Ayatullah Sayyid Mujtaba Nur Mufidi: The Necessity of Participating in the 22nd of Bahman [February 11] March

Key Takeaways

Livelihood difficulties, certain shortages, weaknesses, and shortcomings cannot be denied and the people have grievances; however, these troubles must not become so highlighted and dominant in our minds as to prevent seeing strengths.
Following the events of recent months in the region, certain delusional dreamers (in the words of the Supreme Leader) insinuate that Iran has fallen into weakness, promoting this as a media line. Yes, we have suffered losses, but we have never become weak.
This year’s march is important because the people must demonstrate their power and steadfastness to the world against this propaganda line and put greedy coveters in their place.
The United States and Israel, which have concealed their ugly faces under the guise of sympathy for the Iranian people, are themselves the cause of many problems and sufferings of the Iranian nation.

Let me speak a few words regarding these days. I will state very briefly: we are in the days of the Ten-Day Fajr, and tomorrow is the twenty-second day of Bahman [February 11]. In this very class and in these sessions, I have spoken many times regarding the importance of the Islamic Revolution and its effects, blessings, and fruits. Today, due to limited time, I wish to address this subject from just one angle and highlight the importance of participating in this year’s 22nd of Bahman march. That problems exist in the country is beyond dispute. That people face hardship regarding their livelihoods is beyond doubt. What we face is that various strata of people, especially seminary students (talabehs), literally keep their faces red with slaps [maintaining dignity amidst hardship], and sometimes even slaps cannot keep a face red. If I were to mention examples here of the problems seminary students face and their consultations, it would truly be unbelievable for many. Each of you faces these problems in some way, and other strata are the same. Livelihood problems, troubles, hardships, certain shortages, and some deficiencies—besides people’s personal livelihood problems, general problems also exist; I acknowledge all of these.

On the other hand, important work has also been accomplished in this country; that is, we must act fairly and not see only these defects and weaknesses. Fairness dictates noting that in the years following the Revolution, important progress occurred in this country. Of course, it could have been better, but we must take care lest these problems and troubles become so highlighted and dominant in our minds that they prevent seeing strengths and witnessing progress. God willing, this progress must acquire greater scope and speed, and through the resolve of officials, the resolve of the people, and unity and empathy, these defects will be resolved.

The point I wish to make is that following the events that occurred in recent months in the region, a delusion arose among enemies that Iran has grown weak. In the words of the Supreme Leader, delusional dreamers! They insinuate weakness, and some imagine that Iran has fallen into weakness. They promote their own delusion as a propaganda line in media. In international media, certain dependent analysts are promoting the notion that Iran has grown weak.

The reality that certain losses hit Iran cannot be denied, and these losses are clear. However, loss does not mean weakness; stating that we suffered losses differs from claiming we fell into weakness. In any case, this mischievous propaganda line is pursued claiming that Iran’s power has eroded and declined, and that its political system has weakened. Naturally, they organize moves upon the bed of this delusion and fantasy. What is a necessity for us—with whatever orientation, taste, perspective, or grievance—is to awaken them from this disturbed dream. Participating in this year’s 22nd of Bahman march is important because it exposes the falsehood of this propaganda line. The people of Iran must unitedly and forcefully declare their presence to the whole world. If enemies perceive weakness, apathy, and lethargy in the people, they will undoubtedly become greedier toward Iran and its people.

The United States and Israel, which have concealed their ugly faces under the guise of sympathy for the Iranian people, are themselves the cause of many of the Iranian people’s problems and sufferings. They are neither sympathetic to the people nor suffer from the people’s suffering. They themselves cause many of these problems; many problems stem from oppressive sanctions that they themselves imposed. They feel no sympathy for the people; if given the opportunity, they will show mercy to no one. They feel no sympathy for the country and do not want this country to grow and progress. Truly, I think one of the most vital actions we can take against the delusion and daydreaming of enemies—and which is unequivocally effective—is participating in the 22nd of Bahman march. Presence in this march is the declaration of the Iranian nation’s strength, power, firmness, standing, and decisiveness against the greed and demands of enemies.

God willing, all people—despite having problems and grievances—will have a widespread presence in this march. Our people have always proven that they understand the critical situation of the country and the region, and God willing, as in the past, they will disrupt the sinister schemes of enemies and their disturbed dreams.

Was-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.