RNA – In a message to Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali al-Sistani has offered his condolences on the martyrdom of Major General Qasem Soleymani.
On the morning of Friday, January 3rd, it was reported that Major General Qasem Soleymani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, have been killed in American airstrikes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
This was confirmed by the IRGC hours after news was reported of an explosion and that rocket fire had hit two cars near Baghdad airport.
In a statement issued by the IRGC said, “The proud commander of Islam, Haj Qasem Soleymani, was killed in an attack by American helicopters today after a long lifetime of struggling.”
The text of his message is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
“Indeed we belong to God and to Him do we indeed return” [The Holy Qur’an: 2:156]
Dear Ayatollah Khamenei,
al-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh (Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings)
The news of the martyrdom of Major General Haj Qasem Soleymani has caused a great deal of regret and sorrow. The unique role that the deceased had over the years in fighting the elements of Daesh (ISIL) in Iraq and the many hardships they have suffered in this regard are unforgettable.
I extend my condolences on the loss of this martyr to Your Eminence and to his honourable children and other respected relatives and to all the honourable people of Iran, especially to the beloved people of Kerman. I pray to God, the Benefactor, to grant this late and fortunate martyr a lofty station to grant beautiful patience and many rewards to the survivors.
There is no might nor power except in God, the All-Exalted, the All-Supreme.
Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani
8 Jamadi al-Awwal, 1441 | January 4, 2020
Rasa News Agency
112/979