In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
The Centre joins Islamic centres, charities and senior religious authorities in expressing condolences, including Grand Marjaʿ Ayatollah al-ʿUdhma Ali al-Sistani, who conveyed profound sorrow at the shahadat of Grand Marjaʿ Ayatollah al-ʿUdhma Sayed Ali Khamenei. In moments of loss such as this, the unity of the scholarly tradition and the shared grief of the Ummah are plainly evident.
Ayatollah Al ‘Udhma Seyed Ali Khamenei has been regarded by millions of Shia Muslims worldwide as a senior religious authority and for his spiritual guidance. We understand that his shahadat is being mourned across Iran, throughout the Middle East, and within diaspora communities, including across the US and the UK. For many, this is a religious and communal loss.
It has been recognised by many within the Muslim world that his life was marked by religious steadfastness, devotion, and unwavering commitment to faith. He dedicated himself to the service of Islam, the teaching of religious knowledge, and the spiritual guidance of believers. In reflecting upon this, we are reminded of the words of the Holy Quran:
مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوا مَا عَاهَدُوا اللَّهَ عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّن قَضَىٰ نَحْبَهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَنتَظِرُ ۖ وَمَا بَدَّلُوا تَبْدِيلًا
“Among the faithful are men who fulfil what they have pledged to Allah: there are some among them who have fulfilled their pledge, and some who still wait; and they have not altered in the least” (Suratul Ahzaab 33 Ayat 23).
Acknowledging grief and loss of a grand religious scholar is a recognition of humanity. Our mourning should be understood in that light and our commemoration read in that context. The Centre does not support or condone the political activity or follow the direction of any political person or country. The Centre prays for peace and tolerance between faiths at this time.
May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you all.
وَسَلَامٌ عَلَيْهِ يَوْمَ وُلِدَ وَيَوْمَ يَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ يُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
Peace be to him, the day he was born, and the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive! (Suratul Maryam/ Ayat15)
We kindly request all who read this message to recite Surah al-Fātiḥah and Surah al-Ikhlāṣ three times, gifting the reward to the departed souls, and to pray for peace of heart and tranquillity of mind for all those affected by this loss.
