Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – April 16, 1991

Last night, around 12 o'clock in the night, we woke up with the bell of the leader's office. Mr. Mohammadi Golpaygani informed that Ayatollah Khamenei's stomach pain has intensified and the doctors have recommended surgery, but for now he is sleeping with the use of painkillers and will not be able to go to the Eid prayer and participate in the Eid ceremony tomorrow. They have asked me to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer. I advised them to let me know if they feel uncomfortable. I came to my library and read the issues related to Eid al-Fitr and I memorized the Surahs "A'ala" and "Wal-Shams" well. Chastity also helped. I slept late.

I woke up early in the morning with an alarm clock. I bathed, prayed and studied for sermons. After having breakfast, I moved to Tehran Mosque. Efat and Mahdi also came with me. During the prayer, as a precaution, I carried a piece of paper with Surahs "A'ala" and "Shams" written on both sides, so that I might not forget it while reciting it and it would be embarrassing. I read short sermons so that people can reach their Eid. A huge crowd had come.

I went to my office. I read the reports. The Minister of Interior came with the commanders of the police force. Mr. [Abdullah] Nouri reported. I spoke to them. I went to visit the leader. Their pain had subsided, but they were still suffering. The doctors have said that there is a lot of sand in the gallbladder and it must be operated.

Before the surgery, they were supposed to do more research and to prevent rumors, they were supposed to have a short meeting with the police commanders. There was a discussion about the Germans' proposal to use their own helicopters to help the displaced people. They had no objection. I came home The streets were relatively quiet.

Relatives came in the afternoon, evening and night. Dr. [Sifullah] Vahid [Dastjardi, head of the Red Crescent Organization] came and gave a report on the situation of the displaced and the aid and needs.