Ayatollah Nourmofidi in His Advanced Jurisprudence Class: Under Circumstances in Which All Ill-Wishers Have United Against the People and the Revolution, the Entire Nation Must Participate in the February 11 March in Unity

Saturday is February 11 and the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. We previously discussed the substance of this matter. For now, I only wish to make some remarks about the importance of participating in the February 11 march.

This year, the circumstances are extremely sensitive, exceptional, and important. Truly, all the enemies of this country, all the opponents of religion and the faith, and, in a sense, the opponents of our Islamic and Iranian identity have joined hands and entered the field with all their power. They are exploiting our weaknesses in order to inflict serious harm upon this nation, this country, Islam, the clergy, and the people’s unity; there is no doubt about this. Therefore, anyone who has even the slightest concern must, notwithstanding all the shortcomings that exist—which we also acknowledge—rise with all their strength to defend against foreigners and ill-wishers.

There are many shortcomings, the most important of which are the people’s livelihood problems and hardships. There is no doubt about this. In some cases, there has been mismanagement alongside the oppressive sanctions imposed upon these people. It no longer needs to be said that prices are rising from one moment to the next, making life difficult for the general public, including seminary students and those facing numerous problems and hardships. Nevertheless, the nation, the country, and the Islamic Republic have been and continue to be subjected to intense pressure and numerous attacks in recent months.

All opponents of Iran, with all their different inclinations—from the communist and Marxist left to monarchists—have united to disrupt the affairs of this country. They have issued a worldwide call for February 11 and asked all opponents of the Islamic Republic to participate in gatherings and make a show of force against the Revolution and this Islamic Republic. They have issued this call throughout the world. On February 11, that son of a tyrant, who is rootless and ignoble in terms of his origins and family and is himself devoid of character and a libertine, along with … What truly does not exist in them in the slightest is concern for this country and its people. They have also spent their entire lives in dissipation and pleasure-seeking. All of them are now engaged in making a show of force, although they became somewhat disillusioned following these riots because matters did not proceed as they had wished.

Praise be to God, despite all their grievances, the people have truly demonstrated—and continue to demonstrate—self-sacrifice to the fullest extent. Despite all their hardships, they have shown the utmost patience and remain vigilant so that the enemy cannot infiltrate and cause harm. These are the same people who grapple with numerous problems from morning until night, problems that everyone experiences; yet, when the time comes, they disregard all of them and defend Islam, the Revolution, religion, the unity of this country, the territorial integrity of this land, and the preservation of the banner of Islam and Shi‘ism. This is how it has been until now. Wherever their presence has been required, the people have come forward and have neither been negligent nor fallen short. In various circumstances—during the Sacred Defense, when difficulties arise, when earthquakes and floods occur, and during the coronavirus pandemic—they have genuinely and compassionately rushed to one another’s aid. Most important of all is the patience, resistance, and self-restraint they have demonstrated. During these recent disturbances, they did not join the rioters. I am certain that, God willing, they will also disappoint them on this occasion.

The people are not prepared to allow the Revolution—which is a reality produced by their own steadfastness and the result of their own efforts, for which much blood has been shed and many material and spiritual assets have been lost—to be easily exposed to harm and danger. They cannot stand by and watch a group that has never cared about this nation or this country take control of the field. When the people needed them, they turned their backs on them and even helped the enemies impose greater pressure and more sanctions upon these people.

This year’s march is therefore extremely important. No one should offer an excuse or pretext for not participating. God willing, together we must demonstrate the power and strength of this country and the Islamic Republic to the world and to the ill-wishers and enemies of this land. God willing, this united and powerful presence will cause them to reconsider their view of this country.

At the same time, we ask the officials not to confine their appreciation and gratitude toward the people to words alone, nor should their gratitude be limited to occasions such as these. They must thank this nation in practice. Practical gratitude toward the people means providing them with greater, sincere, and round-the-clock service so that their problems may be reduced, their living conditions may improve, and they may enjoy peace and tranquility. God willing, a life filled with virtues and abundant in material and spiritual benefits should be provided for them and for future generations. Appreciation and gratitude must be expressed through prudence, planning, and foresight. That is genuine appreciation and gratitude.

The progress achieved following the Revolution has, in fairness, been considerable. We must not say that nothing has been accomplished. Progress has been made in various fields, including technology and the provision of services to those living in villages. These achievements, however, are insufficient and do not correspond to the dignity and standing of the Iranian people. We must move in this direction with hope for a bright future.

God willing, let us all join hands to resolve these problems.