His Eminence, the religious authority grand Ayatollah sheikh Bashir Al-Najafy (may Allah prolong his life) welcomed a delegation of fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces and the sons of martyrs, on the occasion of the advent of the holy month of Sha'ban and the blessed anniversary of the issuance of the edict of defensive jihad.

During the meeting, His Eminence praised the historic role undertaken by the Popular Mobilization Forces in defending sanctities, land, and honor, affirming that the PMF constituted an impenetrable barrier against terrorism and protected Iraq as the homeland of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), stating that this country is the Iraq of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them).

His Eminence added that the sacrifices and heroic deeds presented by the fighters will remain eternal in the memory of the nation and engraved in the conscience of future generations, due to the truthfulness, sincerity, and self-sacrifice these stances embodied in the cause of right, religion, and the homeland.

His Eminence also advised the fighters to be dutiful to their mothers and strive to gain their pleasure, emphasizing that it is the mothers who raised their sons upon love for the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him), and that this genuine faith-based upbringing is the best provision for the fighter in this world and the hereafter.