Iraq's top Shiite cleric declares support for Iran a 'collective duty'

Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, issued a significant religious ruling Sunday declaring that supporting and showing solidarity with Iran at this critical juncture constitutes a "collective duty" for the faithful. The fatwa, which carries immense weight among Shiite communities in Iraq and beyond, comes as the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its second week.

Fatwa calls for public demonstrations

The ruling explicitly urges Muslims to take to the streets and public squares in demonstrations supporting Iran and the Islamic system. Sistani's office emphasized that maintaining the stability of the Islamic system and preventing what it described as "division conspiracies" requires a "broad public presence and popular solidarity in the public squares," framing this participation as a religious obligation. The fatwa specifically addresses gathering in public spaces and mosques to confront acts of sabotage and plans aimed at weakening the institutions of the Islamic system.

Response to perceived threats against Iran

The religious edict came in response to a query regarding the religious judgment on public gatherings to confront efforts targeting the pillars and institutions of the Islamic system. Sistani's ruling frames such mobilization as necessary for breaking a climate of despair, preventing destruction of public property and moral corruption, frustrating enemies' expectations, and supporting the values of the Islamic Revolution during what it termed "the current sensitive circumstances."

Sistani's historical influence extends beyond religion

Sistani's authority extends far beyond traditional religious spheres into major symbolic and leadership roles within Iraq and the wider Shiite world. In 2014, his fatwa calling for fighting the ISIS terrorist group mobilized hundreds of thousands of Iraqi youths, leading to the formation of the Popular Mobilization Forces as a supporting force for the Iraqi army. His latest ruling carries similarly significant potential to shape popular mobilization and political alignments.

Regional escalation prompts religious response

The fatwa comes amid intensifying military confrontation across the region. Since Feb. 28, US and Israeli attacks on Iran have reportedly killed hundreds, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several security officials. Tehran has responded with missile and drone barrages toward Israel and has targeted what it describes as "American interests" in Gulf countries, Jordan, and Iraq. Some attacks have caused casualties and damaged civilian facilities, drawing condemnation from several Arab countries, which have called for an end to hostilities and warned against further escalation. Sistani's intervention positions the influential cleric firmly in support of Tehran during its moment of crisis.