RNA – During his Friday prayer sermon delivered to a large and fervent crowd of believers in the Iraqi city of Karbala, Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ahmad al-Safi called on Iraqi political parties to unite with each other because in the war against terrorism because “this war constitutes a battle for Iraq’s identity.”
His Eminence expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the Iraqi fighters’ efforts in the struggle against ISIL and stated that Iraq has endured many difficulties but is still suffering from many crises, and therefore “all parties in this historic battle against ISIL must unite with one another” to solve the country’s problems.
The renowned Iraqi scholar also urged Iraqi politicians to use all means at their disposal to stand against terrorism and sectarianism, emphasizing that these two issues can have serious implications for the future of the war-torn country.
He added that ISIL has gained control over several Iraqi provinces and has engaged in many crimes which all of humankind are ashamed of admitting. Takfiri terrorism has led to the deaths of many innocent people in Iraq but in response, the youth and members of the Popular Mobilization Forces have defended their land, sanctities and people with courage and heroism. In recent months they have made valuable victories against these groups.
Hujjat al-Islam al-Safi mentioned Iraq’s economic problems and expressed his dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate social services among the people. “The people expect better services from their elected officials,” he warned.
He said that officials must implement social justice and fight against corruption.
He added that in recent years, Iraqi officials have disregarded the financial and economic corruption in the country which has led to the expansion of the state apparatus and institutions affiliated to it.
The representative of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani stated Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi must show more courage in fighting the financial and administrative corruption among Iraqi authorities and called on the prime minister to cancel the unacceptable privileges and allowances awarded to current and former officials in the state.
“Without fear, he must name those incompetent authorities who are in the process of undermining the fight against terrorism and he must crush the corruptors who misuse Iraq’s national assets with an iron hand,” he said.
Hujjat al-Islam al-Safi also called on Prime Minister al-Abadi to implement bold reforms and added that as the chief executive of the country, he should put more effort into solving the problems of the Iraqi people who are suffering many problems due to corruption in the country.
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