In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The honorable merchants, tradesmen, and the venerable and pious people of Hamedan (may God Almighty assist them) :
I do hereby extend my greetings and gratitude for your kind telegram expressing your sympathy on the grave disaster «1» brought to Islam and the Muslims.
I have to notify the esteemed gentlemen that it appears the despotic regime means to alter the essential laws of Islam, or even worse than that, may God forbid. They have frequently stipulated the equality of men and women's rights in all social and political aspects, which necessitates making some amendments in the laws of the Holy Qur'an. Since they have encountered the Muslims' reaction, they are now craftily denying it and making unacceptable excuses. Nevertheless, we know them well and do not trust their word. They are inviting and encouraging the girls to" the Army of Knowledge" (girl scouts who were meant to teach people reading and writing) and then it is stated that they should go to the military service before that. Then, facing the public detestation, they start to deny it, while it is announced in the press that the bill on the girls' military service is being prepared; but they try to deny it and make ridiculous excuses. The despotic regime assumes that it can pave the way for advancing on its evil ends, which includes striking Islam a final blow by propagating the equal rights. They are not aware what strong reaction they will encounter in that case. The despotic regime, which does not recognize freedom for any member of the nation, and has been utilizing lack of freedom to attain its ends for years, assumes that it is possible to beguile the Muslim nation so that the evil ends of Israel might be fulfilled.
I have frequently warned you- the Muslim nation- and I am warning again! The clergy and Islam are in danger. The Islamic nation should be ashamed of keeping silent against the corrupt despotic regime. Publish the corruptions, unveil the offences, protest, publish declarations, and make the Islamic nation hear your voice, by using the strong Islamic logic. Inform the whole world of their inhumane acts. At the end, I pray to God for the success and victory of you and the whole nation.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini