14 June 2014

Translation of statement issued today by the Office of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani clarifying Marja'iyyah's position on taking up arms:

In the Name of God, the ever-merciful, the ever-compassionate

The Highest Religious Authority [in Najaf] calls upon all the citizens [of Iraq] – especially those living in mixed areas [i.e. areas that include Shiʿa and Sunni residents] – to exert the highest possible level of self-restraint during this tumultuous period. And [we urge] all [ethno-sectarian] groups [i.e. Shiʿa, Sunni, etc.] to behave in the most compassionate and kindest of manners. And [we urge those groups] to steer clear from sectarian and untamed-nationalistic discourse that is of detriment to Iraq’s national unity. Moreover, [the Highest Religious Authority wants to take this opportunity to] emphasise the need [for all citizens] to refrain from militant acts that are outside [the state’s] legal frameworks; furthermore, [the Highest Religious Authority] calls upon the official state actors to take the necessary measures to prevent such actions [i.e. militant acts occurring outside official state avenues].

###

Original Arabic version: http://bit.ly/1vik9jq