Speech [Plot to debilitate Islam]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

I implore God almighty to grant you success to serve the Islamic Republic and hope that all the gentlemen are successful in serving the nation, which has been under oppression and pressure. All should speak with one voice and get united to be able to tackle the problems the country may encounter.

Today is an opportune time to take up a subject that is of concern to all. This is not something to concerne you only; it concerns all people and the officials of our country. For the experiences, which have been related for us and from those we have gone through, there are good lessons to be kept in mind. All the gentlemen have heard about the constitutional movement. A group that did not want Islam to be strong in this country and sought to push here towards Europe provided an atmosphere in which people like Aqa Shaykh Fadlullah «1» who was an outstanding man in Iran and was accepted by all was hanged in public and people applauded. This was a scheme to do away with Islam and they did. From then onward the constitutional movement could not proceed as desired by the Najaf `ulama'. The story of late Aqa Shaykh Fadlullah was reflected in Najaf in such a bad way that no voice was raised there. They had spoiled the atmosphere in Iran and other places to the extent that some of the clerics here «2» condemned so Aqa Shaykh Fadlullah who was brought to the square and hanged. People stood by the gallows, applauded and defeated Islam at that time. People neglected this action; even `ulama' were negligent.

In our time, we saw Mr. Kashani. Mr. Kashani «3» lived in Najaf since his young days. He was a militant clergyman. He fought against colonial powers- England, to be more exact. When he came to Iran, he devoted all his life to this purpose. I knew him closely. At a time, he was in such a crisis that when he wanted to leave his house for, let us suppose, Masjid Shah, everyone would be informed of this. They kept a close watch on him and reported his every moment. They knew that if the clergyman took the lead, they would bring Islam to the fore. Moreover, they were right. For this reason, they began to position the atmosphere. They took a day with glasses to the streets- they brought the dog near the Majlis building- and called it Ayatullah. I myself was in a gathering where the late Mr. Kashani entered. It was a session for mourning the Karbala tragedies. No one stood up for him. One of the `ulama' from Tehran who is still living, and I were the only people to stand up, and give him a place to sit. No one gave him room. Such atmosphere had been provided for Mr. Kashani who could not come out of his house. He was confined to a room in his house in a way that he could not come out. He was detained on several occasions. At that time, Muslims were defeated.

I want to give a warning to the gentlemen. In the present situation, one can easily see that they are trying to spoil the atmosphere. They are gradually paving the way and want to work out their plans. They saw that by the problems they created in the world they could not do anything. They launched an attack, a military attack, imposed economic sanctions and did everything, but to no avail. They could not achieve the end they wished; that is, removal of Islam. They are scared of Islam more than the Soviet Union afraid of the US or the US is afraid of the Soviet Union. It is so because all their ill-gotten interests and abuses will come to an end if the order in Iran takes root. Nowdays, the question of Iran is not their major concern. In the past Iran was the talk of the town. However, the situation has changed much today. For example, if people in Pakistan demand in Islamic rule, the government has to be in tune with them. Elsewhere, this call has been resounded. American blacks have also raised voice. Now they see that in the Soviet Union voices have been raised. Well! Muslims are great in number in the Soviet Union. They see that if this country is given the opportunity, it might threaten their interests in the world. They cannot launch world war. If they want to launch such a war, the world will go into absolute chaos.

Therefore, they avoid it. They are wiser than launching a world war. Though varius means and tricks, they want to start from here- Iran. To start from Iran, they do not target the clerics at first. They know that it is impossible to target and defeat the clerics all of a sudden. They start from lower levels; they make up atmosphere from lower levels. For example, they spoil the atmosphere for the government. They are spoiling the atmosphere for the government. Wherever one sees, the government is tampered with. The question is not that we believe that the government is unique. Not at all!

Now you may notice the situation in Iran. Iran has been involved in war and revolution. Influx of different people from everywhere, for example, Afghanistan- one million and a half refugees- and Iraq with numerous refugees are two cases in point. So many refugees have flocked into the country, not to mention other complications. If a country other than Iran had experienced such problems, the order in the country would have been disrupted. However, since people are at the scene in Iran, such a thing has not taken place. But they really mean to bring about such a situation.

Let me now report to you gentlemen and the people of Iran that I will not live that long to see these things. I will go from among you, but you should be attentive. They have stated to position the atmosphere to bring down the government, and later they will aim the president, the Majlis and the clerics. They have started their scheme in this way. You should be well aware of this issue. It is not by mere accident that one hears a similar rumor spreading from Qum, bazaar, mosques, pulpits and houses of `ulama'. If you see that a similar subject is circulating everywhere, be sure that there is someone behind it. These things do not happen by accident.

In the present situation, you see that some have forgotten everything except shortage and high prices. Is anyone denying high prices? They have forgotten but some of you may remember the time when the allied forces invaded Iran. You saw what the country was like in terms of staples such as bread, rice and high prices. With one rial at that time being worth 1000 rials now, rice was sold 120 rials and sugar at 400 rials. One sits here and sees that they have forgotten everything overcharges. This was the condition of our country at that time of which some of you may be aware. Now with the condition you have, the entire world is your enemy except a few of the world countries. All coutries try to interfere in our country. Notice the radios. In Kuwait, an event has taken place. Now Iraq has announced that it has been part of Iraq. Nevertheless, they do not stop and say Iraqis are supporters of Iran. Since they are supporter of Iran, so Iran is such and such. All people of the world are supporter of Iran. Iran has acted in a way that the oppressed people of the world favor it. So, whatever the oppressed person in the world do, Iran is involved? This is the situation that today all radios try to present a bad image of us. An event takes place in let us suppose Kuwait, one in Lebanon and one in other places and all are attributed to Iran. Now they have started this attempt in Iran.

I want to tell you that members of the government are neither my relatives nor acquintances. What I say is very general. The government has accomplished many tasks. I mean, with all the problems bessettinng the country, the government has kept it from falling apart. It has been able to stave off the disaster befalling the country and attend to those wounded in the war. It has also been able to ward off hunger and other problems. Of course, all accept and the government itself admits prices are high. Firstly, inflation prevails everywhere; it is not exclusive to Iran. Secondly, revolutionary situation necessarily creats inflation. The situation generated by war gives rise to this state of affairs. When we observe the situation of war, revolution and the enmity displayed by the entire world, we should not charge the government. Now we see the the Majlis is criticizing the government. In the presence of `ulama', the government is being criticized. In bazaar the government comesunder criticism. Television interviews criticize the government. When something occurs, they start to get at the government. This is not without reason. The gentlemen are not aware. For example, a certain person is a very man, but a dozen of people who want to realize these schemes go to him and try to change his mind. Such plotters are in great numbers: there are monarchists; there are pponents of the Islamic Republic, among the higher social classes, who want to go on with debauchery, but political parties are not given the chance; there are Munafeqin, political parties and fringe groups. These religiouslooking people go to some of these gentlemen and lament the destruction of Islam. They want to be modeled on the Soviet Union. the gentleman instantly believes and begins complaining about the performance of government departments. Although organizations are not highly efficient, we should protect the basis. If we fail to retain the foundation, neither departments nor Majlis and schools will remain. Nothing! If this time they exercise domination over us, they will not show mercy to anyone. Today is not like Mr. Kashani's time. It is not like the time of let me say Shaykh Fadlullah. Now it is a time when they have realized that if this republic flourishes, it will not let them reap their benefits. They will be thus seriously engaged in eradicating this republic. If Islam is slapped here, it will certainly not be able to rise from its ashes unless another different situation emerges in the world. We are now responsible for protecting this republic. Iran is responsible for safeguarding its land. Majlis should also cooperate. I know there are complaints, and problems of every kind, but you should all cooperate with each other. Close ranks to prevent any organization from going under. Collapse of the government today is detrimental to clerics and Majlis. In the same way, if Majlis falls, it will be harmful to all. Such is the case if judicial structure collapses. I know there are many complaints. Where do you think there are no complaints? Do you think there is no complaint in the US? There are more complaints in the US than here. In every few minutes, there is a muder there. Moreover, in every few minutes one is sexually abused. Do you expect in post-revolution period and after hostility of all countries of the world to sit comfortably, work, and live in welfare? It is not possible. If bazaar sees the government cannot handle the affairs, it should come to help the government. Now the government has rice, wheat, and everything somewhere around some places, but there are no trucks. Well, the `ulama' in cities should sit and think out ways to obtain trucks. If in each city, four trucks go to these places and all cities cooperate, the problem will be settled. Beware that plans are underway to eradicate Islam. People, `ulama', deputies and government should consider tis. This way in case of complaints is voiced. They can put their heads together and work out a solution. Failing to respond to the complaints should not trigger us to exert pressure on the government, weaken it, and render it incapable. The government that has to carry out all tasks should not be debilitated. Majlis that has to facilitate all tasks should not be weakened. So is the judicial power.

The Majlis, government, judiciary or the clerics are not the main targets: the problem resolves around Islam. The point is that those who are hostile to us are the enemies of Islam. They are not opposed to the judiciary no are the enemies of the Majlis clerics. They are hostile to you because you have stood up for Islam. They not because you are something or Majlis is something. Not at all! If Majlis were to their liking, it would be very good as it was and you saw. If government is to their liking, they will not hesitate to espouse it. However, the government that wants to raise voice against them, the Majlis that is opposed to them and the army that mounts opposition to them, they are opposed to them. Beware that if we do not close ranks and are not together, they will smash us. They will smash the Majlis, the government and the clerics. All will be overwhelmed. Reason necessitates we tolerate the problems. People should put up with the difficulties. Our problems are less than those in time of the messenger of God. All that time the problems were graver and the responsibilities were heavier. They ate the water-skin to alleviate their hunger. They were in this situation. The Commander of the Faithful lived in worse conditions than we do and he was killed. Now the situation is such that we have to tolerate.

Our country has enemies: actually, they are not our enemies. They are enemies of Islam. Now our enemies, even the Iranian ones living abroad, are speaking against Islam. I have reiterated this fact in other places that in their gatherings they speak against Islam. Those who have fled the country and reside abroad are all like this. However, a group of us has remained here. Now what will happen if we start to grapple with each other? What will happen if the Majlis stands against the government or the government stands against Majlis? They are, God willing, not each other's opponents, but we should be more careful. The `ulama' in cities are aware that they should not fall for the complaints of people who come to them. They, also, should not talk about them lest the radios or other media take advantage of it. Do not speak like this. Do not discuss it in gatherings. Friday prayer leaders should not deal with these subjects in gatherings. If they can, they should resolve the problem; if not, they ought to keep it to themselves. Today we should tolerate and have patience. We should be patient." Preserve the way you have been commanded, only with those who have accompanied you." «4» This was what the holy prophet said:" The Hud Chapter made me old." «5» It was because" those who have accompanied you." could not persever. We should preserve. We should be patient.

May God grant success to all! What you noted I am also aware that these subjects have to be inquired. Nevertheless, it should not be the case that every day you bring a minister, make him sit, wrangle with him and weaken the government. Act in a way that the government is not undermined. Plans are underway to enfeeble all of you. This attempt is not aimed at you but at all. Do not imagine that you weaken the government. No! If you weaken the government, you have enfeebled yourselves. This is a prelude to that ulterior purpose. At present, a line is at work to sap your strength. You should be greatly careful. Open your eyes. The nation should open its eyes and protect this government, this Majlis and this Islamic Republic. People should protect these bodies. Bazar should protect them. A certain gentleman says that people should not pay taxes writes tax should not be collected. You see how unaware! Today we spend several hundred million tomans a day on war. Can this exorbitant amount be provided by the Imam's share? Can we bring people and take the Imam's share by force? The Imam's share can only meet the needs of theological seminaries, and no more. If there is some excess, it will be given to the government. One suddenly announces that the government should not collect taxes and we should collect the Imam's share. How? Where can we collect this amount from the Imam's share? Where can we find the Imam's share and the share of sadat (descendents of the holy prophet) to administer the government, the country and the numerous personnel whose cost of living is staggering? Well, the gentlemen just make offhand remarks. One goes and talks with them and they come to believe. So are the other gentlemen. They believe because of their sound essence. The gentlemen should regard anyone making a remark has evil intention and aims to achieve an ulterior purpose. Today when corruption is rampant, it is not right to view things optimistically, imagining that everyone talking is telling the truth. Many came to talk with me. Once, one of the munafiqin who had religious looks and carried a gun came to visit me in Najaf for a month or so. Everyday he spoke and I listened. He had brought a recommendation letter from the late Mr. Taliqani «6» and other marked `ulama' whom he had deceived. I saw he was a fervent Muslim. I felt I was as devoted to Islam as he was. I suspected him and did not reply him. He said they wanted to launch armed struggle. I told him they could not and should not get themselves killed. However, I did not give any more reply. Since then, they schemed for this work. They are still at the scene and have not left. Obviously, they cannot do any harm, yet they can go to the gentlemen in Qum, Isfahan or Shiraz to do something and kick up a fuss. Who is now more prone to fall into their trap? Should they attack the clerics? No. Should they attack the Majlis? No. The government should be targeted. Now the government is more vulnerable. They instigate the Majlis, the clerics, bazaar and all others to attack the government. When they are through with the government, they will come to you, then to the president and, I don't know, to the Majlis, etc. Not all these attacks are aimed at the government but at Islam. I mentioned these things to make the gentlemen more careful and to fulfill my duty. I hope God will grant all of us success in struggling together to remove the difficulties. Right, if complaints were lodged, we should embark on eliminating them, not turning to the government and Majlis to enfeeble them or deal with individuals. This was a subject that I touched on and hope will impress the gentlemen.

May God's peace and mercy be upon you!