We have learned with great concern, that armed groups have surrounded the house of Ayatullah Seestani in Najaf, threatening his life and, according to reliable reports, given 48 hours to leave the country.  This is a serious development. Any attempt on his life will be viewed by millions of his followers through out the world as an act of barbarism.

Whilst we anxiously await further news about the source of such unwarranted threats, the present state of affairs all over Iraq warrants our concern and prayers for the safety of all our scholars in general and Ayatullah Seestani in particular.  

We have been in communication with his office in Qum and are also in a process of conveying our grave concerns for his safety and seeking urgent action to protect him, to the US and UK governments as well as other organizations. 

The World Federation and Africa Federation will remain in touch with offices of Ayatullah Seestani in Qum, to receive further developments. In the meantime,   Mumineen are requested to perform special prayers for the safety of our Marjae Taqleed,   who represents our present Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance).  Any threat to him is a threat to the office representing our Imam (AS).

In these Ayyame Aza, let us sincerely and earnestly pray for the safety of the people of Iraq and our Marjae Taqleed along with all the other scholars. 

Secretariat