Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Highlights Karbala as Ongoing Divine Test, Calls for Better Services for Arbaeen Pilgrims

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Highlights Karbala as Ongoing Divine Test, Calls for Better Services for Arbaeen Pilgrims
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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, speaking on Sham-e Ghariban, described the tragedy of Karbala as the greatest divine test for humanity and called for increased service to Husseini pilgrims, including free accommodation and transportation for Arbaeen visitors.

More details in the following report:

The Sham-e Ghariban ceremony of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, was held at the residence of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, with broad participation from devotees of the Ashura school.

In his address, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi offered condolences to believers around the world on the tragedy of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, and discussed the historical, spiritual, and contemporary responsibilities of Shia communities.

Citing the teachings of Ahlulbayt, peace be upon them, he said Shia Muslims should offer condolences to one another on Ashura. He also emphasized that, during the occultation, the path to relief and deliverance lies in frequent prayers for the hastening of the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi, may Allah hasten his noble reappearance.

Explaining the spiritual dimension of Ashura, he said the angels witnessed the painful events of Karbala and sought permission to destroy the enemies, but Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, was made the greatest divine test, through which people are distinguished between the path of Paradise and the path of Hell.

He said the companions of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, completed their trial and became people of Paradise, while the test of Karbala has continued for all humanity from the year 61 AH until today.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi also referred to past restrictions on Husseini rituals during the rule of Saddam in Iraq and in certain periods in Iran, noting that public mourning gatherings were once heavily restricted, but today the ceremonies have been widely revived.

He praised those who serve pilgrims and prepare their needs, saying that the organizers of Mawakib share in the reward of the pilgrims. He stressed the need to facilitate visas, accommodation, and especially free transportation and lodging for pilgrims in Karbala during Arbaeen.

He concluded by thanking all servants of the Husseini rituals and called for expanding Husseiniyas worldwide, promoting Husseini gatherings, and spreading the scholarly works of the late Sheikh Muhammad Jawad Balaghi.