Monitor

Muqtada Al-Sadr: Fires in California are a ‘reminder from God’

BAGHDAD — Shia cleric and National Shia Current leader Muqtada Sadr described the wildfires ravaging California as a “divine message” and a consequence of U.S. government actions. In a statement shared on social media, Sadr urged Americans to reflect on their government’s role in global conflicts.

“The fires that have intensified, their flames rising high and raging in some American cities, are but a sign among the signs of God Almighty, even if it is claimed they were intentionally caused,” Sadr wrote.

He linked the fires to U.S. policies that he said have caused suffering in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. “These fires are a trial for those who have directed their weapons and flames against the oppressed peoples […] killing their children, women, and elderly; destroying their sacred sites, hospitals, homes, and shops; and showing no regard for humanity or decency,” he added.

California’s wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, have devastated Los Angeles and surrounding areas, claiming at least 16 lives and destroying thousands of homes. Over 153,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. Firefighting efforts have been hindered by strong Santa Ana winds and infrastructure failures, such as dry fire hydrants, prompting state investigations. The economic losses have been estimated by some to reach $150 billion.

On Jan. 2, Sadr denounced the attack in New Orleans that left 14 dead and 35 injured, condemning violence against civilians. “Anyone who seeks revenge against civilians does not represent Islam, whether it happened in New Orleans or anywhere else,” he said.

Full statement by Sadr:

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

The fires that have intensified, their flames rising high and raging in some American cities, are but a sign among the signs of God Almighty, even if it is claimed they were intentionally caused.

These fires are a trial for those who have directed their weapons and flames against the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen—killing their children, women, and elderly; destroying their sacred sites, hospitals, homes, and shops; and showing no regard for humanity or decency.

This is not a punishment to torment the people but rather a reminder from God to the American people about the actions of their government, which supports the terrorist Zionists and is their greatest partner.

Therefore, it is disgraceful to take pleasure in the suffering of people or to dance on their wounds. A distinction must be made between the oppressors and those complicit in oppression, on one hand, and those who reject injustice, tyranny, occupation, corruption, vice, massacres, and systematic terrorism, on the other.

Our religion is a religion of love and peace—but only with those who uphold peace. As our Imam, the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), said: “People are of two types: either your brother in faith or your equal in creation.”.

So, speak no unfair words. All people are either our brothers in faith or our equals in creation, except for those who have occupied our lands and spread corruption and injustice within them.

Peace be upon the people of peace, and may God’s mercy and blessings be upon them.