Personal desire, age, and my health do not allow me to personally have a role in running the country [i.e. Iran] after the fall of the current system [of the Shah].

When anyone studies a little or pays a little attention to the rules of Islamic government, Islamic politics, Islamic society and Islamic economy he will realize that Islam is a very political religion. Anyone who will say that religion is separate from politics is a fool; he does not know Islam or politics.

We are not afraid of economic sanctions or military intervention. What we are afraid of is Western universities.

In Islam, the legislative power and competence to establish laws belong exclusively to God Almighty.

In the Islamic government all people have complete freedom to have any kind of opinion.

If a fly gets into the throat of one who is fasting, it is not necessary to pull it out.

Those who say that we want nationality, they are standing against Islam....We have no use for the nationalists. Moslems are useful for us. Islam is against nationality.