In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Spiritual transformation more valuable than social transformation
The bazaar has always been a very influential factor in the furtherance of all movements that have taken place in Iran. The bazaar had a significant role in the progression of the Tobacco Movement. «1» The same was the case of the Constitutional Movement. The bazaar merchants, not being influenced by other ideologies, were so faithful to this Revolution- which was a hundred percent Islamic, and the bazaris themselves one hundred percent Islamic- that their share in it is very great. Therefore, the bazaar has been a source of blessings and should be so. In a country which we want to be Islamic, and which is Islamic and humane in the full sense, the bazaar took part in the movement and furthered it by its shutdowns for long periods, sometimes for months. A great spiritual transformation took place in it as in all other spheres, so much so that this spiritual transformation is perhaps more significant than the Revolution that smashed this dam (the Shah's regime). The worth of the cooperative spirit that arose in the society and among the people was very great. However, after this Revolution succeeded in attaining one aspect of victory, the Islamic significance and the transformation that were there are now somewhat diminishing, a part of which concerns the bazaar.
Countering the exploitation in the bazaar
As the bazaar has much interest in the political, Islamic and social affairs, it is in a position to bring about a transformation in these spheres. Well, according to what is being said, some of these merchants now want to make a profit so as to, for instance, make amends for the period when the bazaar was shut. Or they are waiting for something to happen of which they could take advantage. It is the bazaar that can prevent this from happening. The bazaar itself should prevent these people who have become ready to exploit the situation. I am not saying that they should go and beat these people up and do such things. They must see if anyone is overcharging these poor people, these indigent ones, many of whom gave their lives, their blood and still poor, still without means. If they want to buy something, they cannot do so because of its exorbitant price; and so they must do without it. Supposing that there are some merchants in the bazaar who are known to be like these (profiteers), the other merchants should, then, so arrange it that, one by one, they approach these people, wish them, and say:" Sir, do not do this." If, during the course of the day, a thousand merchants go and tell one such person not to such a thing (overcharge) and that it is not fair to do so, these efforts would show results.
An anecdote of Shaykh Shahabadi
May God bless the soul of our Shaykh, the late Aqa Shahabadi «2»- may God be pleased with him- who had once told me:" In those troubled times, a shop was opened opposite my house. It seemed to be selling things at exorbitant prices; it was a bad shop. I told my friends to approach the owner, one by one, and stop him from doing so. One morning, about two hundred people, one by one, went to his shop and after exchanging greetings, told the shopkeeper that his shop there was not appropriate. The first person met with a negative response and another entered the shop. In this manner, about two hundred of them reprimanded this shopkeeper until the afternoon with the result that the matter ended; the shopkeeper shut his shop down."
When this forbiddance is repeated, it will have an effect on the human spirit. If one person does it, well, it may have a little effect. And the person should follow him and say:" Sir, do not do this. It is not fair. These people have had their blood spilled, and now you are putting them in difficult straits. These poor people cannot afford to purchase these things."
The manner of tackling overcharging
It will have an effect if it is so arranged that these bazari youth and elders approach these merchants, one by one, and forbid them from overcharging. For example, during the course of the day, a number of the people should go and without using harsh, rough words, gently convince these people- just as God has commanded us to forbid the wrong- that overcharging is not right. They should thus forbid them from selling goods at high prices. If the bazaar, if our friends in the bazaar, make efforts, they will be able to prevent by means of such advice, gentle persuasion and forbiddance. We do not want these people who act unfairly to be dealt with harshly. The best course of action is this very approach by which the bazaar merchants, on noticing some people acting contrarily and overstepping the limits, selling fruits at exorbitant rates, tell them very amicably not to do so. That would suffice. Perhaps it would have a positive effect on them, God willing, by which the bazaar would turn into an Islamic one just as it had happened for some time during the course of the movement when an amazing sense of cooperation had arisen among the people.
An example of Islamic qualities and brotherly feeling
Some of the people who took part in these demonstrations told me repeatedly that one of those who were there had stated that somebody would give, for instance, a sandwich that he had bought to someone else. This person would not eat the sandwich. Instead, he would divide it up into small parts, giving each part to this one and that one with, perhaps, nothing remaining for himself. When the demonstrators would be marching in the streets, the people would bring food and water for them. This is an Islamic phenomenon, a spiritual upheaval that Islam needs. Islam wants our bazaar, avenues, houses- internally and externally- to acquire an Islamic atmosphere of cooperation, affection and kindness; an amicable atmosphere. It wants the people to be compassionate to one another." They are compassionate among themselves." They are compassionate, friendly and brotherly unto one another. They look upon society as their own children and their own brothers, just as the Messenger of God (s), who is the head of all, behaved, even with those who used to become polytheists. It is stated in the Qur'an:" It may be that thou tormentest thyself (O Muhammad) because they believe not." «3» He was universal kindness. He had the greatest compassion for the polytheists whom he would invite (to embrace Islam). He was like a kind father to the nation and would invite the people to goodness and uprightness as it was for their own good.
Following in the footstep of the Prophet and the Imams
The Islamic country should follow the Prophet of Islam and the Imams of Islam. Just as their conduct was one of kindness toward their brothers, the people, the Muslims, we, too, who are their followers should behave kindly like them and strive to bring up our children in an Islamic way. If the young are brought up in an Islamic manner, they will be honest and will not commit acts of betrayal. They will be useful for the country. I hope that God give you success, health and assistance.
[During the course of the speech, a person in the audience raised a question about overpricing and the current problems facing the bazaar].
Yes, they are also a part of these people who are, perhaps, just a few. You must approach these limited number of people for a few days in the way I have stated. I hope that by forbidding them the matter will be set right. I hope that it will be effective.