His Eminence, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi (may his shadow endure), stated that Muslim communities—particularly the people of Iran—have drawn inspiration from the sacrifices of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), adopting his example as a guide for their moral values and actions. This inspiration, he explained, led them to rise, endure hardship, and make sacrifices for the sake of God, ultimately achieving resilience and success after once being regarded as part of the developing world.
In his weekly lecture to students of the Hawza in the holy city of Karbala, he noted that the slogan embraced by the Iranian people during the war—“Hussein is our banner, and martyrdom is our pride”—reflects a deep sense of faith, sincerity, and transformation. He emphasized that history will remember the steadfastness of these nations in confronting global oppression, especially at a time when many others were unable to do so.
According to His Eminence, the success of Muslim societies against powerful forces of tyranny can be traced to a revival of spiritual awareness. This renewed spirit, he said, unlocks human potential, sharpens focus on what truly matters, and frees individuals from distractions that weaken determination.
He further explained that true worship is not limited to outward rituals; rather, the essence of prayer lies in sincere devotion and remembrance of God. Similarly, genuine knowledge—particularly in Islamic jurisprudence—requires deep understanding, not mere memorization without insight.
In essence, everything possesses both an outward form and an inner reality. The true goal, he stressed, is to reach that inner essence, while external forms serve only to preserve it.
He concluded by affirming that when people are guided toward the deeper spirit of religion—its understanding, devotion, and commitment to struggle—they can achieve success, establish justice, and contribute to spreading peace in the world.
– Office of His Eminence, Ayatollah al-Modarresi Holy Karbala — Shawwal 1447 AH
