Speech [The efforts of the enemies in making people despondent about the Revolution]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

I pray to God for the greatness of Islam and the well-being of all Muslims especially you, the dear brothers from Azarbayjan, the city of Ardebil and the surrounding areas. Some of the people who do not want this Islamic movement and this divine revolution to bear fruit, sometimes say that the enthusiasm of the people has diminished. They say that the people were very enthusiastic at the beginning of the revolution, but it is not so now. Such is the rumor they are spreading among the people. Was the revolution, at the beginning, for God for the ardor of the people to have been great, and it is now not for God for it to be less?! Whatever has happened from the beginning of the revolution until now has been for the sake of God the Blessed and Exalted. The country was heading towards paganism and was trying to consign the commandments of the Qur'an and Islam to oblivion, and, disregarding its own interests, was giving away its resources to the foreigners. The nation rose for the sake of God and for the revival of His commandments. It entered the fray with great zeal and enthusiasm, and, by making great sacrifices and offering a number of martyrs, it prevailed over blasphemy and discord, and did away with the hold of the superpowers on this country. This was done for the sake of Islam and God. A country that rose for God will also be steadfast in His cause and will continue to do so. Hence, these people who are futilely thinking of preventing the progress of this country and the revolution from remaining vibrant and lively, are spreading certain rumors. What has happened as to draw you dear youths to this humble house from distant places?

What sentiments are these that have brought the respected ladies and the dear youths from around the country to such a place for us to meet face to face and talk about the problems they and we have? Is it anything other than Islamic zeal? Is there anything important to me except Islam? Have you come here for gain? Have you come to derive material benefits? You know that there is nothing of the sort in this place. It is for God and His pleasure; it is for the advancement of Islam that you wish to show the evil-wishers that the same enthusiasm that was there at the outset of the revolution, and which drew us into the fray and drove out Islam's enemies from Iran, is still there. The reason is that it is the same Islam and the same Islamic revolution as before. And thank God that this Islamic issue- that is, the basis of the Islamic government- has been so far taking effect in the best possible way, and the nation's destiny lies in the hands of the people themselves. It is not that our people are unaware of everything and that their fate is being determined in the White House or the Kremlin. The nation itself appoints the President by its vote. It voted for the Islamic Republic and will appoint the cabinet ministers by means of its vote centered in the Majlis. All the affairs of the country are in the hands of the people themselves. It is now unlike the days of the taghout when the nation was of no consequence, with all the power in the hands of one or some persons. The nation is everything and everything is based on its vote. Everything is for the benefits of the nation, God willing.

These people are the leftovers of the previous regime or the supporters of America and the Soviet Union. Some of these decayed remnants that are still here are trying to raise matters in such a way as to make the people despair over this revolution. Was this revolution for the purpose of giving houses to the people? Was it staged for the purpose of creating jobs for the people? It was for the sake of God and Islam.

Our people saw that Islam was getting destroyed by the various groups who were coveting this country and its resources. They revolted for the sake of Islam by offering the blood of their youths and by sustaining heavy losses. If they had risen for material gain, they would have undoubtedly been disappointed now that they have not gained any material benefits, for example. But those who rise for God know that God is always there and the percepts of Islam are always there. You the youths, you the dear ones from around the country, will always exist for the sake of Islam. Azarbayjan has always been the stronghold of this country; it is so even now and will be to the very end.

I pray to the Blessed and Exalted Lord to protect you dear ones who have come here from afar and to keep you for us. You must realize that the country is your very own. Whatever trouble you take in this country is for yourselves and your brothers. It is not that others will pocket the benefits of your toil. Thank God that Islam has gained strength here at this time and, God willing, Islamic principles will also take effect. The strength of the Islamic government lies in your support for it. We are not afraid of any of these powers that exist in the world and are intimidating our people, because of God. Our nation has revolted for God, and a nation that rises for His sake does not fear anything; it is invulnerable. God is with you; He is your Protector.

May God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.