Top Islamic Authority, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani issued the following statement in relation to the deteriorating state of affairs in Iraq:
In the name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.
The supreme religious authority (marja’iyyah) is pursuing with deep concern the recent security developments in the Nainawa province and its neighbourhood. Whilst the Marja’iyyah presses on the Iraqi government and all political leaders in the country the necessity of having a united stand in confronting the insurgents, and of reinforcing its efforts against them and to protect the civilians from their evil, it [at the same time] insists upon the government to extend its support and backing for the armed forces and urges the army to show patience and steadfastness in confronting the transgressors. May Allah’s mercy be upon their righteous martyrs and may He grant speedy recovery to the injured amongst them, He is indeed all-hearing and responsive.
The office of Sayyid al-Sistaani,
Najaf al-Ashraf.
11/08/1435.