What is meant by conditional pressure is that they apply a pressure, for example sanctions, and then they say, “We will lift this on the condition that such and such action is taken.” It is not that they completely make one despair; they say, “We will lift it, but the condition is that this action must be taken.” This is a very dangerous thing, a very important thing. These conditions may be severely misleading and destructive. In such a situation, what should one do? Here, one realizes that the remedy for this is: “So be steadfast as you have been commanded, along with those who have turned back [in repentance] with you” (Quran 11:112). Because this issue is a public issue, it is not a personal one. For example, in the Quran, the obligation of patience and the obligation of steadfastness exist for the [Prophet’s] own person. The address “And be patient for the sake of your Lord” (Quran 74:7) is to the Prophet and has no connection to the people. But this case [here] has a connection to the people: “So be steadfast as you have been commanded, along with those who have turned back with you.” Everyone must be steadfast, everyone must stand firm. That is, it demands from us a collective movement of patience and steadfastness. So, we understand that in these matters, one must act this way: “So be steadfast as you have been commanded” must be acted upon, as well as “And enjoin patience upon one another” (Quran 90:17? or 103:3 concept). Enjoining patience, compelling one another towards steadfastness, resistance, endurance, and persistence. So when such a situation arises, the meaning of “So be steadfast as you have been commanded, along with those who have turned back with you” becomes completely clear for us. Before this, its meaning was not very clear for us—that “along with those who have turned back with you” means the people are obligated to be steadfast—it is a general command. But when such a situation arises, one understands what it means. Today, we are faced with this issue. Our people are experiencing difficulties, some of which stem from the enemy’s pressures, and we want the people to be steadfast in the face of these [difficulties], to stand firm. This is a great and important movement which, thankfully, is taking place in our country.
(Date: 23 February 2021 / 1399/12/04)
