The Director of the Seminaries sent a message to the third International Conference of Shi’a Pulpit Elites.
According to the Secretariat of the International Conference of Shi’a Pulpit Elites, the text of Ayatollah A’rafi’s message is as follows:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And there is no power nor strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
The blessed existence of the Master of Martyrs, the grandson of the Noble Prophet of Islam, Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), is a celestial figure who, with sacrifice and bravery, stood firm in resistance and struggle against the oppression and tyranny of the tyrants of his time, in accordance with Islamic and human principles.
This noble Imam, in the heart-wrenching event of Karbala, left an everlasting impact on the history of humanity. He demonstrated that faith, sacrifice, and bravery in the defense of truth and justice are invaluable and essential. Not only Shia Muslims but also freedom seekers throughout history regard Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) as a moral and transcendental role model for justice seekers worldwide. They place immense importance on promoting the ethics and human values that Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) has guided us toward.
In this context, the blessed shirt of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) stands as a complete symbol and testimony to the bloodshed on the Day of Ashura. This blood was courageously sacrificed in the path of faith in the Creator, perseverance for truth, justice, and resistance against oppression. Addressing this encyclopedia of steadfastness at this juncture presents an appropriate opportunity for an in-depth cultural and historical examination of the Ashura event. It allows the advocacy for justice for this oppressed figure in history without causing even the slightest harm to the unity among Muslims worldwide. Through this avenue, the teachings and truths for which this noble soul sacrificed himself can be conveyed to the world.
I express my gratitude to all the scholars, poets, elegists, writers, reciters, artists, and intellectuals who, through their pen, art, and speech, have contributed to the globalization of this authentic Shi’a symbol. I also humbly request prayers from the participants of the third International Conference of Shi’a Pulpit Elites, who have gathered in the holy land of Karbala from various nationalities. Furthermore, I hope that in the near future, with the blessed reappearance of the Avenger of the family of Allah (peace and blessings be upon them), we will once again unite under this banner. By raising the shirt of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), oppression, tyranny, and injustice will be eradicated from the entire world. May all the oppressed people of the world, especially the innocent people of Gaza, experience the sweet essence of Husaynian life in their souls.
“Time has changed a thousand cloaks, and yet”
“The tale of your old and worn shirt remains enduring.”
Blessed are you, and the best of destinations.
Alireza Arafi
Director of the Seminaries of Iran
