Statements in Meeting with a Group of People from Gilan

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds. And peace and blessings be upon our master and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny, the guided, infallible ones, especially the Awaited One among the people of the earth.

I am grateful to God for once again having the opportunity to be present among the dear people of Gilan and the enthusiastic and faithful youth of this land, to experience once more what I have known and understood about Gilan and the people of Gilan—whether in the historical past of this country, during the revolution, or in the present.

I sincerely thank you, brothers and sisters who have gathered in this great assembly, as well as the enthusiastic and dear men and women who welcomed me in the streets—with their smiles and pure feelings, despite the difficulties they faced.

Gilan has a distinguished position not only in terms of climate and geography but also in terms of history and humanity. The more we look at this land, the more signs of greatness we see in it. Gilan is a land that nurtures geniuses. Great scholars, jurists, philosophers, poets, writers, craftsmen, and scientists, brave men and women who have selflessly contributed to various experiences throughout the history of this blessed region, have filled its history. In terms of religious beliefs, this blessed and vibrant region is one of the first areas in our country that opened its doors to the family of the Prophet and the descendants of Ali. For many years, the Umayyads and Abbasids tried to cross the great Alborz mountains and bring their armies to this region; however, they were unsuccessful. This passage was not opened by sword and force; it was opened by love and faith. On the day when the oppressed children of Ali and Fatimah sought kind hearts and capable hands in these towering mountains, they reached the people of Gilan and the northern region of the country. It was here that the gates of Alborz opened, and Alavi Islam entered. From the very first day they became Muslims, the people chose the family of Ali as their Islamic qibla and teacher. From this region, several thousand brave men went to Yemen to assist the children of Zayd ibn Ali. The Alavi government in Yemen was established with the strength of the brave men from this region. This marks the beginning of Islamic history in this area. Throughout history, various colors have cast shadows over the politics of this vast country; however, the constant color of these people has been faith. During the Constitutional Revolution, during the period of minor despotism, during the encroachments of the British and other foreign aggressors on Iran—in all these experiences—the people of Gilan demonstrated their leadership.

Mirza Kuchak, the brave figure of the Jungle Movement, is a symbol; however, when the late Mirza Kuchak's heart awakened with Islamic sentiments in this region, the call for Islamic unity resonated throughout Gilan and among the elites of this land. The people of Gilan were at the forefront of political struggles and press activities. Among the oldest newspapers in the country and the oldest political activities have been in this region. During the oppressive regime, since this was a lush and blessed region that they wanted for themselves—not for the people—they created various attractions that they considered appealing in this province, perhaps to separate religion from these people. I came to Gilan during those years and observed Rasht and various areas of this province up close. I saw what colonial and malicious hands were doing to the thoughts and hearts of these people, perhaps to separate them from religion and faith. However, after the flames of the revolution rose and the revolution triumphed, everyone saw that one of the areas that firmly stood for manliness and resilience, drawing everyone's attention and demonstrating its identity and character, was the northern region of the country, including Gilan; whether in the revolution, in the war, or in the days before the war at the beginning of the revolution; when each of the various groups sought to recruit supporters and soldiers from the atmosphere created by the blood of the Muslim people and the efforts of the faithful youth under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified). I remember those days when I entered Rasht to speak in university circles and among the youth. I will never forget that in the city's main square, there were so many large placards and announcements from the groups that one would be bewildered! With the late martyr Dr. Ozdi, we went to the city's cemetery to recite a prayer at Mirza Kuchak's grave. There, too, elements from the groups came to threaten us; to belittle Mirza Kuchak; to portray the great Islamic movement of the Iranian people as a materialistic movement, separate from spiritual motivations, which, of course, they did not succeed in doing. In those circumstances, one would not have imagined that the hands of those foreign-loving aggressors would be severed from this city and this province; however, the faith, love, and spirituality of the people of this region cut off the hands and fingers of the foreigners and overcame the corrupt and depraved desires of the foreigners with the Islamic motivations and the heartfelt wishes of the faithful people of this province. Gilan demonstrated that it believes in Islam, the Quran, and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) from the depths of its heart. Then came the era of the imposed war. During this period, the Gilan Brigade was one of the breakthrough brigades. The commanders, martyrs, and disabled veterans from Gilan became shining stars that will never be forgotten. This is a very small and faint picture of the virtues of the people of Gilan. This is a very blessed region.

What I want to share with you, the enthusiastic and faithful crowd of men and women who have been tested and experienced in the path of God, pertains somewhat to the issues of your province, and somewhat to the issues of the country and the fundamental matters that each and every man and woman of today must be sensitive to and feel responsible for.

As for the issues concerning your province, your province is a collection of divine and natural blessings; a province endowed with sea, forest, and port; endowed with important and decisive products—such as rice, tea, silk, and citrus fruits—and a region rich in natural waters and many divine blessings. Of course, those who enter this city or this province see the lush landscape, the beautiful sea, the tree-covered mountains, and the cheerful demeanor and lively spirit of the people. These are the realities that give beauty to this province. The wealth of the province is one thing; however, behind these beauties and the great blessings that exist in this province, there are problems, deprivations, shortcomings, and deficiencies that are usually not visible to the eyes of those who come from outside; however, the well-wishers of the province and those who care about the fundamental issues of the country pay attention to these points. Beyond the blessings that God Almighty has granted to this region, weaknesses and problems—mostly stemming from negligence and lack of attention—are also observed. What I sincerely wish for is that the people and youth of this province—truly—find the ability to utilize the immense resources that God Almighty has placed in this province. The unemployment rate—in common terms—or the unemployment ratio—in correct terms—should not be among the high ratios; rather, it should be among the low ratios or not exist at all. There is ample opportunity; there are so many workers, so many youths, so much human talent, and so many natural resources throughout this province. The officials of the country must, with the help of God Almighty and with the necessary planning and management, arrange for the utilization of these natural resources and ensure that these talents and forces are employed in the right direction. If the executive policies are not directed towards these matters, those policies should change; whether in terms of imports or in terms of large national projects or provincial projects.

Of course, as I have learned and am aware, the officials of the province are hardworking and concerned about the issues and fate of this province. I am confident that the officials in the center also appreciate and value the very blessed province of Gilan and its faithful people. What we need to focus our attention on is that special attention should be paid to the issues of this province. We hope that my short visit can make the officials aware of this province. One of my goals in the trips I make is precisely this: to make the relevant government officials aware of the province's issues and prioritize them, giving special attention to them. The officials of the country acknowledge that one of the important benefits of these trips is precisely this. We wish to address the issues of Gilan province—which are entirely solvable; this province, thanks be to God, does not have unsolvable problems. If deforestation is one of the problems of this province; if issues related to rice cultivation, tea cultivation, silk, and similar matters are among the problems of this province; if the issues of ports and urban sewage are among the problems of this province; if the issue of drinking water is among the problems of this province—which it is—these are not matters that the government officials should struggle to resolve. These are matters that are solvable; however, they require special attention. The focus must be concentrated and directed; just as in some cases where this has been done, we see that it has had positive effects. Of course, in this trip, some of the esteemed ministers who are relevant to the issues of the province will accompany us—or will join us—and will discuss the issues here. From this podium, I tell all those who are in any way responsible for the issues of this province that they must pay attention. This province is a very dear and blessed province, with very good people and a very prepared land; "A good land and a forgiving Lord." Today is the day of the birth of Musa ibn Ja'far (peace be upon him). In the auspiciousness of this birth, the officials should give themselves—not the people of Gilan—this good news that they can take serious and persistent action to resolve the problems of this province.

In the Islamic system, what is of utmost importance among all elements, and can unlock all closed doors in all matters and issues, is the deep faith that inspires both effort and strengthens arms and steps, and fortifies hearts, giving hope to individuals. When a national official—a minister in the cabinet, an official in the province, a manager working in a sector—has a heart fortified with such faith and knows that through diligent and wise effort, undoubtedly, results will follow from God Almighty, they will never become hopeless.

Of course, I have always advised the officials of the country, and I advise them today as well, to be serious about the issues of the country and in opening the knots of the people's problems, and to consider this their main task. If the officials of the country in any location—whether in the center or in the counties—consider addressing the problems of the people as their main task; if political distractions and engagement in slogan-based issues do not pull their hearts this way or that, and do not waste their energies and efforts; we should have a working collective, a cabinet of work, a minister of work, and a manager of work; and if that faith is accompanied by this sense of responsibility, all problems are solvable.

Our country has been kept decades behind in both scientific and living conditions. Despite all this, the awakening, vitality, and liveliness resulting from the Islamic Revolution and the hope that this Islamic faith has instilled in the hearts of the people have transformed the country. Those who observe and compare the state of universities, industry, scientific and experimental issues in the country, and the living conditions of the people then and now realize that the revolution, thanks to Islamic faith and the presence of the people in the scene, has been able to bring about transformation in life in our country. We were far behind the caravan of life; we were distant from all advancements in life; only a wealthy class was benefiting from and consuming foreign products; however, what has been created thanks to the revolution has placed the country on the path of progress and elevation; it has opened the way for transformation; it has instilled hope in hearts and strengthened the scientific and intellectual foundations; however, this is not enough.

One should never imagine that the paths of deviation are closed; no, it is possible for an honest and honorable person to slip due to negligence and lack of attention. If they do not rectify that slip—and in religious terms, if they do not repent—that slip leads to another slip and subsequent slips, dragging them down into the abyss. This is possible; it has happened in history and in our time.

The reason I addressed the esteemed heads of the three branches last night with those reminders is that I see the role of corruption as a very dangerous one in destroying all achievements. Wherever there is disorder, one of the very high possibilities is the presence of corruption. Of course, there may be mismanagement and incompetence in some places; however, one of the possibilities that cannot be overlooked is the presence of corruption. Corruption must be fought; everyone must fight against it; it is not solely the responsibility of the judiciary; the executive and legislative branches also have roles; of course, each has its own separate role; however, they must cooperate with each other.

I said at the beginning of the year that the power of the Iranian nation will be secured when the responsible bodies of the country cooperate with each other. If there is a point somewhere that poses dangers to the fate of the country and the nation, it is the responsibility of all officials of the country to confront that point with utmost sense of responsibility and complete reliance on God and with the power that the nation has given them. Cooperation among the three branches is one of the main conditions for resolving the general problems of the people. The dissonance that is sometimes observed is detrimental to the people. I do not at all approve of a situation where, when the judiciary acts based on a legal sense regarding an issue and takes action, the legislative branch stands against it! That makes no sense. It is possible for an agency in the country to determine that it should take action based on its responsibility, and another agency may not know why that agency has acted based on what interest. This is entirely possible; however, this should not lead to any agency openly and publicly confronting another agency if it does not correctly understand the actions of that agency! That makes no sense. If this trend continues in the country, the coordination of the branches will be disrupted. The branches must act in harmony with each other. Political issues should not blind the eyes that must be precise in the matters of the country and distract them from understanding and recognizing the truth. Everyone must cooperate to ensure the power of the Iranian nation.

I have spoken of national power. My expectation is that all officials will work and strive for the realization of national power; not that they engage in rhetoric and theoretical discussions; one says national power is this, another writes no, it is that. These discussions are of no use to the people. It is clear what national power is. A nation feels national power when it sees its officials acting appropriately and correctly; thinking correctly and speaking correctly; defending its interests against enemies and wolves; spending time on its needs; caring for it and demonstrating their own capabilities and effectiveness. National power is the power of the Iranian nation; however, it is achieved through the efforts of the officials. The leaders and officials of various sectors of the country create national power through their actions.

When you, the people, see an official standing firm against those who infringe upon your rights, you feel empowered. When you see that there are those who powerfully defend the interests of the nation, with selflessness and by expending all their strength, you feel empowered. A nation feels weak when it sees that its officials either do not understand, or are slow to act, or, God forbid, act at the behest of others! This is when the nation feels helpless and weak. Thanks be to God that the officials of the country are honest. The officials of the country dedicate their lives to fulfilling their duties. This is a very important matter. It makes a difference whether individuals, according to the propaganda of foreign radios, strive for their personal goals; or whether they work for the sake of God. What is important for a nation is that in all ranks—from top to bottom—officials whose fingers can unlock knots work with a sense of responsibility and with wisdom and prudence. What I, as a servant of others, expect is that when the discussion of national power arises, instead of playing with words and engaging in empty discussions, everyone should strive—truly—to realize national power through their work, effort, and diligence. When the issue of youth employment in the country arises, those who are responsible for this task should pursue it seriously. This is a very important matter. Of course, I have much to say to the youth. God willing, we will have a session with the youth, and I will convey what is on my mind to them. I do not want to delve into those discussions now; however, the issue of employment, the issue of youth, the issue of all this accumulated human capital, is one of the very important issues. The officials of the country must think about this.

Among the important issues of the country is the issue of the presidential elections. I will, God willing, say some words and offer recommendations regarding the presidential elections; however, since these days are the opportunity for the registration of presidential candidates, I will mention a few points:

First, those who find the ability and determination within themselves to be in that position should go and present themselves. This is a duty. The duty of the vast majority of the nation is also to participate in this very important event that relates to the fate of the country with care and responsibility. In every round of the presidential elections—of course, the same applies to other elections; however, the presidential elections are more important—the enemy's propaganda machines are already busy polluting and poisoning the atmosphere to try to undermine the elections. You and all the dear people of Iran should know—and I know that you know—that the enemy is watching for the presidential elections to become lackluster. This is important to them. First and foremost, the enemy wishes for the elections to lack enthusiasm—of course, in the second degree, they may prefer one candidate over another; however, that is secondary. In contrast, for the well-wishers of the system and for myself, the first priority is that the elections be lively and enthusiastic, and that the vast majority of the people consider participating in the elections their duty.

The next point regarding the elections is that the people must think about identifying the most qualified candidate; because this is not a trivial matter. The issue of elections is about entrusting the fate of a significant portion of the country's resources to one person and one group. The fate of economic issues, cultural issues, foreign relations, and various other matters is largely dependent on this issue. It is true that other branches also have their own responsibilities, but the most important issues and activities that take place in various sectors of the country are related to the executive branch, the fate of which will be determined in these elections. Of course, we do not yet know who the candidates will be; it will become clear from tomorrow. Some will go and become candidates; then the Guardian Council will identify those who meet the legal criteria. Then, you and I must look among this group and choose the one who is most qualified. This is also a very important duty.

The third point in this regard is addressed to the candidates of the elections. Elections in our country should be a competition for service, not a competition for acquiring power. Islamic elections are like this. Where the struggle is over power, it becomes like what you observe in some elections around the world. You saw a sample of it in the recent elections in the United States. There, the struggle is over power; they are at each other's throats; each side wants to transfer power to its own party and group. The issue is about acquiring power. They explicitly say: We strive to reach power and position. In Islamic logic, power, dignity, reputation, and resources are solely for the service of the people and for moving oneself, society, and the country towards the sacred Islamic system and achieving the lofty ideals that humanity needs. This position is a competition for service and hard work. Anyone who is ready to work harder than others and does not have the expectations that officials of other countries have from their positions should enter this arena. No one should think that reaching the presidency or a certain position—just as is common and prevalent in the world—should be accompanied by numerous privileges. We have named this year the year of Alavi behavior. Where are we, and where is Alavi behavior? However, ultimately, we have a duty. We have no choice but to move in this direction. We must reduce the distance between ourselves and Alavi behavior and strive as much as we can. One of the first steps in this direction is this. Seeking excess for officials is prohibited. An aristocratic approach for the officials of the country is considered a weakness. If others see this as a necessity for reaching high positions in the country, in the Islamic system, these are not only unnecessary but also considered a weakness. Therefore, candidates should know that this path is a path of service; the competition in this path is also a competition for serving more. If this happens, then in advertisements, in expressing opinions about each other or about oneself, limits will be observed.

The last point I want to make regarding the elections is that the atmosphere of the elections must be healthy. No one should pollute the atmosphere with pen and speech, and some should not express opposition to this candidate or that candidate. Those who respect Islam, those who value the Islamic Republic, those who listen to us, wherever they are in the country, should be vigilant from the very beginning. Sabotaging others, slandering this candidate or that candidate, speaking ill, and baseless disclosures about individuals are all prohibited actions, against values, contrary to the conduct of the Islamic Republic, and against the truth. They should avoid these actions.

Of course, I must tell you that today, in the global arena and in the international space, the issues of Iran are among the most prominent issues and are in the spotlight. If the Zionists and Americans are troubled by Iran's independent positions, by the steadfastness of the Iranian nation, by this strong bond that exists between the nation and the officials, they are indeed troubled; they become angry; however, many also look at this nation and its positions and the situation of this country with admiration. This gathering related to the intifada of the oppressed people of Palestine is one of the signs of pride and dignity and independence of the Iranian nation. Others may have these thoughts in their hearts, but they do not dare to express them. In the Islamic world, nations are heartbroken to see the atrocities of the Zionist regime supported by the American government. They see those who shamelessly claim to support human rights; however, in the face of a brutal regime that tramples the rights of a nation in its own home, they not only remain silent but also support that aggressor and oppressor and seek to crush that oppressed nation. Believe me, the hearts of the Muslim nations are bleeding when they see that some governments are silent; some governments, worse than silence, collaborate with those aggressors! Of course, we must not overlook the truth; some Islamic governments have bravely entered this field; however, all praise the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic for boldly and clearly expressing their positions. On the day this gathering was held in Tehran, the oppressed and brave people of occupied Palestine turned on their televisions at home and watched the Tehran conference—which was broadcast live via satellite. They felt that from all over the Islamic world, people had gathered at the center to raise the banner of Islamic sovereignty and support them; thus, their spirits were uplifted, and they felt empowered. The honor of this commendable phenomenon belongs to you, dear nation, you faithful youth, and you valiant individuals who support the officials in this province and in other parts of the country. These supports, this very sincere emotional and heartfelt connection can solve many problems and, God willing, illuminate the future path of this nation and clarify the horizons.

O Lord! Bestow Your grace, mercy, goodness, and support upon this dear people through Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. O Lord! Make the Iranian nation proud and exalted. O Lord! Raise the banner of Islam in all parts of the world. O Lord! Crush the enemies of Islam and the Islamic Republic, the enemies of this land and this nation, and the enemies of these faithful youth. O Lord! Through the efforts of the officials of this country, resolve all problems as befits this country and this nation. O Lord! Unite the pure souls of our dear martyrs—especially the noble martyrs of this land—with the spirits of Your saints.

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