Regarding science, literature, and the training of prominent individuals, the history of Kazerun is full of honors. Moreover, the fact that Salman al-Farsi - who was one of the esteemed companions of the Prophet (s.w.a.) and a prominent, immortal figure in the history of Islam - is attributed to this county is a source of honor for Kazerun. Of course, Salman al-Farsi belongs to the entire nation. All the people of Iran, all those who speak Persian, and all those who were praised by the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) in Fars province are proud of Salman. Salman belongs to our country and our nation. The people of Kazerun believe that he was born in this area. The people of Isfahan believe that he was brought up in Isfahan. These two beliefs are not contradictory. In addition to the people of Shiraz, Fars province, Kazerun, and Arzhan plain who rightly believe that the holy name of Salman al-Farsi is associated with them and besides the people of Isfahan who rightly believe that this divine individual was brought up among them, all Iranian people - living near or far from these areas - are proud of this personality.
"We must not say that Salman is from Persia, we must say that Persia belongs to Salman" [speaking in Arabic]. Faith, knowledge, struggle for Allah's sake, and perseverance in order to achieve the source of the truth raised his position so much so that the Prophet (s.w.a.) said: "Salman is a member of my household." The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) considered Salman to be a member of his household. Salman is considered to be superior to such great companions [of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.)] as Abuzar, Ammar, Meghdad, and many others. Salman sought the truth and insisted on it. That is what gave him such a character as Salman. This is an object lesson for us. This is a model for the Iranian youth.
Statement made at a meeting with a group of people in Kazerun, Fars province on May 5, 2008
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