Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic explained the issue of purification in a series of messages as following:
You will face rebellious acts of your selfish desires unless you are purified and purged. Knowledge and science will inflict harm if you are not purified. In that case, the most dangerous matter for you will be accepting a social position which will annihilate you in both worlds. You should purify yourself and bring your selfish desires under full control before taking positions. (June 2, 1981)
It is impossible to learn the Book and Wisdom in the absence of purging the self. We should purify ourselves from all sorts of impurities including inner desires and selfishness. (June 2, 1981)
All differences arising between human beings such as those of monarchs and wielders of power are rooted in the rebellious motivations of their selfish desires. (June 2, 1981)
Imam on another occasion said: those who seek to train and educate others should themselves be purified. They should be purged if they are to rule human beings in order to remain immune from rebellions and satanic deeds. They have to purge themselves. The commands of the Prophet is to serve this purpose. Everybody should purge themselves. This task is more vital and important for officials, rulers, presidents and leaders than it is for ordinary people. (June 2, 1981)
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