The representative of the Supreme Religious Authority and Custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain, Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, received a multinational delegation from the Union of Al Al-Bayt (the Household of the Prophet) Scholars. The delegation included scholars from several Turkish-speaking countries, as well as directors of Al Al-Bayt Foundation branches in a number of countries worldwide. The meeting focused on prospects for strengthening cooperation and expanding joint initiatives.

During the meeting, Sheikh Al-Karbalaey emphasized the challenges and responsibilities facing those working to promote the school of thought of Ahl Al-Bayt. He stated, “Your mission is very difficult, as you support the school of thought of the Ahl Al-Bayt and convey its principles and values to societies outside the Islamic world, particularly those of you who hold positions of responsibility. Therefore, you must strive to possess the necessary qualities so that God may bless this great work you are undertaking.”

He continued, “When we began our work in 2003, it started in a small room. Today, by the blessings of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), it has grown significantly. The same applies to His Eminence Sayyed Jawad Al-Shahristani, whom I visited several years ago. He told me they also began in a modest place, which later developed into a major institution with 16 branches across the world. Likewise, if your work is grounded in patience and sincere intention for the sake of God Almighty, it will be blessed, and these small numbers will grow into thousands. This requires following the example of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them).”

Addressing those who lead congregational and Friday prayers, Sheikh Al-Karbalaey stressed the importance of spiritual discipline, saying that religious leaders must strive for self-purification in order to serve as positive role models within their communities.

He further noted that success in achieving goals depends on reliance upon God, along with determination and strong will, even when available resources are limited. He also emphasized the importance of openness and engagement with society, stating that imams must not isolate themselves but should respect the customs and laws of their respective countries, remain close to the people, understand their concerns, and work earnestly to address their needs.

For his part, the head of the Al Al-Bayt Foundation in Turkey, His Eminence Sheikh Rahmani, said that the visit was coordinated for a delegation from the Union of Al Al-Bayt Scholars and heads of Al Al-Bayt Foundation branches in several countries to the holy shrines in Karbala. “We had the honor of meeting His Eminence Sheikh Al-Karbalaey to discuss mechanisms for developing joint work and to benefit from his guidance regarding the role of these institutions, particularly the qualities mosque imams must possess in order to serve as effective role models in their societies,” he said.

Sheikh Rahmani also expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Religious Authority and the administration of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain for their warm reception and hospitality, commending in particular the Media Department and the International Media Center for their excellent coordination of the visit.

Meanwhile, Sabah Al-Taliqani, director of the Imam Hussain Cultural Center in Istanbul—affiliated with the Media Department of the Holy Shrine—stated that the center coordinated and organized the visit. He added that the center presented proposals and ideas aimed at enhancing joint media and cultural cooperation with the visiting delegations, with the goal of activating reciprocal activities similar to those currently underway in Turkey in collaboration with the Al Al-Bayt Foundation.

Reported by: Emad Bao

Photographed by: Mohammed Al-Qarawi