Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Makes Annual Speech Ahead of Muharram, Emphasizing Necessity of Conveying Message of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) to World

On the evening of Wednesday, the twenty-eighth of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH (June 25), the annual gathering of preachers ahead of Muharram was held at the residence of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq Husseini Shirazi in the holy city of Qom.

In this meeting, attended by a group of orators, preachers, and seminary students, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi delivered a speech, presenting important points regarding the duties of religious propagation in Muharram and the status of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

Regarding the public message of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) on the Day of Ashura, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stated: On the Day of Ashura, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) addressed and advised all of humanity. This speech was directed to all people, not just those present on the scene. However, unfortunately, after more than 1400 years, this great message has still not reached the ears of all the world.

His Eminence further stated regarding the duty of conveying the Hussaini message to the world: Conveying the words of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) to the people of the world is a wajib kifa’i (communal obligation) that has not yet been fulfilled sufficiently. In such circumstances, it is incumbent upon all Muslims to practically fulfill this duty. We must, with all our might, prepare the groundwork for delivering this message; men, women, youth, everyone must take steps in this direction.

He also stated regarding the content of Imam Hussein’s message (peace be upon him): The message of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) includes the beliefs, obligatory rulings, and ethics of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and disseminating these teachings is a religious obligation. The ignorant people of the world also have a right to know these teachings, and this right must be fulfilled by us.

Regarding the status of the land of Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stated: According to Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), Karbala is a place from which the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) ascended to Mi’raj (The Ascension), and it is considered the most superior spot on earth. Even on the Day of Judgment, the land that will be joined to Paradise is Karbala.

His Eminence further stated regarding the unique characteristics of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him): Almighty God has bestowed upon Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) characteristics that even other Infallibles (peace be upon them) do not possess. The acceptance of prayers under his dome, seeking blessings and healing from his soil, and Ziyarah on Thursday nights are among these characteristics.

He also stated regarding the heavenly signs after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him): The sky rained blood and ashes at the time of the martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shuhada (peace be upon him); this is a clear sign of His Eminence’s great status. We have a duty each year to strive more than the previous year in serving Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

Regarding the otherworldly effects of striving for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stated: The more we strive for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in this world, the less regret we will have on the Day of Judgment. One must utilize available tools, especially during Muharram and Arbaeen, to disseminate this message.

His Eminence further stated regarding the use of media and technology: With the expansion of technology and media, conveying the message of Ashura is easier than before. It is incumbent upon all of us to put these facilities at the service of Hussaini goals.

He also stated regarding seeking divine success in serving Imam Hussein (peace be upon him): We ask Almighty God to grant us success in serving Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) more abundantly and to bestow upon us the grace to strive more than in previous years.