Statement: The Legacy of Samarra

Statement: The Legacy of SamarraMuslims across the world commemorate today the criminal attacks on the sacred shrine of Islam in Samarra. The shrine that houses the tombs of the direct descendants of the Holy Prophet of Islam – Imams of the Shi’a faith, Imam Ali Al-Hadi (a) and Imam Hasan Al-Askary (a) – was targeted by elements who held no regard for the sanctity of Islam and its symbols, but rather wished to destroy the fabric of the Islamic community by striking at one of its most esteem symbols. A year on, the shrine still crippled in its ruins, has become symbolic of the military occupation of Iraq that is debilitating its infant democracy.

Muslims across the world commemorate today the criminal attacks on the sacred shrine of Islam in Samarra. The shrine that houses the tombs of the direct descendants of the Holy Prophet of Islam – Imams of the Shi’a faith, Imam Ali Al-Hadi (a) and Imam Hasan Al-Askary (a) – was targeted by elements who held no regard for the sanctity of Islam and its symbols, but rather wished to destroy the fabric of the Islamic community by striking at one of its most esteem symbols.

A year on, the shrine still crippled in its ruins, has become symbolic of the military occupation of Iraq that is debilitating its infant democracy. The rubble of the great mosque has become a poignant and stark emblem of the irreligious, immoral and ugly face of global extremism which is leading the world towards an endless vortex of fear and terror.

The current prevailing conditions in Iraq have been denoted as greater outcomes of the destruction of the shrine in Samarra; an Iraq and in truth a Middle East, increasingly portrayed as an overnight changed battleground between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. The AhlulBayt Islamic Mission, in accordance with the edicts of the Religious authorities, views the greatest strength possessed by the Muslims today to be their unity and thus their common stand in opposition of extremism, terrorism and humiliation.

We therefore renew our calls to all Muslims and Iraqis in particular to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and refrain from words and actions that may contribute to sectarian discord. We also believe that it is incumbent upon political leaders and influential members of society to sincerely strive to allay grievances instead of promoting an image of sectarian strife in the Middle East whenever possible, as this only works in line with the aims of the criminals who targeted the shrine.

Through the destruction of the shrine, the enemies sought to create sectarian strife; seeking to use it as an excuse to incite hatred. How will they however, erase the words and actions of these Imams, who spent their entire lives and gave up their most fundamental rights for the sake of this very unity, from the hearts of millions? Whilst our hearts mourn today, we also make a pledge to Imam Al-Hadi (a) and Imam Al-Askary (a) that we shall remain steadfast on their path and place Islamic unity ahead of our tribulations.

AhlulBayt Islamic Mission (AIM)
22nd February 2007
3rd Safar 1428

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