Najaf, Iraq — His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi (may Allah prolong his life) welcomed a delegation of Turkish Alawites visiting the sacred shrines in Iraq. During the meeting, His Eminence offered a series of fatherly spiritual advices and essential guidance for the lives of the faithful.

In his remarks, the Grand Ayatollah stressed the vital importance of piety (taqwa), noting that the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) emphasized in their narrations the practice of self-accountability as a first and crucial step toward achieving taqwa. This spiritual discipline, he explained, opens the doors of discernment between right and wrong, helping individuals to realign themselves on the righteous path.

His Eminence further asserted that visiting the holy shrines should not be viewed merely as a ritualistic practice. Rather, it should serve as a spiritual milestone aimed at refining the soul and elevating moral conduct, calling upon pilgrims to act as practical ambassadors of the Ahl al-Bayt’s path through their behavior and interaction within society.

Ayatollah al-Najafi also highlighted the significance of Najaf al-Ashraf as a center of both spiritual and intellectual authority in the Islamic world. He praised the role of the Najaf Seminary (Hawza) in producing generations of distinguished scholars and jurists who have contributed to preserving and propagating the authentic Islamic teachings.

Additionally, His Eminence emphasized the great sacrifices made by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to protect the essence of religion. He reiterated that true Muhammadan Islam, as delivered by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), represents a comprehensive framework of values, justice, and human dignity, and ensures the happiness and stability of all humanity.