إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

We belong to Allah and to Him we return

It is with sadness that we learnt this morning that the great scholar and thinker, Ayatollah Muhammad Mahdi Al-Asifi, the representative of Ayatollah Khamenei in the Holy City of Najaf, has passed away. We ask Allah (swt) to elevate his station and give patience to his family and friends.

Below is the statement released by the Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on this occasion:

In His Name, the Most High

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have received the news of the passing of Ayatollah Haj Shaykh Muhammad Mahdi Al-Asifi (ra), the renowned scholar, researcher and mujahid.

He was an ingenious jurist, a skilled theologian, and an influential, hardworking author. Tens of beneficial books regarding relevant topics in Beliefs, Theology and Jurisprudence are the fruits of his blessed life. He also accomplished a beaming record in his political and social struggle within Iraq. He was a well rounded figure with well-constructed thoughts and deep analysis of regional issues.

Piety, disinclination to material glamours, and purposefully adopting a simple and poor student life are among the other special qualities of this highly esteemed scholar. The many years spent bearing the burden of representing me in Najaf has left me indebted to the deceased. I am hopeful that the kindness and mercy of Allah is showered upon him for his services.

To all of his family, friends, admirers and those that benefited from him, I offer my condolences, and I pray for the rising of his station, in addition to the mercy and forgiveness from Allah for his departed soul.

Sayyid Ali Khamenei