In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds; and may peace and greetings be upon our Master and our Prophet, Abul-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad; and upon his pure, untainted, chosen Progeny, the guiding leaders; particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
On this noble, great Eid al-Mab’ath (anniversary of the Prophet's appointment to prophethood), I offer my congratulations to all the dear brothers and sisters who are present [here today], to the entire Iranian nation, to all Muslims, and to all freedom-loving people of the world. God willing, may the remembrance of that day [Mab’ath] illuminate our hearts, show us the way, and enable us to benefit from the truth of Mab'ath. The day of the Holy Prophet’s appointment as Messenger is a very significant day. That is, there’s no day that’s more important than this in all of human history. The day of the Prophet’s appointment is, in fact, the birthday of the Quran – the Quran, which is filled with wisdom and light from beginning to end. In the words of the Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali (pbuh)], it is a day of "radiant light” [nur sati’]. That’s how he described it. It’s the day that’s about educating perfect human beings. In other words, it was on this day that the program for educating perfect human beings – the exemplars being the Imams of Guidance (pbut) – was established. It’s the day that the design for Islamic civilization was revealed. That is, it was on this day that Islamic civilization truly began and its magnificent, historic, enduring design – which is still accessible to you and I today – came into existence.
It’s also the day of raising the banner of justice, equality, brotherhood, and the like. We’re incapable of expressing the merits of the day of Mab’ath. That is to say, our comprehension, our speech, and our hearts are far too limited and unequal to the task of expressing the significance of the Prophet’s divine appointment to prophethood (Bi’tha). Yes, the Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali (pbuh)] was able to describe this, and he did provide this description. If you refer to Nahj al-Balaghah, [you will find that] in the second sermon of Nahj al-Balaghah, he spoke of the Prophet’s Bi’tha and about how God appointed him [Muhammad (pbuh)] as a prophet, under what conditions, and in what circumstances. This has also been described in several other of the sermons in Nahj al-Balaghah.
I’ll just mention one point regarding Bi’tha, which is more relevant to our situation today than other discussions. The point is that the Bi’tha of the Prophet is a manifestation of true human civilization. In other words, if humanity wishes to live in the best possible way, it must follow the program presented by the Bi’tha. By using that program, humanity can live well.
But where did this event, or this development, take place? Where and under what circumstances did the Bi’tha happen? It took place under the worst imaginable circumstances among a people who in their morals, actions, thinking, and spirituality were considered to be the worst, the most wretched, the most stubborn, the most prejudiced, the most oppressive, and the most tyrannical people in the societies of that time. That’s how it was in Arabia.
Regarding the situation during those days, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) said, “[The torch of] guidance had been extinguished and blindness was all-encompassing” (Nahj al-Balaghah, sermon 2). The torch of guidance had been completely extinguished. This tells us that there was no guidance to the pure truths of existence, “… and blindness was all-encompassing.” Blindness was universal. This is how Imam Ali (pbuh) depicted the state of the people in Mecca, Medina, and the region where the Prophet was appointed [as God’s Messenger]. The people were ignorant, illiterate, stubborn, fanatical, corrupt, and arrogant. In addition to all these foul traits, they were also arrogant, oppressive, and class discrimination prevailed among them. Both their elders and the general population were bad - the oppressor, the oppressed, the slave, and the master alike. This was the kind of environment in which the Prophet was appointed to prophethood, in which Islam was born, and when the Quran was revealed. This was the atmosphere.
Now, Islam is based on rationality and faith. All Islamic programs must be measured, understood, and practiced using the lens of reason and faith. [However,] these people possessed neither reason nor faith. The Prophet entered such a society. That is, he recited these divine words, this revelation revealed by God, the Word of God to such people. And within a span of 13 years, which isn’t a long time, and from among those very same people, he was able to build people like Ammar, Abu Dharr, and Miqdad. From among those very people!
Imagine a teacher entering a classroom where the students are daydreaming, lacking concentration, inattentive, lacking talent, and uninterested in their lessons. Then within a set period, that teacher manages to train children who are neat, disciplined, prepared, literate, and insightful. Consider this example, then multiply it by a thousand. You end up with the situation that existed when the Prophet was appointed to prophethood in Mecca. In other words, the power of Islam, the power of divine religion, and the power of divine laws and teachings is so great that it can bring out such unparalleled nobility [even] from such human beings. Abu Dharr was no ordinary man, but this same Abu Dharr was [once] like that during the Age of Ignorance. Ammar was another way, and the others were each a different way.
This discussion is important for us today. I wish to make this claim that today, Islam still possesses that same power. Today, human societies are afflicted by those same [negative] traits, albeit the societies have different languages and different ways. But the same oppression that existed then exists today. The same arrogance that existed then exists today. The same corruption that existed then exists today.
You must have heard on the world news over the past few months that they’ve created an island for corruption [Epstein’s island]. Is that a joke? Moral corruption, corruption in actions, oppression, force, coercion, interference – striking whoever they can reach and clawing at whatever they can get their hands on. Human beings are still the same human beings; however, their language and appearance have changed. Today, he [the oppressor] enters the arena wearing cologne, a necktie, a suit, and fine clothes. However, they’re the same people and they haven't changed. Today, humanity – of course, I don't mean all of humanity when I say this – in many societies, especially Western ones, humanity is afflicted by this plague. Rights are trampled on, and the weak are killed.
People like Abu Jahl still exist today, and people like Ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi still exist today. The verse, “Indeed, he thought and decided” (Quran 74:18) refers to Ibn al-Mughirah. “Indeed, he thought and decided. So may he perish – how he decided!” (Quran 74:18-19) “May he perish” means may death come upon him. “So may he perish – how he decided! Again, may he perish – how he decided! Then he looked. Then he frowned and scowled” (Quran 74:18-22). And the rest of the blessed verses follow. The same kind of people exist today. They’re the ones ruling over millions of human beings, and they drag those beneath them along with themselves toward Hell.
Regarding Pharaoh, the Quran says, “He will precede his people on the Day of Judgment and lead them into the Fire” (Quran 11:98). Just as Pharaoh was the leader of his people in this world, he will be their leader there as well. He will be the vanguard. They will set him on the path taking him to Hell and cast his followers in behind him. These [modern leaders] are moving toward Hell themselves. In both a true and celestial sense, they are already in Hell. And they’re taking their people toward Hell as well. So, this is the [state of] today’s world.
Islam is the same Islam. This Islam is capable of completely transforming today’s world. It can do that. We can do that. By “we” I don't necessarily mean just you and I. Rather, the supporters of Islam, the believers in Islam, and those who have faith in Islam can pull the world out of its downward decline into corruption and bring it toward the heights of righteousness, salvation, and nobility. They can pull the world away from going toward Hell and direct it toward Paradise. This is possible even today.
It’s possible today, but on one condition, “Do not weaken or grieve: you shall have the upper hand” (Quran 3:139). “You shall have the upper hand” means exactly this that you can lead the world behind you. But when? “If you are faithful” (Quran 3:139). Being faithful is necessary.
Now, you and I do have faith, praise God, but our faith isn’t like the faith of Abu Dharr. We must correct our actions, we must correct the way we work, and we must correct our hearts. If we can do these things, if we heed the counsel of the Quran and Islam, if we heed the counsel of the Prophet (pbuh), and if we give importance to Nahj al-Balaghah and act upon it, then we too will possess what the Prophet possessed at that time. And we will be able to do what the Prophet was able to do at that time. We can turn the world back toward righteousness. Societies that are under the domination of those disreputable people can be transformed into advanced societies that build [noble] human beings, but provided that, God willing, “If you are faithful” is realized.
We must be vigilant, act in accordance with what we know, and avoid sinning. Nowadays, our faith isn’t a faith that produces people like Abu Dharr. Of course, we fortunately have had people like Abu-Dharr in the Islamic Republic on an individual level. There were people like these great, renowned martyrs and some martyrs who were even unknown. They do exist, but society itself must change. Righteousness must spread throughout the entire society.
Now, the day of Mab’ath is such a day. Such a faith was presented, and those who accepted it were people like the Commander of the Faithful. Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbuh) accepted this faith and so did Lady Khadijah (pbuh). They were the only ones at the beginning. So, this is what I wanted to say regarding Mab’ath.
Now, I would like to say a few words regarding the recent sedition. There was a sedition. It troubled the people to some extent, caused them distress, and it harmed the country – as is the nature of sedition. Then, by divine grace and through the efforts of the people, officials, and the time-discerning, competent authorities, praise God, that sedition was extinguished. You must recognize [the nature of] seditions. I would like to highlight a few points here.
First, we need to understand the nature of the sedition – what exactly this sedition was and why it emerged. Second, we need to identify the tools and agents involved in this sedition. Who were they? When you look at the surface, it appears to be a young person, but what is the reality of the matter? Another point is regarding what stance we should take and what we should do in response to what our enemy has done to us. I will briefly mention a few points [in this regard].
First about the nature of the sedition, it was orchestrated by the US. It was obvious. The US did the planning and took action, and the US’s goal – I say this firmly and clearly based on my 40 years of experience in the Islamic Republic – that the US’s goal is to devour Iran. From the beginning of the Revolution until today, the dominance they had over this country was eliminated by the people, the youth, and the general population throughout the country under the leadership of the magnanimous Imam [Khomeini]. From the very first day [after the Revolution], they’ve been thinking about how to reestablish this [dominance]. In other words, they want Iran to be under their military, political, and economic domination. That’s their goal. And this isn’t [solely] related to the current US President! This isn’t about the person who is in office now. It’s a general US policy. This is the US’s policy. A country that has those features, which is situated in such a sensitive geographical center with all those resources, with such a vast territory, and with such [a large] population, cannot tolerate such a country [like Iran]. [They cannot tolerate] all this progress and the advancements our country is making in scientific and technological fields in various sectors. This is unbearable for the Americans.
Again, it goes back to “Indeed, he thought and decided. So may he perish – how he decided!” He sat down and thought [about what to do]. They cannot tolerate [our progress]. This [plotting] is characteristic of them.
Of course, when there was a sedition of this kind in the past — and we’ve had numerous instances of seditions in the country – it was usually the US press and second-tier US or European politicians who were interfering. The unique feature of this sedition was that the US president himself - he himself - interfered in this sedition. He spoke, issued statements, and made threats. He encouraged the seditionists. He sent a message from the US to these people – whom I will name later – telling them to go forward! Go forward! And to not be afraid! He said that he would support them. He’d provide military support. This means the US President himself was involved in the sedition. He was a part of the sedition. A number of people - these groups of people who committed acts of vandalism and arson, people who went about committing crimes and murdering people – he introduced these people as the “Iranian nation.” He uttered an appalling slander against the Iranian nation. He said that those people are the Iranian nation and that he wanted to defend the Iranian nation. These are criminal acts; they’re crimes. The reasons I’ve outlined are documented. This wasn’t something hidden. He said it openly, he spoke openly, and he encouraged it openly. We have much documented evidence showing they helped [the rioters and terrorists] – both them and the Zionist regime. They helped them, and I will briefly elaborate on that as well.
We find the US President guilty of inflicting these casualties and damages on the Iranian nation and of slandering the people.
The second point concerns the agents involved in this sedition and those who were present with them. Who were they? They consisted of two groups. One group was a collection of people whom US and Israeli intelligence agencies had carefully identified and selected. Most of them had been taken abroad, while some were trained right here [in the country] on how to operate, how to commit arson, how to create fear, and how to evade the police. They had also been given a significant amount of money. They were the ones who were the ringleaders. They refer to themselves as “leaders,” saying, “We’re the leaders of this crowd.” Praise God, a large number of them have been caught and arrested. The military, law enforcement officers, and security forces did their job well in this regard. A large number of these sinister, criminal agents – and they are criminals – have been arrested.
The second group had no connection to the Zionist regime or any other intelligence agency. They were inexperienced young people who were talked to, influenced, and emotionally stirred up. Young people are impulsive; they’re impulsive. They enter the scene and do things they shouldn’t do. They do troublesome acts they shouldn’t do. Such people are the infantry. Their mission is to go and attack a certain location: a police station, a home, an office, a bank, an industrial center, or a power plant. That’s their mission. The ringleader gathers them together. Each one gathers together 10, 20, or 50 people and directs them, “You must go here, do this, and commit crimes.” And unfortunately, those people do it.
Many crimes were committed. In this sedition, those same ignorant, unaware elements under the leadership of the malicious, trained agents did terrible things and committed major crimes. They vandalized 250 mosques, they vandalized and destroyed more than 250 educational and scientific centers, they harmed the electric power industry, they vandalized banks, they attacked medical facilities, they vandalized stores that were supplying people’s basic necessities, and they harmed our citizens.
They murdered several thousand people. Some were murdered in extremely inhumane ways – that is, in a very savage manner. [For example,] they would attack a mosque, and a few young men would go inside to defend the mosque. They [the attackers] would lock the doors and set the mosque on fire, and the mosque and those young men burnt in that fire! I will explain later that this itself was part of a plan. These details were prepared in advance as part of an overall, preplanned scheme. It was prepared and decided that they would act and move in this manner.
They murdered a number of ordinary innocent civilians: a three-year-old girl, men, and defenseless, innocent women. The agents were armed and had both firearms and other weapons. These weapons that had come from abroad were given to them. These weapons were brought in specifically to be distributed among the elements involved in the sedition so that these crimes would be committed. So, these people were the agents of the sedition. They were the ones that caused the sedition.
Of course, the Iranian nation struck a major blow to the sedition. The Iranian nation, with a movement that millions participated in on the 22nd of Dey (12th of January), made that day a historic day, similar to the 22nd of Bahman (11th of February). In other words, the Iranian nation did this. They added another honor to their list of honors. The Iranian people, with the participation of several million in Tehran and large, numerous crowds in various other cities, were able to deliver a strong blow to the loudmouthed bravado of the claimants. Praise God, the people did this and put an end to the sedition. This was the work of the Iranian nation.
Of course, in the Zionist-affiliated media around the world – most of the news agencies belong to the Zionists – they exaggerated that small number of seditionists and said, “These are the Iranian people.” [But] regarding the enormous crowds of people who rallied in Tehran and other cities, some of those news agencies made no mention of them whatsoever, while others said, “Only a few thousand people [took part in the rallies]!” That’s the way they work. That’s what they need to do. It doesn’t matter. The truth is something else. The reality is exactly what you’re seeing with your own eyes and what you’re observing in your own cities or in Tehran.
As for our reaction … Well, the Iranian nation defeated the US. The US had made extensive preparations and orchestrated this sedition to achieve the broader objectives I mentioned earlier. This sedition was a prelude to even bigger schemes. The Iranian nation defeated it. After that war, which lasted several days a few months ago – where the Iranian nation defeated the US and the Zionists – the Iranian nation has again defeated the US today by God’s grace. This is correct, but it isn’t enough. Yes, we extinguished the fire of the sedition, but that isn’t enough. The US must be held accountable. Our various institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies – the organizations that deal with this kind of matter – must pursue this issue. We won’t lead the country toward war. We do not intend to lead the country toward war. However, we won’t just let go of the internal criminals either. Worse than the internal criminals are the international criminals! We won’t let go of them either. This issue must be dealt with and followed up using appropriate channels and the right methods. By God’s grace, just as the Iranian nation struck a major blow to the sedition, it must also strike a major blow to the seditionists.
My final word [for today] is this that in this event, in the struggle against this US-Zionist sedition, the law enforcement officers and security officials, the IRGC, and the Basij truly sacrificed their lives. They truly made great sacrifices. They worked day and night until they were able to completely stop and eliminate this sedition, which had been caused by the enemy with extensive preparations and massive expenditures. All the country's officials also cooperated [to stop it]. The Iranian nation delivered the final word and decisively brought the matter to an end, but they did so through their unity. I wish to reiterate my usual recommendation.
First, the people’s unity must be preserved. Factional, political, and partisan disputes mustn’t spread among the people. Be united as one. Everyone must stand together in defense of the Islamic system and Iran – our dear Iran. Everyone must stand together.
The relevant officials in various sectors have truly worked hard too. The honorable President and other leaders of the country were actively engaged. They were in the middle of the scene and worked [diligently]. It shouldn’t be like this that just because I’m unaware of something that others have done, I give myself the right to repeatedly criticize them, saying, “Why didn't they do this? Why didn't they do that?" No! Everyone has worked hard. I strongly avoid and won’t allow or permit anyone to insult the country's leaders – the President and others – in this critical international and domestic situation. I forbid everyone from doing that, whether they’re members of Parliament or other people. We must appreciate them [the country’s leaders] for what they’ve done. We must appreciate the officials who don’t leave the people’s side when such an event takes place in the country. This sometimes happened in the past that the people were in the middle of the field and the officials were just standing by and watching. And sometimes they [the officials] would even utter remarks against the people. But not this time. The officials stood beside the people, they were among the people, they moved with the people, and they worked and strived for the same goal. These efforts must be appreciated. This is very important.
I have a strong recommendation regarding the [Iranian] President himself, the heads of the other branches of government, and other active leaders in the country. Let them do their job and try their best. Let them carry out the great service they’re entrusted with. Of course, the economic situation isn’t good. There are truly problems with the people’s livelihood. I know that. They must increase their efforts in these areas. Our government officials must work twice as hard for essential goods, livestock feed, basic supplies, and the general needs of the people. They must work with even more determination. There’s no doubt about that.
Both the officials have their duties, and we, the people, have ours. We must fulfill our duties. If we carry out our duties, Almighty God will grace our efforts with His blessing. O Lord! Bestow this blessing on our endeavors.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
Comment