Statements on the occasion of the birth of Hazrat Zainab (peace be upon her) and Nurse Day

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 Muhammad and his pure family, especially the Awaited One on earth.

I congratulate all dear nurses and the nursing community on Nurse Day, which is adorned and honored by the name of Hazrat Zainab (peace be upon her). I hope that the Almighty God grants you all His blessings and bestows upon you good fortune, a happy ending, and success in this world and the Hereafter. I must express my condolences to the esteemed families who have lost their loved ones who were nurses during these COVID-19 events, and I pray for the elevation of the ranks of those self-sacrificing and striving individuals.

The nurse is the angel of mercy for the patient; both a helper to the doctor and a comforter to the patient. Today, thanks be to God, nurses are more esteemed and honorable in the eyes of our people than ever before; this is a grace and blessing from God. We hope that it remains this way and increases. The nurse is indeed the angel of mercy for the patient; this is a true expression, not at all exaggerated; they deal with both the physical and spiritual aspects of the patient. Regarding the physical aspect, the nurse is truly a partner, collaborator, and helper to the doctor. A significant part of the physical recovery of the patient is carried out by the nurse; this is regarding the physical condition of the patient. In terms of the connection with the patient's spirit, the nurse is indeed a comforter, a soother, and a source of tranquility for the patient; this is a very important role. Nurses help both the physical body of the patient and expedite their recovery, and in some cases, make it possible, while also providing peace to their soul and nerves; with a smile, a warm word, or a kind gesture, they create a good feeling in the patient and have an effect on their spirit.

The important and significant role of the nurse in the recovery of the patient. The physical assistance that we mentioned, which they share with the doctors, must be regarded as very important; because it truly is. Now, for a patient who does not need nursing and is standing or has a mild illness, there is no discussion; however, for a patient who needs a nurse, if the best doctor is present at their bedside and gives orders and helps, but there is no nurse to support them and embrace them with love, recovery will be very difficult; meaning the role of nursing in the recovery of the patient is significant and important, and if there is no nurse, treatment may not succeed in some cases.

Compassion and kindness; one of the high Islamic values. However, regarding the spiritual assistance that we mentioned, being a comforter, a spirit-lifter, and a kind person, this is one of the high Islamic values. In Islam, compassion, empathy, and kindness are among the major commandments. The Quran states, "They are merciful among themselves"; this does not only pertain to patients, but to everyone. Everyone must be compassionate and kind to one another; this is the work that nurses do. Nurses prepare themselves and their spirits for this work, they become tired; this work is very exhausting, but at the same time, they endure; where they need to smile at the patient, they smile. This is one of the most important Islamic values and recommendations. Truly, striving to alleviate the suffering of a human being is among the most beautiful scenes of human life.

Amazing scenes from the activities of nurses in recent months. I want to say that this beauty was more evident during this COVID year, in these COVID months. Our nurses in hospitals have shown movements, scenes, and activities that truly astonish humanity. Nursing itself is a difficult job, a job full of anxiety; now, if on top of this difficulty and anxiety, the danger of contagion exists, the risk of infection exists, this makes the job much harder. Our nurses performed this more difficult task during this COVID period; despite the danger to their lives, despite the possibility of becoming infected themselves, they carried out this work, and our nursing community, our dear nurses, have indeed recorded a great achievement during this time.

Two responsibilities for officials: 1) Implementing the nursing service tariff law. Well, this struggle that has taken place during this time has made nurses esteemed in the eyes of the people. Before these events, people did not pay much attention to the importance of nursing; during this COVID issue, people understood what a great job nursing is, what an important job it is, and what high values exist within it; this was understood by the people. Therefore, in the eyes of the people - as I mentioned before - they have become more esteemed and honorable than ever, but this is not enough; I want to say this is not enough. Yes, you are very dear in our eyes, but officials also have responsibilities; they must fulfill their duties and be considerate. Of course, I cannot discuss this in detail, and this work must be carried out in specialized centers. Perhaps one of the necessary actions that has been reported to me is the implementation of the nursing service tariff law, which was approved long ago, and as I have been told, this law is beneficial for nurses but has not been implemented; it is a law that must be executed. Of course, there are other necessary actions as well.

2) Seriousness in hiring nurses. Among the very good actions is the hiring of nurses. Of course, I mentioned this perhaps three or four years ago to the esteemed officials that about thirty thousand nurses should be hired; they faced problems and were unable to do so due to those problems; recently, some actions have been taken. This must be pursued seriously and with determination; it is no joke. The situation of our nurses must be such that they can work with peace of mind; their families must also be assured that their young ones, their wives, or their husbands who are engaged in this great service in the hospital will have success in this work. We hope that God Almighty grants everyone this success.

Well, I once again congratulate Nurse Day, which is the birthday of Hazrat Zainab (peace be upon her), to all of you dear nurses and to the nursing communities, and I hope that God willing, all of you will be recipients of divine grace and mercy, and I will pray for you.

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