Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani's Message Denouncing Samarra Sacrilege

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

Once again the dirty hands of regression, sedition and imperialism created another calamity and caused grief to Muslims and Shiites all over the world. The assault and sacrilege of the shrines of the two Imams (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) taking place for a second time in a short period stem from the deep animosity of Islam's malevolent foes. There is no doubt that this heinous crime has been masterminded by the US and other occupiers as well as the Zionist regime. Obviously, Wahabism, which all Muslim sects unanimously consider as non-Islamic and a wicked child of disbelief and Jewry has no aim other than opposing Islam, Quran and inciting flames of sectarian and ethnic conflicts. This group not only intends to destroy Shi'ite's entire sacred sites but it also seeks to eliminate all Islamic signs and sanctities including the grave of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and one day, they will target the Quran and the Ka'abah. Unfortunately in the previous assault, the Muslim world did not show any firm reaction and if the Islamic states and religious scholars from various groups showed serious reactions against the blasphemy, today these despiteful polytheists would not dare to repeat the crime.  All Muslims and Shi'ites, while maintaining their unity and peacefulness, should seek a way to eliminate this illegitimate child, i.e. the Wahabism.

All know that the pure Imams (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) are perfect models of Tawheed (Oneness of God) for and among the human beings. Respecting their graves is a firm covenant for getting nearness to Allah, the Exalted and a clear manifestation of the Quranic verse which says "and whoever respects the signs of Allah …".

Seeking internecine war in Islamic countries the US government one day commissioned some ignorant clergies to declare Shi'ites as unbelievers and today, it is using the same group of ignorant people to destroy the sacred sites. Such conspiracies require Muslims to be further wary and vigilant.

The enemies of Islam must be certain that such incidents make true Muslims more determined and resolved to respect and commemorate the Ahlalbayt (a.s.). We are strongly appealing the Iraqi government to take decisive actions to protect the sacred sites and safeguard these locations which are the center of Muslims' attention.

I extend my condolences to the Imam of Time, Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and pray to Almighty Allah to grant patience and forbearance to all his devout lovers.

Muhammad Fazel Lankarani
13/June/2007