Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Righteous leadership rooted in Prophetic and Alawi governance
The Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, emphasized that the well-being of nations is inherently tied to the righteousness of their leaders. In remarks published by his official office as part of the “Glimpses from the Thought of Grand Ayatollah Shirazi” series, the Grand Marja called on rulers to model their governance on the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali, peace be upon them.
“When the head of state acts like the Prophet, who repelled evil with good, and like Imam Ali, who repelled evil through righteousness, it naturally leads to the moral growth of the people,” said Grand Ayatollah Shirazi, adding that “people follow the path of their rulers.”
He stressed that the divine leadership of the Prophet and Imam Ali, peace be upon them, set a high standard in public administration, one that serves both as a proof against those who deviate and as a guiding model for those seeking justice and reform.
The Supreme Marja urged leaders, especially in the Islamic world, to sincerely revisit the teachings and practices of these exemplary figures. He underscored that such emulation is the only true path toward establishing justice, fostering development, and achieving lasting reform within societies.
