“The Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (PBUH): The Discourse of Resistance in Confronting Hegemony According to the Vision of the Martyred Leader”
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“Those who convey the messages of Allah and fear Him, and fear no one except Allah.”
Allah Almighty has spoken the truth.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Your Eminences, Excellencies, and distinguished religious, academic, political, cultural, and media figures,
Dear colleagues in the media,
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
May Allah greatly reward you for the tragedy of Abu Abdullah Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his righteous companions.
I extend my gratitude to those responsible for organizing this blessed conference in the sacred city of Karbala.
Can words truly help me express what comes to mind when speaking of a country, a people, a civilization, and a history enriched by scholars, poets, writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures who have contributed—and continue to contribute—to humanity, both past and present?
Iraq is the land of dignity, the nation of sacrifice, the soil of prosperity, and the homeland of glory.
For its sake and upon its land, wars have been fought and conflicts have erupted. Within it lies both the source of pain and the flame of hope. Iraq holds countless sources of wonder:
Iraq amazes us with its people’s profound love for Ahlul Bayt, extending from the Prophet and the Commander of the Faithful to the Awaited Savior. The affection, attachment, and willingness of its people to offer their blood upon the altar of love for the Prophet’s Household represent a shining example.
What the Iraqi people offer during the Arbaeen is astonishing beyond measure: their generosity, giving, hospitality, tolerance, humility, emulation of noble values, and unwavering stand against oppression and tyranny.
Only days ago, Iraq and its people astonished the world, their loved ones, and the enemies of humanity by embracing the funeral procession of the pure and sacred body of the great leader and religious authority, Imam Khamenei—may his soul be sanctified.
Through massive popular gatherings that raised their voices in the face of killers and oppressors, the Iraqi people conveyed messages of unity and harmony to their own citizens, as well as messages of brotherhood to the Iranian people and to Muslims grieving this loss:
“Our religious authority is our authority, and our leader is our source of inspiration.”
This position was rooted in a profound awareness of the challenges of this exceptional moment. It confused the enemies and captivated friends through its great loyalty, sincerity of position, and beauty of affection.
Iraq also inspires wonder through the sincerity of its people, their determination, their love for their homeland and for humanity, and their deep sensitivity to the concerns of ordinary people and the underprivileged.
Their immediate responses and generous initiatives carry the fragrance of refined human compassion. This is a reflection of the deep humanitarian faith of a people who carry a noble message.
They stand proudly alongside the Palestinian cause, carry the concerns of the Lebanese people, and support them during difficult times. They do not remain distant from the tragedies of other peoples; rather, they respond with the courage of knights and the nobility of the honorable.
Iraq also amazes us through its scholars and writers. Today, its media has become distinguished, powerful, dignified, and truthful. It carries the message of the nation and the concerns of the people, defends the oppressed and the vulnerable, and confronts the enemies of Allah and humanity.
It remains committed to national unity and the unity of the land, while supporting and standing alongside the oppressed peoples of the region.
Is this not a pioneering media sector that has nurtured these noble qualities in the minds and hearts of Iraqis and joined them in carrying responsibility for Iraq’s progress and development with awareness and competence?
Today, Iraq’s authentic media is distinguished and pioneering, driven by the determination and creativity of its professionals across all forms and areas of media production.
It is truthful and responsible media. The coverage of the recent funeral ceremonies is only one example of this tireless work and significant success.
We therefore extend our gratitude to all contributors and partners, for they presented work that history will remember and through which history itself will be documented.
The sources of wonder in Iraq will never end, as long as its history continues to extend deeply into the present—from the epic of sacrifice on Ashura to the continuing path of sacrifice toward the future.
They will continue as long as the proud Iraqi people draw, through their generosity, giving, and sacrifices, images of the highest human values, revealing their civilizational brilliance along the Tigris and Euphrates, amid the light and the palm trees.
It will not surprise you in the future to see Iraq rise to the level of the many challenges ahead, amid the developments facing the region, the world, and Iraq itself.
The beginning may appear difficult, but the outcome—despite the great sacrifices—will be victory.
We hope that the Iraqi media, as we have always known it, will continue to carry the banner, ignite the flame of freedom, and raise its voice in the face of oppressors.
I apologize for speaking at length and wish your conference every success.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Please accept our highest respect and appreciation.
Islamic Radio and Television Union
Deputy Secretary-General
Nasser Akhdar
Sacred Karbala
29 July 2026
