His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Taqi al-Modarrisi, may his shadow endure, affirmed that the fundamental struggle with the enemies of Islam is primarily an intellectual and cultural one, with military or political conflicts being secondary. He explained that our pure Imams always confronted tyrants intellectually and culturally, disseminating the teachings of the Quran and the Ahlulbayt (the Prophet’s family) despite the restrictions imposed upon them and the attempts to isolate them from society.
■ During his meeting with a delegation of pilgrims visiting Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) from Manchester, United Kingdom, His Eminence stated that the Ahlulbayt represent a school of sound Islamic values and thought, as well as a school of patience, steadfastness, and resilience in the face of intellectual and cultural challenges. He emphasized that we must draw inspiration from their school and follow their path, noting that today we are in dire need of confronting the intellectual and psychological challenges that our enemies are attempting to use to infiltrate our societies, tear them apart, and weaken them from within.
■ On a practical level, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah al-Modarresi emphasized several points that the Muslim Ummah needs today:
First: Unity among believers and cooperation in righteousness and piety.
Second: Spreading awareness and knowledge in multiple languages so that the message of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) reaches every person.
Third: Praying for the lifting of afflictions from the Muslim Ummah, especially from Muslim societies suffering the horrors and dangers of war.
■ At the conclusion of his meeting, His Eminence raised his hands and recited some of the supplications: “O God, make us among those who call to Your obedience and guide to Your path. Grant us in this world the opportunity to visit Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and in the Hereafter, his intercession. Gather us with Muhammad and his pure family.”
Office of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah al-Modarresi (may his shadow endure)
Holy Karbala – Safar 1447 AH