Statements in Meeting with a Group of Disabled Veterans

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

Friends who designed and executed this program had a very good idea. Firstly, the act of honoring disabled veterans with severe injuries—like yourselves—is a significant endeavor; not only because it brings joy and happiness to some of our dearest individuals, who are you, but also because it highlights and embodies the examples and symbols of sacrifice in society—symbols that our society greatly needs today. Sometimes a person believes in a meaning, in a concept; well, that is good; but sometimes this concept of faith and belief becomes tangible before a person. Before the victory of the revolution, during the era of tyranny, we had heard the name of jihad, we knew the rulings of jihad, we had read about standing against the enemy, self-sacrifice, and altruism in books, and we kept telling the people, but we had not seen it or felt it. This is one thing—to have a distant view of the fire—and this is another—to see and observe jihad, sacrifice, and selflessness up close; which we have seen.

Today, when disabled veterans are distinctly and prominently shown in society, introduced, honored, respected, and revered, this signifies bringing forth the true embodiment of sacrifice; this is very important. Therefore, we needed this honoring and reverence; the system needed it. In addition to these, the third aspect is a small expression of gratitude towards this selfless group and their families. Thus, you did a very good job designing and executing this ceremony of honoring and sacrifice. God willing, this work will be done every year, and thoughtful and creative individuals will sit down to think and enhance this ceremony.

Of course, our language is inadequate to express our gratitude to you who have sacrificed your existence, health, and comfort of a lifetime for the sake of the revolution and Islam. It is truly a futile effort for people like me to thank you. You have made a deal with God, and it must truly be said to you: "So rejoice in your bargain which you have made"; (1) glad tidings to you for this transaction you made with God.

I must express this level of respect and reverence to these ladies as well; the nurses and wives and those who, as our dear brother described, revolve around the disabled veterans to provide their comfort and enable their easy continuation of life. I sincerely and wholeheartedly thank all these honorable wives. These ladies should know that their reward for serving sincerely and with a smile to this veteran is one of the greatest sacrifices, one of the most prominent struggles; it has a great reward before God Almighty.

We all have needs. A moment will come when a person feels their hands are empty. A day will come when a person feels that before God Almighty, in the face of divine reckoning, divine accountability, and divine meeting, their deeds are light and empty. The services you provide will be of use there. Every moment of patience you have shown over these thirty years, twenty-five years, from the beginning of your disability until now, and in the years to come—God willing, may God grant healing to the disabled veterans—and whatever state you may endure, you will still be patient; God Almighty will account for that. In divine reckoning, nothing is lost. A person suffers pain for an hour, feels discomfort, experiences regret for a suffering they endure, but they bear it for God; this is recorded. These are beyond description. Except for the Sacred Essence of the Lord and His agents—who are the honorable recorders—no one among humanity can comprehend this feeling that exists within you; it is not expressible; but God Almighty feels it, knows it, understands it, and it is recorded. Once recorded, God willing, its reward will be given to you. Value these moments. It was said:

"Every calamity that comes from You is a mercy, Whoever gives you pain, is their own ease. From the darkness, You lead the servant, So they may see that radiant face."

In this state of trial you have encountered, look at it with this perspective. When a person finds themselves in darkness, they see and feel the light and brightness more. It is in these sufferings that one can see God up close; this is important. In any case, God Almighty grant you a reward.

Another point here is that our country, the Islamic Republic system, and the Iranian nation have accomplished a great task. The incident that occurred in Iran and changed the course of history truly cannot be contained in words. Now, thirty years have passed since the revolution; when three hundred years pass, those who observe and witness this great event will feel what has happened; what a significant turning point has occurred in the history of the Islamic nation, and beyond that, in the history of humanity. A great task has been accomplished; we have felt and seen small parts of it.

Well, this great task that the Iranian nation accomplished in the revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified)—that divine and celestial man—has a cost for this nation. It was a great task, and its cost is heavy; these are part of its costs. Our great nation lost some individuals—who became martyrs—some became like you, and some are a degree lower than you; these are part of the costs that this nation is paying for that great task.

Of course, if I were to express my judgment, I must say that the issue of the seventy percent disabled veteran and the cervical disabled veteran—like your condition—is more important than the issue of martyrdom; because martyrdom is a one-time event and it ends, and then a person ascends. This condition you have, with the judgment I have today, seems to me that the weight of this sacrifice is heavier than that of the sacrifice known as martyrdom; due to its pains, due to its difficulties, both for yourselves, and for your parents, your loved ones, your spouses, and your children. This is part of the very significant figures of this great task that has been accomplished. God willing, may God Almighty grant you a reward commensurate with this.

Of course, I must also tell you; you have a significant role in increasing this reward or diminishing it a bit. This very verse that was just recited: "Those who responded to God and the Messenger after the wound had afflicted them, for them is a great reward"; (2) points to this very issue: those who were wounded, injured, have a great reward, provided they have piety and goodness. The decisiveness of choice is never taken away from a person; that is, you are always in a state of exercising choice; it is you who are making the selection. Until the end, your patience, your steadfastness, your accountability will increase your reward. Accountability means writing down before God. A person speaks to God, saying: "O Lord! This body of mine, this being of mine, this comfort of mine, this youth of mine, I have given to You, I have devoted it to You, and I am satisfied now." This is accountability. This has the greatest impact on ascending to high ranks and attaining divine rewards and bounties.

Well, I think that is enough; we have spoken a lot. I once again thank the ladies and apologize that we could not inquire about each of you individually as we did with the dear veterans. Now, we express our respect to the ladies from a distance. God willing, may all of you be successful and supported.

We have praised you now, and it was a rightful praise, and it was correct, but you should also appreciate these; these are divine blessings. God willing, may God protect all of you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.