In response to Ayatollah Arafi’s recent letter to Indian scholars and religious leaders, Hujjat al-Islam Zaidi said, “[Ayatollah Arafi’s] letter gives us the strength to fight the vicious Coronavirus.” RNA – Several Indian Shi’ah clerics issued separate statements praising and thanking Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, the head of the Islamic Seminaries of Iran, for a letter that had previously sent to Indian scholars and religious leaders.
The following is a letter from Hujjat al-Islam Sayyed Safi Haidar Zaidi, the head of the Tandhim al-Makatib Centre for Religious Education in India:
In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Congratulations to Ayatollah Haj Arafi,
Honourable Head of the Islamic Seminaries of Iran
as-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Congratulations on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadhan and we wish for the acceptance of your acts of obedience, worship and we convey our greetings.
As you are aware, India, like the rest of the world, is grappling with the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the reality of which seems questionable. Among the thousands who have contracted Coronavirus, many have lost their lives and the government has shut down the entire country and suspended activities in various fields, such as the economy, to prevent its spread.
This suspension has had a very negative effect on the economy of the people. Therefore, this weak servant is surrounded by divine power with the slogan “Oh Shi’ah (followers) of Ali, do not let anyone remain hungry.” I started the humanitarian service and with the cooperation of the staff and affiliates of the Tandhim al-Makatib Organization, we have been serving the people day and night and this is done with the tools and facilities provided by God Almighty, regardless of religion or denomination.
At a time when we are all infected with this invisible virus, Your Excellency’s letter empowers us to meet the basic needs of the people in need.
It is clear to everyone that the Islamic Revolution not only protected the honourable people of Iran but also supports all the oppressed and deprived people of the world and defends their rights, of which Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq are clear evidence. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported and continues to support the oppressed and deprived, and has protected humanity from demons such as Daesh, despite the comprehensive support of the arrogant powers of the world.
We hope that God-willing, Islamic Iran will be at the forefront of repelling the evil of this tribulation caused by the hands of the human-like devils.
Your Excellency! At this time, with the help of modern technology and the internet, we are all be aware of each other’s problems and we have at least a brief knowledge of various issues. Therefore, we are certain that the advice and experiences of His Excellency will be useful to us and we welcome them. To hasten the emergence of the saviour of the world of mankind, Hadhrat Wali al-Asr [the Guardian of the Era], (may God bless him and grant him peace), we pray to God for the health and well-being of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the great ayatollahs, religious authorities, believers and Muslims.
Finally, we appeal to you to request the service of our affectionate father, the great leader, on behalf of us, the wretched, not to forget us in his supplications in these blessed days and nights when the supplications are answered.
And may the peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you and all the believers,
Sayyed Safi Haidar
Secretary-General of the Tandhim al-Makatib Organization of India
Rasa News Agency
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