Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani expresses support for Iraqi Shias following a 'million-man march' against Iran in Baghdad.

New Delhi, October 27: Addressing the 'million-man march' held in the Iraqi capital against Iran, Shia cleric Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani stated that the Iranian government has no right to impose its proxy policies—under the guise of religion or sect—upon Iraq or the rest of the world. Shias globally, including in Iraq, are not in need of Iranian proxy wars; rather, they require peace, sovereignty, justice, and human dignity. Iraq must be kept free from foreign interference and regional conflicts. Maulana Rajani emphasized that it is not incumbent upon Shias worldwide to support every proxy initiative undertaken by Iran. Furthermore, Iran’s attempt to enforce political and military allegiance upon Shias globally, in the name of religion, is unacceptable. Regarding the protests against Iran that have persisted in Iraq since 2019, Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani—a Shia religious scholar and leader—has voiced his support for Iraq’s sovereignty, the right to self-determination for the Iraqi people, and lasting peace in the region. He asserted that Iraq should not be dragged into wars to serve the political or military interests of any external power. Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani noted that while Iraq is a Shia-majority nation, being Shia and supporting every policy of the Iranian government are two entirely different matters. If the Iraqi people wish to make independent decisions concerning their national interests, security, and future, that right must be respected. It is inappropriate to demand political loyalty from any country based on religion or sect. He stated that Iraq has endured severe humanitarian and economic hardships due to decades of conflict, war, terrorism, and instability. The Iraqi people are in need of peace, education, employment, development, and a dignified life—not regional tensions that would once again turn their country into a theater of conflict. Criticizing Iran’s regional policies, Maulana Rajani asserted that no nation—including Iran—should attempt to impose its will upon Iraq’s sovereignty, domestic politics, or foreign policy. If any foreign government or its affiliated armed groups are accused of interfering in Iraq, inciting violence, or fostering instability, there must be an independent, transparent, and evidence-based investigation, and those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law. He further added that instead of becoming embroiled in confrontations involving Iran or any other nation, Iraq should prioritize its own national interests, the protection of its borders, and the welfare of its people. Similarly, no other country should expect Iraq to invite global confrontation for its sake. Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani noted that the lands of Najaf and Karbala serve as a reminder of the love for the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family), as well as the values ​​of sacrifice, speaking the truth, and steadfastness in the face of oppression. Rather than reducing the message of Imam Hussain (AS) to mere political slogans, it should be embraced through a commitment to justice, freedom, respect for human life, and a principled stance against tyranny. Expressing support for the Iraqi people's right to self-determination, he emphasized that the future of Iraq must be decided by the Iraqi people themselves. Neither Iran, nor the United States, nor any other regional or global power should turn Iraqi soil into a battleground for their own interests. In his concluding statement, Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani emphasized that Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, and security are of paramount importance. Being Shia does not equate to endorsing every policy of Iran. The Iraqi people have the right to choose a path toward peace, development, and independent decision-making for their country. Furthermore, the global Shia community stands with the people of Iraq in their pursuit of peace, sovereignty, and a secure future. He further stated that it is unacceptable to compel Shias worldwide to support every Iranian proxy; indeed, for Iran to expect Shia Muslims—whether in Iraq or elsewhere—to back every policy of the Iranian government and every associated armed group is contrary to religious freedom, human autonomy, and moral principles. According to Maulana Hassan Ali Rajani, being Shia is not a condition for supporting the Iranian government, its foreign policy, or any proxy group linked to it. Shia Muslims across the globe possess the full right to hold independent political views while maintaining their religious identity, and to prioritize the national interests of their own countries. He asserted that no religion or sect should be exploited to impose political allegiances, garner support for armed conflicts, or suppress dissent. If any government—or its affiliated armed organizations—interferes in the internal affairs of other nations, harms civilians, or contributes to regional instability, then transparent investigations and accountability under the law are essential. Strongly criticizing such alleged policies by Iran, Maulana Rajani affirmed that the Shia populations in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and other nations have the right to determine their own future. The people of any nation should not be used to serve the political or military interests of external powers. Furthermore, equating religious devotion with unconditional political support for a state is a dangerous notion. Love for the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family) demands justice, respect for human life, truthfulness, and support for the oppressed—not the blind endorsement of every action taken by any given power.