Bring up children in a way so they are religious. Bringing up religious children is not only the job of the theology teacher. In fact, a math teacher, a physics teacher or a literature teacher can also place the religious thinking in the hearts of their pupils and audience in a way they will never forget—this is achieved by the appropriate teaching of even a single point. Sometimes, they can even be more influential than a theology teacher. In a theology class, religion becomes a lesson with some homework, and students—like any other human being—tends to resist anything required as a duty. The theology teacher who comes to give lessons and oblige the students to do some homework—if he is a powerful speaker, very good-tempered, with excellent teaching skills—only a part of his speech will be accepted. While, without these virtues, there are no chances at all. However, a teacher of physics, math, chemistry, literature or history—sometimes by using just one appropriate word, really just one word—can have an impact on the soul of a child, a teenager, or a young person in a way that makes him/her a truly religious person. You can do this, in all levels of primary and secondary schools. Bring up children in a way so they are religious. Bringing up religious children is the key to a bright future for this country. If we want our country to progress in industries, in material matters, in culture, and lead [in those areas] in the region—as set by the 20-Year Perspective Document—this is possible in the shade of motivating [in people] religious beliefs and faith. When faith is present, humans move in the light of the belief and endure all the difficulties.

When I was held captive during our struggles for the sake of our cause[The Islamic revolution], at times when in the prison cell we were under extreme pressure, I felt for the communist prisoners. Because they did not believe in God. When we are under pressure, we speak to God; we may shed a tear, and ask Him for something, and then beacons of hope would enlighten our hearts; but, my communist cellmates did not enjoy the same blessing. When a human has faith in God, they have hope and a bright horizon ahead of them.

Imam Khamenei, May 2, 2005