Hawzah News Agency- The message from Ayatollah Arafi, Head of Iran’s Seminary, reads as follows:

Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return.

The Head of Iran’s Seminary Ayatollah Arafi, extended his condolences over the tragic bus involving dear pilgrims from Pakistan who were on their way to the sacred Arbaeen ceremony out of devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The news of the tragic bus accident involving beloved pilgrims from our dear and brotherly nation of Pakistan, who were on their way to the sacred sites, participating in the blessed Arbaeen ceremony out of love for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), has caused deep sorrow and grief.

Undoubtedly, those who undertake the long journey out of love for and devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) with the intention of pilgrimage and participation in the largest gathering of Imam Hussain's followers during Arbaeen and who meet a martyr-like fate, are eternal and will be sustained by the divine blessings of the Almighty in the hereafter, and they will be among the pilgrims of the infallible leaders, especially Imam Ali and Imam Hussain (peace be upon them).

On behalf of myself and the seminaries, I extend my deepest condolences over this tragic incident, which led to the loss and injury of several of our Muslim brothers and sisters, to the religious and cultural authorities, the Muslim people of the brotherly nation of Pakistan, and especially to the families of the dear departed. I pray to the Almighty for divine mercy and forgiveness for those who lost their lives, swift recovery for the injured, and patience and strength for the bereaved.

Alireza Araf

Head of Iran’s Seminaries