Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - December 10, 1999 - Some of My Children Are Against My Participation in the Elections; Even Effat Is Opposed

In my first sermon, I spoke about moderation and the avoidance of extremism. Some of my children are against my participation in the elections; even Effat is opposed.

In the morning, I studied for my Friday sermons. Due to lack of sleep the previous night, I slept until 9:00 AM after morning prayers. I then went to the University of Tehran to lead the Friday prayers. Despite the rain, a large crowd attended, with many people standing in the rain to listen to the sermons and perform the prayers.

In the first sermon, I emphasized moderation and the need to avoid extremism. In the second sermon, I spoke about the week's important events, the significance of Ramadan and fasting, December 7 (Student Day), the elections, the situation in Pakistan and Palestine, and the UN ruling in favor of Iran regarding responsibility for the imposed war. I urged political groups and the press to maintain calm and practice moderation.

In the afternoon and evening, I spent time reading at home. For iftar, the family gathered, and some of them expressed their opposition to my participation in the [sixth parliamentary] elections; even Effat is against it.