Message [Downing of passenger plane by the Ba`athist regime and martyrdom of a number of the country's officials]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return

`Aflaqite criminals who find themselves desperate in warfronts, particularly in Faw and agitatedly resort to any means to rescue them committed another disgraceful crime that ruined their already dissipated prestige in free international community- the recent air disaster causing the martyrdom of a large number of our dear fellow citizen.

Dear Islam, particularly the Shi`ah world in the course of history from the early days of Islam to the present time has had brilliant records in the arena of blood and sword and by the rule of the holy Qur'an and Sunnah (tradition) of the Messenger of Allah (May God's peace be upon him and his progeny) and life style of Immaculate Imams (May God's peace be upon them) scuffled with sword and blood to curtail corruption for sacred Islamic goals, offering immense sacrifices in this sacred cause. The great people of Iran in pursuance of the honorable saints of Islam has put up this sacred defense and voluntarily offer life and property in its fulfillment and accomplishment of lofty Qur'anic goals. They have fulfilled this divinely duty competently and thank God taken giant steps towards promotion of divinely Islam of Muhammad (May God's peace be upon him and his progeny). Although Iran has lost dear and valuable forces, it has gain higher and greater values- gratification of God Almighty. What can be higher than God's gratification?

A nation that consummated a revolution to win God's gratification and has risen for spiritual and human values does not fear martyrdom of the dear ones, loss of the apples of its eyes and toleration of hardships and afflictions.

The paradise of proximity to God that is beyond the conception of mystics brims with sufferings. What am I saying? This paradise of the saints has made hardships sweeter than honey for the nation to enjoy fruition. Are we not witnessing every day these caravans of Karbala meeting martyrdom enthusiastically and lovingly. Are you not witnessing every day the grand theaters of fight against aggressors, smiling at death and working miracle. Verily, what is this development that is shining out the country of the Savior (May our souls be sacrificed for him)? What is this volcano that is engulfing and melting the deviants and crooked-minded and malevolent people? Is this other than the will and manifestation of God causing vampires to escape and exhilarating the saints of God and mystics? What can I say in honor of this nation, this resolution and this bravery of this nation with my broken pen and closed eye? I had better break the pen and keep silent and implore the Great God to grant the reward of the combatants and their families, the war disabled and their relations. It is hoped that the master of beneficence bestows favors to these guests who are moving towards Him, granting greater power to these pride-making combatants and showering dignity to this dear nation, particularly those who have been actively involved in this struggle in the cause of God. May God grant permission to these dear ones who flew towards Him in this air crime to enter His special coterie!

al-Islam Haj Shaykh Fadlullah Mahallati, the dear martyr whom you and I know well, devoted his life to the cause of this revolution. It should be said that he is one of the brilliant figures of the revolution; he sustained hardships and sufferings in this cause that is the cause of God and resisted loyally and unwaveringly. O, God! Grant this martyr permission to enter the circle of the martyrs of the early days of Islam! Grant patience and spiritual reward to the esteemed families of the martyrs. Shower your inconceivable favors and rewards to the dear clerics, respected judges, the illustrious lawyers, dear guards, distinguished crew of the aircraft and others who were martyred in this immense crime of the Iraqi `Aflaqites with espionage services offered by the disbelieving munafiqin (hypocrites). Favor final victory to combatants in warfronts and the Basij forces, these spiritual wayfarers of Karbala. Make the Promised Savior (May our souls be sacrificed for him) satisfied with us and with his prayer grant us resistance. May God's peace and mercy be upon you!

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini