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In
 Memories from
the Life of Martyr Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi
The Late President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
 The Nation’s Servant
Author: Amir-Ali Sharifi
Translator: Sayyid Haydar Jamaludeen
Editor: Mostafa Rastegar
Art Director: Saeed SaffarNejad
Cover Art: Mikael Barati
Illustrator: Honar-e Nohom Team

Green Palm Publications

+ 98 999 99 16 140
Email: [email protected]
www.Greenpalm.net
Acknowledgment
Green Palm Publications would like to express sincere appreciation to
Fatima Masuma and Ali Mahdavi for their meticulous work and invaluable
contributions in text production. Their keen eye for detail and commitment to
clarity significantly enhanced the overall quality of the final product.

Copyright © 2024 Green Palm Publications

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed,
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or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior permission of the
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requests or any inquiries, please contact Green Palm Publications.
 Contents
9 ◆ Introduction
15 ◆ His Life at a Glance
23 ◆ Sayyid Ebrahim
24 ◆ Work Alongside Studies
26 ◆ A Gift from Imam Reza (a)
28 ◆ He Was Foresighted.
31 ◆ The Judge
32 ◆ Patrons of the Revolution
34 ◆ Rules Apply to All.
36 ◆ A Friendly Authority
38 ◆ A Refuge
40 ◆ A Rejected Gift
42 ◆ Meritocracy
44 ◆ Instant Kinship
46 ◆ Defending the Oppressed
48 ◆ Wittiness in the Mosque
50 ◆ A Humble Imam with a High Official Position
52 ◆ The Teaching Salary
54 ◆ Helping the Needy
56 ◆ Open Arms for the People
58 ◆ Just Like the People
 6

60 ◆ Patient in the Face of Insults

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63 ◆ Servant of Imam Reza (a)

64 ◆ Small House, Big Heart
66 ◆ A Fulfilled Wish
68 ◆ Requests of the Needy
70 ◆ A Shelter for the Pilgrims
72 ◆ A Refuge for the Vulnerable
74 ◆ No to Discrimination
76 ◆ Personal Use Is Not Allowed.
78 ◆ Calculate All the Expenses.
80 ◆ A Salary Spent on Charity
82 ◆ Feel Free to Criticize.
85 ◆ Head of the Judiciary
86 ◆ Humble Despite Achievements
88 ◆ The Family of Prisoners
90 ◆ Calm in the Face of Criticism and Insult
92 ◆ Caring for His Mother
95 ◆ The President
96 ◆ A Man for Difficult Times
100 ◆ Debating While Fasting
102 ◆ I Will Ask Allah for Forgiveness on Your Behalf.
106 ◆ You Should Apologize to the People.
108 ◆ The Martyrs Are the True Representatives.
110 ◆ The Walk of Authority
114 ◆ Engagement with the Academic Community
116 ◆ Working Weekends and Holidays
118 ◆ He Never Neglected Establishing Family Ties.
120 ◆ Devoted to God and the People
122 ◆ A Tireless President
124 ◆ Tireless in Serving the People
126 ◆ The Unwavering Smile
128 ◆ Meeting the Villagers
130 ◆ Listening to Poor Villagers
132 ◆ Visiting the Flood-Stricken in a Remote Village
134 ◆ Only for the Nation
136 ◆ Eager to Serve
138 ◆ Inexhaustible
140 ◆ Lucky Soldiers.
142 ◆ He Wanted to Be Like the People.
144 ◆ Avoiding Extra Formalities
146 ◆ Humble Towards Everyone
148 ◆ Among the People
150 ◆ The Simple Villager
152 ◆ Confiding in the Sun
154 ◆ A Night with the Soldiers
156 ◆ Appreciation for Effort
158 ◆ The Children’s Choir
160 ◆ African Coffee
164 ◆ Bitter Tears for Gaza
166 ◆ A Strong Voice for Gaza
170 ◆ Peace Be upon Quds.
174 ◆ Operation True Promise
176 ◆ The Final Public Meeting
178 ◆ The Day of the Incident
180 ◆ Haj Agha . . . , Where Are You?
184 ◆ Unrelenting Service
186 ◆ A Man of the People
188 ◆ “I Felt for Raisi.”
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191 ◆ Album

7
Introduction
On February 11, 1979, the Islamic Revolution in Iran ushered in
a new era in the country’s history and reshaped the global political
landscape. Led by Imam Khomeini and fueled by the unwavering
dedication and sacrifices of the Iranian people, the revolution
challenged the concept of politics devoid of ethics and spirituality.
Khomeini’s vision, which emphasized the integration of politics
and piety under a divine framework, laid the groundwork for this
new path. His successor, Imam Khamenei, continued this approach
after Khomeini’s passing. The recent three-year governance of
Martyr Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi can be seen as a testament to the
continued implementation of this ideology in the political sphere.
Martyr Raisi demonstrated that he was an outstanding student
in the school of Khomeini the Great, effectively combining
efficiency and authority with ethics and spirituality. While he was
dedicated to the progress of Iran and human civilization, he never
strayed from the path of justice. Though he was exceptionally
humble in dealing with subordinates, he made the most decisive
decisions during challenges and crises. Raisi, authoritative in action,
never deviated from the path of wilayah, adherence to the supreme
 12
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leader, and the realization of the priorities of the Islamic system.

The martyred president of Iran sought the satisfaction of
Almighty God, not through seclusion and isolation, but through
service to the people. This commitment made his funeral become
a symbol of unity between the nation and the government. In
the Islamic Republic, officials rise from among the people and
consider their greatest honor to be serving them. This grand
funeral demonstrated that forty-five years after the start of the
Islamic Revolution, the Iranian nation remains committed to the
fundamental values of their revolution, foremost among them
fighting against global arrogance and the oppression by tyrants, as
well as supporting oppressed nations. Therefore, the pain of the loss
of the martyred president was not confined to the people of Iran but
also grieved all free-spirited oppressed people around the world.
They saw that Martyr Raisi never ceased to fight for their rights,
especially in defending human values, supporting the Palestinian
cause, and tirelessly standing against the crimes committed by
Zionist oppressors.
Now, however, the grief over the loss of the martyred president
has transformed into a new epic – an epic of awakening, action, and
hope for a brighter horizon and a more delightful dawn in a world
free from oppression and violence, filled with justice and peace.
As God says, and the divine promise is infallible:
And We wished to be gracious to those who were oppressed
in the land, to make them leaders and make them inheritors.
(Quran 28:5)
His Life at a Glance
Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, into a
clerical family in the Noghan neighborhood of Mashhad. His
father was Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Haji Rais al-Sadati, and his
mother was Sayyidah Esmat Khodadad Husayni, a descendant of
the Husayni sayyids. His lineage on both sides traces back to Imam
Sajjad (a). Sayyid Ebrahim lost his father when he was five years
old. He completed his primary formal education and preliminary
seminary courses in Mashhad. Then, in 1975, at the age of fifteen,
he went to the Islamic Seminary of Qom, specifically the Ayatollah
Boroujerdi School, to continue his studies.
Following the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyid
Ebrahim, who had completed advanced seminary studies in
Qom, began his first judicial role, relying on his scholarly and
jurisprudential background. In 1980, at the age of twenty, he
became the assistant prosecutor of Karaj; shortly thereafter, he
was appointed by Shaheed Ayatollah Qoddusi to the position
 18

of prosecutor. In 1982, just two years into his successful tenure

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in Karaj, he simultaneously took on the position of prosecutor of

Hamadan.
Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi married Jamileh-Sadat Alamolhoda,
the daughter of Ayatollah Sayyid Ahmad Alamolhoda, at the age
of twenty-three. The fruit of this marriage are their two daughters.
In 1985, Raisi moved to Tehran as the deputy prosecutor. From
1989 to 1994, he served as the prosecutor of Tehran, and then for
ten years, he was the chairman of the General Inspection Office
of Iran. Ayatollah Raisi was appointed as the first deputy of the
Judiciary, a position he held for ten years. Following this, he served
as the country’s prosecutor-general for sixteen months.
Following the passing of Ayatollah Vaez-Tabasi in March
2016, Ayatollah Raisi moved to Mashhad and, by the decree of
Ayatollah Khamenei, was appointed as the custodian of the Holy
Shrine of Imam Reza (a), where he served for three years. During
this period, he implemented extensive changes in the administrative
structure of the holy shrine, aimed at providing greater service
to the disadvantaged, as well as to the pilgrims and neighbors of
Imam Reza (a).
In March 2019, Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi returned to the Judiciary
and assumed the role of chief justice. With his exceptional
management skills, he elevated the stature of the institution. Some
of Ayatollah Raisi’s most notable actions in this position included
promptly addressing people’s cases and judicial issues, decisively
investigating corruption cases, digitizing the Judiciary, and finally,
drafting and finalizing the document on judicial transformation.
Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, who had run for the presidency in 2017
but failed to secure a majority of votes, became a candidate once
again in the 2021 presidential election following requests from a
large segment of the population. Garnering 62 percent of the votes,
he earned the opportunity to assume the presidency and establish
a successful track record in this arena as well.
During his three years as president, Ayatollah Raisi made
tireless and wise efforts to improve economic and livelihood
issues, reform administrative processes, actively engage in foreign
policy, and hold numerous public meetings. He also traveled
to all provinces of the country, completing nearly two rounds
(forty-seven trips) to visit and follow up on the progress and
development of government approvals in the provinces. On his
last trip, on the evening of Sunday, May 19, while returning from
the inauguration ceremony of the Qiz Qalasi Dam in the north
of East Azerbaijan towards Tabriz, his helicopter crashed. Along
with all the passengers of the helicopter, he attained the lofty status
of martyrdom.
Alongside his executive and judicial work, Sayyid Ebrahim
Raisi was known as a cultural and scholarly figure. During
his studies at the Islamic Seminary of Qom, he learned from
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esteemed scholars such as Shaheed Ayatollah Motahhari, Shaheed

Ayatollah Beheshti, the late Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, and
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. In addition to achieving the
highest seminary degree (the fourth level of seminary studies),
19
 20

he earned his doctorate in jurisprudence and private law in 2013.

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Throughout his many years as a seminary student, alongside his

judicial, executive, propagation, and preaching activities, Raisi
also engaged in teaching advanced seminary courses. From 2016
onwards, he began teaching advanced jurisprudence (kharej-e fiqh)
and Quranic exegesis in Mashhad. Raisi has also authored several
books on law and jurisprudence.
Following his martyrdom, in addition to five days of national
mourning in Iran, public mourning was declared in Lebanon, Syria,
Tajikistan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq, and Cuba. The flag of the
United Nations and all member countries in Vienna was flown
at half-mast as a sign of respect. Members of the United Nations
Security Council and the International Conference on Nuclear
Security in Vienna also observed a minute of silence in his honor
at the beginning of their sessions.
Funeral ceremonies were held for him in the cities of Tabriz,
Qom, Tehran, Birjand, and Mashhad. The total number of
mourners in these cities has been estimated at more than twelve
million people. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world
in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Syria, Kashmir,
and other parts of the world held memorial ceremonies in his honor.
After his martyrdom, Iranians bestowed upon him the title
of Martyr of Service and Servant of the Nation in recognition of
his countless services during his forty-four years of activity. He is
now recognized in Iran and many other countries as a symbol of a
popular and active president.
Sayyid Ebrahim
 24
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Work Alongside Studies

Sayyid Ebrahim was not yet five years old when his father passed
away, leaving behind only a humble house as his inheritance. His
family lived in two of the rooms, while the other two rooms were
rented out. This rental income was their only means to make ends
meet.
However, his father had been one of the renowned
preachers of the Khorasan province and had raised his
children to tolerate hardships; they were not raised with
a silver spoon in their mouths. In the summers, Sayyid
Ebrahim had various jobs, from selling items on the streets
leading to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a) to working on
poultry farms. Later on, he chose to study at the Islamic
seminary, but he continued to work throughout the
summers to help run the household and earn money to buy
his textbooks. In those days, it was difficult to live on only
five tomans a day. Occasionally, he could afford better food
for his mother and sisters. When he made good money, he
bought some meat and rice for the home. Reflecting on
those days, he later said, “We experienced poverty in the
true meaning of the word.”
 26
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A Gift from Imam Reza (a)

At the beginning of his studies in the Islamic seminary, he was
still in a dire financial situation. One day, when he didn’t have
much money left, he went to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a)
and expressed his difficulties. It was as though his patience had run
out, his eyes telling the tale of the sorrows within his heart. During
those moments, one of his relatives spotted him and, understanding
his distress by the anguished look on his face, approached him and
gave him some money. At first, Sayyid Ebrahim was stunned: How
had someone else known what was going on in his heart? But after
some time, he realized that the gift had actually come from Imam
Reza (a) himself, and his heart felt at rest.
 28
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He Was Foresighted.
One or two years before the triumph of the Islamic Revolution,
he was speaking with some seminary students about the shah’s
oppressive regime and the struggle against the monarchy. Someone
brought up the topic of who would lead the country if the shah
left. Sayyid Ebrahim declared, “Haj Agha Khamenei, the imam
of the congregation at Keramat Mosque, is the best candidate for
the presidency!” His friends were taken aback and replied, “What
are you talking about?” But Sayyid Ebrahim, having witnessed
Ayatollah Khamenei’s managerial abilities and immense potential
in organizational activities during his Quranic exegesis lessons,
stood by his statement. Remarkably, a few years later, his foresight
proved accurate; Ayatollah Khamenei was elected president.
The Judge
 32
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Patrons of the Revolution

The Revolution had just taken place, and the nation’s economy
was struggling. Many had left their villages for the cities, seeking
employment. The main sidewalks of Karaj were crowded with
street vendors, making it difficult for people to move around.
Sayyid Ebrahim resolved this issue not with an iron fist but with
a gentle hand.
He ordered that a place be found for the street vendors to
relocate. This move not only made life easier for the people but
also ensured that the disadvantaged street vendors weren’t put out
of work. In those days, the late Imam Khomeini had advised the
authorities that these people were the patrons of the revolution.
 34
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Rules Apply to All.

Twenty-year-old Sayyid Ebrahim, the prosecutor of Karaj, picked
up the phone. The head of the Presidential Office was on the other
line: “Have you arrested [so-and-so]? The president is ordering
you to release him as soon as possible.” He thought for a moment
and remembered that the arrested man, a close friend of the
president, had committed serious crimes. After deliberating, he
said, “Convey my greetings to President Bani-Sadr and tell him
that this is the decision of the prosecutor and judge, and no one
has the right to revoke the judge’s ruling.” Growing angry, the
head of the Presidential Office snapped, “What are you talking
about? This is the president’s order!” With a calm tone, Sayyid
Ebrahim replied, “This request of the president is an interference
in prosecution, which is not allowed by law.” Enraged by Sayyid
Ebrahim’s decisiveness, the head of the office hung up without
saying goodbye, and Bani-Sadr never followed up on that person’s
release again.
 36
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A Friendly Authority
Despite the formal and rigid atmosphere of the prosecutor’s office,
he created a warm environment among his colleagues. His moral
qualities made it easy for others to connect with him. No one
could match his hard work and precision in judicial affairs. Every
day, he worked from dawn until dusk, and his job was extremely
demanding. He genuinely believed that he had to endure hardship
so that a corner of the country could find its footing. Although he
constantly dealt with criminals and suspects, he treated them with
the utmost respect while remaining firm and adhering to the law.
 38
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A Refuge
As both a book author and editor-in-chief of a magazine, the man
had been critical of the Islamic Revolution from the beginning,
expressing his displeasure through his publications. One day, a
friend alarmed him, claiming that a group had filed a lawsuit against
him and his magazine, demanding the harshest punishment from
the Judiciary. His colleague suggested he present his problem to
Prosecutor Raisi, who was known to meet with the general public
on Tuesdays. After waiting in line for a few consecutive weeks, he
finally had the opportunity to meet with the prosecutor.
Mr. Raisi asked about his problem. When he introduced
himself, he immediately recognized him and took a keen interest
in his legal case. Upon reviewing the case, he exclaimed, “There isn’t
even the slightest wrongdoing in this case!” He mentioned that
during his most recent trip to Qom, he had seen one of the author’s
books in a friend’s hand and had read some of it, and that he would
like to read the rest. Without hesitation, the author signed a copy
of the new edition and gifted it to the prosecutor. However, Raisi,
not one to accept gifts while in a position of judgement, insisted
on paying for the book. He then turned the telephone on his desk
towards the author and said, “Call and tell those in charge to send
me every issue of your magazine.” Once he did that, Mr. Raisi said,
“I will read your magazines and inspect your case.” Sometime later,
the author received the news that his case had been closed.
 40
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A Rejected Gift
Someone came to the prosecutor’s office and explained that he
owned a few four-hundred-square-meter pieces of land in Karaj
and intended to donate one of them to the prosecutor. His idea was
for the land to be sold, with the revenue distributed among the city’s
needy at the prosecutor’s discretion. However, Sayyid Ebrahim
refused the offer, despite the man’s insistence. The man even asked a
respected citizen to mediate on his behalf, but to no avail. He then
offered to give the land to the prosecutor, but Sayyid Ebrahim still
wouldn’t accept it. Sayyid Ebrahim completely dashed the man’s
hopes, saying, “No, Brother! You should go to the Imam Khomeini
Relief Foundation. If I, as someone who has no property in this
city and even stays in the prosecutor’s office at night, accept this
land, people’s minds will be riddled with thousands of misguided
thoughts, and they won’t be able to trust me ever again.”
 42
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Meritocracy
When he was appointed as the head of the General Inspection
Office, some officials with opposing political views worried about
being fired or dismissed. However, despite being aware of their
political inclinations, he utilized their capabilities throughout his
ten-year tenure. He genuinely believed in meritocracy, not just in
rhetoric.
Similarly, when he assumed the custodianship of the Holy
Shrine of Imam Reza (a), many people expected widespread
changes at the managerial level due to his different management
approach compared to the previous custodians. But that didn’t
happen. He himself said that when someone performs their duties
well, there is no need to replace them, even if they don’t share his
views.
 44
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Instant Kinship
The automotive repair team of the General Inspection Office
was the most overlooked group of individuals. Despite their hard
work, they didn’t receive the appreciation they deserved. One
day, Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, the newly appointed chairman of the
General Inspection Office, was preparing to visit the chief justice.
As he approached his car, he noticed one of the mechanics in
uniform repairing a vehicle nearby. Sayyid Ebrahim walked up to
him, greeted him, and expressed appreciation for his work. Then,
he got into his car and set out, leaving the mechanic stunned.
The mechanic’s co-workers gathered around him, exclaiming,
“You didn’t tell us the new chairman is in your family!” The
mechanic insisted that this was the first time he had met him,
but no one could believe him. However, it didn’t take long for the
rest of the mechanics and workers in the office to realize just how
compassionate their new chairman truly was.
 46
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Defending the Oppressed

In an open meeting with the people, Sayyid Ebrahim was informed
that an official from the Ministry of Education had been laid off
without cause due to an inaccurate report by an inspector from
the General Inspection Office. Sayyid Ebrahim assessed the case
thoroughly and found that the laid-off official was dealt with
unjustly. Consequently, he removed the inspector from office and
reinstated the official to his position. In every post he held, whether
as the head of the General Inspection Office, the prosecutor-general
of Iran, or the first deputy of the Judiciary, Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi
maintained this approach, restoring rights to those to whom they
belonged.
 48
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Wittiness in the Mosque

When Mr. Raisi came to the mosque in the evening, he delivered a
short speech to the people after the prayers. Interestingly, he always
tried to cheer them up with a joke or charming sentence. I was
surprised that someone occupied with legal cases from morning
until evening could be so refreshed and energetic. One reason for
his wittiness was to break the ice, as the people saw him as a high-
ranking official. He wanted the people who visited the mosque
to resolve their legal issues to feel comfortable. Sometimes, so
many people came with their problems that he couldn’t leave the
mosque until an hour later. He wouldn’t even allow the visitors to
be frisked at the door. It was extremely important to him that they
felt completely at ease and as though they were speaking to one of
their own close family members or friends.
 50
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A Humble Imam with a High Official Position

Sayyid Ebrahim had been working in the Judiciary for twenty years,
yet alongside his immense responsibilities, he also served as the
imam of a mosque, leading evening prayers whenever his schedule
allowed. He used this opportunity to resolve people’s problems.
Every evening after prayers, he sat in the mosque for an hour,
giving those with judicial issues a chance to meet and discuss their
concerns with him. Sometimes, the people who sought his help
didn’t recognize him by face and were unaware that this humble
clergyman, sitting in a corner of the mosque and talking with them,
was in fact the chairman of the General Inspection Office.
 52
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The Teaching Salary

Alongside his official responsibilities, he also taught Islamic
jurisprudence at the Marvi Islamic Seminary. It was normal to
pen a contract for the teaching salary, but this contract was made
different by the note he added beneath his signature:

In His Name, the Exalted

I value the opportunity to be at this educational institute. Please give
the teaching salary to the needy students of the seminary.
Respectfully,
Wassalam.
 54
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Helping the Needy

When he worked in the Judiciary, he held open meetings on
Tuesdays, where all kinds of people would come. Anyone with
seemingly irresolvable problems in any part of the judicial system
would discuss their issues with him, and if the law allowed, he
helped them. However, some people who had no judicial problems
would also come. When I asked them what they needed from Haj
Agha, they said, “We have financial problems, and he has been
helping us for a while. We’ve come to get help.” At times when
there wasn’t enough time for them to meet Mr. Raisi, we delivered
their messages to him, and he provided the assistance they needed.
 56
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Open Arms for the People

For over twenty years in various judicial positions, he maintained
a consistent practice: holding weekly meetings with the public
every Tuesday. Each week, he personally sat down and spoke
one-on-one with people whose affairs had reached an impasse.
Sometimes, when there were more visitors, he moved his desk into
the hallway and continued meetings with people until nightfall.
He responded to everyone with the utmost composure, promised
to follow up on their cases, and diligently pursued the matters to
the best of his ability.
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Just Like the People

Admission to a PhD program has specific requirements. The
applicant must pass a nationwide entrance exam before enrolling
in a university. Like all applicants, Sayyid Ebrahim went to the
exam center. Many of the applicants knew him beforehand, and
many others, noticing his demeanor and appearance, thought that
an official had come to see how the entrance exams were being
conducted. It was not until he took his seat at the back of the hall,
received his question sheet, and began to answer questions like
everyone else that they realized what was going on. Many of the
students couldn’t believe it, stealing glances in awe for half the
exam’s duration. Could it be that one of the high-ranking officials
of the country was participating in an exam mere feet away from
them?
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Patient in the Face of Insults

It was decided that a judge would be transferred from his current
post to another location due to a violation he had committed. This
transfer would result in a demotion for the judge, considered a
penalty for his misconduct. The judge called Sayyid Ebrahim and
started cursing at him so loudly that I could hear his voice from
the other end of the line. I was enraged and asked, “Why don’t you
respond to him?” However, without paying any attention to the
insults, Sayyid Ebrahim followed up on the judge’s case to ensure
that none of his rights were violated.
Servant of Imam Reza (a)
 64
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Small House, Big Heart

Originally from Mashhad, Sayyid Ebrahim had settled in Tehran
after years of official responsibilities in the capital. When he was
appointed custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (a), we
suggested that he use the holy shrine’s budget to rent a house for
himself since his position required him to live in Mashhad and
establish a life there. However, he didn’t agree and preferred to
stay in the Razavi Pilgrim Town. We offered him two fifty-square-
meter apartments with only a tiny kitchen and a living room. They
were suitable for pilgrims staying a few days, but not ideal for living
in for several years. Despite our insistence, he remained firm in
his decision. He brought just enough furniture to fit in a pick-up
truck and made those apartments his home. The house he had in
Tehran was not large or luxurious either. Once, I asked him why
he didn’t buy a bigger place. He replied, “This house is enough for
me and my family.”
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A Fulfilled Wish
We were walking together towards Imam Reza’s holy shrine. He
told me, “Once my term in the Judiciary is over, I want to be the
imam of a remote mosque and teach the people Quranic exegesis
and Islamic rulings.” Sometime after that conversation, he was
appointed as the custodian of the holy shrine. One day, while I was
at the shrine, I saw him on the pulpit in the Gowharshad Mosque,
facing the tomb of Imam Reza (a), speaking about Quranic exegesis
after the congregational prayers. It felt as though God had granted
his wish that day; but instead of a remote mosque, God had chosen
the closest mosque to the tomb of Imam Reza (a) for him.
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Requests of the Needy

When he was the custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (a),
he received messages from the people via social media. There were
two kinds of messages: one asking for the blessed food from the
holy shrine, and the other about other particular requests. Many
people, from single mothers with orphaned children to those
hopelessly looking for jobs, were facing difficulties and turned to
Imam Reza (a). He instructed his social media admins to establish
a special process for responding to these messages to ensure there
would be no delay. He personally tended to each of their issues,
exerting all his efforts to resolve their problems.
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A Shelter for the Pilgrims

In a meeting with the officials of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (a),
Ayatollah Raisi addressed everyone in a serious and stern tone,
saying, “Serving the pilgrims of Imam Reza (a) is our pride. We
must never interact harshly with the pilgrims of the Holy Imam.
As the shrine’s custodian, I explicitly say that if you disrespect these
pilgrims, you have disrespected Imam Reza (a) himself.”
With this perspective, he dedicated all his efforts to
building Zaer-Shahr-e Razavi (the Razavi Pilgrims Town),
a place for travelers who couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel.
He aimed to ensure that no pilgrim would ever have to sleep
on the street or in a tent while in Mashhad.
Once, he called me, clearly enraged, and demanded,
“What are you doing?!”
Taken aback by his tone and anger, I asked, “What
happened?”
He replied, “When I was in the shrine underpass, I saw
a few families laying blankets on the ground and resting!”
His anger and harshness were justified; I was upset
about the condition of the pilgrims at Imam Reza’s shrine as
well. He was determined that no pilgrim should be without
shelter in Mashhad.
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A Refuge for the Vulnerable

During his tenure as the custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam
Reza (a), the cities surrounding Mashhad were struck by two
consecutive earthquakes. He mobilized all the resources available
through the holy shrine to compensate for the losses inflicted by
the earthquakes, yet he remained concerned. We only saw him
relax once we showed him our report on the aid provided to the
earthquake-stricken regions. Although the holy shrine had no
direct responsibility to help with the relief effort, he felt a profound
sense of duty. Typically, governmental institutions, rescue teams,
and volunteers assist those affected by such crises, but Sayyid
Ebrahim Raisi didn’t hesitate to help when he had the resources.
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No to Discrimination
For many years, Ayatollah Raisi’s father had recited rowzeh
(devotional texts) for the people in Imam Reza’s holy shrine. When
he passed away, he was buried beside the grave of Ayatollah Faqih
Sabzevari in the holy shrine. During our periodic renovations, we
decided to replace Ayatollah Sabzevari’s gravestone and enclose it in
glass to prevent damage. At that time, Mr. Raisi was the custodian
of the holy shrine. I suggested to him, “Let’s replace your father’s
gravestone as well.” But he replied with a resounding NO. I insisted,
saying, “We’ll pay for it ourselves.” However, he was firm in his
decision, replying, “I don’t want it to seem as though I renovated
my father’s grave because I am the custodian of the holy shrine.”
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Personal Use Is Not Allowed.

When Sayyid Ebrahim and his family lived in Tehran, he
occasionally held a rowzeh and gathered all the relatives at his
house. However, when they moved to Mashhad, he couldn’t host
guests at their home because it was too small. So, once every two
or three months, he rented a hall in southern Mashhad and invited
everyone. Despite being in charge of the holy shrine, Sayyid
Ebrahim was not willing to use any of its facilities for personal
purposes.
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Calculate All the Expenses.

On the day when Ebrahim Raisi was handing over the
custodianship of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (a) to become
the chief justice, he told me, “Calculate all the expenses that the holy
shrine has incurred for me over the last three years and inform me.”
I didn’t understand his request at first, so he elaborated, “Calculate
every facility that I have used, including my meals, and give me the
total.” I was stunned. These expenses were part of the holy shrine’s
budget for the custodian. I tried my best to change his mind, but he
was determined. I calculated the expenses and provided him with
the total. Without sparing a second, he wrote a check and said,
“Return this amount to the holy shrine’s account.”
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A Salary Spent on Charity

When I succeeded him as the custodian of the Holy Shrine of
Imam Reza (a) three years into his term, I reviewed the financial
invoices from his administration. I found that he had not taken
even a single rial from his custodianship salary. I told him, “This
money is your legal right. It must be given to you.” But he refused to
accept it and instead requested that the funds be used for building
a clinic on the lands belonging to the Holy Shrine. We honored
his request and spent the money on the three clinics we were
constructing in the deprived regions of southeastern Iran, with
the help of donations.
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Feel Free to Criticize.

During a meeting with journalists, the chairman asked Mr. Raisi
to start his speech.
However, Mr. Raisi replied, “I have come to listen. Let the
attendees speak, and I’ll speak at the end.”
The chairman then announced, “Who wants to speak?”
I raised my hand and said, “Me!”
First, I addressed Mr. Raisi and said, “I ask forgiveness in
advance for any possible rudeness.”
He replied, smiling, “Go ahead. I’m at your service.”
Fiercely and explicitly, I criticized his performance for over ten
minutes, sentence by sentence, short but consistent. Perhaps some
of my criticisms were harsh and, to some extent, unfair. Several
times, others tried to interrupt my critique which appeared bitter,
but each time, Mr. Raisi reminded them, saying, “Don’t worry about
it, he’s talking to me.”
When I finished speaking, he replied, “Dear sir, thank you for
your truthfulness and frankness.”
When it was his turn to speak, my friend beside me joked,
“Just wait and see . . . He will indirectly mention you!” As far as
I can remember, he spoke for half an hour, but I didn’t sense any
sign that he was upset about my criticisms. When the meeting was
over, I went to him to say that whatever I had said didn’t negate my
heartfelt admiration and abundant love for him, and my words had
been solely out of sympathy and love. However, before I could say
anything, he hugged me, kissed me on the forehead, and told the
attendees, “I like these kinds of conversations!”
Head of the Judiciary
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Humble Despite Achievements

He was considered one of the most experienced members of
the Judiciary, having been a part of it since his youth. Even the
two people who had served as chief justice before him had less
experience, yet he never displayed any sense of superiority in judicial
matters. He never acted as if he were better than those under his
management. When he was appointed chief justice later on, his
conduct with the people did not change. Many people attest to this
fact. His interactions with others remained consistent, regardless
of his position.
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The Family of Prisoners

Before he was appointed chief justice, he was so attentive to the
prisoners and cared for them so much that some saw him as a
fatherly figure. He issued circulars to ensure that prisoners without
outside support could seek help from judiciary officials to resolve
their problems. He even looked after the families of the prisoners,
ensuring they didn’t face hardships while their breadwinners served
their sentence.
During his term as chief justice, we were informed that Mr.
Raisi was planning to visit our prison. The prison warden told me
that I was to welcome him and, if permitted, I could discuss my
problems with him. I couldn’t believe that the chief justice would
take the time to speak to me, a mere prisoner. When he arrived, I
greeted him, and as he was about to leave, I mustered the courage
to say, “I have an issue.”
His response, “Go on,” was so kind that I felt at ease and spoke
freely. Following our conversation, his office consistently followed
up on my legal case until it was resolved, to the point that the judge
thought he must be a close relative of mine.
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Calm in the Face of Criticism and Insult

After his speech at the mosque in the heart of Tehran’s main bazaar
ended, we came out. A young man standing in the middle of the
road directed a barrage of criticisms and insults at Mr. Raisi, using
the worst language imaginable. He was aggrieved about a court
ruling. Responding calmly, as if he hadn’t even uttered a bad word,
Sayyid Ebrahim told him, “I’m not in charge of that court.” Despite
this, the youth persisted, continuing to hurl obscenities. Displaying
his magnanimity, Mr. Raisi told me, “Arrange for this young man
to come to my office tomorrow so I can speak with him properly.
Nothing can be explained here in the middle of the road.”
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Caring for His Mother

I had an appointment to discuss a certain issue with Dr. Raisi.
When I entered the room, I sensed an aura of calmness from
him. When I asked why, he replied, “My mother had caught
the coronavirus, and alhamdulillah, I just found out that she has
recovered and isn’t in danger anymore.”
I was taken aback; I asked, “I didn’t know your mother
had fallen ill.”
He replied, “Yes, I didn’t tell anyone.”
I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. He was the chief
justice. When we talked about it in further detail later and I
asked him why he hadn’t told anyone, I realized that it had
been because he hadn’t wanted anyone to give him special
governmental treatment just because he was the chief
justice. Over those few days, he and his family had taken
responsibility for caring for his mother.
The President
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A Man for Difficult Times

During his two or three years as chief justice, the authority became
significantly more respected by the public. This admiration was
influenced by his personality and the effective operation of the
authority under his leadership. As the presidential elections
approached, many people believed the country needed a manager
like him, especially since dissatisfaction with the previous
government had grown following the coronavirus pandemic
and management issues. The next president would have a big
job on their hands. When rumors began circulating that he was
considering running for president, some of his close friends
met with him and asked him to remain in the Judiciary. They
highlighted the country’s difficult managerial conditions and severe
economic issues, trying to dissuade him from participating in the
elections in any manner possible. However, he responded to them:
I understand the managerial situation of the country and
the problems you’re talking about, but I feel compelled to
participate because of the duty I feel on my shoulders. This
is an arena that calls for self-sacrifice. As the chief justice,
I am currently in a position of demand, but if elected
president, I will be accountable to the people. The truth
is, I am a soldier on this battlefield. Why should I seek my
own comfort and sit in a position of personal benefit?
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The Nation′s Servant

Now, it is just us and our shared struggles and hopes.

Over the past few months, various groups, sectors,
and professions have invited me to run for the
election. On the other hand, some well-meaning
individuals, for various reasons, have kindly advised
me to resist this call. However, the kindness of the
people towards this humble servant has extended
to the point of becoming a widespread and public
demand. If it were not for this public desire, I
would have been content to continue the path of
transformation in the Judiciary. Yet, resisting this
broad wave would have appeared as a disregard
for the will of the noble people of my country and
misunderstood as comfort-seeking in the battle
against our shared struggles.

Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi’s Statement on His Candidacy in

the 2021 Presidential Election
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Debating While Fasting

During the presidential debates, he was attacked by his rivals, but
he strove to maintain proper conduct and focused on critiquing his
opponents’ performance, always aiming to be fair. He even fasted
on debate days to ensure he would be more mindful of his words
and actions. A fasting person is always more vigilant, seeking Allah’s
satisfaction with their deeds. The debates were held on summer
evenings when hunger and thirst affected a fasting person more
intensely. Nevertheless, he attended those debates while fasting to
remain more attentive to his political conduct.
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I Will Ask Allah for Forgiveness on Your Behalf.

Although Sayyid Ebrahim held a university doctorate and a license
for ijtihad (the highest level in the Islamic seminary), during the
2021 election debates, one of the candidates, resorting to lies
and deceit, accused him of not having enough education. In a
live debate broadcast on television and viewed by millions, the
candidate remarked snidely, “You can’t become president with only
a primary education!” This accusation persists even today, and the
enemies continue to use this phrase. However, Raisi’s reaction to this
accusation was notable; after the program ended, he approached the
candidate and said, “I will ask Allah for forgiveness on your behalf
for what you did to me.”
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As a child of the great Iranian nation and a humble

soldier of the Islamic Revolution, relying on
Almighty God and seeking help from the Imam of
the Age – May God hasten his reappearance – and
the pure spirits of the martyrs, I have come forward
independently to bring about a transformation in the
executive management of the country and to fight
relentlessly against poverty, corruption, humiliation,
and discrimination. With respect for all candidates
and political groups, I hold myself accountable and
responsible only before the Almighty God and the
Iranian nation.
O God, You are my witness that I have never
sought position or power, and in this instance as
well, contrary to personal desire and interest, I have
stepped forward solely to fulfil my duty in response
to the call of the masses and the elite communities, to
uphold social interests, alleviate the people’s suffering,
and instil hope. On this path, I seek assistance from
You and Your Chosen Ones to be a worthy servant
for these appreciative and suffering people. God
willing, with His help and benevolence.

Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi’s Statement on His Candidacy in

the 2021 Presidential Election
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You Should Apologize to the People.

No one could ever make him so angry that he lost his composure.
Regardless of the situation, he always tried to keep his cool and
approach issues logically. We only witnessed his anger when the
people’s problems were not resolved due to government officials’
negligence. Once, there was an outbreak of viruses across the
country, and medications such as antibiotics and IV drips were
running short. When we reviewed these reports in a cabinet
meeting, we saw President Raisi’s extreme anger for the first time.
He was harsh with those responsible and instructed me to apologize
to the people as soon as possible.
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The Martyrs Are the True Representatives.

We were on our way to New York to participate in the United
Nations General Assembly. There were some people on the plane
recording a documentary. I asked the president, “How do you feel
as the representative of the Iranian people?” Suddenly, he choked
up, and tears began to flow, as though the title “representative of the
Iranian people” weighed heavily upon his chest. I asked him why
he was crying, and he responded, “The true representative of the
country is Shaheed Haj Qasem Soleimani. The true representatives
of the country are the martyrs. Who am I [compared to them]?”
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The Walk of Authority

Opponents of the Islamic Republic had planned to disrupt Sayyid
Ebrahim Raisi’s first appearance at the United Nations. They
intended to organize a protest outside his place of residence
during his first few days in New York, chanting slogans against the
Islamic Republic and hoping to tarnish its reputation. However,
Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi delivered a fiery and bold speech at the
United Nations, calling for the murderers of General Haj Qasem
Soleimani to be brought to justice while holding the general’s
picture aloft. Despite being aware of his enemies’ plans, he made
a courageous decision after the speech that foiled all their plots;:
he walked back to his hotel from the United Nations instead of
using a car. Images of the Iranian president’s walk of authority,
particularly along the path where his opponents had organized
their protest, were broadcast worldwide, and there was no sign of a
large demonstration. Regarding his decision, he said, “We shouldn’t
run away from these scenes. These people don’t have anything
substantial to say. We have to face them head-on.”
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The Nation′s Servant

Some time ago, the former President of the United

States declared that ISIS was created by America. For
us, it doesn’t matter which American administration
was responsible for creating ISIS. The issue is that a
government from the other side of the world decided
to redraw the geography of our region at the cost
of shedding the blood of hundreds of thousands of
women and children. However, the Islamic Republic
halted and then pushed back this project. The
commander and hero of this war against terrorism
and the destroyer of ISIS was none other than
General Qasem Soleimani, who was martyred on
the path of liberating the nations of the region, with
the former president of the United States claiming
responsibility for this crime. A fair judicial review
of the crime that the former president of the United
States has confessed to is a service to humanity.
President Raisi’s Speech at the 77th Session of the
United Nations General Assembly: September 21, 2022
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Engagement with the Academic Community

During his presidency, the academic community and elites met
with Dr. Raisi several times. As the president of one of Tehran’s
universities, I also participated in these meetings. Typically, the
procedure in these meetings was for the president to listen to a few
representatives of the entire group and then respond to everyone in
detail in a single speech. However, in our meetings, the procedure
differed. Even if the meeting lasted several hours, the president
would listen attentively to the speeches of the country’s elites and
then make a few brief points afterward.
What stood out in Dr. Raisi’s words during these meetings
was his unwavering commitment to serving the people. In the
few minutes he spoke, his primary message was that the scientific
concerns of the elites should be directed towards serving the people.
He wholeheartedly pursued a problem-driven approach to research
at universities, and said, "The field of solving the problems of the
people is yours, the elites."
Another noteworthy point was that he fulfilled every promise
he made to the elite community. This commitment encouraged
the country’s elites to think more seriously about solving national
problems with the government’s help, as they saw the president
actively seeking solutions with their assistance.
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Working Weekends and Holidays

I asked the president for a time to give the presentation and was
given a slot at nine o’clock in the morning on Friday. When I met
him that morning, he said, “Last night, I went to Qom and returned
to Tehran after praying fajr [the morning prayer],” disregarding that
it was a Friday [the Islamic weekend], in the middle of Ramadan,
and during the New Year’s holidays. Each of these occasions
could convince anyone to take a day off. Yet he met with me in
the morning, and not only that, but he also had two or three other
meetings scheduled afterward.
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He Never Neglected Establishing Family Ties.

He and his wife had agreed to hold a rowzeh (religious gathering)
at their house on the first of each month. One of his motives was to
connect with his family and relatives. He maintained this rowzeh
every month for twenty years without exception. Despite his busy
schedule, he never allowed the rowzeh to be canceled. Even when
he couldn’t attend due to travel or urgent matters, he instructed
his family to continue the program. When some wondered why
they still held the rowzeh in his absence, he explained, “The only
thing that matters is that the family meets, even if I’m not there.”
In addition to this monthly program, he organized
a family gathering every six months. One condition for
these gatherings was to minimize talk about political issues
and the government, focusing instead on family matters.
However, given the sensitivity of some national affairs, the
younger guests sometimes initiated political discussions
and asked him questions. During these times, he answered
openly and kept them informed about both internal and
external affairs.
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Devoted to God and the People

Worship wasn’t just a part of his life; it was the central focus. This
is why he never neglected his nightly prayers and worship, nor
did he ever abandon serving the people. He saw both as means of
gaining proximity to God.
After returning from provincial trips, despite being exhausted
from delivering numerous talks, attending intense meetings, and
interacting directly with the public, he would still rise one or two
hours before the morning call to prayer to perform his nightly
worship. His wife cannot recall him ever missing his nightly
prayers, even when the fatigue from hours of strenuous work had
drained his strength.
His companions on these trips recount how, on many nights,
they were so exhausted that they didn’t even have the energy to set
the alarm on their phones, asking the security team to wake them
for the morning prayers. However, they later realized that even on
those nights, Mr. Raisi had awakened an hour before the call to
prayer to conduct his vigil and nightly worship.
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A Tireless President
President Raisi had come to Qom on a provincial trip. It was a
Thursday night, and he wanted to visit the Jamkaran Mosque to
worship. After he finished, people gathered around him, and he
spent one or two hours listening to them. I thought to myself,
Once this is over, he’ll go and rest. However, at seven o’clock in the
morning, when I switched on the television, I saw the president
exiting his airplane at Ilam Airport, six hundred kilometers away
from Qom, as if he hadn’t just spent the whole night talking to
people a few provinces away. Seeing this, I felt worried for him.
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Tireless in Serving the People

As president, his workload was burdensome and exhausting due
to the tough conditions within the country. In this regard, Major
General Mousavi, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic
of Iran Army, recounts:
During a journey to the hot and humid southern city of Jask,
the president’s ceaseless efforts in the forty-five degrees Celsius
sweltering heat astonished me. It was intolerably hot. We were
accompanying him to a mosque in Jask for a lengthy program.
You could tell from his face that he hadn’t rested enough over
the last few days. Once the program ended, I thought, “Now’s
a good time for him to rest.” But a group of children, locals of
Jask, surrounded him, and he started to talk and take photos
with them. The program was so compressed and the weather
so hot that I reprimanded his guards, telling them, “You should
look after his health!” But they complained to me, saying, “No
matter how much we ask him, he keeps telling us that he mustn’t
miss out on even a minute of serving the people.”
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The Unwavering Smile

During his presidency, the Sistan va Baluchestan province was
once again hit by floods, making the already impoverished lives
of the people even more difficult. As a journalist, I was part of
the president’s entourage. When we arrived in the flood-stricken
region, the conditions were so severe that the water reached up to
our knees. Rather than us looking after him in that challenging
situation, he was constantly reminding us to take care of ourselves.
His unwavering smile never left his face. Some people thought that
the smile was just for the cameras, but he was always like that. He
genuinely enjoyed being among the people.
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Meeting the Villagers

During the president’s second visit to Isfahan province, we arrived
at one of the villages earlier and waited for him with a crowd of
people. Amidst the crowd, I spotted an elderly lady who had
clearly been through a lot. She had a hunchback, and her wrinkled
hands told a tale of years spent in agriculture. She was reciting
supplications and verses of the Quran under her breath, all the
while eagerly trying to get closer to the front. I approached her
and said, “Haj Khanum,1 don’t worry. When the president arrives,
we will arrange for you to meet him so you can show him your
hardworking hands.” As soon as those words left my mouth, the
elderly lady glared at me angrily and said, “Do you think I’ve come
to show off? I see Khomeini and Khamenei within him!” When
the president arrived, she was the first to break through the security
circle and meet him. When she met him, she didn’t say a word. As
if under a spell, she simply stared at him, ceaselessly reciting some
prayers under her breath.

1. A polite way of addressing or referring to a woman in Iran in a religious

context.
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Listening to Poor Villagers

During a visit to one of the impoverished regions in Sistan va
Baluchestan province, President Raisi personally asked the residents
living in the suburbs about their problems. The Baluch family could
never have imagined that one day, they would host the highest-
ranking executive official in the country. When the president
entered their hut, they welcomed him, and he sat down to listen to
their concerns. He summoned the officials present and instructed
them to attend to the villagers’ needs in the region and turn their
huts into proper houses. He cautioned the responsible official,
informing him that the huts must be converted into houses by a
specific date, using whatever means necessary, after obtaining the
residents’ consent.
 132

Visiting the Flood-Stricken in a Remote Village

The Nation′s Servant

I was traveling from village to village, lending an ear to the

flood-stricken residents of the Dashtiari county in the Sistan
va Baluchestan province. In one village, a pregnant woman was
washing clothes by a stream formed by the floodwaters. She
complained to me, “Not a single person came to visit us!” I bid
farewell to her and waved as the car pulled away. I knew nothing
would improve unless a high-ranking official visited the region.
The next day, care packages were gathered in a sports hall,
ready to be dispatched to the villages. Amidst the confusion, we
received unexpected news that the president was coming! I could
hardly believe it. Despite the awkwardness of the question, I asked
everyone I knew to find out which region the president would visit.
After asking around for about two hours, I learned that he was
visiting a remote village in the area.
An hour later, the president arrived to personally supervise
the aid process. The villagers, who never expected anyone to hear
their pleas due to their remote location, were overjoyed. “We
never imagined a day when the president would come here!” they
exclaimed. One villager stepped forward, locked eyes with the
president, and said, “Mr. Raisi, I was one of your staunch opponents,
but now that you have visited us, my opinion has changed. I’m your
supporter now!”
As the sun set, the president’s convoy left the village. The men
gathered together and praised the president for his commendable
visit. I called the news agency’s office and complained about not
being informed officially about his visit. They responded, “The
presidential office didn’t want to turn the visit into a media circus.”
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Only for the Nation

Once, I was speaking privately with the president about a project.
I told him, “If you do this, it will make the government more
endearing to the people.” He replied, “Don’t say things like that.
We aren’t working for our own benefit. The work must benefit the
country, not just our government.”
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Eager to Serve
He was deeply passionate about serving the people. He was
scheduled to visit Alborz province the day after returning from
Russia. During the flight back, he calculated that if they visited
the presidential office after landing, rested a bit, and then set out
for Alborz province, their journey could be delayed. Therefore,
he instructed his team to go straight from the airport to Alborz
province at midnight without resting. They could then rest briefly
at the governor’s office before starting their provincial meetings and
visits. The president’s diligence in serving the people astonished
his security and protocol team. Even in taking such measures,
President Raisi aimed to reduce the expenses as much as possible
and minimize any inconvenience to others.
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Inexhaustible
I was hosting a program where a group of youths were to be
honored at the end. The officials present had to stand for the entire
duration as several guests came up to receive their awards. Members
of the president’s security team approached me and urged me to
announce the names and wrap up the program quickly. At first, I
thought they were trying to speed things up as they normally did,
but they informed me that the president had come to the program
straight after receiving an IV and had also promised to attend three
other programs elsewhere. I looked back at him; weakness and
exhaustion were visible on his face, so I concluded the program as
soon as possible.
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Lucky Soldiers.
The president went to great lengths for everyone but disliked
it when others did the same for him. Whenever we planned to
organize a ceremonial unit to welcome him or see him off, he
would say, “I swear to God, I don’t want to see these young soldiers
standing in the heat or cold.” And whenever the ceremony was
performed due to our insistence, the president would personally
thank each soldier.
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He Wanted to Be Like the People.

Whenever we went for a speech or an inauguration and he saw
people standing outside the designated area waiting for him to
arrive, he insisted that the security team stop the car ten to twenty
meters away from the crowd so he could walk toward them. Despite
the serious problems this caused for the security team, he had a
strong determination to be amongst the people. He hated sitting
in the car while people surrounded him.
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Avoiding Extra Formalities

He never enjoyed extra formalities and luxuries and didn’t allow
the country to incur additional costs by observing unnecessary
protocols. This concern extended to his provincial trips, where
cities were decorated differently to welcome him. Seeing his
picture prominently displayed on a banner in a city we visited
was enough to bother him, and he would sometimes go as far as
to issue a formal reprimand to officials for doing so. Once, when
a villager had put a photo of the president on the wall outside his
house out of admiration, he reprimanded us, asking, “Why are you
pasting my photo on the walls and doors? If you want to inform
the people of the public meeting, use a photo of the people at my
speech, not my portrait!”
During his tenure as chief justice and president, he went on
over a hundred provincial trips, but I can’t recall him ever spending
a night in a hotel. He believed that if governmental departments
and agencies had accommodations in every city, they should be
used to avoid incurring additional costs for the government, even
though many of those places lacked sufficient facilities to host the
nation’s president.
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Humble Towards Everyone

As the airplane landed, rain began to patter against the windows
while we waited for the stairs to exit. When President Raisi stepped
out of the plane, a member of his entourage opened an umbrella
and tried to hold it over him to shield him from the downpour.
However, he was not one to allow others to inconvenience
themselves for his sake. He took the umbrella himself and went
down the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, a group of journalists
were waiting for him in the rain with cameras and microphones
to interview him. When he stood among them and realized that
they were getting wet in the rain, he shut his umbrella so he could
be in the same situation.
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Among the People

A group of fruit farmers from a village in Bushehr province traveled
to meet the president about their concerns. While visiting different
provinces, Sayyid Ebrahim also made sure to visit remote areas.
Upon seeing the farmers, he told us, “Please entertain them until
my meeting is over.” Following his meeting, when the farmers asked
him to build a dam for them, he immediately ordered research to be
conducted regarding the necessity and feasibility of constructing a
dam. Later on, he revisited Bushehr to follow up on the project’s
progress.
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The Simple Villager

He sat at the heart of the local tribe’s tent in Semnan province,
listening to the people one by one. At one point, a man raised
his voice, yelling his request. Silence fell over the tent for a few
moments. Seeing how calm the president was, the man regretted
his outburst and said, “Haj Agha, forgive me. We are mountain
and desert dwellers. We are used to speaking loudly.” President
Raisi laughed and replied, “I am here to listen to you. The roof of
this tent has an opening, so shout as much as you want. The sound
will leave through there; it will not hurt anyone!”
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Confiding in the Sun

Throughout his presidency, Sayyid Ebrahim faced intense criticism
due to his anti-corruption policies. His government was under
immense political and media pressure. Once, I told him, “I wish you
wouldn’t stay silent about these things and let them say whatever
they want.”
He replied, “You know most of the issues and are aware
of them, but there are many other things you are unaware of.
Let me tell you something; I take my complaints to Imam
Reza (a) so that he can help me.”
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A Night with the Soldiers

He had a habit of befriending everyone working around him, even
those who often went unnoticed. Despite the heavy workload that
came with his role as president, he made it a point to spend the
Yalda1 Night with the Army soldiers. The soldiers could hardly
believe that, on a night when most people gather with their families,
the president of the country, knowing they were stuck on military
service, would choose to visit them in their garrison, sit at the
same dining spread as them and interact with them like an elder
in their family.
1. Yalda, the longest night of the year, marks the beginning of winter in Iran.
Traditionally, Iranian families gather on this night to celebrate, staying up
late together.
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Appreciation for Effort

Wherever Mr. Raisi went to inaugurate a project, he always paid
attention to those who weren’t always noticed. In every program,
the managers and officials of the project usually stood in the first
row, but the laborers and human resources often went unnoticed.
Mr. Raisi didn’t like it when those who exerted effort to bring the
project to fruition were not appreciated. At many ceremonies, he
sought out those on the sidelines who were often overlooked.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Shiraz-Isfahan Highway, he
expressed his gratitude to the laborers and showed appreciation
for their families. During the memorial ceremony for Hafez, the
prominent poet, he thanked each member of the security team
as he was leaving. At the inaugural ceremony of a water transfer
pipeline, he told the laborers, “Thank your families on my behalf.
If it weren’t for their support and assistance, you would never
have been able to accomplish such a great feat with this project!”
Following the inauguration of the Sadra Water Supply Project,
he removed his long black clergy cloak, slung it over his arm, and
descended the dusty slope to meet the laborers and personally thank
them for their efforts. He smiled, with dust all over his head and
clothes, and said, “It’s not an issue. We all come from dust, and we
will return to dust.”
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The Children’s Choir

During the president’s trip to Zimbabwe, a group of children were
scheduled to perform the well-known song "Salaam Farmandeh"
to welcome him. The children had prepared enthusiastically
for the performance but were concerned their efforts might go
unnoticed amidst the busy schedule and crowds. Upon hearing
about this, President Raisi, despite needing to leave for his next
scheduled meeting, decided to stay and watch their performance
with keen interest and attention. As the children performed, some
people signalled to the choir to speed up, reminding them that
the president had another engagement. However, President Raisi
intervened, asking the children to continue at their own pace. After
the performance, he took a group picture with them. The children’s
excitement and joy were simply indescribable.
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African Coffee
Since he traveled between cities, whenever he noticed a group of
villagers standing by the roadside to welcome him, he instructed
the driver to stop so he could talk to them and thank them for
their efforts. Even during his visit to Uganda, he met with the local
people and spoke with the general public with a friendly smile,
without the need for an intermediary. On this trip, the native people
welcomed him with unique traditional programs. During one of the
meetings with the people, as crowds gathered around him, a native
Ugandan offered him a glass of water. President Raisi gratefully
accepted the glass and drank from it. Then, with a genuine smile,
he asked for a cup of African coffee. Surprised yet proud, the hosts
brought him a cup of coffee, which he also drank. This behavior
demonstrated his trust in and affection for the people, making it
an unforgettable moment for us.
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The Quran is the word of God, a book that invites humanity

to rationality, spirituality, justice, ethics, and truthfulness. The
three fundamental pillars of the Quran are monotheism, justice,
and human dignity, which are essential for human happiness.
What has the Quran said that has aroused the hatred of the
arrogant, powerful and wealthy?
The Quran speaks of the unity of humanity, stating that
all inhabitants of the earth are like brothers and sisters from
one father and mother. It considers humans as representatives
of God and views men and women, despite their natural
differences, as complements to one another and equals before
God. The Quran defends the sanctity of the family and
considers children as trusts from God.
Is this the first time the words of God are burned, with
the belief that the divine voice can be silenced forever? Did
Nimrod, Pharaoh, and Qarun triumph over Abraham, Moses,
and Jesus? The Noble Quran prohibits insulting beliefs and
considers respect for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as respect
for Muhammad (s).
Islamophobia and cultural apartheid, manifesting in
various forms such as burning the Holy Quran, banning hijab
in schools, and dozens of other shameful discriminations, are
inconsistent with the advancements of contemporary humanity.
Behind these acts of hatred, there is a larger plot at play, and
reducing it to the issue of freedom of expression is misleading.
President Raisi’s Speech at the 78th Session of the United
Nations General Assembly: September 19, 2023
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Bitter Tears for Gaza

I was by his side for many years during his terms as chief justice and
president. I accompanied him on many of his important trips. We
went through all kinds of experiences together, both good and bad.
Still, I never saw him cry – that is, until the week after Operation
Al-Aqsa Flood, when the Zionist regime launched its heaviest
offensive against the innocent people of Gaza. During a trip to
one of the Iranian provinces, as we sat at the table, having lunch
and watching the news on television, images of the bombings of
Gaza and the children being injured and killed were broadcast. The
president was so overwhelmed by these scenes that he left his food
and cried aloud, and we couldn’t have lunch any more. Throughout
the five years I spent by his side, I had never seen him in such a state.
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A Strong Voice for Gaza

Following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, President Raisi consistently
spoke out about Gaza. During his trips to Pakistan and Sri Lanka,
he ensured that Gaza was mentioned in each of his speeches. He
held several meetings with the heads of Islamic countries to address
Israel’s crimes. I wish we had recorded these meetings, some of
which were confidential, so that everyone could witness the anger,
passion, and zeal with which the president of Iran addressed the
leaders of Muslim countries. In one instance, he spoke to a leader
with such strong reproach that the other party left the meeting
feeling humbled. At the BRICS summit, President Raisi took the
initiative and demanded that all countries that were present issue
a definitive statement regarding the situation in Gaza. When he
noticed that all the presidents were discussing the painful events
following October 7, he emphasized that the people of Palestine
have been suffering oppression and usurpation for over seventy-five
years, not just since October 7, 2023. His words were so influential
that the meeting’s statement was ordered according to his speech.
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Emphasizing October 7th as the start of the war

distorts reality and narrates the issue from a later
point. Besides the seventy-five-year history of
occupation, terror, and aggression, numerous clashes
have occurred in the West Bank over the past year.
The Islamic Republic believes that the ultimate
solution leading to lasting peace and stability in
West Asia and the world is the formation of a single
Palestinian state after holding a referendum based
on the democratic principle of one vote for every
Palestinian.

Extraordinary BRICS Summit on the Gaza Crisis:

November 21, 2023
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Peace Be upon Quds.

In the wake of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the subsequent
offensive on Gaza by the Zionist regime, Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, the
president of Iran, mobilized all his diplomatic resources to support
the Palestinian cause. He engaged in extensive discussions with
various Islamic world leaders, advocating for a summit dedicated
to the Gaza crisis. Despite his efforts, he encountered a lukewarm
response. He even proposed Iran as the host when initial attempts
faltered. This prompted Saudi Arabia, the periodic summit host,
to organize the gathering in Riyadh.
At the Riyadh summit, Raisi made a powerful statement of
solidarity with the Palestinian people. Wearing a Palestinian
keffiyeh, he began his speech with a blessing for Quds and ended
with a blessing for the children of Gaza. His speech was marked
by a passionate and fiery tone, explicitly affirming that any nation
fostering economic relations with the Zionist regime is complicit
in the bloodshed of innocent Gazans. Following his passionate
address, Raisi engaged in bilateral meetings with other summit
attendees, tirelessly advocating for increased support and aid for
Palestine.
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Greetings to the oppressed and martyred children

of Gaza. Greetings to the children who have sought
refuge in the Quran amidst the ruins of Gaza and
recite its verses. Greetings to the children who
tremble with fear under the oppression. Greetings to
my dear children in Gaza. Greetings to you who have
given meaning to resistance today by standing against
the most equipped armies in the world and the lowest
of individuals on earth. Greetings to you who have
depicted the brutality and savagery of the Zionist
occupiers with your small hands and frail bodies.
Your blood-soaked faces, dismembered bodies, and
crushed bones under the rubble of American bombs
scream that we stand firm.
Undoubtedly, the future belongs to the resistance.
You, the resilient people, are the true heroes. We will
not leave you alone. Palestine will surely triumph.
They see it as distant, but we see it as near. Quds is
ours, and victory is ours.

Extraordinary Summit of Islamic Countries for Palestine:

Riyadh – November 11, 2023
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Operation True Promise

At the beginning of April 2024, in an egregious move that violated
international law, the Zionist regime launched an aerial attack
on the Iranian consulate in Syria, resulting in the martyrdom of
fourteen Iranian representatives. Since this was not the first instance
of such violations, Iran decided to retaliate against the Zionists.
Officials discussed the level, scope, and manner of their response
to the tyrannical and oppressive regime. President Raisi believed
that, since a consulate is considered the territory of a country,
the response had to be severe and launched from within Iranian
territory to ensure that the Zionists wouldn’t dare to violate their
rights and interests again. This firm stance led to Operation True
Promise, the largest drone strike in history, which the president
fully supported.
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The Final Public Meeting

During his final trip to inaugurate a dam, some locals from the
area came to the opening ceremony venue, hoping to share their
problems with the president. I arrived at the event site early to
make preparations. I spoke with these people and directed them
to a different location where the president could meet them after
the dam inauguration and listen to their concerns. They were
skeptical, thinking I was trying to get rid of them. Eventually, I
personally assured them that the president would visit them, and
that’s exactly what happened. When the president arrived and
learned that some people wanted to discuss their difficulties, he
changed his next scheduled event and sat down to listen to their
hardships. This turned out to be the last public meeting held by
the nation’s servant.
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The Day of the Incident

That day, like all other days for the president, was extremely
busy and packed with work. After a diplomatic meeting with
the president of Azerbaijan in the border region between the
two countries, they inaugurated a dam. He then met with the
local people who had concerns and wanted to share them with
someone – and who better than the president himself? After the
noon prayers, the president and his entourage set off for Tabriz
in three helicopters. Everything had been checked. The weather
was cloudy, but there were no specific issues for the flight. The
flight path overlooked a mountainous region full of tall, lush trees.
Amidst the rugged, forested slopes, a dense cloud formation was
spotted. The pilot of the president’s helicopter, who was also the
mission commander, ordered all three helicopters to gain altitude
to pass through the thick cloud. However, on the other side of the
fog bank, at the destination, the people waiting to welcome the
president beheld only two helicopters. This was the final flight of
the president, a flight to eternity . . .
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Haj Agha . . . , Where Are You?

The rain had made the ground muddy and marshy, making it
difficult for the motorcycles to navigate the terrain. The only thing
that gave us the strength to continue was the hope of finding our
lost beloved. We had been searching for a while, straining our eyes,
leaving no part of the forest unseen, determined to find any trace
of him. Amidst the growls of the motorcycles, a voice emerged
from the radio of Haj Davoud, who was sitting on the back of my
motorcycle: “Something can be seen with binoculars towards the
ridge of the mountain to your east. Go in that direction; other
groups are coming too, but you’re closer. Go, inshallah it’s good
news.”
We turned immediately, traversing the ups and downs swiftly. It
was as though new life had been injected into our exhausted bodies.
The sun was gradually emerging from the eastern horizon; dawn
was breaking. With hope, we accelerated faster, but the hope sapped
away the further we advanced. Day broke, and we witnessed what
had been announced over the radio with our own eyes, but how I
wish we had never beheld such a scene! As we found large and small
pieces of the helicopter in the tree branches, our companions began
to cry, “O Husayn!” We could no longer advance by motorcycle,
so we got off and started to run. Our minds were telling us that all
hope had been lost, but our hearts kept a glimmer of hope alive.
“O Husayn!” Haj Davoud cried out to Imam Husayn (a),
seeking his help painfully. After a moment’s silence, his cries in
Azeri broke the silence: “Haj Agha, hardasan?!” [Where are you?!]
We couldn’t believe our eyes. We weren’t supposed to be searching
for the president’s body. We had come to find our dear president
alive and safe, but now we were witnessing a truly heart-wrenching
scene.
A voice came from the radio: “Haj Davoud, have you arrived?
The Nation′s Servant

What happened? What’s going on? Is Mr. Raisi okay?” Haj

Davoud couldn’t even stand. Falling to his knees, he replied, “Sayyid
Ebrahim Raisi has been martyred. There are no survivors. Everyone
has ascended . . . [to heaven.]”

181
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Unrelenting Service
Three days after the burial ceremony of Sayyid Ebrahim, I was
supposed to attend to my classes as usual. So, I showed up at the
university and didn’t allow a single session to be canceled. That’s
how he was, and how he wanted us to be as well. I was certain he
wouldn’t be pleased if I called off even one session of my course to
mourn him now that he had been martyred. Ever since word of
his martyrdom came, every single person sharing their memories
of him has confirmed the same thing – when it came to serving
the people, non-working days didn’t exist.
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A Man of the People

The president’s main approach to addressing the country’s
challenges was to involve the people. He saw every success as
a blessing from the people’s involvement, and he believed that
any issue could be resolved with their participation. No other
consideration ever delayed his efforts to solve the people’s problems.
He invested all his energy into solving problems with the help of
the people. As a result, he earned a special place in the people’s
hearts, and when he finally left, everyone shed tears and bade him
a sorrow-filled and heartfelt farewell.
The people requested that his funeral be held in several different
cities. The cities of Mashhad and Tabriz had never witnessed such
immense crowds for a funeral. In response, they showcased their
creativity and generosity. For example, on the day of the funeral
in Mashhad, some hotel owners gave free rooms to travelers from
other cities, and residents who could offer accommodation opened
their doors to mourning visitors.
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“I Felt for Raisi.”

Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
of Iran, recounts:
After his martyrdom, in almost all newspapers, publications,
and various social media platforms, various individuals from
different factions spoke about his services and his round-the-
clock efforts, praising him, and extolling his virtues. [Some of ]
these people weren’t willing to say a word during his lifetime.
They saw these outstanding characteristics, but they concealed
them, and many times, they said the opposite and hurt him. Of
course, he often didn’t respond, but sometimes he would come to
me and complain a bit.
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