During the banner-replacement ceremony atop the dome of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), the representative of the Supreme Religious Authority, Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, delivered a second address emphasizing that the challenges faced by the region, particularly over the past year, reflect an ongoing, fierce battle between two opposing fronts: one defending truth, justice, and goodness, and another embodying injustice, tyranny, and evil in its most brutal and extreme forms.

“This battle continues to exact a heavy toll,” he said. “It has shed precious blood, displaced families, starved populations, and destroyed homes and livelihoods. Yet despite these immense sacrifices, we must not succumb to weakness or defeat. Our resolve must remain unshaken.”

Sheikh Al-Karbalaey stressed the importance of commemorating the tragedy of Karbala and the enduring legacy of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), as instructed by the Imams of the Prophet’s Household (peace be upon them). “The Hussaini rituals,” he noted, “are not mere traditions or symbolic acts. They are vital spiritual practices that revive the principles of faith, reinforce religious obligations, and serve as a foundation for social reform through enjoining good and forbidding evil.”

He called on believers to approach these rituals with insight and awareness, recognizing them as acts of devotion that bring them closer to God by expressing condolences to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and his family in their immense grief. He emphasized that these duties are not exclusive to religious leaders but are a shared responsibility across all levels of society—provided they are conducted within the framework of Islamic law.

The sermon also addressed the broader challenges facing Iraq and the region. “The divine law governing creation is one of continuous testing,” Sheikh Al-Karbalaey said. “The struggle between truth and falsehood will persist until the Day of Judgment. Imam Hussain’s revolution remains a guiding light, showing us where we should stand in this struggle.”

He warned that Iraq is not immune to the volatile events surrounding it and that their repercussions will eventually reach the country. “We must face this reality with vigilance, wisdom, and a firm commitment to internal reform and nation-building. Without serious, practical efforts to build Iraq on solid foundations, there can be no hope for a better future.”

Sheikh Al-Karbalaey highlighted key priorities outlined by the Supreme Religious Authority, including developing practical and scientific plans for governance; ensuring that positions of responsibility are filled based on competence and integrity; preventing foreign interference; upholding the rule of law and restricting weapons to state control; and combating corruption at all levels."

He concluded by reaffirming the need to preserve the constitutional gains achieved after decades of tyranny and warned against any regression to past eras of oppression. “Despite the many failures and shortcomings of the last two decades,” he said, “we must learn from our experiences and work to correct the path forward.”