Holy Najaf — The representative of His Eminence the Marja' Al-Najafy (may prolong his life) and director of his central office, Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy (may his support endure), affirmed that the Fatwa of Defensive Jihad constituted a pivotal historical milestone in contemporary Iraq's journey, and contributed directly to protecting the country, safeguarding its unity, and preserving its security and stability during one of the most dangerous phases it has experienced.

This came during a televised interview conducted with him on the occasion of the anniversary of the issuance of the Fatwa of Defensive Jihad, where he explained that the significance of this fatwa is manifested in the exceptional circumstances in which it was issued, as Iraq was facing grave existential challenges and passing through a critical and dangerous phase from which it was separated from major risks by only a few days, at a time when everyone appeared powerless in the face of the magnitude of challenges imposed by that phase.

His Eminence clarified that the primary objective of the fatwa was to preserve Iraq with all its components and sects, and to safeguard its national unity, security, and stability, emphasizing that the religious authority dealt with the crisis with a spirit of comprehensive national responsibility, and did not view it from a factional or sectarian perspective. Rather, its primary concern was the protection of Iraq, its land and people, and its message was clear in stressing the necessity of preserving the country's unity, sovereignty, and stability.

He added that the Fatwa of Defensive Jihad produced great and influential outcomes in Iraq's modern history, and left profound impacts comparable to the major national stances the country has witnessed throughout its history, pointing out that the security, unity, and stability Iraq enjoys today are the fruit of that responsible and wise stance taken by the supreme religious authority at a fateful moment in the country's history.

Sheikh Al-Najafy stressed that the vision of the religious authority is always driven by concern for Iraq's stability, protection of the interests of its people, and preservation of its national unity, affirming that the existence of the religious authority represents a safety valve for the country and a factor of reassurance and stability for society, given its national and moral role in guiding the nation, enhancing its unity, and safeguarding its achievements.