A Man of the Revolution | ||
A Man of the Revolution Zarrin Shajari
In great Hollywood Sagas, stories either depict human greatness or evil darkness as the main characters of films which entertain and cultivate us, trying to show us ways of becoming fully accomplished individuals. Behind the glamorous stories, when the lights of stardom are turned off, the real face of the actors and the entertainment business is filled with fake heroes, calculated reactions and great despair.
In movies, Super humans stand to defend the greater human cause, even using violence and all other “means” become acceptable for the “purpose”. But the imaginary characters are simply interpreted by actors who in real life are rarely able to stand up against the injustices of their own societies. Real heroes, real human emotions, real action and true passion are the ingredients that are required byHollywoodproducers but they are nothing more than ideas, and scenarios, mixed with external partnerships which define the plot and outcome of the films presented to us.
And sometimes, once in a life time,Hollywoodstories are exceeded by reality.
In real world, people take these imaginary models and think they can easily be the same, and recreate the same effects that are shown in the films on their everyday lives. But the palpable reality is usually very far from these imaginary worlds created in creative minds.
Each great revolution leaves marks and milestones in the history of a nation. Unless erased by censors and maleficent hands, they are indelible marks. Such events change the course of the lives of many people, and many personal and national destinies are affected by them. Even the greatest Pharoahs of Egypt are remembered from the symbols of the pyramids they built, but their might, wealth and power were lost forever in the sands of the hour glasses of time.
The Islamic Revolution of Iran overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and brought to power an Islamic based popular movement. In a region ruled by dictatorial rulers chosen by fading colonial powers it was seen as a threat for the western puppets, which instead of choosing their own people, laid red carpets and opened the doors of their national underground treasures to their foreign masters.
On 16 January 1979 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi left the country he ruled, and a new beginning, and a new reality, quickly and wittingly, shaped the ancient Empire of the Persians into an Islamic democracy. A non-secular structure resisting any political deviation imposed by external powers. A movement of men and women and the process of a revolution which changed the dynamics of the region, and despite all attempts to abort it, has been able to maintain its stability and strength.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate Merciful
59:23 There is no God but Allah; [It] is a King to whom belong these Attributes: The Holy, the Bestower of Health, the Bestower of Security, the Guardian of all Creatures, the Supreme Mighty, the Owner of the Cellestial Kingdom and Grandeur. [Does any one know of such a King in the whole world?] To [It] belongs the Absolute Purity and [It] is above having any partner;…
The Holy Quran - Surah Al Hashr (The Promised Gathering)
Foundations of a Revolution
In Freudian theory, "the world is at it is and there is nothing we can do about it". But in Divine logic, we are given a wonderful platform on this earth, and it is the consequence of the choices we make, which individually, as a family or even as a nation, can turn the platform into what we wished to find, and see.
According to the Holy Quran, choice is a divine power given to humans as the ultimate offer of "respect" in making them the greatest Creatures of God:
7:72 So We saved Hud and those with Him by a Grace from Us and cut off the roots of those who belied Our Signs and Miracles and did not believe,...
7: 74 [And Salih added:] "Remember when God made you successor after 'Ad's tribe and settled you on the earth; now you build palaces on its plains and carve dwellings out of the mountains, so remember the bounties of God and do not make mischief on the earth." ...
Holy Quran - Surah Al Araf (The Lofty Barrier between the Inhabitants of Paradise and Hell)
Revolutions are choices made by people. Every revolution is a landscape. Revolutions can turn barren land into prosperous farmlands. They can also turn ghettos into "modern" high tower cities of steel and glass, and usually the result of such revolutions is only to the benefit of a small group of "privileged" who are happy to occupy the top floors and savor the view. Today most revolutions we hear about in the mainstream media are mere options for the stock market of oligarchs.
Sometimes these movements are based on virtual ideas and do not stick to earthly needs. They are simply pale copies of real revolutions. Like in children's color books they are a "follow-the-dots-revolution" which once the dots are completed, and the pictures colored, you flip the page, and go to the next image/country.
Contrary to "Color Book Revolutions", in a true revolution there needs to be at least 3 ingredients in order to turn it into a successful wave of achievements for all the "participants":
1- A strong ideology (or belief) conceived by a strong leader (and confirmed by strong “apostles”) 2- A mass of (convinced) followers 3- The Logistics and Infrastructure builders
The 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran was marked by these 3 ingredients which has made it the most successful revolution in recent history.
1- Leadership
Ideologues lead. They are the landscape architects. They plant the roots of the tree. "Ideologues" choose the kind of trees that need to be planted. They are followed by the gardeners (apostles) who water the trees and make them turn into strong, sturdy and fruitful trees which will feed all the population. When ideology is actual belief, as in the belief of the most updated monotheist version of religion, it becomes an even stronger tool to lead others.
The strong leader must function as a creator; he/she is an entrepreneur in social and human matters. He or she has a vision. He or she has to be determined and truly inspired to be able to inspire the "gardeners", as well as the "consumers" of the products which are to be offered in local and foreign "markets".
Just as in big successful companies, the founders are always the necessary liability for the company to grow. Weakening a leader has no other result than to sap the will of the ideologues; enfeeble the strong manpower; and ruin the authenticity of a brand / movement.
In Iran, the legacy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Revolution, was transmitted to Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, a persistent man of faith who truly inherited the divine vision that was transmitted to Imam Khomeini. For sincere believers in the revolution, these men are the signs of the holy benevolence offered by God to the whole-hearted committed Muslim population ofIran.
3: 50 Verily, [God] is my Creator & Nurturer and your Creator & Nurturer; so Worship [It only]: This is the Straight Path!”
3: 51 And when [Jesus] realized their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my help to [the way of God]?” The Disciples said: “We are the helpers of [God’s Way]; we believe in [God]; and you [O, Messenger] bear witness of our submission to [It].”
Holy Quran –Surah Al Imran (The Family of Imran)
2- The Population
Also in order to call it a revolution there must be the "mass of followers"; those who wish to benefit from the fruits of the movement/ revolution. They are ready to participate voluntarily in necessary activities in order to strengthen the garden of trees (which will bear the fruits they will consume). Populations from cities and all parts of the country are usually engaged in the survival of the revolution. Sometimes such movements seem to work like "magic". InIran's 1979 revolution any fair observer could see a "divine intervention", which has been the source of the "awe", especially in those who observe, contemplate and plan from beyond the borders.
Sometimes those called the "Revolutionaries" are present in the beginning of movements, and fully participate in the expression of their ideas, but along the years some of the fiery rattlers, turn their revolutionary fervor into a version of nationalism. With time, most of the "hot-headed" hardly participate in their own electoral process. Thus with the memories lost, the roots are also lost, and the convictions whither away.
One of the strongest models of fervent revolutionary resistance which stood up to the pressures, sanctions and outside threats, and passed the time of its aging founders, is the 1959 Cuban revolution. With the death of Fidel Castro in 2016, the amazing presence of all generations of Cubans was a slap in the face to those who usually calculate the expiration time of their color revolutions as not exceeding 30 years. This is the “enough time” to overthrow quietly the "unwanted non-abiding new regimes".
But inIran, after more than 30 years, people in millions participate freely in important rallies. With certain exceptions, the majority of the younger generations of Iranians born after the Revolution are still reactive, aware of dangers and consistent to the message of Islam. Although they have new ideas, and seem attracted by modern technology and scientific achievements, but this does not jeopardize how the young generation “stick to the roads” which their parents paved for them. They still wish to consume the products of their elders and they understand the power of the blood of the martyrs which fortified their land.
The Iranian people are present at all important events. To show the world that they are united and committed to the change which they initiated, they still actively participate with all they have. This is in order to reach the goal of a moral, divine, and just society. Despite the hurdles, the deviations and the threats, this path is paved and the goal is reachable.
This popular presence and commitment was originally in order to bring them closer to their goal of creating the ultimate "kingdomofGod". The popular masses were inspired to become a nation which would reflect the visions of their Leader; a peaceful paradise for the souls of humans who believed and worked for the greatness of God (Allah).
Politically the Iranian people might differ in opinion, but they are aware of the dangers and the threats which can destabilize their incredible achievements and advancements. Despite all the sanctions, the imposed 8 year war withIraqand the many pressures that were held against the people and the leaders of the revolution, reality is visible for those who set foot in the country after many years:Iranhas succeeded its 30 year transition period with the keen leadership of Imam Khamenei.
The leaps of development and modernity are undeniable, even for the enemies. After the hardships that were endured by the people and the democratic process that has become a model in the region, the Islamic Republic has proven that with the constant presence of its population, along with the leadership of great men, the country has become a “must” destination even for those who seek new markets and new business opportunities.
3- The logisticians
In the reality of earthly existence, some people believe that it isn’t enough to have “idealistic” goals, and that you need to take real steps towards accomplishing those ideals. Therefore in all such situations, a revolution needs those who can consolidate a revolution. They are the logisticians; the academics, engineers, businessmen, teachers, the media…, and all those who set the new infrastructure of the country. They make it happen in order to establish the longevity of the original goals. This is the main lever of durability of a revolution, because it has to offer a unified and consenting structure for those who created the change in the first place.
Just after the revolutionary events inIran, the imposed war, and the murder of many of the “architects” of the revolution in terrorist actions, much precious time was lost in defining the responsibilities and drawing plans for the durability of the revolution. The whole country had to stand up and fight against the enemy. An enemy sponsored by those who evaluated the short life of the revolution, and who hit at a time of gullibility of the post revolution chaos.
But at these dangerous times, the revolutionary logisticians, the clergy, the Bazari (trade dealers and shop keepers in the market), the university students, the workers, soldiers and even families united in the same front, and created the Pasdaran (the Keepers) of the revolution. Upon the model and the footsteps of Imam Hossein (AS) they not only fought with their lives, but they also supported all the necessary investments in order to decrease the pressures imposed by the external foreign powers.
Many agree that among the main strategists and logistician of the revolution was Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani; not only a follower of the late Imam Khomeini, but an ambitious calculating man of opportunity.
Hashemi Rafsanjani
Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani born on 25th of August 1934 in a small town in the Central State of Kerman, was from a rich family of land owners. He left his rich family of pistachio producers in his early years to become an acclaimed self-made politician and business leader.
Although he studied theology, Hashemi quickly found a better opportunity to play a key executive role in the revolution which overthrew the western handpicked king ofIran. He was the logistics engineer of the Revolution and he re-designed the infrastructure of the country in order to put aside all eventual resistance and defuse the power of elements which could endanger the survival of the Iranian Revolution.
Close advisor to Ayatollah Khomeini, from the beginning of the movement, Hashemi followed the lines of conduct set by Ayatollah Khomeini, and some designate him as a more powerful influencer than even the closest friends, and even the son's of Khomeini. When most of the closest advisors to the leader died in the terror attacks instigated by the MKO terrorist group, Hashemi became an important element for establishing the borders of protection of the revolution.
In the process ofIran’s Islamic revolution, part of the key positions held by Hashemi was during his two-term Presidency, between 1989 and 1997, as well as Commander-in-chief during the last years of the imposed war onIranwithIraq’s Saddam Hossein. Upon the declaration of ceasefire,Iranhad been able to maintain its borders despite the human casualties, the tight sanctions and heavy support of Saddam's army by the Western and Arab alliance.
Hashemi took control of the reigns of the country as head of the Assembly of Experts from 2007 until 2011 and since 1981 also became the Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council until his death. This Council was an administrative assembly appointed by the Supreme Leader on 6 February 1988 originally set up to resolve differences or conflicts between the Majlis and the Guardian Council.
Hashemi used this advisory body to bring about the necessary changes in the internal executive actions, and recommended the Leader on other beneficiary actions which could consolidate the Islamic Republic, on which he had built his reputation and overall achievements.
At the age of 14, in 1948, when he left his village in Kerman province to study theology in Qom, there he became acquainted with the ideas of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who later became the founder of the Islamic Republic. Opposing the White Revolution prescribed by Mohammad Reza Shah and in 1962, part of the Combatant Clergy Association, he was imprisoned and tortured for his right wing activities. During his years as a theology student he shared a home with the current Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei, and after the death of the founder of the Revolution in 1989, backed the choice of the successor of Imam Khomeini as the Spiritual Guide and Leader of the Revolution.
All along his revolutionary presence, Hashemi understood the importance of the ideas and the incomparable determination of the late Imam Ruhollah Khomeni. Hashemi was inspired by this man of vision and knew that the ideas and beliefs of the late Imam were the only force capable of overthrowing the Shah of the Shah’s and the myth of an un-dethronable king.
Years of active resistance and imprisonment during the reign of the last king ofIranforged the character of Hashemi Rafsanjani. He was an astute businessman who built the mechanisms of growth in the country. He could easily find the faithful followers who shared a great part of his plans and decisions. Among the projects he initiated was the Islamic Azad University a major academic front against the conservative ideology of national universities of the country.
His actions and reactions were considerate of protecting the sturdiness of the revolution “tree” which had offered its “fruits” to the people of the country. All the forces and the inspirations which had flown, even beyond the frontiers of the country, had become a model of resistance and sovereignty, even for other populations around the world, and they had to be respected.
After his second term as President, Hashemi was gradually considered by Western powers as a free market and pragmatic defender and even the Persian Gulf Arab neighbors found in him an ally. In his recent years and after the election of his protégé, Hassan Rohani as President of Iran, he seeked to diffuse external tensions and avoid conflict with the Western leaders in order to benefit from the business favors that he believed were necessary to construct a modernIran.
Founder of theAzadUniversity1982 with an enrollment of 1.7 million students, he also brought a new generation of educated Iranians in the Post Revolution Iran. Grown both physically and academically the Azad University has become one of the largest higher education institutions globally present in 31 state university branches across Iran, and four branches in other countries such as in U.A.E., United Kingdom, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
A Fertile Garden
All those Iranian men and women who in the course of the Revolution willingly gave up their lives, and stood for their belief in God, and their religion, will leave an indelible trace in the history of the Persian people and their Islamic choice, and even the demise of the founders of the Revolution will not be able to erase the traces of the divine gardens planted by these inspired men and women.
Today it is more necessary than ever to pay attention to this abundant garden. People wearing masks of Islam, religion or liberalism, and those taking control of the dashboards of public opinion, threaten the incredible achievements won by of the heroes of a true Islamic nation in which divine presence is the key factor of development and earthly balance.
The Iranian Islamic Revolution, the religious and political teachings of Ayatollah Imam Khomeini and the guidance of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are a blessing for all Muslims, and non Muslims around the world. For such truly divine paths to become roads and infrastructure, any country needs the unstoppable determination of a compassionate and God fearing leader, as well as united, devoted and strong skilled workers and cultural motivators. Like in any great company, the "developers" should also have the same faith and understand the unique and strong vision that created the platforms of development put in their hands.
No ideology can survive without concrete foundations, and is usually not viable beyond a few generations. But neither can a society stand strong, independent and thrusting without a strong belief in the values, goals and the right direction for reaching them. Opening to trade with other nations is a human characteristic since the beginning of times. Cultural exchange can also be to benefit all sides unless it weakens the values and the goals of a nation. Wars are the last resort for those who take up arms to defend their borders, wealth and values.
While the West claims theories of democracy and human rights, meanwhile it is crawling like a bruised bird on the many spoiled grounds it has destroyed. The Western nations should be careful not to burn in their own shortsightedness. They are experiencing a clear decline. The counter effects of a spiteful immoral cultural aggression which denies all other populations any right to choose a path other than the secular model is not an option for the Islamic nation of Iranians, who has bled for its own survival, faith and peaceful existence.
Today, 80 million Iranians, and a new generation of highly educated, "consuming individuals", is a tempting market for wealth amassers, the waning Western product makers as well as the competitive Asian businessmen. Therefore the reality of the “sanctions” is simply another unjust act of aggression against the Iranian nation which is determined to achieve the quality of life and the rightful position that it inspires; as a respected and respectful nation of believers of God.
The actions for presenting, marketing and selling the revolution or the products of the revolution, should always take into consideration the essence of the revolution in order to stay a brand recognized and respected by the rest of the world. The Gardens of Eden should be populated by respectful individuals who know the limits of the divine gift offered to them by God. The rules and laws should be based on Islamic principles and in compliance with Human values that can be acceptable by all Humanity.
Preserving a prosperous garden on earth is a very difficult task when all eyes are fixed on the treasures piled up in the course of the past 38 years. When a tsunami of divine belief sweeps the minds of human beings, it should also bring the pacific and human road map for building an earthly garden of sanctity and the establishment of a new world order.
It is elemental that the snakes and Trojan of evilness do not easily creep inside the garden. The allured can only bring along seeds of discord, and grow weeds which could quickly whither away years of hard work. Allowing violators to grasp the fruits and the beauties of the garden and leave a trampled garden in despair.
Leaders of the Islamic Republic have always emphasized thatIrandoes not intend to impose its model of belief on the rest of the world by force. Unlike many other countries ruled by the greed of the Western world, the only key reason of its survival is true independence and awareness of the dangers which surround it.
It is primary to keep track of the hardships, the blood of its martyrs and have faith in the many gardeners who have left, and continue to leave, a trace of their sweat and ideas in the "eden" of national heritage. A heritage which belongs to all, and not just a few. A heritage which has been approved by God and is not in need of the approval of earthly masters. Among those who understood the importance of this gift offered to them was Ali Akbar Hashemi, a man of the revolution.
Iranwill always need the leadership with a vision and strength to stand up to invading forces and ruthless invaders of the grown treasures. The Leader is and should always be the “ideologue” and the real backbone of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He should be the inheritor of the late Imam Khomeini and the current Imam Khamenei, and be able to continue their teachings and recommendations; a person only afraid of God /Allah and nothing else.
Today the Islamic Republic of Iran is the model of survival of a belief, and not just of an idea. Those who made it possible were helped, before anything or anyone, by the will of God. The real heroes and the main characters continue to shape the future of this garden planted by its founders.
And if the path to true social and spiritual justice is maintained, the shaping of an Islamic country will be long lasting, and human beings will show, to those who doubt, that it is possible to live in true harmony with their Unique Creator. Inshallah.
35:18 On the Day of Judgment no sinner can help another person with the burden of his sin and if he who is heavily loaded should call another to bear his load, he will not be aided though the one whom he asked for help be his near kinsmen. [O Messenger] you can only warn those who fear their Unseen Creator and who perform prayer and pay alms. And whoever purifies himself [from the filth of polytheism, hypocrisy and other sins] he does it to benefit of himself because the return of all is to Allah [and the process of reckoning will surely take place],
35:19 Verily the blind and the seeing are not equal;
35:20 Nor are the darkness and the light;
35:21 Nor are the cool shade and the heat;
35:22 Nor are the living and the dead. Verily, Allah owns the power to make the deaf hear, but you [O, Messenger] cannot make hear those who are in the graves;
35:23 You are but a Warner [your task is to warn not to give life, those people who are spiritually dead; Allah will Decide for them.]
35:24 [O, Messenger!] We have sent you on the basis of the Truth [due to Divine Decision] as a Bearerr of glad-tidings and as a Warner; and no nation of the past were without a messenger;
35:25 And if they belie you, [no wonder] so did the generations before them with the Messengers who came to them with Signs and Miracles, Scriptures and the Illuminating Book;
35:26 Therefore I [Allah, the Almighty] seized the disbelievers with affliction which was very severe.
Holy Quran - Surah Al Fater (The Originator of Creation)
International Media Analyst Founder and Editor in Chief of ZarComMedia.com
Tehran, January 2017
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