Speech [Gradual reforms in post-revolution era]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

One issue deals with the deficiencies and inadequacies with which not only you are faced, but the whole country. After any newly emerged revolution, no one should expect that, as soon as the pillagers are dispelled, they see a beautiful garden behind the destroyed wall of obstacles. They have been trying during all these fifty-odd years to destroy all human and non-human forces. They had the press, radio, television, movies and the media all at their command to degrade the young generation, ruin our country, and enjoy themselves for a while. Having overthrown such a regime by that revolution, you should not expect to have everything according to your wish at once. This all must be done gradually. Some revolution like the Russian October revolution, despite having many facilities, could not reform their country after sixty-odd years; still leaders of the country are treating resorting to dictatorship and pressure.

Thank God, Iranian revolution is superior to the ones, taken place in the world. It must be called" White revolution", not in the sense meant by Muhammad-Rida. It is a revolution that has made less damage. Through great damage was inflicted, it was less than that in other revolutions. The Islamic revolution has been able to attain much. It has toppled a power that supposed to be unbreakable. Now, it is in need of positive steps to be taken in reconstruction. God willing, it must be achieved by the help of all and gradually.

You say we need to be reinforced and refreshed. Who on earth has ever had the power and force that you had? «1» What kind of force could ever defeat such a power, armed to the teeth and such trained personnel, without any paraphernalia of war and arrangement? They enjoyed military trainings and systematic forces. However, you men and women had never received military training nor were you in possession of weapons. What was the power that defeated them? That was the power of faith and Islam. That was a divinely power that overcame the devil's troops. Why should you ever become feeble or weary? You are endowed with an extraordinary power with which you broke the obstacle that left the world astonished. There was no possibility for anyone to remove this obstacle. Whenever enfeeblements and disappointments are about to penetrate into your soul, keep in your mind that God watches your back. Remember that it was the power of faith with which you could lead the revolution to this stage. Try to save this power so that you will never be disappointed. Never let enfeeblement penetrate into your souls. Despair and laxity are the words of devil. Hold out hope all the time and be confident. You will emerge victorious. If the revolution or uprising comes to for Islam and for God, it would emerge victorious willy-nilly.

Thank God, the strata of our nation have undergone a new development, which was quite astonishing. People including young and old, students, businessmen and workers who were not concerned about such matters came to think of setting things right within a short period of time. If a nation starts thinking of an issue that will gradually be rectified come to conclusion. What is significant for us is to know our duties. As a clergyman, I must consider it as my responsibility to serve the people best and as much as I can. You, ladies should feel responsible to reconstruct a ruined country that is still in chaos. You have the responsibility to raise children to the best of your ability.

What counts is to train and enlighten those who were remote from daily issues and who have no knowledge of Islam? The biggest disaster befallen the nation during all these years, is that their mentality has undergone change, being oriental toward the west. Their thoughts and attentions are all focused on saying that we do not have anything and we should import everything from foreign countries. This is the problem that must be solved. They must be made understand that we ourselves have everything and the West needs us. It is this need that drives them to take the side with Muhammad-Rida with all their force because they know that they need him and thus should exercise control over this country and exploit its resources. Our country is rich and is able to fulfill its needs. Its area is vast enough that can accommodate reportedly one hundred and fifty millions. Its resources are so valuable. I hope its human resources would also grow. Women who had no role in daily issues must get involved. The strata of people who had never thought about being involved in these affairs must take part now. Those who thought western and who invited people to western mentality with their pen and option should come to their senses and invite people to what we have. We have everything. Our culture is rich: our country is rich. However, they hindered these affairs to be implemented.

Now the country is all yours and the foreigners' grip has been curtailed. I hope this state will persist to the end. You should care to reform all your affairs. First, reform and purify yourselves, engage in refining yourself, act upon the Islamic teachings that are to produce real human beings. Then try to train so that we will develop into people desired by Islam, not the one sought by colonialist. May God endow you all with success! The problems you pointed are under consideration. They will be solved gradually. We have recommended speeding up the process. They argue that they are doing their job. However, there is a great deal to be done. That is quite challenging and they are right. There is too much work ahead. I hope that all the problems will be settled. Never give in to disappointment. You gained a victory that left the world astonished. Such a power that has found that victory is not succumb to disappointment. God willing, by the power of your faith, you will settle all the affairs of your country. May God keep you safe! I will pray for you and I am at your service.