During the Eid al-Fitr prayer sermons at the Holy Shrines of Imam al-Hussain (Peace be upon him) and the Kadhimain (Peace be upon them), a statement issued by the office of Grand Ayatollah sayed Ali al-Sistani was recited, containing the recommendations of the Supreme Authority of Shia Islam regarding regional issues.
The text of the Supreme Authority’s positions, as stated in the communique from his office, is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
O believing men and women, Eid al-Fitr, the feast of mercy and forgiveness, has dawned upon us after a blessed month of fasting, vigil, and worship. This day is the day of divine rewards; a day on which God expresses pride in you before His angels. Therefore, may the acceptance of your deeds be blessed, and I ask God to return this Eid to us, to you, and to the entire Islamic Ummah with goodness, blessings, and prosperity.
Dear ones, although Eid is filled with meanings of joy and happiness, the hearts of the believers today are torn by grief as they witness the calamities and tragedies befalling our brothers in faith and humanity. While we joyfully proclaim the greatness of God (Takbir) for His divine blessings, the cries of children rise, the tears of bereaved mothers flow, and flames leap over peaceful homes in Iran and Lebanon as military aggression against these two countries continues.
We condemn this oppressive war in the strongest possible terms and call upon all Muslims and the free people of the world to condemn it and demonstrate solidarity with the oppressed nations of Iran and Lebanon. We also call upon all influential international parties and the countries of the world, particularly Islamic nations, to exert their utmost efforts to bring an end to this war.
O God, we turn to Your threshold in supplication, and You are the Hearer of prayers.
O God, protect the believing men and women wherever they may be, remove affliction from them, and unite their word upon the truth.
O God, we entrust to You their martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of their lands; place them in the highest ranks with the Prophets and the Truthful.
O God, grant patience and tranquility to their families, heal their wounded, and free their captives.
O God, be the Supporter of our people everywhere.
Grant them victory over the oppressors.
O believers, faith is not merely confession and belief; rather, it is righteous action, empathy, and providing aid. In these difficult circumstances, where suffering has intensified and the needs of the afflicted and displaced have increased, our religious and humanitarian duty necessitates that we extend a helping hand to our grief-stricken brothers.
The statement from the office of Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani continued:
The Supreme Religious Authority has granted permission for religious dues (Sharia rights) to be utilized to alleviate the suffering of the afflicted in Iran and Lebanon. This must be conducted through trusted channels, such as the offices of the Supreme Authority; however, if an individual personally knows those in need, they may act directly.
Dear ones, Eid is an opportunity to renew the covenant with God, for forgiveness and reconciliation among yourselves, and for maintaining kinship ties and attending to the poor and the needy.
And although our hearts are sorrowed by what is transpiring around us, the mercy of God is vast, His relief is near, and His victory will certainly arrive, if you remain patient and maintain piety.
