Joint Declaration [The joint declaration of the Grand Ayatullahs on the occasion of Khordad 15 uprising]

One year has passed from the cruel disaster on Muharram 12, 1383 AH (Khordad 15, 1342 SH). A year has passed from the catastrophic deaths of the beloved ones of the nation. A year has passed since children lost their fathers, women lost their husbands, and mothers lost their children, and families lost their guardians. The Khordad 15 incident was a disgrace to the ruling regime. It was an unforgettable incident recorded in history. What offence had the Muslim nation committed to deserve such a punishment? Why did they machine-gun the innocent women and children? What were the `ulama' of Islam and religious preachers guilty of? They were merely guilty of defending the truth, the Holy Qur'an. They were dishonored, imprisoned, isolated at home and endured disasters for their sympathetic advice and reformist ideas.

It is the duty of the `ulama' of Islam to defend the indisputable laws of Islam, to support the independence of the Islamic country, to deplore any oppression and tyranny, to denounce any agreement with the enemies of Islam, independence and the enemies of the Muslim countries, to condemn Israel and its agents- the enemies of the Holy Qur'an, Islam and the country- to criticize the unjust executions, group exiles, illegal trials, and unjust condemnations, and any how to express the benefits of the nation and country. Are these crimes? Can you call it dark reactionism? All the deviant sects spread ant-Islamic propaganda, have free gatherings, and hold open sessions. The Christians have a broadcasting station in the Gospel Church in Tehran and an institute in Kermanshah. They have official schools. They enjoy governmental support. One is free to publish anti-religious books. But Muslims, religious preachers, the `ulama' of Islam are not free. Religious propaganda and voicing the violations of law are branded" dark reactionism" and banned. Religious societies and gatherings have to obtain permission from the police and other organizations. The mourning processions for the Doyen of the Martyrs (peace and salutations be upon him) are being limited and banned.

We know their alliance with Israel and its agents! Is it not a disgrace for an ancient country like Iran to be supported by Israel?! The great Iran, a protectorate of Israel!? Is it not against the interests of the country to publish the false claims of a rascal among the people and to let the press discuss it and so to reveal the weakness of the government? Isn't it a wrong policy? Isn't it a scandal? They think the nation is asleep.

We are always ready to defend Islam, the Muslim countries and their independence. Our programs are the programs of Islam: unity of expression of the Muslims; unity of all Muslim countries; brotherhood with all Muslim schools of thought all around the world; alliance with all; all Muslim governments around the world, against Zionism, against Israel, against the imperialist governments, against those who take the resources of this poor people away free of any charge and leave the poor nation alone with its misery, unemployment and poverty, while the governments speak of modernity and economic development for people who look pale from hunger and poverty.

These facts have driven us impatient and caused worry among the `ulama' of Islam. If these ideas are" dark reactionism" then let us be reactionaries! We are ashamed of the Muharram 12 (Khordad 15) incident. The inauspicious event on Khordad 15 th and the incidents in Faydiyyah and other religious and academic schools is unbearable for us and for any zealous Muslim; what may the ruling regime think about it?! The Islamic nation will never forget this tragic event. We announce Muharram 12 a day of national mourning. Let them call us reactionaries and traditionalists.

We fear the consequences of these oppressive acts and we feel it is our duty to advise the ruling regime, while they have paid no heed to our repeated admonitions and advice. In our opinion, it is advisable for the government to change their policy, not to give the police and other organizations dominance over the oppressed nation, the `ulama' of Islam and the reverend preachers, to stop these illegal acts if they can. The attachment of the `ulama' of Islam to the Islamic countries and laws is a permanent divine one.

It is our divine duty to protect the Muslim countries and their independence, and in our opinion shirking the duty of advising and keeping silence in case Islam and independence of the county are at risk, are grievous crimes, unforgivable sins, and welcoming ignominious death. Our great leader, the Commander of the Faithful (`a) did not consent to silence against tyranny, neither do we. It is our duty to guide the nation, the governments and all organizations. We will not shirk this duty, God willing.

At present, keeping silent against oppression is the same as aiding the oppressors. Islamic duties are not just ours, they are the duty of all classes of people; they are duties of the Islamic authorities, duties of the `ulama' of Islam, duties of the preachers of Islam; duties of all nations; duties of all Muslim countries and nations. We firmly believe that the Muslim nations will overcome imperialism in the near future and we will spare no self-sacrifice when it is time.

We ask God, the Exalted, for the best for Muslim countries, nations and governments." O Lord! Make the hearts of people inclined to us." May peace be upon those who follow the guidance.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini,

Muhammad Hadi al-Husayni al-Milani,

Shahabuddin an-Najafi al-Mar`ashi,

at-Tabataba'i al-Qummi