Iraqi Leaders Mourn Passing of Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq Fayyadh
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq Fayyadh, a preeminent Shia Marja’ (religious authority) and a pillar of the Najaf Seminary, passed away after a period of illness in a Baghdad hospital. His passing has sent waves of grief through Iraq’s political and religious spheres.
The office of Grand Ayatollah Fayyadh released a statement noting that he dedicated his life to serving Islam, teaching Islamic sciences, nurturing scholars and students, and disseminating the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and explaining the tenets of sacred Sharia law. The statement emphasized that the loss of this esteemed scholar, due to his elevated scientific and religious standing and his valuable scholarly contributions, represents a significant and irreparable loss to seminaries and all believers.
Iraqi officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and the head of the National Wisdom Movement, have reacted to the demise of this distinguished cleric.
President of Iraq, Nezar Al-Amidi, issued a statement expressing profound sadness at the news of Grand Ayatollah Fayyadh’s passing. He described the Ayatollah as a figure who devoted his life to serving religion, knowledge, and society, promoting moderation, tolerance, and virtue, educating generations of scholars, and contributing to the establishment of lasting peace and national unity. President Al-Amidi highlighted Fayyadh’s role as a prominent scientific and spiritual personality, recognized for his wisdom, moderation, and advocacy for coexistence and fraternity. He further stated that the Ayatollah left behind a valuable scientific and jurisprudential legacy that will serve as a guide for future generations. Al-Amidi extended condolences to the Ayatollah’s family, the supreme religious authority in Najaf, scholars, seminary students, and the Iraqi people, praying for divine mercy and solace for them.
Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali Al-Faleh Al-Zaidy, conveyed his condolences via the social media platform ‘X’, addressing the supreme religious authority, the Iraqi people, and Muslims worldwide. He acknowledged the loss of a shining figure in jurisprudence and a Marja’ who left a clear imprint on thought and teaching, significantly elevating the status of the Najaf Seminary according to the path of Prophet Muhammad and the school of the Ahl al-Bayt. The Prime Minister specifically remembered Fayyadh’s efforts in bringing Islamic sects closer together and supporting the just causes of the Arab and Islamic worlds. In response to the passing, the Prime Minister declared three days of public mourning across Iraq.
Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim, head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, described Grand Ayatollah Fayyadh as a pillar of the Najaf Seminary and a renowned jurist of his time. He noted that Fayyadh spent his blessed life serving religion, the sect, and spreading the sciences of the Ahl al-Bayt. Al-Hakim stated that the deceased established a robust scientific school, achieving a high rank in jurisprudence and principles, with thousands of religious students benefiting from his teachings. His valuable writings and deep research enriched Islamic literature, and he played a role in consolidating the approach of ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) and preserving the authentic identity and direction of the seminary. Al-Hakim characterized the Ayatollah as an exemplar of asceticism and piety, a voice of wisdom and moderation, and a refuge for believers in various religious matters. He emphasized that Fayyadh’s demise is a significant loss not only for the Najaf Seminary but for the entire Islamic Ummah, given his high scientific and spiritual standing and his prominent role in guiding society, reinforcing authentic Islamic values, and defending the nation’s causes.
The United Nations issued a statement extending its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the religious authorities in Iraq and the Iraqi people on the passing of Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq Fayyadh. The organization expressed hope that the Ayatollah’s enduring legacy of wisdom and moderation will inspire future generations and prayed for patience and solace for his family and followers.
Funeral rites for Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq Fayyadh are scheduled to begin on Friday morning. The procession will commence in the holy city of Kadhimiyah at 9 AM and proceed to Karbala at 5 PM on Friday. Further funeral and burial ceremonies will take place in Najaf on Saturday morning at 9 AM.
