RNA – Grand Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi received a number of Shi’ite pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to his office in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized the importance of visiting the holy shrines of the Imams buried in Iraq and expressed concern over the legacy of the corruption of the past Iraqi administrations.
The source of emulation of Indo-Pakistan origin told the pilgrims to strive to seize this opportunity to make their pilgrimage successful by making it acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty but not to imagine that by visiting the shrines of the Infallible Imams (A) for a few hours is enough to warrant their entrance into heaven.
Ayatollah al-Najafi explained that by making a pilgrimage to the places of martyrdom of the Imams (A) must cause a change in the believer. They should sincerely repent to God for the sins that they have committed and stated that the Imam (A) will act as a witness to their repentance and their positive changes. The believer then receives the benefits of a spiritual meeting with the Imam (A).
His Eminence prayed to God Almighty that He protects the faithful believers throughout the world from all evil and to guide them toward honour and dignity.
Regarding the situation in Iraq, Ayatollah al-Najafi also prayed for the martyrs of Iraq “who have been murdered between the hands of the Messenger of God (S) and hands of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A).” He asked God to hasten the healing of the “wounded Iraq,” and for victory over the disbelievers of DAESH and other Takfiri extremist groups and for the people of Iraq.
The revered scholar also expressed deep grief over the corruption that marked the past Iraqi governments and stated that these administrations did not realize any of the promises they made to this oppressed country. The corruption of certain politicians also allowed DAESH (ISIL) to gain strength and they were able to take control of several Iraqi provinces.
Ayatollah al-Najafi explained that financial and administrative corruption are a two of the main reasons for the worsening terrorism and its spread throughout Iraq. He stressed the importance of unity and solidarity among the Iraqi people to combat corruption and to fight against it. His Eminence also added that the current government that is working hard to combat the corruption inherited from the past Iraqi administrations.
He also stressed the importance of respecting others’ religious sanctities and warned against religious discrimination, saying terrorism affects all sects, traditions and beliefs.
In conclusion, Ayatollah an-Najafi offered several pieces of advise and guidelines to the pilgrims.
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