Najaf: Najaf Friday Prayer Leader and Imam Sadr al-Din al-Qabanji considered the US forces’ decision to withdraw from Iraq a step in the right direction. Al-Qabanji emphasized in his Friday sermon, “We believe it is a step in the right direction, and Iraq is capable of securing its internal and external situation.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), al-Qabanji stated, “The hot issue today in Iraq is the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), where the battle is to dissolve the PMF.” He underscored the importance of the PMF, describing it as Iraq’s strength and pride. Al-Qabanji warned that disbanding the PMF would mean cutting off Iraq’s striking hand, which was instrumental in halting the ISIS advance.

Al-Qabanji also addressed the criticisms from some politicians about the Shiites’ ability to govern, asserting, “We say that the Shiites were the first to believe in the project of political participation. They are the ones who eliminated ISIS terrorism, and they are the ones who eliminated the project of dividing Iraq. Security stability is the best evidence of the success of their rule, and the millions of pilgrims who have visited are the best evidence of this. Therefore, we ask them to avoid sectarian rhetoric.”

Additionally, al-Qabanji voiced his disapproval of the Iraqi Ministry of Culture’s “Hussaini Anthem” festival, held on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). He criticized the event for including music and being attended by “immodestly dressed” women. Al-Qabanji remarked, “We thank the Ministry for this generous gesture, but ‘God is not obeyed where He is disobeyed,’ as this festival included music and immodestly dressed women. Would Hussein accept this behavior?”

Al-Qabanji emphasized that Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) serves as a lesson and moral guide, not as a figure to be celebrated with songs and immodesty. He called for the purification of Husseini gatherings from religious and moral deviations.