Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with the Earthquake Victims of Bam

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

This is a very heavy and great calamity. In this incident, it is not only you dear people of Bam who are afflicted, but the entire nation of Iran and all the officials of the country share in this great sorrow with you. How many precious lives were lost in this bitter incident, and how many hearts were saddened by this calamity, and we too are grieving in this misfortune, just like you. The officials of the country are sympathetic to you. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families and brothers and sisters who have lost their loved ones in this incident; I also express my condolences to the nation of Iran.

I would like to convey one point to you: dear brothers and sisters of Bam! These calamities are a divine trial and test. It is bitter, it is hard, it is a calamity - there is no doubt about that - but sometimes the Almighty God brings forth great blessings for a nation and a group of people from the very heart of these calamities and bitterness. It is in these severe trials that the souls of human beings are tempered, and the strength of determination and endurance of people increases.

My dear ones; the dear people of Bam and all those who have suffered calamity and loss in this region! In the face of these calamities, it is possible to do something that turns the calamity into a good incident. With determination, will, work, and decision, the effects of the calamity can be completely removed from life. We know many nations whose greatness, flourishing, and growth began from within ruins and from the heart of calamities. Especially you young people must strive. The calamities and divine trials should strengthen us. Of course, I thank all the officials who rushed to this region from the very first moment. The brothers of the IRGC, the army, the Basij, the Red Crescent, and various sectors of the government helped; both in rescue and in relief. Of course, no one can even accurately assess the magnitude of this heavy calamity; it is a very heavy calamity.

In these past few days, my heart has often been under the pressure of the calamity and sorrow of the people of Bam, and now that I have seen the situation, it is under even greater pressure. We all have a duty. The officials here, in Kerman province, in Tehran, and in all other centers of the country, must mobilize their resources according to the centralized management that has been established and, God willing, should be strengthened, to assist these people. We will certainly face the increasing needs of the oppressed people of this region for some time. The people here have needs; these needs must be met; perhaps the pains of these people will be somewhat alleviated. All agencies are obliged to organize their resources systematically and orderly to come to the scene of service and assistance to the people. Of course, whatever progress we have made in these two or three days, the volume and quality of work have improved and must become even better. The people should cooperate with the officials and agents of the service agencies so that they can fulfill their responsibilities. The people of other regions should do the same. Of course, in these past few days, the people have helped a lot. Perhaps you saw on television that people helped with tears and lamentations, and all cried for your sorrows and sympathized with you. This assistance must continue, so that, God willing, we can rebuild the city of Bam much better from the beginning - and this time, completely solid. Our intention must be that, God willing, from the heart of these ruins, a strong, solid, and prosperous city rises. Of course, the grief for our loved ones will remain in our hearts - there is no doubt about that - but the material losses that can be compensated must be compensated.

We have come to express our condolences to you and to tell you that we share in your grief; although you already know this. My heart is not separated from you. The young people who were lost in this incident and the loved ones who saddened our hearts are our own dear ones; they are like my own children; truly and deeply, they have saddened our hearts as well.

In any case, I pray to the Almighty God for you to have patience, reward, determination, will, and the strength to endure, and I ask God to grant you good compensation and to make the officials successful so that they can, as soon as possible and better, provide the services that are their responsibility, God willing, for you people.

Please convey my greetings to all the dear brothers and sisters of Bam.

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