The representative of Grand Ayatollah Bashir Al-Najafy (may Allah prolong his life) and the director of his central office in Najaf, Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy, welcomed a delegation from Hawza Al-Thaqalayn in Baghdad. The meeting was marked by a spiritual atmosphere, with prayers and blessings exchanged in honor of the sacred month of Sha'ban.

The Sanctity of Sha'ban and Its Blessed Days

Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy opened his speech by welcoming the honored delegation and praying for their acceptance and blessings in their endeavors and visits. He emphasized the virtue of the month of Sha'ban as a prelude to the holy month of Ramadan.

He highlighted the immense spiritual merits of visiting Imam Ali (peace be upon him), explaining that, according to narrations, performing prayers at Imam Ali’s mosque is equivalent to 200,000 prayer units. He also recounted the visit of Imam Zain Al-Abidin (peace be upon him) to Najaf, where he spent the night at the sacred shrine of Imam Ali, describing this act as a great form of worship that underscores the sanctity of this holy site.

The Rewards of Pilgrimage and the Significance of Najaf

His Eminence spoke about the great rewards granted to those who visit Imam Ali (peace be upon him). According to narrations, every step taken toward Najaf is equivalent to performing two Hajj pilgrimages and two Umrah pilgrimages. This demonstrates the immense value of this spiritual journey.

He further stressed that Najaf is not just a city but a symbol of Islamic civilization, having served as the capital of Imam Ali’s just Islamic governance.

Iraq: The Land of Divine Messages and Religious Identity

Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy affirmed that Iraq is not merely a homeland but the cradle of divine messages and the resting place of the pure Imams (peace be upon them). It is home to the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf and Imam Hussain in Karbala, along with the shrines of numerous other revered figures.

He emphasized that this sacred land has long been a center of knowledge and religion, playing a pivotal role in preserving the Islamic identity and fostering intellectual and reformist movements throughout history.

The Need to Preserve National and Religious Identity

His Eminence underscored that Iraq serves as a model of coexistence among its diverse communities, and it is the collective responsibility of all to safeguard its Islamic and national identity amidst contemporary challenges.

He urged Iraqi youth to recognize their role in building the country’s future, drawing inspiration from Imam Ali’s legacy of justice and reform. He emphasized that love for one’s homeland and its defense is an integral part of Islamic values.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy prayed for the honored delegation, wishing them success in their academic and religious endeavors and asking Allah to make them among the supporters of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them). He also renewed his warm welcome to the guests, wishing them a blessed stay in Najaf and invoking divine protection for Iraq and its people.