Endless Controversies of a Commander
The endless controversies of a commander have caught the attention of social media users, according to Iran Gate’s report. These controversies revolve around the inscription on the tombstone of the late Brigadier General Rustam Qasemi, who served as the Minister of Roads and Urban Development in President Ebrahim Raisi’s government and as the Minister of Oil in President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government. Qasemi passed away on 16 Azar last year.
Although this attention is mainly due to the use of the word ‘martyrdom’ instead of ‘passing away,’ it is worth noting that the term ‘Sardar-e Sazandegi’ (Commander of Construction) above his name is also thought-provoking. This title is commonly used in official literature for Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani or the ‘Servant of the Nation,’ which was used by another president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. However, this title was not used on radio and television broadcasts.
It is also worth mentioning that the military title ‘Marhum Sartip-e Pasdaran’ (Late Brigadier General) was not included, nor was the term ‘Sardar’ (Commander) used. If we mention the gravestone of Qasem Soleimani, we can recall that his own testament was to be inscribed as ‘Soldier Qasem Soleimani,’ while the phrase ‘Haj Rustam Qasemi’ does not include the term ‘Haj’ (a title for someone who has completed the Hajj pilgrimage), even though the late Qasemi had requested it to be included.
Regarding the title of martyrdom and ‘Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim,’ as mentioned, it is likely referring to the death during a mission. However, in this case, the interpretation of ‘martyr’ should have been used, similar to how the Tehran Municipality uses it for firefighters. Although the official position should be based on the Martyr Foundation.
This is while in the message of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, the word ‘passing away’ has been used. In the IRNA news and the explanation of the cause of death, reference was made to cancer. Additionally, although his body was buried in Section 24 of Behesht-e Zahra, where many other officials are also buried, if the title of ‘martyr’ was applied to him, he would have been buried in the Martyrs section.
Another assumption is that the use of ‘martyr’ is due to his history as a veteran, which is common regarding veterans who pass away due to the exacerbation of their condition. In this case, they could have used the word ‘veteran,’ but the discussions are due to the reference to the mission in China, as it creates the perception that it was not natural.
It will probably be mentioned about Sardar Sazandegi, as he was the head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters. This title has been used, but I haven’t forgotten that from 1972 to 1976, he was referred to as Sardar Sazandegi by the then President on radio and television, and it is engraved on the plaques of project inaugurations. This is when the late Qasemi was 30 years old.
It is also worth mentioning that the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans has specific regulations for the title of martyr and martyrdom. As mentioned, in the early days, it was not even used for firefighters who lost their lives while extinguishing fires. Later, the title of martyr was used, or for example, the street sign for Dr. Seyyed Hussein Fatemi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the National Government of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, who was executed after the August 28 coup, does not have the title of martyr.
It is interesting that they have used the title of martyr for the late Qasemi, but in the section where they mention his position as the Deputy of the Quds Force, they do not mention martyr Qasem Soleimani.
However, it is the natural right of families to express their feelings towards their loved ones who are laid to rest in the form of words on the gravestone of their eternal resting place, and these sensitivities are due to their public aspects.
