Imam Hussein’s Uprising a Guiding Light in Struggle for Justice: Senior Cleric
In a ceremony held Thursday night to mark the changing of the flags atop the shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) in Karbala, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalaei, the representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, reflected on the enduring relevance of Imam Hussein’s (AS) uprising and its message for today’s challenges.
“The uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) will always be a source of light that enlightens us, sharpens our awareness, and strengthens our will to defend religion, justice, and the oppressed,” al-Karbalaei said.
Speaking on behalf of Iraq’s most influential Shia cleric, he warned of the escalating dangers facing the region and the inevitable impact these challenges will have on Iraq. “The current situation in the region is extremely dangerous. Iraq will not remain safe from its consequences for long,” he stated. “It is essential for Iraqis to act with wisdom and insight to overcome the present phase and build a stable and just nation.”
Al-Karbalaei called on the Iraqi people to draw inspiration from Imam Hussein’s (AS) legacy, particularly through preserving and practicing the values embedded in religious rituals. “The rituals of Ashura are not just traditions—they are a way to seek closeness to God, show empathy for the Prophet (PBUH) and his purified family, and revive the essence of religious obligations,” he explained. “Everyone must observe these rituals at home, in institutions, and within organizations. It is a collective duty.”
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Highlighting the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the commemoration, he reiterated that the essence of Imam Hussein’s (AS) movement lies in the principle of “enjoining good and forbidding evil.”
Sheikh al-Karbalaei also painted a broader picture of the regional conflict, describing it as a battle between the forces of good and evil. “This ongoing struggle has transcended all borders. Innocent blood has been shed, homes destroyed, and families displaced. Despite the suffering, we must not succumb to despair or feel defeated,” he stressed. “The sacrifices made by those standing for justice are rare and remarkable.”
The flag-changing ceremony at the holy shrines in Karbala signals the beginning of Muharram, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, a defining moment in Islamic history and a symbol of resistance against tyranny.
This year’s Muharram mourning processions will be held days after the Israeli regime was forced to accept a ceasefire following Iran’s mighty response to the Israeli aggression that began on June 13 and lasted for 12 days.
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