Karbala: The representative of the supreme religious authority, Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai, emphasized the pivotal role played by the supreme religious authority in saving Iraq during a critical period. Al-Karbalai, who serves as the legal custodian of the al-Hossein Holy Shrine, made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the second public festival for the Fatwa of the Sufficient Defense.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Karbalai posed several questions during his speech, seeking to identify the entity that successfully safeguarded Iraq when others could not. He praised the efforts of those who achieved victory, highlighting the principles and values that enabled them to secure success in a matter of three years and a few months, despite international predictions of a decade-long battle against ISIS.

He further questioned the nature of the relationship between the religious authority and the individuals who responded to its call, noting the strong bond that sustained their momentum and fighting spirit over three years. Al-Karbalai stressed the importance of recognizing the religious authority’s role in times of crisis and reconsidering the appropriate stance toward it in future challenges. He urged for a relationship characterized by obedience and understanding, rather than mere glorification, and called for translating this understanding into practical actions and awareness.