Basij, a symbol of valour and bravery

The following is an interesting feature on Iran’s legendary Basij or the Mass Mobilization of the Oppressed dedicated to the interests of the Iranian people and guaranteeing the spectacular success of the Islamic Republic against the plots of its enemies.

One of Iran’s main organizations which was established after the victory of the Islamic Revolution is Basij, which is considered unique, not just in Iranian history but in international equations, in terms of its concept, identity, form, and duties. It was set up on the orders of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA), and remains a firm proof the insight and farsightedness of that Sage of the Age in safeguarding and stabilizing the Islamic Revolution through participation of the people.

One of the scourges plaguing revolutions throughout history is the gradual marginalizing of the revolutionary people and as a result, dominance of a political faction, a particular class of society and in most cases the military. This is evident by the turn of events in France and Russia, following the revolutions in those countries against despotic rule.  

In most of the revolutions, those who replaced the oppressive ruler, would usually keep themselves aloof from the revolutionary objectives by exploiting power themselves instead of establishing social justice. Imam Khomeini (RA), however, changed all such concepts through his dynamic step of creating Basij forces from all strata of the Iranian society, so that the masses will always remain on the scene to preserve the values and achievements of the Islamic Revolution.

On November 26, 1979, nine months after victory of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA) ordered mobilization of volunteer forces, expressing hope that the country has the potential to gather 20 million dedicated people. Later at a gathering of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), he emphasized the necessity of defending the country and said: The Islamic country must fully prepared militarily with necessary arms-handling training for the country’s 20 million youths to protect the country from harm.

In one of his speeches, the Late Imam had said: “Certainly, the formation of the Basij was a blessing favored by God to the dear nation and the Islamic Revolution of Iran. At the various events, especially the war after the victory of the revolution, there were many institutions and groups that protected the country and the Islamic Revolution through their sacrifice, sincerity, devotion, and martyrdom. Yet, if we really want to present a perfect meaning of sacrifice, sincerity, devotion and love of God and Islam, was there anyone more deserving than the Basij?”

He also called the Basij “a pure and fruitful tree whose blossoms give out the aroma of spring, the freshness of certainty and the story of love. Basij is the school of love and the academy of martyrdom. Basij is the locus of the barefooted and ascension of the pure Islamic thought whose trained ones have gained name and fame in having no name and fame…”

Following the order of Imam Khomeini, the Islamic Revolution Council, passed a bill with regard to establishing a national mobilization organization. In addition to training and organizing all volunteer forces, this organization was set to counter any sort of domestic or foreign threat or violation.

According to this bill ratified by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament or the Majlis), the Basij organization started to function under the IRGC.

Less than a year after formation of the Basij, the US ordered Saddam of the repressive Ba’th minority regime to impose a full scale war on Iran, with the support of both the capitalist West and the socialist East to try to overthrow the newly established Islamic Republic. This was an opportunity for the Basij to display its courage and valour, and the dedicated Iranian youth voluntarily flocked to the warfronts, as per the guidelines of Imam Khomeini, to demonstrate the highest levels of prowess and bravery.

The noble Basiji youth who left their homes for the frontlines with high motivation for defending their country and the revolution, made history as is evident by their selflessness and bravery that surprised the Ba’thists and gradually repelled the aggressor forces.

After the end of the imposed war, the Basij played a vital role in the reconstruction of the country, as well as in the literacy campaign to promote education throughout the country, in addition to assisting in various projects.

At times of natural disasters, the Basij rushed to the areas effected by quakes or floods, to provide relief to the victims.

During the past 40 years of its existence, the Basij, which is constantly being rejuvenated with the joining of young and fresh forces, has become the backbone of Iran’s spectacular progress in various fields. If it wasn’t for the Basij, Iran would not have reached this level of self-sufficiency.

Because of the Basij’s role in safeguarding and stabilizing the Islamic Republic and its various achievements, the 40^th anniversary of its establishment is being celebrated nationwide, in order to preserve its spirit and culture, as well as the values of the Islamic Revolution in the political, social, cultural, economic and various other arenas.

In the words of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei: Basij has a specific definition: a group of people who show their presence in the middle of the arena and anywhere necessary with lofty divine goals and with an untiring spirit; who show their talents and bring all of their capacities to the arena; and who are not afraid of the dangers of this path. Such people are prepared to lay down their lives. Well, “being prepared to lay down one’s life” is easy to say, but it is not so easy in practice. Thus, the “Basiji” is a person who is prepared for this difficult task – laying down one’s life and sacrificing things that are even dearer than one’s life. This is the meaning of Basij and it is one of the unique characteristics of our country. It is particular to the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic.

MG/AS/ME