Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani expresses solidarity with Lebanon, calls for end to violence

NAJAF — The Shia Supreme Religious Authority, represented by Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, has expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people amid recent airstrikes and pager explosions. Al-Sistani has urged swift action to halt the violence and “ease the suffering” of those affected.

Al-Sistani, one of the most influential Shia religious leaders in Iraq and the broader Shia Muslim world, holds the title of Grand Ayatollah as the senior-most cleric of the Najaf seminary. He is regarded as the leading “marja” for millions of Shia Muslims globally.

Full statement from Al-Sistani’s office:

In these difficult times faced by the noble Lebanese people, as they endure escalating Israeli aggression through brutal means—including the explosion of numerous personal communication devices and the targeting of densely populated residential areas, including women and children—intensive raids on dozens of villages and towns in the south and the w region have so far resulted in the martyrdom and injury of many heroic resistance fighters and innocent civilians. Tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes.

The Supreme Religious Authority (al-Marja’iyya) expresses its solidarity with the dear Lebanese people and extends condolences for their profound suffering. It prays to Almighty God to watch over them, protect them, and shield them from the evils of the wicked and the schemes of the corrupt. May God grant mercy to their righteous martyrs and a swift recovery to the wounded.

Al-Marja’iyya calls for every possible effort to stop this ongoing barbaric aggression and to protect the Lebanese people from its devastating consequences. It also urges the faithful to assist in alleviating their suffering and addressing their humanitarian needs.

May God preserve Lebanon and its beloved people from all harm and misfortune.