RNA – In his weekly statement, senior Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad-Taqi al-Modarresi invited Iraqi Kurdish citizens to vigorously attend this year’s Arba’in pilgrimage as a manifestation of national unity within Iraq.
Ayatollah al-Modarresi asked Iraq’s central government and the Kurdish officials to engage in serious negotiations in order to bridge the gap that has been created as a result of recent Iraqi Kurdistan referendum for independence.
The Iraqi Shi’ah cleric further remarked, “We’re approaching the days of the annual Arba’in pilgrimage, the fortieth day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Husayn, during which the Islamic nation commemorates the epic battle of Karbala and the sacrifices made by Imam Husayn and his companions. Millions of people attend this event, something that has never been seen throughout history worldwide and this gathering proves the great spirit and integrity of Iraqi nation.”
“We must seize this great gathering as an opportunity to improve the unity and integrity within Iraq and among different ethnic groups,” Ayatollah al-Modarresi added.
He concluded by saying, “This year, I invite all of our Kurdish brethren to attend the Arba’in pilgrimage either by participating in great Arba’in walk or by holding ceremonies in their own hometowns. Such actions will definitely boost solidarity and integrity within Iraq.”