In a message titled “Respect for Knowledge and Scholars,” Hujjat al-Islam Amlawi urged the faithful to express their devotion and connection to the institution of Marja‘iyya by placing the portraits of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani and Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in mourning gatherings, mosques, schools, and homes. He emphasized that such symbolic gestures reflect love, loyalty, and spiritual solidarity with the guardians of Islamic knowledge.
Highlighting the critical role of the Marja‘iyya in times of crisis, he stated:
“In these sensitive circumstances facing the Islamic Ummah, the Marja‘iyya is a symbol of unity, awakening, and defense of religious identity.”
Citing a saying from Imam Ali (AS), “The scholars are the rulers of the people,” Amlawi explained that revering scholars is not merely a gesture of respect—it is a declaration of adherence to divine knowledge and moral guidance.
“Displaying the images of these great scholars is an expression of reverence for the path of the Infallible (AS) and a sign of religious etiquette. It helps instill awareness and deepen connection to faith.”
He also referenced well-known hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Whoever honors a scholar has indeed honored God and His Messenger.”
Adding that some traditions even regard looking at the face of a scholar as an act of worship, Amlawi emphasized that honoring scholars is not just symbolic—it nurtures spiritual consciousness and strengthens community values.
Concluding his message, Hojjat al-Islam Amlawi called on the Muslim faithful to embrace this practice during religious ceremonies and in daily life, expressing hope that such actions would help reinforce religious identity and collective awareness in Islamic societies.
