PNN – Pointing out that Ayatollah Khamenei is a red line for millions of Muslims, the Turkish expert emphasized that his threat is a threat to the honor of the Islamic Ummah and the line of resistance.
The presidency of the United States has been entrusted to someone who has never held a book in his hands and is ignorant of political principles and diplomacy. Donald Trump, the President of the United States of America, has crossed the boundaries of immorality due to the lack of achievement in the 12-day war with Iran, and we are witnessing his threatening words against the Supreme Leader.
But the interesting thing to note is the issuing of fatwas by Taqlid authorities in Iran and Iraq following these threats. For example, Grand Ayatollah Haeri announced in a message that any attack on the leader of Iran is an attack on the Islamic Ummah. Also, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi also clarified that any person or regime that wants to attack the Islamic Ummah and its sovereignty, threaten the leadership and authority, or (God forbid) commits an act of war.
In this regard, we had a conversation with Qadir Akaras, the head of the Ahl al-Bayt Scholars Association of Türkiye. The description of this conversation is clear;
As you know, fatwas of Shia authorities have always been influential in Shia society, especially in political issues. Recently, Iranian and Iraqi Shia Taqlid authorities have issued fatwas for those who threaten Ayatollah Khamenei. How do you evaluate the importance of these fatwas?
In the Islamic world, especially in societies that are affiliated with the Ahl al-Bayt school, a good and correct understanding of the position of the authority of imitation is very important to understand the answer to this question. In the school of Ahl al-Bayt, it is mandatory for every Muslim to have a taqlid authority, regardless of the country he is in. This is a jurisprudential rule. Every Muslim is directly related to his authority of taqlid and this is a binding situation.
Therefore, for us, the fatwas of our taqlid authorities are not an opinion or a recommendation, but an expression of a religious duty. Without looking at this issue, it will not be possible for us to determine the importance, impact and scope of the given fatwa. At this point, the Taqlid authorities considered the threat against Ayatollah Khamenei as a threat to the Islamic Ummah and took a position based on it.
The fact that many of our taqlid authorities have issued fatwas regarding the threats against Ayatollah Khamenei shows unity and firm will in this field. These fatwas show that every member of the Ahl al-Bayt school, especially our taqlid authorities, wherever they are in the world, consider these threats not only against the person of Ayatollah Khamenei, but also against the honor of the Ummah and the line of resistance.
What is at issue here is the honor and faith of all Muslims. We should not forget that Ayatollah Khamenei is in a position that can lead the nation, determine the direction and bear the responsibility of the entire nation. In this sense, Ayatollah Khamenei is a red line for millions of Muslims. These fatwas are the declaration of this red line.
What effect can such fatwas have on the unity of the Shia community and security of the country?
In the school of Ahl al-Bayt, in such cases, the fatwa of our taqlid authorities helps to take a firm stand against those who want to divide the society and indifference to threats. These fatwas create a clear attitude and position in the society. Every person, wherever he is in the world, knows which path to follow, with whom to align and where to stand. This prevents the division of the members of the school of Ahl al-Bayt and creates a single line throughout the world.
Especially in countries where there are many imitators such as Iran and Iraq, these fatwas are more important because they can mobilize a large population and start and revolutionize a social movement.
Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Akbar Hosseini Haeri, one of the Taqlid authorities and great scholars of Najaf Ashraf, issued a message after threats were made by the US President and the leaders of the Zionist regime against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Shia authority, and in part they said that any attack on the leader of Iran is an attack on the Islamic Ummah. What is your opinion about his fatwa?
This statement and fatwa was actually the manifestation of the heart feelings of all free people and followers of the Ahl al-Bayt school. We appreciate Ayatollah Haeri, our high authority, for issuing such a clear and explicit fatwa at such a time. We cannot see Ayatollah Khamenei only as the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei is the leader of the Ahl al-Bayt School and the Resistance Front.
Defending Ayatollah Khamenei is defending the honor of the Islamic Ummah. This position is an uprising against the oppressor, just like Karbala. As Ayatollah Haeri said, attacks and threats against Ayatollah Khamenei are considered an attack on Islam and the Ummah. Because today, Ayatollah Khamenei is the leader and supporter of those who resist the Zionist occupation in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq and those who thwart the imperialist plans. Ayatollah Khamenei is more than a person; they are a position, a direction and a symbol.
Therefore, issuing such fatwas by Taqlid authorities against such attacks and threats is a great position. These fatwas have a very important message for the Ummah, Muslims and friends of Ahl al-Bayt. These fatwas remind all communities of the position of Ayatollah Khamenei and the importance of the position of religious authority.