Dispatch from Qom: Faith, Resistance, and a Nation at War

Amidst an internet blackout, a foreign Hawza student shares a first-hand account of high morale, battlefield success, and unwavering support following the Leader's martyrdom.

I’m a foreign student in the city of Qom, Iran right now. The international Internet is almost completely cut here since the war began, so I’m thankful I was able to get a chance to send this message out. Here are some things I want to share about the situation here, while I can.

The news we’re seeing locally is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is doing well in this war. Really well. They have swiftly and continuously been knocking out US bases in the region as well as major targets within Israel itself. In a matter of days, Iran has severely damaged dozens of bases that the US spent decades and billions of dollars to set up. There is neither need nor desire for a ceasefire, and the government has officially closed the door to more “talks”.

With a brilliant strategy of targeting radars in particular, Iran is ensuring that the enemy’s costly and quickly depleting defence systems will grow even more ineffective, making every new wave of missiles even more successful. As of now, there have been already been over 20 waves, each more aggressive and impactful than the last. Iran hasn’t even started using their more advanced weapons.

In contrast, while enemy bombs have also been launched at strategic military and political targets, they have also been firing at civilian sites. Elementary schools, hospitals, sports stadiums, and more are getting attacked throughout the country. Nothing like Gaza, but similar vibe.

You’d expect the civilians to evacuate, avoid crowded areas, or at least stay home. The opposite is happening. Night after night, the streets are filled with people in huge, spirited gatherings. Not only showing their support and enthusiasm for the Islamic Revolution, but also crowding up the streets, removing space and opportunity for foreign-backed rioters to spread violence like in January.

The other reason they’re gathering is to mourn the loss of their beloved leader. Whatever the media tells you about him being a cruel, unwanted dictator is a lie. The overwhelming majority here loved him more dearly than a father. His compassion, courage, and sagacity are sorely missed. The masses constantly reaffirm their loyalty to him, and by extension, his (thus far) unannounced successor.

I know there are people out there that don’t recognise the virtues of Leader. Well, there were even people who were surprised to hear that Imam Ali (as) was in a masjid when he was struck. Propaganda is a powerful thing. One day, the world will realise what the Leader really was like.

If the enemies thought that assassinating the Leader would shatter the country’s morale, they grossly miscalculated. Motivation and resolve have skyrocketed. You can see and feel the unwavering commitment of the people to the Islamic Republic. This is not just in religious places like Qom; we’re hearing sentiment also pervades more secular cities like Tehran. Millions of people.

It’s becoming clear that this is not just a war of the US and Israel against Iran, but of evil against faith. The contrasts cannot be more stark. On one side, you have the horrific Epstein class, initiating attacks during negotiations (again), terrorising civilians, inciting riots, addicted to foreign intervention, putting all their trust in their big army and high-tech weaponry. On the other side, you have the only group in the world brave enough to stand up to them, bound to ethics by principle, refusing to submit, unafraid of death, inspired by the martyrs, putting all their trust in God. How can you defeat a people who eagerly long for martyrdom? The materialists have already lost.

When the weapon is faith, physical location becomes irrelevant. Believers around the world, don’t feel powerless to make your stand in this fight against falsehood. Supplication is one of the most effective things you can do -- never underestimate its value and necessity -- but it’s not the only thing. Strengthen your own faith and perform all the good works you can, consciously, sincerely, for the sake of God. Stand up against oppression in whatever way you can. Do your own, known responsibilities, and count yourself in the army of truth. Leave the results in God’s hands.