A bond of brotherhood

KHAMENEI.IR is publishing a letter from Imam Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, to his brother, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mostafa Khamenei — written during his youth, while his brother was serving on the frontlines of the Sacred Defense. Written on July 31, 1986, the text and the Leader's handwriting are now published to mark #SacredDefenseWeek. The full text reads as follows:

In the Name of God, the Exalted

To my dear brother, the honorable combatant, Sayyid Mostafa,
At last, after having intended to write a letter for quite some time, I have (finally) succeeded in doing so. Your absence has been felt. After the pilgrimage to Mashhad, we also visited Sabzevar. The people's reception was very warm and encouraging. But then again, your absence was felt in that atmosphere of purity, sincerity, and love of God. I wish we may again be granted the opportunity to be present in that divine place.

After returning to Tehran, I have been continuously occupied with preparing textbooks and registering at the Razmandegan Complex. This was until yesterday, when I succeeded in registering. Everyone is to write a few lines in continuation of these two letters, and I also convey Bushra and Hoda’s greetings. I am hopeful that, under the protection of the grace of Almighty God, you will fulfill your duty in the best possible manner.
I won’t take up too much of your time, and I entrust you to God.

Peace be upon you,
Sayyid Mojtaba

Wednesday, Mordad 9, 1365 (July 31, 1986)

Sep. 29, 2026