's total worth is difficult to pinpoint because of the secrecy of its accounts. But Setad's holdings of real estate, corporate stakes and other assets total about $95 billion, Reuters has calculated. That estimate is based on an analysis of statements by Setad officials, data from the Tehran Stock Exchange and company websites, and information from the U.S. Treasury Department. Just one person controls that economic empire – Khamenei. As Iran's top cleric, he has the final say on all governmental matters. His purview includes his nation's controversial nuclear program, which was the subject of intense negotiations between Iranian and international diplomats in Geneva that ended Sunday without an agreement. It is Khamenei who will set Iran's course in the nuclear talks and other recent efforts by the new president, Hassan Rouhani, to improve relations with Washington. Related Item Minority report: Why Baha’is face persecution in Iran The supreme leader's acolytes praise his spartan lifestyle, and point to his modest wardrobe and a threadbare carpet in his Tehran home. Reuters found no evidence that Khamenei is tapping Setad to enrich himself. But Setad has empowered him. Through Setad, Khamenei has at his disposal financial resources whose value rivals the holdings of the shah, the Western-backed monarch who was overthrown in 1979. How Setad came into those assets also mirrors how the deposed monarchy obtained much of its fortune - by confiscating real estate. A six-month Reuters investigation has found that Setad built its empire on the systematic seizure of thousands of properties belonging to ordinary Iranians: members of religious minorities like Vahdat-e-Hagh, who is Baha'i, as well as Shi'ite Muslims, business people and Iranians living abroad. Setad has amassed a giant portfolio of real estate by claiming in Iranian courts, sometimes falsely, that the properties are abandoned. The organization now holds a court-ordered monopoly on taking property in the name of the supreme leader, and regularly sells the seized properties at auction or seeks to extract payments from the original owners. The supreme leader also oversaw the creation of a body of legal rulings and executive orders that enabled and safeguarded Setad's asset acquisitions. "No supervisory organization can question its property," said Naghi Mahmoudi, an Iranian lawyer who left Iran in 2010 and now lives in Germany. Khamenei's grip on Iran's politics and its military forces has been apparent for years. The investigation into Setad shows that there is a third dimension to his power: economic might. The revenue stream generated by Setad helps explain why Khamenei has not only held on for 24 years but also in some ways has more control than even his revered predecessor. Setad gives him the financial means to operate independently of parliament and the national budget, insulating him from Iran's messy factional infighting. Washington has acknowledged Setad's importance. In June, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Setad and some of its corporate holdings, calling the organization "a massive network of front companies hiding assets on behalf of … Iran's leadership." The companies generate billions of dollars in revenue a year, the department stated, but it did not offer a detailed accounting. The Iranian president's office and the foreign ministry didn't respond to requests for comment. Iran's embassy in the United Arab Emirates issued a statement calling Reuters' findings "scattered and disparate" and said that "none has any basis." It didn't elaborate. Setad's director general of public relations, Hamid Vaezi, said by email in response to a detailed description of this series that the information presented is "far from realities and is not correct." He didn't go into specifics. In a subsequent message, he said Setad disputes the Treasury's allegations and is "in the process of retaining U.S. counsel to address this matter." He added: "This communication puts you on notice that any action by your organization could prejudice our dispute in the United States and harm our position for which we hold you responsible." When Khomeini, the first supreme leader, set in motion the creation of Setad, it was only supposed to manage and sell properties "without owners" and direct much of the proceeds to charity. Setad was to use the funds to assist war veterans, war widows "and the downtrodden." According to one of its co-founders, Setad was to operate for no more than two years. Setad has built schools, roads and health clinics, and provided electricity and water in rural and impoverished areas. It has assisted entrepreneurs in development projects. But philanthropy is just a small part of Setad's overall operations. Under Khamenei's control, Setad began acquiring property for itself, and kept much of the funds rather than simply redistributing them. With those revenues, the organization also helps to fund the ultimate seat of power in Iran, the Beite Rahbar, or Leader's House, according to a former Setad employee and other people familiar with the matter. The first supreme leader, Khomeini, had a small staff. To run the country today, Khamenei employs about 500 people in his administrative offices, many recruited from the military and security services. A complete picture of Setad's spending and income isn't possible. Its books are off limits even to Iran's legislative branch. In 2008, the Iranian Parliament voted to prohibit itself from monitoring organizations that the supreme leader controls, except with his permission. But Reuters has put together the fullest account yet of the organization's holdings. They include:
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