On the anniversary of the historic uprising of the people of Qom on January 9, 1978, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressed a large gathering in that city. He highlighted the extraordinary impact that the people had by the remarkable impact of their presence and their pioneering role in all other areas. He saw this as a potent strategy pivotal to Imam Khomeini's leadership and the Islamic system. He identified a strategy of the enemies of the pure land of Iran, especially that of the United States and the Zionists, to discourage and exclude people from the scene, saying, “Anyone, anywhere, with eloquence and influence, should, with increased awareness, call on the people to participate in various political, economic, cultural, and other areas.” Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Qom as the city of uprising, knowledge, and jihad. Reflecting on the enduring lessons of the spontaneous uprising of the faithful people of Qom on January 9, 1978, he said, “This great event, triggered in protest against the provocative article published by the (Western) dependent regime against Imam Khomeini, demonstrates the people's influential role in significant events.”
He saw Gaza as a tangible example of this immense power, saying, “Despite America's claims and its alliance with the Zionist regime, a small group in a small territory has thwarted America with the power of their patience and steadfastness.”
The Leader attributed the evident overthrow of the Western-dependent and oppressive regime of the Shah about a year after the pivotal uprising of the people of Qom to the active presence of the people on the scene. He said, “In 1962 and 1963, the esteemed Imam taught the nation this significant lesson through word and deed, demonstrating that the people's presence in the field is something miraculous.”
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned that relying on the masses was a strategic choice by the Imam, which was different from conventional political methods like negotiations with parties and political figures. He added, “On the 2nd June 1984, the Imam came to Fayzieh, brought the people onto the scene and handed them the flag (of revolutionary leadership). As a result, the people responded to the call, which was manifested in the uprisings of June 5, 1984, in Tehran, Qom, Varamin, and other cities. In response to the Imam's lesson about their constant presence in the field, these uprisings mirrored the spontaneous uprising of the people of Qom on the 9th of January. He said, “Relying on the people is a lesson from Amir al-Mu'minin, who in the Nahj al-Balaghah said that the masses are the foundation of religion, the main body of society, and the reserve against enemies.”
Ayatollah Khamenei criticised those who labelled the President's presence among the people as 'populism,' stating, “Popular support is the cornerstone of the system's policies. However, the great art of working with the masses requires reflection and depth.” The Leader of the Revolution pointed out that 'showing the precise directions to be taken' and 'empowering knowledge' are essential in drawing people towards the arena of struggle and resistance. He said, “Inviting the people to be present in Islamic governance; it is the dignity of Islam; it is the fulfilment of reform, the elevation of the nation, and confronting arrogance.”
He held that the enhancement of public awareness is the duty of intellectuals, scholars, thinkers, students, and other influential groups that form public opinion. He said, “After 45 years, the United States and its sympathisers, with their simplistic thinking and flawed calculations, are still justifying the image of that corrupt and Western-dependent regime (of the Shah), which the people booted out from this pure land on February 11, 1979. The Leader of the Revolution, referring to direct British intervention in the rise of Reza Khan, added, “This character, with the help of British agents, began undermining the culture a few years later. This included unveiling women, closing the seminaries, and outlawing mourning ceremonies. His actions and similar measures should be viewed from this perspective.” Ayatollah Khamenei, referring to British interference in the rise of Mohammad Reza and the joint coup by the United States and Britain in 1953 to return to power the Shah who had fled, said, “From the beginning to the end, this tyrannical regime collaborated with foreign powers and continued its disgraceful existence. In return for their assistance, not only Iran's oil but also the dignity, religion, and honour of the nation were sold to outsiders. Yet, some people are now attempting to justify that corrupt regime.” The Leader further explained the strategy of the front of arrogance and exploitation in Iran. He said, “In opposition to the Imam's strategy of bringing the people to the forefront of the arena and entrusting them with the flag of effort and struggle, the United States and the Zionist regime had adopted a comprehensive policy of excluding the people of Iran from the scene. Today, they persist in pursuing this policy of ultimate degradation using various methods."
He talked about the attempt to downplay the people's presence on significant occasions as one of the enemy's tactics to exclude them from the scene. He said, “Ridiculing the Arbaeen march, casting doubt on the people's respect for the great commander of Iran and the region, and creating uncertainty about the majestic presence of the people in religious celebrations like the 15th Sha'ban are examples of the enemy's strategic policy to exclude the people from the arena."
The Leader of the Revolution added, “The reason for this enmity is that they have realised that the presence of the Iranian people on the scene has been the key factor in Iran's progress and dignity, in its emergence as a significant power in the region, and in the creation of a unique strategic position in the system; namely the resistance forces throughout the region, and the defeat of all conspiracies from coups and imposed wars to security plots.”
Grand Ayatollah Khamenei added, “However, the enemy has become pleased wherever, for any reason, obstacles have been placed to prevent the people's presence on the scene, and this includes aspects of the economic sector as well. Another stratagem they use to exclude the people from the scene is striving to use the foreign media to demoralise the people, especially the youth, about the future.” He said, “Some of their propaganda activities are generalising or exaggerating negative points, emphasising the futility of participating in political activities such as elections and highlighting economic deficiencies and hardships.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, “Of course, we undoubtedly have economic problems, and have had many weaknesses that continue today. However, if we look carefully, we will find that most of these weaknesses also result from the lack of people's participation because the weaknesses are less in those areas where the people are present.”
He saw intimidation by Western powers, including America and the Zionist regime, as another ploy to drive the people out of the political arena. He said, “If the Iranian nation were supposed to fear a certain power, the Islamic Republic would no longer exist. Today, most of the powers that claimed dominance and divine authority in the region fear the Iranian people."
Ayatollah Khamenei saw weakening the people's beliefs in such areas as their presence, courage, and power as another tool used by foreigners to exclude the people from the scene. He said, “Religious faith and legitimacy are at the forefront of those factors that empower the people. The enemy's efforts and propaganda aim to weaken these factors.”
He added, “The issue of hijab and such matters should be addressed with the understanding that it is not merely a lack of awareness about the issue but also that a small group has a specific motivation to oppose and resist these practices…. Another stratagem to vacate the field of the people's presence is that they create divisions and polarise the people to turn even friendly differences into condemnations where every good word from the opposing side is ignored.” After explaining this, the Leader of the Revolution said, “The way to counter these schemes is by having the people's presence in political, economic, electoral, and even security matters.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Regarding security matters, people can assist the security agencies by identifying enemy elements. Many security challenges have been answered with the help of the people, and the security systems have prevented the occurrence of tragedies similar to the Kerman incident. It can be said that many more conspiracies have been thwarted than plots that have been executed."
The Leader stressed that promoting the people's presence and role was a crucial pillar for the proper administration of the country and a definite requirement for the Revolution to achieve its goals. He saw it as an invitation to everyone with an audience and a platform. He said, "The religious scholar, the marja’, the clergy, the university professor, the artist, the manager, the political official, the media representative, everyone must encourage people to be present in the field and stand firm. Of course, the responsibility of government officials is heavier because the people are ready, and the ground must be prepared for their presence."
The Leader of the Revolution saw the massive turnout of the people on the fourth anniversary of the martyrdom of General Soleimani, their participation in the rallies of February 22, in the Day of Quds, and their gatherings during the Days of Allah, similar to the events of 9 Dey (30th Dec.), as prominent signs of the people's readiness to be present in the field. He said, "On the anniversary of the honourable martyrdom of General Soleimani, people came to Kerman with pride, making the pilgrimage by various means. Despite the tragic event, the popular gathering continued with the same intensity, strength, and motivation the next day. This means the people are ready, and we, as officials, should prepare the ground for their presence."
Regarding the sorrowful incident in Kerman, he pointed out, "This tragedy has truly saddened our nation. Of course, we do not insist on blaming this or that, but we insist on identifying the real factors and aspects behind the scenes that caused this incident and neutralising them. Inshallah, the esteemed officials who are assiduously pursuing this case can bring those who planned and executed this crime to justice."
In conclusion, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the issue of Gaza. He referred to the gradual realisation of the predictions made by insightful individuals, stating, "It was predicted that the victor in this arena would be the Palestinian resistance and that the one who will be defeated would be the wicked and accursed Zionist regime. Today, this prediction is being fulfilled."
He considered the three months of Zionist crimes and infanticide as an unforgettable historical event, saying: "Even after the destruction and eradication of this regime from the face of the earth, these crimes will not be forgotten and will be recorded in history. It will say that one day, certain individuals in this region came to power and, within a few weeks, killed thousands of children. However, the Palestinian people's patience, steadfastness, and resistance forced them to retreat."
Explaining the signs of the failure and defeat of the Zionist regime after about 100 days of atrocities, the Leader of the Revolution pointed out, "They had claimed that they would eliminate Hamas and the resistance and relocate the people of Gaza, but they have failed. Today, the resistance is alive, well, and ready, while the Zionist regime is tired, defeated, and remorseful, with the mark of criminality burned onto its forehead."
He saw a lesson to be learned in this solidarity and stated, "This lesson indicates that we must pursue this path of resistance against oppression, coercion, arrogance, and usurpation. The resistance must continue to update itself, remain prepared, and not be caught off guard by the enemy's tricks, and, with the help of God, we should strike at the enemy wherever possible." Ayatollah Khamenei said, "God willing, the day will come when the Iranian nation and the rest of the Muslim world will witness the triumph of patience, perseverance, and reliance on God over the enemies and the devils of the world."