Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem addressed Lebanese and international popular gatherings held alongside the funeral ceremonies for the martyred Imam of the oppressed, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, praising him as an exceptional leader and reaffirming his support for the resistance.
“We gather today on the occasion of the funeral of Ayatollah, the martyred leader Sayyed Khamenei. Rise for the sake of God, for this funeral is a stand, a movement, and a revolution,” Sheikh Qassem said, citing Quranic verses on the status of believers and martyrs.
He offered condolences to Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S.), the honored family of Imam Khamenei, and all supporters over his martyrdom, the martyrdom of members of his family, and those who sacrificed their lives in the Islamic Republic of Iran among leaders, officials, and the people, saying the sacrifice represents the highest honor that illuminates humanity’s path and inspires future generations.
“Imam Khamenei Was Unique in His Era”
Sheikh Qassem described Imam Khamenei as “unique in his era and an exceptional contemporary leader rarely matched in history,” saying he was “the guardian of the Muslim Nation, the representative of the infallible Imam Al-Mahdi, the supreme religious authority, and a scholar who fulfilled the conditions of guardianship and leadership.”
“Imam Khamenei was a visionary strategist across various fields, a founder of the foundations of contemporary Islamic civilization, a guide, mentor, and educator; a leader among the people who guides them toward liberation from materialism; a role model whose conduct teaches; a creative thinker who shapes direction; and a skilled statesman who understands global affairs. He stood firm with courage, determination, dignity, confidence, and reliance on Almighty God,” Sheikh Qassem added.
Addressing Imam Khamenei, Sheikh Qassem said, “My master, martyr Imam Khamenei, my leader and beloved one, you filled my heart and soul. Your words are the light of our path to God, your meetings are an endless source of strength, and your guidance is an enduring beacon of hope.”
His Eminence praised Imam Khamenei’s leadership as embodying the teachings of Prophet Mohammad, the justice and asceticism of Imam Ali (A.S.), and the struggle of Imam Hussein to uphold faith while preparing believers to carry the banner of Imam Al-Mahdi and continuing the path of Imam Khomeini as a source of inspiration for the oppressed.
“Your Support Strengthened the Resistance”
Sheikh Qassem recalled receiving a letter from Imam Khamenei dated October 9, 2024, shortly after the martyrdom of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, when he was elected secretary general of Hezbollah.
“I was surprised by what you wrote: ‘I support you to the same extent that I supported our dear martyr Sayyed Hasan,’” his Eminence said.
“A Leader Who Gives Without Asking”
Sheikh Qassem said that throughout the period leading up to Imam Khamenei’s martyrdom, “The Leader never asked anything from us.”
“His Eminence always told those who followed up with us: ask them what they need and give them what they request. Do not withhold anything from these brave heroes who stood for God, truth, liberation, and human dignity.”
“Imam Khamenei asked nothing from us, while we asked for everything—and everything we requested was granted,” he said, adding that the same approach was followed with Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah.
“You are the leader who gives without taking, the leader who supports without needing anyone, the leader whose guidance reaches our hearts and minds even before it is expressed,” Sheikh Qassem said.
Millions Show Commitment
Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that the massive crowds in Iran and Iraq reflected deep conviction, loyalty, and commitment to the path represented by Imam Khamenei.
“We witnessed these millions-strong crowds in Iran and Iraq, crowds that surpassed all expectations. Never in history has a march brought together 20 million people in Tehran, alongside millions in Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad,” Sheikh Qassem said.
“Let the world see whether these millions are ordinary crowds. They show that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a system of the people, a system of humanity, and a system of vitality.”
“Martyrdom Is Life and a Beginning of a Revolutionary Path”
Sheikh Qassem said martyrdom represents life, resistance, and dignity, adding that Imam Khamenei’s martyrdom marked the beginning of a revolutionary path that would reshape the region’s landscape and balance of power.
Citing Imam Khomeini, he said: “Kill us, and our people will become more aware and stronger. Hussein was killed, and the Hussaini path was born; Khamenei was killed, and the Khamenei path was born as its continuation and banner.”
His Eminence praised Hezbollah’s fighters in Lebanon as “lovers of martyrdom and religious leadership,” saying they had shown the world an unprecedented model through their sacrifices.
“The Lebanese people supporting the resistance had offered great sacrifices and remained steadfast, having learned patience, struggle, and generosity. This is a people that cannot be defeated.”
Sheikh Qassem said Imam Khamenei guided the nation through the principles of authentic Islamic teachings, focusing on five key pillars: building the state and society, supporting resistance against occupation and arrogance, national, Islamic, and human unity, directing efforts towards the liberation of Palestine, and maintaining independence without dependence.
He also accused the United States and “Israel” of launching a global aggression against Iran, saying Iran had emerged stronger through popular unity and support for its leadership.
“Iran has the right to possess strength, the right to peaceful nuclear energy, and the right to build its international relations as it chooses,” Qassem said, adding that the US and “Israel” failed to achieve their objectives, and Iran emerged “proud and with its head held high.”
Sheikh Qassem thanked Iran’s leadership, government, military, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, people, and elites for their support, saying Iran had backed the resistance and contributed to developments including the Lebanon ceasefire.
Sheikh Qassem Calls for Ending US Influence Over Lebanon
Sheikh Qassem called for efforts to “lift American tutelage over Lebanon,” accusing Washington of placing demands on Lebanon that serve the Israeli enemy’s interests.
“America burdens Lebanon with demands that serve the Israeli enemy and gradually occupies Lebanon,” he said, questioning why Lebanon’s relationship with Iran was criticized while its relationship with the US continued despite what he described as American pressure on Lebanese decisions.
His Eminence also accused the US of enabling Israeli actions in Lebanon, saying that “everything happens with an American decision” and that “Israel” acts only with Washington’s approval.
Source: Al-Manar Website