Hawzah News Agency- Ayatollah Mohammad Mahdi Shab Zendeh Dar, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Seminaries, has issued a powerful testimony to the extraordinary qualifications of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly elected Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, describing him as a "repository of numerous virtues" during this sacred transitional period following the martyrdom of the late Leader.
In an interview with national media, the senior cleric extended condolences on the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH) to the Imam of the Age, all Shi'ites, Muslims, and the oppressed worldwide, while addressing the nation during this time of profound loss and historic transition.
Sacred Transition Amidst Grief
Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar acknowledged the deep sorrow enveloping the Islamic world following the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, noting that "hearts remain heavy with grief" as the pure body of the late Leader, due to security obstructions created by the enemies of Islam, has yet to be laid to rest.
"However, praise be to God, this loss has been met with the Assembly of Experts' announcement and their worthy selection of his righteous successor as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic system," the cleric stated. "This selection serves as a balm upon the accumulated pains and sorrows experienced by the people of this nation."
Two Pillars of Leadership Fulfilled
Emphasizing that Wilayat al-Faqih constitutes the fundamental pillar of the Islamic system, the member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom elaborated on the essential qualifications for Islamic leadership.
"For a scholar to be successful, several elemental pillars must be present," Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar explained. "The first pillar is that of jurisprudence and scholarship—comprehensive familiarity with various aspects of Islam. The second pillar for assuming authority in Islam is the essential condition of zuhd (piety and detachment from worldly attachments)."
The Secretary of the Supreme Council of Seminaries then delivered his decisive testimony: "We bear witness with absolute certainty that this noble figure, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, possesses both the first pillar—possessing insight into what is permitted and prohibited in our faith—and the second pillar of piety and disinterest in worldly matters."
Reluctant Acceptance, Heavy Burdens
Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar revealed that the new Supreme Leader accepted the Assembly of Experts' vote with insistence from members, as he currently bears the immense personal grief of losing his esteemed father, revered mother, and respected wife.
"His Eminence accepted the vote of the Assembly of Experts with insistence," the cleric noted. "The current circumstances are such that a sense of duty compelled acceptance of this position, even as he mourns this great tragedy."
Lifetime of Service and Selflessness
The member of the Guardian Council's jurists highlighted another essential quality emphasized by the Imam of the Age for the success of scholars: "al-nasihah" (sincerity and goodwill).
"Nasihah means that one cares for the people of their society, for God's servants, and for all segments of society—desiring that they experience comfort, tranquility, spirituality, and the path of truth," Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar explained.
He testified to the new Leader's lifelong dedication, noting: "Alongside his great father (may God's peace be upon him), I am aware that in various meetings convened to address problems, his blessed presence constituted one of the pillars of those gatherings."
Sacred Defense Legacy
The senior cleric revealed details of the new Leader's early commitment to the Islamic Revolution: "From adolescence and youth, without people knowing that he was the son of the respected president, he was present on the fronts of the Sacred Defense. Divine upbringing exists within this family. They do not seek ostentation in these matters."
Scholarly Distinction and Humility
Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar emphasized the new Leader's scholarly credentials, noting his highly attended lessons drew thousands of participants over years of teaching. Significantly, he revealed that the new Leader discontinued his teaching sessions last year upon realizing the size of the gathering.
"As I heard, the reason was a spiritual matter," the cleric related. "It was narrated that his Eminence stated: 'This gathering is a gathering appropriate for the lessons of a marja' al-taqlid (source of emulation).' This represents an extremely high station—that one recognizes their limits in this manner before the Exalted Truth."
Call for National Unity
Concluding his remarks, Ayatollah Shab Zendeh Dar called upon all segments of society to express loyalty and support for the new Supreme Leader during this critical juncture, emphasizing that the collective backing of the faithful will ensure the continued strength and vitality of the Islamic Revolution under its new guardian.
"Praise be to God, I must say that Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei embodies a multitude of virtues, and Almighty God has granted him this favor and grace—that he possesses God-consciousness," the senior cleric affirmed.
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