In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
"The steadfast, who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning. Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided." «1»
O dear children of Islam, do you still need to be condoled when the Exalted Lord has given you His condolences? The honored and glorified Lord states:" Give the glad tidings to the steadfast, those who undergo every kind of misfortune and endure it for the sake of God and say that they have been created for God, and live for God. When they die they are not destroyed but return to the Munificent Lord. May the Blessings and Mercy of God be upon them. These are the ones who have realized their human aspirations."
Nevertheless, I, on behalf of the venerable Master of the Age and Imam of the Time, «2» express my condolences to all the Muslims of the world, especially the bereaved families, on the tragedy of the fourth of Shawwal, of the year 1398 AH [Shahrivar 17], and, at the same time, offer my congratulations. God is witness that my Mustafa is not the only one whose death anniversary is approaching, but all those slain in the Shawwal tragedy were my Mustafa's. I congratulate all the fathers, mothers and relations for this steadfastness and for this blessed martyrdom that the Exalted Lord has granted to my children. Being so killed, which is a mark of honor, is my greatest wish; perhaps it is near.
But deliverance and the victory of righteousness over iniquity is nearer than that. Henceforth, we are in a position to interrupt our activities- not for always- as the cruel tyrant will be overthrown very soon. Do not be in a hurry to reopen your shops and factories. Try to boost the morale and faith of the faint-hearted as God is the Provider of our daily bread. Nobody will die of hunger by ceasing business activities for a few days for the sake of God.
Honor and wealth are in God's hands. Do not fear death as life and death are in God's hands. Continue with the strike as deliverance is at hand.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini