Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed his gratitude to Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani for his support for the families of Iranians martyred during the recent war, in a message highlighting the enduring relationship between the Najaf Marja‘iyya and the Islamic Republic.
The message was addressed to Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sayyid Jawad al-Shahristani, Ayatollah Sistani’s senior representative in Iran, whom Pezeshkian thanked for his efforts in following up on the needs and affairs of the martyrs’ families.
Pezeshkian described the conflict as a “difficult and defining test” for Iran, praising the steadfastness of the Iranian people and those who served the country during the war.
“At a time when the proud people of Islamic Iran stood firm through a difficult and defining test, the country’s officials and devoted servants, guided by their faith in Allah and a deep sense of responsibility, wrote a distinguished chapter of steadfastness and service to the nation,” he said.
The Iranian president said those efforts would remain part of the historical memory of the country, while stressing that honouring the families of the martyrs was both a religious and national responsibility.
“Honouring the families of the martyrs and recognising their noble status is an expression of loyalty to their sacrifices, of pride in the spiritual values and divine principles of the Islamic Republic, and of our duty towards those who gave their lives,” Pezeshkian said.
He then expressed particular appreciation for Ayatollah Sistani’s support for the bereaved families.
“I wish to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of the eminent Marja‘ of the Shia world, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, and for his generous and unwavering support for the families of those martyred in the imposed Ramadan War,” he said.
Pezeshkian also thanked Sayyid al-Shahristani for his role in implementing and following up on that support, describing service to the families of martyrs as a noble undertaking carrying reward in both this world and the Hereafter.
“There is no doubt that serving the families of the great martyrs and keeping alive the memory of their sacrifice and selflessness is a precious provision that will bring reward in this world and the Hereafter,” the president said.
The message carries wider significance at a time when foreign powers have repeatedly sought to portray the Najaf Marja‘iyya and the Islamic Republic as competing poles within the Shia world. Despite efforts to magnify differences and foster division, Ayatollah Sistani’s support for the families of Iran’s martyrs reflects the deep bonds and underlying unity that exist between the Najaf Marja‘iyya and the Islamic Republic, ties rooted in a shared religious and cultural heritage that become especially visible when Shia communities face external aggression.
Pezeshkian concluded his message by praying for Sayyid al-Shahristani’s continued success “in upholding the sacred symbols of Islam and in sincere service to the people”.
The full letter reads as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Respected brother, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sayyid Jawad al-Shahristani,
At a time when the proud people of Islamic Iran stood steadfast in the face of a difficult and defining test, the country’s officials and devoted servants, through their firm faith in Allah and their sense of responsibility, wrote a distinguished chapter of resilience and service to the people. These valuable efforts will remain forever preserved in the historical memory of the people of this beloved nation.
In this context, honouring the respected families of the martyrs and recognising their lofty status represents an expression of loyalty and pride in the spiritual legacy and divine principles of the sacred Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the fulfilment of our duty towards the noble position of these dear ones.
I wish to express my deep appreciation for the measures taken by the eminent Marja‘ of the Shia world, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, may his noble shadow endure, and for his generous and unwavering support for the families of the martyrs of the imposed Ramadan War.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to Your Eminence for your commendable efforts and your appreciated work in following up on their affairs and needs.
There is no doubt that serving the families of the great martyrs and keeping alive the memory of their sacrifice and selflessness is a precious provision, one that will bring Your Eminence reward and recompense in this world and the Hereafter.
I ask Almighty Allah to grant you continued success and prosperity in upholding the sacred symbols of Islam and in your sincere service to the people.
Masoud Pezeshkian
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
