During his weekly ethics lecture at his office in holy Karbala, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad Taqi Modarresi praised the close cooperation and brotherly solidarity between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples over the past two decades, and criticized certain decisions and practices taken by the Iraqi government outside the popular and marja’iyya will.
Criticism of Restrictions on Pilgrims
Ayatollah Modarresi specifically criticized restrictions on the movement of pilgrims of Imam Hussein (AS) and other holy shrines in Iraq, and the closure of airspace or crossings for those coming for pilgrimage, describing these measures as “a response to sanctions imposed on a neighboring country and a Muslim nation.”
He pointed out that those coming to Iraq via Iran are not all Iranians, but include pilgrims of different nationalities and countries, united by one religious goal: visiting the holy shrines and performing a religious rite. Therefore, dealing with the movement of these pilgrims should stem from the nature of their religious destination, not from political differences and positions between states.
Comparison with Hajj
Ayatollah Modarresi explained that the matter, from this angle, is similar to the movement of Muslims to perform the Hajj; for even during times of conflict and political disputes between states and governments, it was not acceptable for those disputes to become a means of preventing pilgrims from reaching the Sacred House of God, or preventing the passage of planes, buses, and vehicles carrying them to perform their rituals.
Religious Rites Should Not Be a Tool of Pressure
He emphasized that involving religious rites and the movement of pilgrims in political conflicts, and preventing or restricting people from reaching the holy sites, should not become a tool of pressure between states; because this harms people’s right to practice their religious rites, and could practically turn into a confrontation with religion and its rites.
He added: “What is required of the Iraqi authorities, instead of restricting the movement of pilgrims, is to work on facilitating their entry through various air and land crossings, and developing airports, roads, border crossings, and infrastructure, commensurate with the tens of millions of pilgrims and travelers who annually head to Iraq and its holy shrines.”
Warning About Enemies’ Plots
Ayatollah Modarresi stated that the enemies of the Islamic nation are constantly seeking ways to create division among the peoples of the region and cut the bridges of communication, cooperation, and solidarity between them. He warned against submitting to pressures and dictates that serve this direction, as they provide opportunities for domination over Muslim lands and weakening their peoples.
Emphasis on Islamic Unity
He concluded by emphasizing the necessity of preserving the bonds of brotherhood among Islamic peoples, and not allowing differences and temporary political interests to cut the paths of communication between them, or prevent believers from performing their rites and visiting their holy sites.
Office of Grand Ayatollah Modarresi in holy Karbala, month of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH.
Closing:
Grand Ayatollah Modarresi’s warning regarding restrictions on pilgrims and not submitting to enemies’ dictates once again emphasizes the role of the marja’iyya in defending religious and popular rights. Amid the multiple political and security tensions in the region, this stance serves as a reminder that religious rites and visiting holy sites are not a tool for political pressure, but a human and faith-based right that should not be sacrificed to government disputes.