Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with the People of Bam at the City Mosque

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We have traveled to this city to express our condolences to the brothers and sisters of Bam. In the early days of this bitter incident, I had the opportunity to convey my condolences to the dear and afflicted people of Bam in person; however, the truth is that despite my visit and the necessary recommendations made at that time, my heart did not find peace; because the tragedy of the people of Bam is a tragedy for all of us, and the grief and pain inflicted upon these people is, in fact, felt by all those who have an Islamic and human sentiment.

On the other hand, there are our responsibilities. Each of us has a duty; the people have duties, the officials of the country have duties, and the officials of the province have duties. These duties are heavy divine, human, and national responsibilities; they will not be resolved quickly. A lot of work is still needed for Bam to become a city worthy of its people. Of course, some things can be compensated for, but some things are absolutely irreplaceable. I say to you, dear brothers and sisters of Bam: the things that can be compensated for must be pursued by the officials, and you yourselves must strive and work hard to make up for them. But for the things that cannot be compensated, consider them as a matter of God: "And give glad tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to God, and indeed to Him we will return.'" For a person, there is no refuge better than this. If your reliance on God and your entrusting of affairs to God is not present, the heavy burden of calamities will bend a person’s back. This matter has another dimension. I have often told friends who have faced calamities this; I say to you as well: these calamities can sometimes be a trial for a person; sometimes they are a blessing. If calamities do not awaken us but rather make us lazy, it is a double calamity; but if calamities bring us to our senses and show us our weaknesses, shortcomings, and negligence, and we strive to repair these gaps, this calamity will turn into a blessing for us.

My dear ones! For both the officials and you, the afflicted people, this is a very important criterion and measure. Make efforts so that with diligence, effort, and perseverance, this calamity and grief and pain become a divine blessing for you. Especially you, the youth, know that this is entirely possible. The passage of time places a layer of forgetfulness over old sorrows. If we have been able to advance ourselves with the passage of time, we will benefit from this progress and work. If, God forbid, we have not made progress and do not increase our determination, reliance, effort, and unity, the day of regret will come. The boundary between life and death is a moment; it does not discriminate between the old and the young; sometimes the young go, while the old remain. Everyone must seize the opportunity called life; so that we can fulfill our great and heavy responsibilities as much as we can during this time. These calamities should bring us closer to God and increase our determination and willpower.

Today, I wandered a bit in the city and saw various points with my own eyes. I had previously received reports from the officials and those who were instructed to come and see the situation up close; however, I wanted to see it for myself, and today I had the opportunity to see the situation up close. Many good things have been done, but many good things have not been done. Useful actions have been taken; some actions that should have been taken have not been carried out. At this stage, we all have a duty to act with proper organization and correct planning for the comfort and needs of the people as much as we can. Until now, what the officials have done is very valuable. Great works have been accomplished, but the needs are greater than this, and there are still many shortages. At this stage, the duty is to address these shortages. In the next stage - as we have previously stated and the national and provincial officials have also said - God willing, Bam must rise from among these ruins with dignity, pride, and strength. This depends on your efforts and the efforts of the officials, and this will indeed happen.

Of course, I advise you, the people; tell those who are not present in this assembly, on my behalf, to cooperate and collaborate with the officials who wish to serve them as much as they can, so that both the officials can hear your words and be informed of them, and you can help them to perform their duties well. Cooperation, solidarity, and collaboration between the people and the officials is a very great blessing. This is especially true in places where the people and the officials of the country pursue a common goal. This is how it is in the Islamic system. We hope that God will increase this solidarity, affection, and trust between you and the officials day by day. I will have another meeting with the officials here and will advise the friends on what is necessary. Of course, many recommendations have also been made in Tehran, and planning has been done for this work. We hope, God willing, that everyone can fulfill their responsibilities.

On Friday, I will not take up more of your time, brothers and sisters. May God, God willing, grant you success and support. We ask the Almighty God to increase His blessings upon you and the officials of this city and this province day by day, so that we can witness a very good future in Bam. And peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.