Hawza assails Sadr, demands both sides to leave Najaf

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Al-Hawza Al-Ilmiya in the holy city of Najaf on Thursday demanded from US forces and Moqtada As-Sadr militia to quit the holy city warning them from shedding blood, sacrilege of sacred sites and destruction of infrastructures in the City of Peace, Abode of Al-Imam Ali (p) and Headquarters of Al-Marjaiyah Ad-Diniyah Al-Ulya – top religious authority.

In a statement issued Thursday, 12 August, 26 Jamadi II, the Marjaiyah condemned excessive use of force by the foreign troops, and also denounced As-Sadr forces for their taking of the compound of Imam Ali (p) shrine as a shield for defense of their armed elements they shoot therefrom which leads to the violation of the sacred mausoleum and destruction and aggression to its dome and minarets.

The Hawza said the both armed sides get out of the sacred city leaving all matters and affairs of Najaf with Iraqi forces.

It urged the need of national unity and supremacy of law in all parts of the country.

It further “prays Allah the Exalted the Majestic to make longer the life of His Eminence Al-Marje Ad-Dini Al-Aala As-Sayyed Ali As-Sistani and hasten his return safe and healthy to the holy land of Najaf.”

The Hawza “calls Allah to protect Maraje of the holy city of Najaf stationed herein and insistent on staying herein despite the ordeal as His Eminence Al-Marje Ad-Dini As-Sayyed Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakim insists on.”

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