Najaf: Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr called on merchants, particularly those operating in Najaf and other holy areas and provinces, to uphold honesty, seek lawful earnings, and deal truthfully with people, warning against fraud, deception, manipulation and price hikes.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sadr made the remarks in a central address delivered during Friday prayers across several provinces, particularly Najaf. The address was read at the Kufa Mosque by Friday preacher Kadhim al-Husseini.

Al-Sadr stressed the need to refrain from anything prohibited or rejected by religious and social norms, calling for personal freedom in life to be grounded in rejecting anything that a person would not accept for themselves or their family. He also underscored the importance of fearing God and avoiding the sale of prohibited goods, usury, excessive profits and unethical conduct. Such practices, he said, are rejected not only on religious grounds but also by anyone who upholds dignity and honor.

Al-Sadr warned against the continuation of violations, stressing that he would intervene if the local government turned a blind eye to them. He said that those who do not respect Najaf and its reputation would not receive respect in return, according to his remarks.

He further urged merchants to gain a proper understanding of the religious rules governing commercial transactions, citing the saying, ‘A merchant is a transgressor until he gains proper knowledge.’ He called on merchants who fail to abide by such principles to repent and correct their conduct, while stressing that trust in them would continue, alongside close monitoring of their actions.

Al-Sadr concluded by stressing that the call formed part of what he described as a ‘all corrupt should be rooted’ reform drive, urging people not to be drawn into anything that distances them from the remembrance and obedience of God.