Demanding retribution for the martyred Imam is a historical and civilizational demand

Ayatollah Ali-Akbar Rashad, a professor of advanced jurisprudence at the seminary, addressing the managers of the Imam Reza (AS) Seminary Complex in Tehran in response to the call of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution for avenging the blood of our dear martyred leader, described the funeral and farewell ceremony of the pure and luminous body of the great leader as an "unprecedented epic in history," and said: "This great event, in addition to revealing the popularity and greatness of his personality, displayed the national unity of the Iranian nation and the unity of the resistance front at the highest level, and dispelled the enemies' hope of the people distancing themselves from the ideals of the Islamic Revolution."

In detailed remarks referring to the various dimensions of this historical event, he stated: "The farewell of the pure and luminous body of this great martyr became a multifaceted epic. On one hand, the greatness of his personality, who was martyred at the peak of authority yet in a state of oppression, was revealed to the world, and on the other hand, the depth of the Iranian nation's devotion to the values of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Revolution, and the system of the Islamic Republic was displayed."

A funeral that became a historical event

Ayatollah Rashad, stating that the funeral ceremony of the great leader went beyond an ordinary ritual and became a historical event, said: "The world witnessed that after nearly five decades, the Islamic Revolution is still alive, dynamic, and possesses great popular support. This revolution gains new life with every event, and a new spirit is breathed into its body."

He added: "National unity was displayed at its highest level in this event, and simultaneously, the unity of the resistance front also manifested itself in a rare manner. If it had been possible to hold the funeral of this martyred Imam in various countries of the region and the territory of the resistance front, those same magnificent and rare scenes would have been repeated."

The head of the Seminary Council of Tehran Province, referring to the great popular capacity in various countries of the region, stated: "In Iraq, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the nations have deep devotion to the martyrs and the ideals of resistance, and if funeral ceremonies were held in these countries, we would witness massive and epic participations."

He emphasized: "This reality showed that among the nations of the resistance front, there is a spiritual, emotional, faith-based, and ideological unity that transcends geographical borders."

The enemy became hopeless regarding the Iranian nation

Ayatollah Rashad, referring to the political and social consequences of this widespread popular presence, said: "By witnessing these scenes, the enemies of the Islamic Revolution realized that they have no hope of the Iranian nation's submission or the people distancing themselves from revolutionary ideals."

He added: "If the Americans and their allies thought they could achieve compromise with the Iranian nation through pressure, threats, or some political processes, this idea was dispelled by the people's presence at this ceremony."

The head of the Imam Reza (AS) Seminary Complex stated: "What took place in this ceremony was a great historical event – an event that, in my belief, has no parallel in human history."

Comparison with the historic funeral of Imam Khomeini (RA)

Referring to his memories of the passing of Imam Khomeini (RA), he stated: "With all the grandeur that the funeral ceremony of the founder of the Islamic Republic had – and the generation of the revolution experienced those days with all their being – what was witnessed in this event was also a rare and lasting occurrence."

Ayatollah Rashad added: "In this event, this great martyr became more known to the Iranian nation, the nations of the region, the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and the freedom-seekers of the world, and his name and path will remain in the historical memory of nations."

The people; the main factor in the victories of the Islamic Revolution

He further, emphasizing the role of the people in the formation and continuation of the Islamic Revolution, said: "One of the fundamental characteristics of the Islamic Revolution is its democratic nature. Whenever the revolution has faced threats or challenges, the people have come to the field and disappointed the enemy."

He added: "In the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the final victory was achieved through the presence of the people. Imam Khomeini (RA) did not allow armed conflict to begin until the last moment, and when martial law was declared, he called the people to the streets, and this presence nullified the martial law and paved the way for the victory of the revolution."

The field must not be left empty

The head of the Seminary Council of Tehran Province, referring to the necessity of the continued presence of the people in social and revolutionary arenas, emphasized: "The fields must not be left empty, because whenever the faithful, revolutionary, and responsible forces leave the scene, the opportunistic and riotous elements will fill their place."

He called on the people to remain on the scene, just as they have had an effective and decisive presence in recent months, and to safeguard the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.