The representative of the supreme religious authority, Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai, confirmed that the general secretariat of the holy shrine of Imam Hussein has opened an investigation regarding the circumstances of the tragic "Twayrij run" incident.
Al-Karbalai said in the Friday’s sermon held at the holy shrine of Imam Hussein "pbuh" on September 13, 2019, that "While we reminisce the memory of the darkest calamity and the greatest sacrifice made by Ahl al- Bayt (peace be upon them) through the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) at the noon of Ashura day, this day is the highest embodiment of the principles of sacrifice, redemption and triumph of religion and humanity," adding "The divine will desired to consolidate and perpetuate the very soul of those principles through the massive marches of condolence that express the sincerity of belonging and the spirit of loyalty as well as the true love for the master of martyrs (peace be upon him) in order to keep the feelings of loyalty, belonging and love as an effective factor in the hearts and minds of believers on the path of Imam Hussein and his household."
"This path would not complete without testing the willingness of believers to sustain the spirit of redemption and sacrifice for religion, homeland and holy symbols, which was clearly manifested in the righteous battle waged to defend the pure land of Iraq against the gangs of atonement and misguidance," he emphasized, pointing out that "The role of condolences processions to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and the million-men Arbaeen walk, as well as the (Tuwayrij run) ceremony, is still an essential and effective role to sustaining these principles."
He also pointed out that "The fall of victims during these ceremonies, whether it's caused by terrorist attacks or by other reasons, is a ordeal for believers and a constant revival of the foundations of the Imam Hussein's revolution in the terms of self-sacrifice, selflessness and redemption, and a way to transform these principles from mere slogans into a live reality lived by the loyalists of Imam Hussein."
"Therefore, the noon of Ashura day was a date for departure of a group of true loyal people who were more than ready to sacrifice their lives on the path of their Imam (peace be upon him), as dozens of them have fallen while answering the call of Hussein (Are there any apologists among you?). Therefore, their souls have echoed their tongues as they shouted (Oh Hussein, here we are), so their souls overflowed to their creator longing to meet the master of martyrs and his companions."
The representative of the supreme religious authority also extended deep condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs of the the last Ashura day, praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded, who many of whom are recovering.
He stressed of the need to keep the true spirit of loyalty to the principles of Imam Hussein in its highest heat and strength just like the one in the hearts of believers mourning the master of martyrs "peace be upon him".
Al-Karbalai noted that "The officials at the holy shrine are now investigating the circumstances of the tragic incident and will use the appropriate procedures if there were any defect in the assignments of those responsible for organizing the movement of pilgrims in the Tuwayrij run ceremony in order to review the futuristic plans."
