El-Kerbalai: Fighting Terrorists is the Duty of All People, & Who Sacrifices Themselves are Martyrs

June 13, 2014. Second part of the Friday Sermon, held in the Imam Hussein holy shrine, the representative of the Islamic Supreme Religious Authority and the preacher of the Friday Sermon in Kerbala city, his eminence Sheikh Abdul-Mehdi El-Kerbala'i, said, "Ladies and gentlemen! The status quo or Iraq is now so serious. Iraqi people must be aware of their national and religious responsibility. Ladies and gentlemen! I need to mention something: First. Iraq, is now facing a very serious challenging against the terrorists who are targeting controlling all the Iraqi cities, especially Kerbala, and Nejaf. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all Iraqi people to confront those terrorists.Second. It is known that Iraqi people are known for their bravery, and such terrorist attempts will not discourage them. Therefore, it is obligatory, for those who are able to deter the terrorists, to fight and protect Iraq and the Holy shrines, and to retain their dignity. The brave people might not lose hope or be discouraged. The Almighty Allah, said, 'O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allah, so that you may be successful.' Surat 'Āli `Imrān, verse 200.'Musa (Moses) said to his people: 'Seek help in Allah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He will of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun' El-'Araf Sura, verse 128.'And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).' Surat Al-'Anfāl, verse 46.'Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When (will come) the Help of Allah?" Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!' Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 214.'O you who believe! Make not unlawful the Taiyibat (all that is good as regards foods, things, deeds, beliefs, persons, etc.) which Allah has made lawful to you, and transgress not. Verily, Allah does not like the transgressors.' Surat Al-Mā'idah, verse 87.Third. Political leaderships is now confronting a national, historical, and legal responsibility, which requires overlooking all the conflicts and contention occurred priorly. Fourth. Security forces is performing a sacred duty by protecting their country from the terrorists; who are against all humanity. Therefore, all the security forces should comprehend their responsibility towards Iraq.The Islamic supreme religious authority is standing aside with the security forces, and whoever dies is considered as a martyr.Fifth. As Iraq is being aggressively attacked, struggling against the terrorists is an obligation to those who are able to carry a weapon can do that, but if they realize that there are people who are operating instead, they can stay back.Sixth. Many officers in the army have done their best remarkably, and the government should award them for what they have done. We pray to Allah, for protecting Iraq and all peoples." Translated by: Mohammed Jasim