The late martyred leader’s recitation of the prayer for the health of the Imam of the Time (AS)

The late martyred leader emphasised the importance of reciting the prayer for the health of the Imam of the Time (AS) and maintaining a daily connection to his sacred presence.

The fifth international conference on 'Husseini Knowledge and Mission', themed 'The Husseini Movement and the Prophetic Mission', was held on Thursday, 22 October, hosted by Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad in collaboration with the Arbaeen Cultural Committee. Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Seyyed Abdolfattah Navab, the Supreme Leader's representative for Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs, delivered a video address to the conference. He paid tribute to the late martyred leader and offered condolences on the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), while expressing gratitude to Iraqi and Iranian activists for their efforts in organising Arbaeen cultural programmes and preserving the message of Ashura and Arbaeen.

In his address, he explained the connection between Imam Hussein’s (AS) uprising and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Citing the Imam’s own words and letters, he stated that the foundation of the uprising was the revival of the Prophet’s tradition. He noted that reforming the Ummah, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and following the path of the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS) were fundamental objectives of the Husseini movement. He emphasised that the Ashura uprising was a response to deviations from Prophetic teachings and governance methods that contradicted the Prophet’s (PBUH) tradition.

Describing the love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as a core teaching of the Prophet (PBUH), he characterised the vast participation of pilgrims in the Arbaeen procession as a manifestation of this devotion and loyalty. He added that the long journeys undertaken to visit Imam Hussein (AS) provide an opportunity to express devotion to the Prophet’s family and to honour the spiritual and cultural message of Ashura.

Addressing the state of the Islamic world, Hojjat al-Islam Navab identified unity among Muslim nations as an essential requirement. He stated that solidarity among Islamic countries could prevent division and harm to Muslim peoples. While stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Islamic nations, he remarked that using the territory of one country to commit aggression against another is incompatible with the principle of national sovereignty. He further described countering oppression and aggression, and supporting the rights of Muslim nations, as a vital responsibility.

In the final section of his speech, he expressed concern regarding the situation of the oppressed people of Palestine and Gaza, highlighting the ongoing displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and the deprivation of basic life necessities. He concluded by praying for relief for the Islamic Ummah and expressed hope that by strengthening unity and solidarity, the conditions for victory over enemies and a better future for Islamic nations would be realised.