Since the very first years of the imposed war, the Imam considered the Iranian nation's reaction to the Iraqi invasion as a defense, a defense that was called “Sacred” because of its sacred goals such as, defending not only our territories but also our religion against destruction.
It was at this time, after the invasion, that our nation was awakened. Now, the 22nd of September is the anniversary of that event, which was a war that was not formally announced by the Iraqi regime of Ba’th. Their Army launched a simultaneous attack from the air and land into the Iranian territory. Afterwards, a week from the 22nd to 29th of September was named by the Imam “The Week of Sacred Defense”.
The Army of Ba’th regime in Iraq occupied a few cities on the west boarder of our country with the aim of removing the newly born Islamic Republic of Iran. The dictator president Saddam Hussein ordered his troop to conquer at first the province of Khuzestan and then proceed to other places. That was a great threat which could soon endanger the whole nation. However, it revealed the ill will of Saddam Hussein and the real nature of the dependent regimes in the region.
Here are some of Imam Khomeini's statements on the sacred defense:
As the officials of the Islamic Republic and I have repeatedly announced, the nation and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran have resigned themselves to the sacred injunctions of the Qur'an and Islam. By the rule of the Qur'an, they consider themselves brothers in faith of all Islamic nations and different countries in terms of culture and geography, and seek peace and peaceful co-existence with all governments and nations. As long as no government transgresses the borders of our country and is committed to the commands of Islam, they consider them to be their brothers and call on all countries and nations to rise against aggressors, whoever they might be, taking up an integrated stand to rescue themselves from the clutches of world-devourers. Also, by the rule of Islam, they will defend themselves in the face of aggression against their rights and boundaries and punish the aggressor, in which case no power can, by the grace of God, the Most Blessed and Exalted, stop them from this sacred defense. I advise governments to abstain from any rancor and power struggle and shake the hands of brotherhood with the government and people of Iran so as to drive out usurper Israel from Islamic countries and the occupied lands, brush aside racism and the affairs ruled by hew and cry which are condemned and rejected in Islam and embrace happiness in both worlds. No power can overpower.
Sahifeh, vol16, Page: 42
The question is not that we want to fight or defend. We want to engage in sacred defense. That is to say, we want to defend the prestige of Islam and an Islamic country. This is a defense that reason and Islam comply with. All agree that defense should be made. Now your country has been victim of a criminal. He has been deceived in order to come and trigger such a tumult. If their support was not behind him, he would be destroyed by a slap. However, they are all backing him, but their support is diminishing.
Sahifeh, vol19, Page: 413
Today we are engaged in a sacred defense. We are not at war with anyone. We are defending our country.
Sahifeh, vol18, Page: 49