PNN – The Arbaeen ceremony in the Lebanese city of Baalbek began with an address by Sheikh Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the speech by Sheikh Naim Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, is taking place in Baalbek as part of the commemoration of Arbaeen—marking forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
Citing Radio Al-Nour, the report notes that during his address, the Hezbollah Secretary-General stated that “Ashura represents the continuation of a life of dignity.” He added that Ashura rests on two fundamental pillars: first, upholding the truth, and second, fulfilling one’s religious duty—even if doing so leads to martyrdom and great sacrifices.
The Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah also noted: Imam Hussein (AS) is the symbol of the continuity of the divine mission; martyrdom, generosity, and self-sacrifice have not ceased—indeed, the caravan of captives stands as a true testament to the continuation of this path in the spirit of Imam Hussein (AS).
He added: We do not weep for the past; rather, we transform our tears into a flame that lights the way to a future defined by dignity and honor. Our grief is not a sign of weakness, but the ultimate expression of human emotion, one that evolves into uprising and Jihad. Today, as we walk this path—this caravan of sorrow—we declare that we stand with Imam Hussein (AS) and will never abandon the battlefield.
Sheikh Naim Qassem also stated: I extend my greetings to all the esteemed pilgrims who have participated in the massive processions in the holy city of Karbala, as well as to the millions who have journeyed from across the globe and from proud Iraq to this event to demonstrate their loyalty to Imam Hussein (AS).
Continuing his address at the Arbaeen ceremony for Imam Hussein (AS), the Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah criticized the policies of the US and Israel and the conduct of the Lebanese political establishment, while emphasizing the continuation of the path of resistance, Iran’s role in regional developments, and the necessity of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Naim Qassem added: I send special greetings to the people of the Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel regions, who turned out in force for these magnificent processions to express their loyalty to Imam Hussein (AS). You are the champions of truth, of Jihad, and of the revival of this faith.
Referring to the war against Lebanon in September 2024, the Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah stated: The aim of the September 2024 aggression was to put an end to the Resistance and eradicate it from the land and the lives of the people. The enemy sought to destroy the Resistance through the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and martyred commanders, the pager operation, and savage attacks targeting our capabilities; however, we confronted them in the ‘Uli al-Ba’s’ [Possessors of Might] operation.
Direct negotiations have yielded nothing for Lebanon but disgrace, humiliation, and failure.
Naim Qassem stated: Today, we believe that direct negotiations have brought Lebanon nothing but disgrace, humiliation, failure, and a series of concessions. Over the past 15 months, the enemy has relied on a strategy of gradually destroying the Resistance, employing every evil means to target our path and our movement.
Naim Qassem emphasized: Our grief is not a sign of weakness; the path of Imam Hussein (AS) extends all the way to Imam Mahdi (AJ). We will remain with Imam Hussein (AS); we will neither abandon him nor leave the battlefield.
Lebanon’s political leadership has come to Israel’s aid instead of supporting Lebanon.
He added: Israel has secured political gains, but it has achieved no results on the ground as long as the Resistance, its people, and free individuals stand against it.
Sheikh Naim Qassem stated: Lebanon’s political leadership has come to Israel’s aid instead of supporting Lebanon.
Criticizing the performance of Lebanese officials, he stated: Under these circumstances, Lebanon’s political leadership will yield no achievements for the country, nor will it be able to realize the objectives of the United States and Israel. The Lebanese government must focus on national sovereignty, strengthening the Lebanese Army, the enemy’s withdrawal from occupied territories, reconstruction, addressing the port issue, conducting investigations, and restoring depositors’ funds. Do not grant credibility and legitimacy to the United States and Israel without gaining anything in return.
Open the door to dialogue with the Resistance
He called on Lebanon’s political leadership to stop making gratuitous concessions, open the door to dialogue with the Resistance, improve the domestic situation, and pay greater attention to preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Sheikh Naim Qassem said: Shouldn’t the systematic destruction currently being inflicted upon the towns and villages of southern Lebanon be grounds for halting dialogue with Israel? All this organized destruction is carried out with US approval, and every act of aggression against Lebanon has taken place under US management and oversight.
The Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah stated: We remain convinced that the path of the memorandum of understanding is the very path that will lead to an Israeli withdrawal; indeed, had it not been for the steadfastness of the Resistance on the battlefield and the public support backing it, none of these achievements would have been realized.
He remarked: The Islamic Republic of Iran emerged victorious in this confrontation. Iran stood firm—with its army, the IRGC, its leadership, and its people—proving itself to be a significant, influential, and pivotal nation whose presence impacts the entire world.
Naim Qassem added: The martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei—the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran—is one imbued with honor, revolutionary spirit, dynamism, self-sacrifice, and continuity; this martyrdom has become a source of honor and enduring strength for Iran.
We Support Internal Unity
Continuing his remarks at the Arbaeen ceremony for Imam Hussein (AS), the Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah emphasized the importance of internal unity, the continuation of the resistance, and support for the people of affected areas, the strengthening of relations between Lebanon and Syria, and the necessity of Israel’s complete withdrawal from occupied territories.
Naim Qassem also stated: Internal unity is a crucial matter, and we insist on preserving it. We support internal unity; our relationship with the Amal Movement is a steadfast bulwark, and the convergence of political forces—spanning various parties and sects—serves as a powerful, effective national fortress and shield.
Addressing the people of southern Lebanon, he said: O people of the South, history will record that you are a rock of honor, and that you have transformed the soil, air, and skies of this land into a symbol of the trampling of the Israeli and American occupiers in the pursuit of glory, dignity, and honor.
There is no obstacle to a public meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership.
He went on to emphasize the importance and necessity of fraternal, positive, and constructive relations between Syria and Lebanon, stating: We hope Syria succeeds in establishing justice, remains united and cohesive, and drives the Israeli occupier out of its territories.
Naim Qassem further emphasized: A stable Syria is a pillar of support for Lebanon, and Lebanon will likewise be a pillar of support for Syria; there is no obstacle to a public meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership whenever both parties deem it appropriate.
Lebanon will know no peace as long as the South suffers.
He stated: As long as the occupation persists, the resistance will continue, and we will defend our land, our rights, and our homeland with the spirit of Karbala.
The Secretary-General of Hezbollah declared: Aggression against the South is aggression against all of Lebanon; Lebanon will not see peace as long as the South suffers, and the only option facing the Israeli enemy is a complete withdrawal. Withdrawal is the enemy’s only option—and it will happen—and we support the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River.
In conclusion, Sheikh Naim Qassem stated: We will never forget Gaza, and we will stand firm against the massive international aggression directed at it; we also salute Iraq and Yemen, which have stood in support of our causes against a common enemy.