Hawzah News Agency- Speaking during Friday prayers, Ayatollah Mousavi referenced the visit of a delegation dispatched by the Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution to Iraq earlier in the week. The delegation traveled to Iraq to connect with the Iraqi people, particularly those who participated in the funeral procession of the martyred leader.
"The delegation conveyed greetings and a message of appreciation from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, expressing gratitude for the courageous stance of the Iraqi nation during the funeral ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala," Mousavi said.
Faith Rooted in History
The Baghdad Friday Prayer leader emphasized that religiosity among Iraqis—particularly Shia communities—runs deep. "The central and southern regions of Iraq have historically been the cradle of numerous movements and uprisings. The people of these regions have consistently opposed oppression and answered the call of the Ahl al-Bayt."
He noted that the presence of shrines belonging to several Shia Imams on Iraqi soil—including Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hussein (AS), Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS), Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (AS), and the Askari Imams (AS)—has embedded love for the Prophet's household in the conscience of the Iraqi people. "The name and memory of Imam Ali is among the first concepts an Iraqi child learns."
Ayatollah Mousavi said Iraq's enemies—from the Umayyads and Abbasids to the Ottomans, and from British colonialism to various modern powers—have consistently sought to separate the country from its faith, its Shia identity, and its religious leadership. "They have failed in this objective."
Millions in the Streets: A Popular Expression, Not an Organized Event
The massive participation of millions in funeral processions, Mousavi said, stemmed from genuine love and devotion to the religious scholars, sources of emulation, and the Shia school. "This cannot be attributed to official orders or organizational planning."
He underscored the Iraqi people's steadfast commitment to religious authority, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih, and the path of martyrdom until the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance). "The Iraqi nation has proven its awareness, faith, and loyalty to these principles throughout history."
Revolutionary Spirit and the Legacy of Martyr Sadr
Recalling the atmosphere surrounding Iran's Islamic Revolution, Mousavi said Iraqis followed news of the revolution's victory via radio, and after its success, they took to the streets in Baghdad, Najaf, and across Iraq in celebration—prompting the Ba'athist regime to intensify its repression of Shia communities.
He invoked the legacy of Martyr Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, who refused to recognize the Sykes-Picot borders and maintained that the Islamic world constitutes a single Ummah.
Ayatollah Mousavi warned against ongoing efforts to partition Iraq and redraw boundaries along colonial lines. "The identity and standing of religious authority cannot be confined within frameworks of citizenship and nationality." He also praised Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for his role in preserving Iraq and advancing the interests of the country and the broader Islamic world.
Speaking Out Against Injustice
Turning to domestic concerns, Ayatollah Mousavi condemned the demolition of people's homes without providing adequate alternatives as an injustice against deprived communities.
"Some officials treat the poor as though they were enemies. Most residents of informal settlements and unauthorized constructions are needy individuals with no alternative housing options—while some officials live in palaces and luxurious residences."
He also criticized increases in traffic fines and certain government directives, describing the imposition of additional burdens on low-income citizens under the pretext of raising state revenue as clear examples of oppression and corruption.
Leadership Must Understand Poverty
Ayatollah Mousavi stressed the necessity of placing individuals who are themselves acquainted with economic hardship in positions of administrative responsibility. He cited the example of Martyr Mohammad Ali Rajai, the late president of the Islamic Republic, who maintained a simple lifestyle until his assassination and understood the struggles of ordinary people firsthand.
"One who has personally experienced poverty and the people's difficulties is better equipped to serve them," Mousavi said.
He concluded by calling on officials to refrain from injustice and to make service to the poor and the needy the foundation and core of governance and public responsibility.
Your Comment