Speech in Meeting with a Large Group of Freedmen and Various Segments of the People on the First Day of Unity Week

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

First, I must express my gratitude to all of you, brothers and sisters, who have come from distant places and various cities, making the start of Unity Week and the blessed days of birth truly auspicious for us.

This gathering is a remarkable one. Each of you brothers and sisters present here, in some way, carries the scent of jihad, martyrdom, sacrifice, and devotion, reminiscent of the Prophet and his companions. Thanks to your presence, the fragrance of sacrifice and the light of devotion are spread throughout the atmosphere. Truly, when I see you dear ones—whether the cherished freedmen, the dear disabled veterans, or the beloved families of martyrs—so enthusiastic and determined, I find this hope deepening in my heart and soul that the prayer of our dear Imam has been answered and the call of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) can be expanded in today's material world through you dear ones. You bear the light of Islam, the revolution, and faith on your pure foreheads. Truly, the absence of the Imam is felt, as he would have seen his righteous children, these ready hearts, these steadfast steps, and these firm and resolute wills that no factor has been able to influence.

Today, I will discuss a matter concerning these days—Unity Week and the blessed and revered birth days of the Prophet and Imam Sadiq (peace be upon them)—and later, I will address an important and fundamental issue of our country.

You must know that colonialism and global arrogance have spent decades—if not more—spending money to create discord among Muslims. To create division, they wrote books and magazines, spread rumors, incited fanaticism, and fostered deep-seated hatred and resentment among Muslims towards each other. Of course, these hostilities existed in the past as well; however, during the colonial era, they took on a new form. Anyone familiar with the new politics of the Islamic world over the past hundred or hundred and fifty years understands what I am referring to.

The Islamic Revolution came and raised a banner that Muslims of every sect and country, upon reflection, found they loved and felt that this banner was the banner of Islam and the banner of the Noble Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family). Thus, many of the enemies' plans were thwarted. Global arrogance does not remain silent. The bloodthirsty enemies of Islam and Muslims do not rest. When they saw that the revolution and the Islamic Republic created unity between Shia and Sunni, both inside and outside the country, bringing them closer and reducing their fanaticism towards each other, they began to spread poison from outside.

Yes, when the Friday prayer in Tehran is held, and behind the revolutionary Shia prayer leader in Tehran, the leaders of movements and Islamic countries and the dignitaries of Muslim nations stand in several rows and pray with complete sincerity—as we have constantly witnessed over these years—the enemies of Islam are filled with hatred and anger. This is exactly the opposite of what they have spent money on. The Islamic Revolution came and disrupted all their plans; naturally, they seek to counter it.

They have hired a group of mercenary writers and irreligious scholars who feed off the tables of irreligious kings and rulers of the world—who are more dangerous than anyone else—to shout the cry of division and discord in response to the call for unity of the Islamic Revolution. Truly, a scholar without an awakened conscience and piety is more harmful to the Islamic community than any enemy. It is narrated that such a scholar is more harmful to Muslims than a wolf to a flock of sheep. You see, what does a wolf do in a flock of sheep? This harm is greater than that. During these eight years of war, or rather during the ten or eleven years of the revolution, we saw what such scholars did; but thanks to the name and banner of Islam and the name of the Noble Prophet and the blessing of Unity Week—which today is its first day—the revolution has overcome their conspiracies.

The Islamic Republic told the Muslims of the world, let us test unity from the twelfth to the seventeenth of Rabi' al-Awwal. According to one narration—which most Sunnis have confirmed and some Shia also accept—the twelfth of Rabi' al-Awwal is the day of the Prophet's birth (peace be upon him). Another narration pertains to the seventeenth of Rabi' al-Awwal, which most Shia and some Sunnis confirm. In any case, between the twelfth and seventeenth, which are the days of the birth of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), more attention should be paid to global Islamic unity; that strong fortress and barrier which, if formed, no power can encroach upon the sanctity of Islamic countries and nations.

Look at the state of Muslim countries in the world, see the hunger, poverty, political weakness, ignorance, backwardness, and political and economic subservience in these countries. Why? What were they lacking? Were their natural resources insufficient? No. Was their human power lacking? No. Did they have geographical location problems? No. Why did they end up in this deplorable state? Because the enemies, over the past hundred or two hundred years, took advantage of the people's negligence and the betrayal of leaders, and alongside economic and military attacks, launched spiritual and cultural attacks, gradually bringing Islamic countries to the state you see today. This is not the natural state of the Islamic world.

From the farthest western points of the Islamic world in the current situation—meaning from West Africa—to the farthest east of the world—to East Asia—the Islamic world and the Muslim-populated region exist. The most sensitive regions of the world are in the hands of Muslims. One part of it is this Persian Gulf, where the whole world is lined up to fill their bags with the resources of this region and return and leave. The whole world is in need of the oil of this region. If Muslims unite, the Islamic world will greatly benefit.

Those who chant the slogan of unity and brotherhood of Muslims are not enemies of Muslims; they are friends of Muslims, they wish well for Muslims, and they want all the Muslims of the world to be honored. What benefit is there in Muslims of different sects standing against each other within the Islamic community and striking each other; while on the other side, the enemy comes, surrounds both of them, pits their heads against each other, and sits back to watch and benefit? Is this good?

If we say that Shia and Sunni should stand together, it means Shia remains Shia; Sunni remains Sunni. When have we told the Sunni world that our intention of unity is for you to become Shia?! We have not said such a thing. Whoever wants to become Shia should do so through scientific means and scholarly debates. They are also free to pursue their own work. We do not say change your sect; we say Shia and Sunni should always be rational; as, thanks be to God, was observed during the Islamic Revolution in our country. Do not let the enemy exploit their differences. The observance of Unity Week is for this purpose.

O writer who sits and writes something, and your emotions—even if pure emotions—and beliefs and faith dictate to you to write a certain word in opposition to that opposing sect! Know what happens by writing this word; know who benefits from creating fanaticism, enmity, and opposition.

There are a billion people in the world who share the same belief about God, the Prophet, prayer, Hajj, the Kaaba, the Quran, and many religious rulings; they have a few differences as well. Should they take those few differences and fight each other, so that the one who opposes the very essence of God, the Prophet, religion, and everything else can carry out his work? Is this rational?! For eleven or twelve years, the Islamic Republic has been shouting this message, and this alert and aware nation is following it. Other nations should also pay attention.

We said a group of scholars and thinkers should sit together and, at a scientific and cultural level, create the "Institute for the Rapprochement of Islamic Schools of Thought" to bring them closer. There are four jurisprudential schools in Sunni Islam, the Imami school, the Zaydi school, and other Islamic schools. They should sit and see how much they can cooperate and work together on scientific and religious issues. We established this center. God willing, the brothers responsible for this work and who have been appointed will pursue it with strength. This work is something that pleases Almighty God, and the fate of Islam depends on such efforts.

If Muslims join hands and are sincere with each other, even if their beliefs oppose each other, but they do not become tools of the enemy, the Islamic world will rise with pride. Then, would America and others dare to come to the Islamic world and establish a base somewhere and threaten the interests of Islamic countries and Muslim nations?

The second issue is the matter of the Assembly of Experts elections. Anyone who has listened to or read the statements of our opponents in the world during these days understands how deeply the enemies of our system are upset by the current dignity of the Islamic Republic. The victory of the Iranian nation has been bitter for them. Almighty God does everything with calculation. One day, the righteous servant of God, that great and sincere man who wanted nothing for himself and did everything for God and wanted everything for Him, said regarding the resolution: I drank the cup of poison. He endured that bitterness; but Almighty God rewarded that righteous servant, and not even two and a half years later, He gave the cup of victory and sweetness to his nation and sweetened their mouths. That sacrifice bore this fruit. "O Allah, whatever blessing we have is from You, there is no god but You." Everything belongs to Him and is by His will.

Our freedmen returned, our families rejoiced, the conditions of the Islamic Republic were accepted, and the government and statesmen of the Islamic Republic saw the fruits of their efforts. Truly, what happened was sweet for the Iranian nation and its friends and supporters of the revolution; but it was bitter for the enemies.

Who are the enemies? The Zionists; those who control news agencies and many of the world's radios. They are looking for something to ruin this victory, to turn the strength and power of the Iranian nation into weakness, and to show the world that the determination of the Iranian nation is not as firm as you think and is not steadfast in its path. We do our work. This great nation moves forward with its work and path; but the enemy speaks like that outside and looks for evidence and excuses.

All eyes are focused on the Assembly of Experts elections—which will take place in a few days. They have already started murmuring that if this election is not well-received by the people, they can use this analysis to advertise and say the nation has become doubtful in its views and ideals. They want to break the revolutionary solidity and power derived from the revolution with their propaganda in various forms.

Someone somewhere says something out of anger and ignorance or for any reason; then you see that they magnify and spread this word all over the world and shout that there is a division in Iran and certain individuals acted against certain individuals! They intend to bring down the victorious and powerful image of the Islamic Republic in the world.

I say, the Iranian nation must deliver a strong punch to the mouth of all its ill-wishers around the world in this election that will be held on Monday, and it will. Make sure the enemy is disappointed as always. Consider participation in the Assembly of Experts elections as a religious duty, obligatory and necessary, and all the people who meet the conditions should participate in the elections, so the enemy knows that the Islamic Republic, thanks to these youths and this nation and thanks to the victories that Almighty God has given it, still stands strong and powerful. This must be proven in action, and this is the action.

Let me say two or three short points about this election. The enemies of the revolution and those who, out of naivety and ignorance, become their tools, should not spread rumors. The facts are clear facts. The Assembly of Experts passed a resolution and made the Guardian Council responsible, and the Guardian Council fulfilled its duty. In these matters, there is no fault or objection to the honorable Guardian Council.

The Guardian Council is an institution that our constitution has made a means to guarantee the legitimacy of this system. If the Guardian Council did not exist or is weakened or does not perform its duties, the Islamic movement of this system will be questioned; because the movement of the system is based on laws. If the laws are Islamic, our system is Islamic. What authority says that the laws are Islamic or not Islamic? The Guardian Council. These gentlemen who are currently members of the jurists of the Guardian Council are prominent and accepted personalities who were appointed by Imam (may his soul be sanctified) and he appointed them. When their term ended, he confirmed them again; we also confirmed them.

Let me tell you, and let those gentlemen also know, that those who stand and speak ill of the Guardian Council here and there have done something wrong. We cannot sit and watch the most official, reassuring, and trusted institutions of the Islamic Republic system be insulted because someone is angry—rightly or wrongly.

What happened in these two or three days from some people, who stood and spoke ill of the Guardian Council at platforms, if such things are repeated, I will not tolerate it based on my responsibility. If any of the legal organs of this country is attacked by a group, I have a duty to defend that legal organ.

It can be said that the Guardian Council is an almost sacred organ; because it is based on piety. Whoever is placed there must be a jurist and just. Is the testimony of the Imam on the jurisprudence and justice of a person not enough? When the Imam placed someone there, it means this person is a jurist and just. The Guardian Council did its job, and it did it correctly, meaning it acted according to its duty; however, there are small points that everyone should pay attention to.

Since the condition for candidacy in this election is to be a jurist, they told some respected scholars, we do not know if you are a jurist or not. To clarify this matter, come and take an exam. That gentleman, who is a scholar and a respected man and may have been a contemporary of the gentlemen of the Guardian Council, says: No, I will not come to take an exam. He also has the right, and if he did not come to take an exam, it cannot be said why did you not go to take an exam; he does not want to take an exam. No one has the right to say that because you did not take an exam, you are a bad person! No, taking an exam is not mandatory. He says I will not take an exam, and I am not a candidate. This is not a problem.

God forbid, in the corners of the country, an ignorant or malicious person should appear and say to some respected and valuable scholars and servants who have spent their lives for this revolution and just did not come to take an exam, that you did not take an exam, so such and such. No, not taking an exam is not proof of not being a jurist. They did not take an exam, and their value is preserved in its place. Some of those who did not participate in the exams are people for whom I consider it my duty to pray for their health and longevity so that Almighty God preserves their blessings.

Of course, if they are not members of the Assembly of Experts, it does not matter, and there is no problem, and they have their dignity and personality, and no one has the right to attack them. Some took the exam, and the examiners of the Guardian Council—the respected scholars and high-ranking jurists of Qom—who examined them, said you are not a jurist. Not being a jurist is not something that someone should use as a pretext to weaken a person. There are many great tasks in this country whose value, if not greater than membership in the Assembly of Experts, is certainly not less; its condition is not jurisprudence. In this country, there are essential and great jobs like holding executive positions, holding ministries, holding the presidency of various organizations whose condition is not jurisprudence; but for this particular job—meaning membership in the Assembly of Experts—the gentlemen decided that the candidate must be a jurist; they were right. But if someone is not a jurist, it is not a deficiency that someone wants to criticize and some make a fuss that it turned out so-and-so was not a jurist. If not, it does not diminish his revolutionary and faithful value and his status in the revolution and in high responsibilities.

In this country, there are many first-class and important jobs whose condition is not jurisprudence, and people do not ask and it does not occur to them whether the person holding this position is a jurist or not. Today, our president, from my perspective, who has known him for many years, is a definite jurist. This is also one of God's blessings upon us. We have a president who, in terms of seminary studies, is a jurist and in terms of Islamic thoughts, is a high-level thinker with extensive experience. When he was about to become president, who asked or thought whether you are a jurist or not? Did people even remember that he is a jurist or not? The presidency is a high status where the administration of affairs and the executive reins of the country are all in the hands of one person—who is also a jurist—but no one remembers whether this gentleman is a jurist or not.

Not being a jurist is not a defect or deficiency. We previously had presidents like the late martyr Rajaei (may God sanctify his soul), who were not jurists. After the interim government, except for martyr Bahonar and Mr. Mahdavi Kani—both of whom were jurists—we had good, serving, hardworking, and sincere prime ministers who were not jurists. Therefore, being a jurist or not is a condition in the Assembly of Experts; but it is not a condition for being revolutionary and responsible and being a prominent personality.

Suppose someone participated in the Guardian Council's exam and was told you are not a jurist; it does not matter. With this issue, his personality, greatness, value, and usefulness for the people are not questioned. Let no one think that because so-and-so is not a jurist, he should be stripped of his clerical dignity; absolutely not. He is a thinker and a thoughtful, serving, hardworking, revolutionary, and struggling cleric, but he is not a jurist; it does not matter. Therefore, both those who are jurists and did not take the exam, their status is preserved; and those who took the exam and were not jurists, their status is preserved; and the Guardian Council, which acted according to the regulations and performed its duty and must perform it, its status is preserved. There is no problem here.

Some also express opinions here and there that if the Imam were present, he would have intervened in such and such a matter! I do not like to get into such things; but as a reminder, I say that if the Imam were present today, be assured that he would not be satisfied with the violation of the law—especially in this form and on this wide scale.

Our great Imam, in the last days of his noble life, wrote a letter that is among the remaining documents of that great man and is in the minds of many people and was spread everywhere. Imam (may his soul be sanctified) even doubted the non-legal organs that were formed by his order and for the interests of the time—such as the Expediency Council and others—and said they belonged to the time of war and we were forced to take an illegal action. Imam (may his soul be sanctified) was committed to the law. One of the characteristics of that great man was adherence to the law so that nothing contrary to it would be done. We also do what is our duty in terms of adherence to the law.

Why do some people unnecessarily protest that you wanted to recommend to the Guardian Council to accept so-and-so and so-and-so against the law? What kind of action is this? Certainly, if our dear Imam were here, he would not do this. We do not agree that anyone comes and attributes a statement to the Imam; while he does not know what the method and approach of the Imam (may his soul be sanctified) was. The method of the Imam is known to those with insight and expertise and those who were associated and familiar with him; not that anyone comes and says that if the Imam (may his soul be sanctified) were here, he would do this and say that.

I recommend everyone to follow this correct path. Be careful, while we invite the Islamic world to unity, the enemy should not be able to create division and discord within the ranks of the Islamic Republic itself. The condition for victories is that the different factions in the Islamic Republic respect each other and be together. In the Islamic Republic, the choice is the choice of the best; not electoral competition. These disputes and competitions belong to Western democracies that have not smelled anything of God and religion.

The actions that some people take are not suitable for the Islamic Republic. Here, the method is Islamic, and the choice is the choice of the best. People should enter with open eyes and insight and choose those they trust. Suppose now Zayd and Amr are not in this group; this should not cause conflict.

In any case, all dear brothers and sisters should ask Almighty God for help so that He, God willing, inspires the right path and insight in this path to all of us and guides us all. Today, preserving the dignity and honor of the revolution and the Islamic system and maintaining unity is obligatory for everyone, and if anyone deviates and transgresses, they should know that they have deviated from the revolution and it will certainly not be tolerable for the people and these enthusiastic youths and those who feel responsible.

May God guide all hearts to the right path and, God willing, make the fulfillment of these duties possible for all individuals and humiliate the enemies of Islam and Muslims and grant victory to Muslims everywhere in the world and bring the dear and noble Iranian nation to all their aspirations and goals and make the sacred heart of the Imam of the Age pleased and satisfied with us.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings