Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Calls for Shia Faith to Be Reflected in Words and Deeds

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Calls for Shia Faith to Be Reflected in Words and Deeds

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi called for commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) and the other Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) as an occasion to follow their example and act upon their teachings, stressing that being Shia is not limited to love and heartfelt affiliation, but should be reflected in words, deeds, and adherence to Islamic teachings.
In remarks marking the anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari’s martyrdom, His Eminence said those commemorating this occasion and the anniversaries of the Ahl al-Bayt Imams should follow what the Imams commanded and refrain from what they prohibited. He explained that “being Shia is an affiliation expressed through words and deeds, not merely through love for the Ahl al-Bayt and hatred of their enemies.”
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi emphasized that loving the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and expressing such love are noble and virtuous acts, but attaining closeness to them requires acting according to Islam and adhering to its teachings rather than merely expressing feelings of love and loyalty.
He further explained that expressing one’s love for an Imam, regardless of how strong that love may be, does not by itself constitute conclusive evidence of attaining the Imam’s love and closeness. He stressed that following the Imam’s life, adhering to his path, and observing his teachings are the means to attaining such a rank.
These remarks come as followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), the eleventh Imam of guidance, with mourning gatherings and religious events being held to recall his life, positions, and sacrifices, and to draw inspiration from his teachings in conduct, action, and religious commitment.