Speech at the Allegiance Ceremony of Officials and Various People from the Provinces of Tehran, Fars, Esfahan, and Khuzestan

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

I sincerely thank all of you, dear brothers and sisters, who have taken the trouble to come here from various parts of the country and distant paths, and I offer my condolences to you, dear ones, on this tragic and great event.

Truly, in this great calamity, no individual or specific group is the sole mourner; rather, the Iranian nation and the great Islamic community are the mourners in this bitter and painful event, and condolences must be extended to all of them. What is important for the Iranian nation today is that Muslims and the oppressed around the world also feel orphaned and are grieving and mourning. Today, their eyes are on the Iranian nation, and every movement, speech, and event that occurs in our country has a more prominent reflection in the Islamic world.

Although in the past ten years, because Iran has been the center of Islam, this sensitivity has existed, and Muslim nations—especially the faithful, militant, intellectual, and committed elements in these countries—have been waiting to hear what news comes from Iran, in these sensitive days, the Muslim nations of other countries are more eager to hear about the events in Iran and want to know the state of the central hub of the Islamic Revolution and what the people are saying and what decisions and intentions they have. Therefore, today, compared to the past, your people's movements and stances have multiplied in impact and importance.

After the passing of the great leader of the revolution (may his status be exalted), when global arrogance and our small and large enemies were waiting to see if they could exploit the situation, the stance of the Iranian nation astonished all the enemies and restored hope to our friends who were concerned about the country's situation. The severe blow resulting from the loss of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) was a significant blow to Muslim nations worldwide and truly caused them anxiety and distress. Part of this concern was because they had lost Imam (may his soul be sanctified), and another part was due to their concern about the fate of the revolution and the Islamic Republic. In this context, the stance of the Iranian nation restored hope to the hearts of Muslims around the world. Today, they all understand that the revolution in this country has deeply rooted itself and cannot be threatened. Your people's faith has proven this reality.

If in the past, your awareness, faith, and loyalty to Imam and the revolution could prevent the realization of the enemies' predictions and disappoint them, it must be the same in the future. The enemy, throughout the days that have passed since this tragic event occurred, has been constantly studying the events in Iran. From the analyses published by foreign media these days, it can be understood that the enemy sees no hope for itself. Of course, to prevent their supporters and mercenaries from becoming disheartened, they give them vague and false hopes, saying that the people's fervor, enthusiasm, and loyalty are not sustainable and that it will not be long before division and discord arise! Such statements by the enemy are also beneficial for us; because we clearly feel what they are hoping for.

The people must strive with all their power and hope to create a better future. Why should the Iranian nation not be hopeful about its future and divine grace, when all the events of these ten years indicate the boundless grace of the Lord towards us? Our dear and great Imam always had this feeling.

In one of the decisions he made, I said that the decision you made was very beneficial for Islam and the Islamic Republic. He said: Do not think that this action that happened was something I had predicted before; this was the work of God and His help. Then he said: From the beginning of the revolution until now and at various stages, it seems that a powerful hand has been guiding us. Truly, one feels that the hand of God's power is guiding and helping our nation and officials.

Of course, the divine hand of support is not extended over a nation without reason. The reason why the Almighty God has included His grace for this nation and guides them is the faith and righteous deeds of the people. When these two elements exist in a person or a nation, God will also help them.

Thanks be to God, faith and righteous deeds exist in our nation, and efforts must be made to preserve and strengthen them. The general unity of all classes and strata also attracts divine favors and blessings and must be preserved and spread among the general public as in the past. This gathering of emotions, feelings, and will of the people in the absence of their Imam is an example of unity among various strata that has shown itself throughout the country. This unity and cohesion are very valuable and must be preserved.

I have often said that I see the future as very good, bright, hopeful, and better than the past. The Almighty God said to His Prophet: "And the Hereafter is better for you than the first"; meaning your future situation will be better than the past. The efforts that our dear Imam made with the support of the nation over the past ten years were seeds that were sown and, God willing, will bear fruit in the future. The difficult paths that the powerful hand of Imam (may his soul be sanctified) made possible to pass through will not be repeated; therefore, our future will be very good, bright, and hopeful.

The people must maintain their presence on the scene and be ready to defend the revolution in all fields; maintain and strengthen the affectionate connection between themselves and the officials, and above all, preserve and strengthen their bond with God. Let us honor the spirit of divine servitude and submission to the Lord and work for His pleasure—which was the main secret of our nation's and Imam's successes; surely, divine grace and favor will be with us. Our covenant and bond are with God; we will move in His name and seek help from Him.

I hope all of you will succeed in gaining the satisfaction of the Lord. Convey my greetings to the people of your cities and regions.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings