Lucknow Muslim Organizations Express Outrage Over Killing of Iran's Supreme Leader
Muslim organizations in Lucknow on Sunday voiced profound grief and anger following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel. The groups announced a series of protest actions and prayer programs to condemn what they described as a severe violation of international norms.
Shia Community Declares Three Days of Mourning
According to reports from news agency PTI, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, the general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, revealed that a large-scale protest accompanied by a condolence meeting would be organized at the Chhota Imambara on Sunday evening. During this demonstration, effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to be burned as a symbolic act of defiance.
Abbas further stated that the Shia community has officially declared three days of mourning in response to the tragic event. Throughout this period, community members will wear black attire, hoist black flags at their residences, and conduct special prayer gatherings to honor the memory of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Sunni Leaders Join in Condemnation and Call for Prayers
Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, an executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Lucknow's Shahar Qazi, strongly condemned the killing of Khamenei. He urged the international community to oppose what he characterized as a blatant breach of international law. Additionally, Mahli announced that special prayers would be offered in Sunni mosques across the city, seeking peace and paying tribute to the Iranian supreme leader.
Prominent Shia Clerics Decry the Incident as a Global Tragedy
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad described Khamenei's killing as "one of the most tragic events of the century," emphasizing the profound loss felt by Muslims worldwide. He called upon all justice-loving and humanitarian individuals to rise above religious sentiments and organize condolence meetings to express solidarity.
Another prominent Shia leader, Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi, highlighted that this development represents a moment of immense grief for Muslims across the globe. He called for worldwide condemnation of the actions taken by the US and Israel, which he argued have plunged the entire Middle East region into the fire of war.
Khamenei Praised for Advocacy on Palestinian Issues
Naqvi also reflected on Khamenei's legacy, noting that while much of the world remained silent against Israel's oppression of Muslims in Gaza, the Iranian leader consistently raised his voice in support of the oppressed. This advocacy, according to Naqvi, made Khamenei a target for what he termed "oppressive countries." He asserted that Khamenei spoke not only for the interests of a single community but for Muslims worldwide, particularly standing with the victims of Israeli oppression in Palestine.
The collective response from Lucknow's Muslim organizations underscores a deep-seated concern over geopolitical tensions and a call for unity in condemning actions perceived as unjust and destabilizing.
