RNA – Since the start of Bahraini popular uprisings in 2011, Shi’ah scholars have continuously voiced their solidarity with Ayatollah Isa Qasim, Bahraini’s spiritual leader, as well as with the people of Bahrain. They have slammed the inhumane atrocities being carried out by Al Khalifah regime in Bahrain all along.
Since we’re approaching the beginning of Ayatollah Isa Qasim’s final trial on March 14, Rasa News Agency is publishing some excerpts of Shi’ah scholars’ stances in which they have voiced support for Isa Qasim and the Bahraini Shi’ahs:
Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei
Ayatollah Khamenei made the following observations regarding conflict in Bahrain: “In Bahrain there is an authoritarian and egotistic minority oppressing a majority. And now they are attacking the perseverant and knowledgeable scholar Ayatollah Isa Qasim; this is blatant foolishness and insanity. Ayatollah Isa is the type of man who would prevent extremist tactics. Therefore, these illogical individuals do not understand that by removing Ayatollah Isa Qasim they are removing obstacles from the Bahraini, enthusiastic, youth against the regime. Now, no obstacle can prevent these young enthusiasts from rising up.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani to Ayatollah Qasim: Your place is our hearts, what happened doesn’t harm you
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani called Ayatollah Ayatollah Isa Qasim and after reassuring Ayatollah Qasim’s wellbeing, Ayatollah al-Sistani expressed special affection and stressed Ayatollah Qasim’s special dearness in his heart.
“Your place is in our hearts, and what happened doesn’t harm you,” Ayatollah al-Sistani said commenting on the Bahraini authorities’ revocation of his eminence’s citizenship.
Ayatollah al-Sistani further thanked Ayatollah Qasim’s efforts in peacefully defending the rights of the Bahraini people.
Finally, he ended his call with prayers for God to protect Sheikh Qasim and Bahraini believers, promising he will offer as much as he can to serve and defend this cause.
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi warns Al Khalifah
Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi warned the Al Khalifah Regime to put an end to their inhumane crimes against Shi’ahs in Bahrain saying, “You must learn your lesson by looking at what happened to dictators like the Shah of Iran and Libya’s Qadhafi, the same fate is awaiting you”
Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi-Golpaygani
“I condemn revoking the citizenship of Ayatollah Isa Qasim and I urge all Islamic scholars and international human rights bodies not to remain silent in the face of this ugly and inhumane action and to act swiftly in resolving this foolish decision that will have grave consequences.
Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani
Ayatollah Sobhani also voiced his support for The spiritual leader of Bahraini Shi’ahs, reiterating, “It’s a religious obligation for all Bahrainis to protect and defend Ayatollah Ayatollah Isa Qasim; he’s considered as the spiritual leader of Shi’ah Muslims in Bahrain.”
“If I were in Bahrain, I would join the sit-in outside Ayatollah Isa Qasim’s house in Diraz village to protect him; If Al Khalifah rulers are wise, they will listen to his advice because they offer invaluable lessons.”
Grand Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi-Amoli
“God will help and protect us in the path of protecting Islam, the same way he protected Iran’s Islamic Revolution, led by the late Imam Khomeini, to reach final victory. According to Islamic hadiths and prayers, a corrupt territory does not become clean and pure unless by its people’s uprising, resistance and martyrdom and the same holds true for Bahrain’s current conditions.”
Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad-Sa’id al-Hakim
“I’m deeply concerned about Ayatollah Isa Qasim’s conditions and ask Bahraini rulers to stop harming Ayatollah Qasim and the faithful people of Bahrain.
Ayatollah Sayyed Kadhim Haeri
In a statement, Ayatollah Haeri asserted: “Today, defending Islam, leadership authority of Bahraini’s Shi’ah source of emulation is one of the greatest religious duties for the people of Bahrain.”
“It’s considered as a religious obligation for all the faithful Muslims to make endeavors in order to protect Islam, its sanctities and Ayatollah Isa Qasim; they must wisely protect Ayatollah Qasim from Al Khalifah atrocities.”
Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad-Taqi al-Modarresi
“Al Khalifah’s pressure on Ayatollah Qasim only results in sectarian discord in Bahrain. We need to increase the pressure on Bahraini regime so they put an end to their inhumane crimes against the Shi’ah source of emulation and Shi’ah scholars.
Ayatollah Sayyed Mahmoud Shahroudi
Reiterating that he is proud of Ayatollah Qasim’s eminent Islamic and national stature in Bahrain, Ayatollah Shahroudi said, “Ayatollah Qasim is regarded as an iconic figure for Shi’ism, Islam and the whole Muslim community; this great character is playing a vital role in Bahrain.”
Condemning Al Khalifah for stripping Ayatollah Qasim of his citizenship, Ayatollah Shahroudi announced his readiness to carry out any efforts necessary to protect Ayatollah Isa Qasim.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi
“Ayatollah Isa Qasim is considered as a true symbol of piety in life, manners so much that he resembles God’s most noble adherents. “
He said that patience and resistance are two necessary components of reaching victory for the Bahraini revolution and added, “Undoubtedly, Bahraini people’s oppression will not last long; soon the righteous will overcome the corrupt.”
Ayatollah Ali-Reza Arafi
“The legitimate demands of Bahraini Shi’ahs’ have been denied by Al Khalifah’s inhumane oppressive measures; unfortunately, Bahraini rulers’ propaganda on human rights has proven to be insincere.”
The Senior Iranian cleric expressed hope that voicing solidarity with Bahraini Shi’ahs would make Al Khalifah rulers listen to their citizens’ call for justice and respect Bahraini Shi’ahs’ legitimate demands in supporting Ayatollah Ayatollah Isa Qasim, their spiritual leader.
In the end, the head of Iranian Islamic Seminaries warned the Al Khalifah regime by saying, “If the Bahraini court issues unfair verdicts to convict Shi’ah scholars and revolutionary activists, they must expect an overwhelming response from the citizens of Bahrain.”
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