Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi to Iraqi officials:

Don’t allow ISIL to achieve their goals

Rasa – Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi described the “painful” political situation in Iraq and called on the authorities, the public, politicians and MPs not to allow the enemies, especially ISIL, to achieve their goals.

News ID: 4197

Date: 20 April 2016 - 18:22

RNA – Speaking during his jurisprudence course in Qom’s Grand Mosque on Wednesday, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi described the dispute between Iraqi government officials and politicians as “painful” and said that Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi on the one hand and President Fuad Masum on another hand and a large number of members of parliament and people who have staged a sit-in on yet another hand has led the war-torn Arab country’s parliament and government to a standstill.

The revered Iranian source of emulation addressed the Iraqi people, politicians and officials, saying: “Due to the current conditions where ISIL has control of several important areas, including Mosul, and given all the destruction and crimes that they have been engaged in, how can all you argue when the enemies may soon reach your homes? If you react late, it is possible that they may reach Baghdad.”

Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi noted that given the sensitive conditions in the country, there is no right for politicians to have such differences and everyone involved in the current crisis is responsible and all Iraqis must come together and expel the enemies from their country.

He asked: “What is the source of this conflict?” and added: “God forbid that that it is due to gaining power and the worldly interests or other similar issues. It is possible that some may say these are Iraq’s internal affairs and that foreigners should not interfere in their affairs, while we say that the Shi’a religious authorities have no borders and they belong to everyone and want the best for the Iraqi people and the Muslim world.”

The cleric added: “We hope our esteemed brothers and those who are in power in Iraq, including the prime minister, ministers and MPs will sit down and think for a moment about the time, circumstances and situation facing them. God forbid if ISIL overpowers the Iraqi government because they are hundred degrees worse than Saddam was.”

Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi reminded the Iraqis of the crimes that Saddam did against their loved ones and leaders and warned them that the situation will be worse if ISIL succeeds. “I hope everyone understands their responsibilities. Through unity and consciousness they can prevent the enemies from achieving their goals.”

His Eminence some states, including Saudi Arabia, the United States and the Israel seek to foment divisions in Iraq in order to disrupt and undermine this Islamic country’s political power and help ISIL succeed. “This issue is clearer than the sun,” he said.

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