On the first anniversary of the solemn funeral of former Hezbollah secretary generals Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, the Lebanese group leader Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that the “resistance endures, through its leadership, its fighters, and its people.”
Sheikh Qassem’s remarks were during an exclusive interview with Al-Ahed News, a year after the funeral that drew sea of people paying tribute to Hezbollah’s leaders who were martyred between September 27 and October 3 in 2024 during the brutal Israeli war on Lebanon.
“The funeral procession was remarkable, with millions in attendance, signaling a historic moment for Lebanon and the region.”
“The people’s love for the Master of the Nation’s Martyrs and for Sayyed Al-Hashemi [Sayyed Safieddine] was unparalleled. What the world witnessed reflected the deep roots of resistance in the lives of the people of Lebanon and gave a direct impression of their determination to continue. The slogan “We Shall Keep the Covenant” was an expression of the present and the future,” Sheikh Qassem stated.
His eminence stressed that the funeral procession at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium on February 23rd, 2025 “was a pledge and renewal of the covenant to continue the resistance, a reclaiming of the initiative in restoring the resistance’s capabilities, and a reaffirmation of popular unity around it.”
The funeral “carried a clear political message that the resistance endures, through its leadership, its fighters, and its people.”
“Resistance Can’t Be Broken”
His eminence stressed that this resistance can’t be broken no matter the blows it faces.
“The ‘Formidable in Might’ Battle was merely a stage, and what this movement has achieved under the leadership of these two great figures is the sacrifice of blood to rejuvenate the resistance and restore its glory. This ideological, national, and noble resistance cannot be broken, no matter the blows, sacrifices, or conspiracies it faces, because it is founded on righteousness and fights for the sake of righteousness. Those who stand with the resistance are destined for honor, whether through martyrdom or triumph.”
Asked about the aggressive positions by the United States, especially the leaks calling for airstrikes on the funeral procession last year, Sheikh Qassem stressed that the Israeli entity “is a colonial project, nurtured and controlled by the US with Western backing, serving American interests in the region and aiming to eliminate the Palestinian cause while consolidating control over Palestinian lands.”
Four Israeli warplanes spotted over Beirut during funeral of #Sayyed_Nasrallah and Sayyed Safeiddine pic.twitter.com/BgZyqOaQGp
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) February 23, 2025
His eminence added that the US-backed Israeli aggression, through wars, settlement expansion, political pressure, and violations of agreements, “demonstrates a deliberate strategy of regional domination, with “Israel” acting as America’s instrument of force and coercion.”
“US President Donald Trump’s slogan, ‘Peace through Strength,’ essentially means colonization and domination of countries by force—used either violently and brutally or as a threat to compel submission.”
Relation with S. Nasrallah, S. Safieddine and Imam Khamenei
Talking about the relation with martyr Sayyed Nasrallah, Sheikh Qassem said he worked closely with him for over three decades in leadership roles within Hezbollah’s councils, “sharing every stage of the resistance alongside him and maintaining a bond of brotherhood and mutual respect.”
The current Hezbollah S.G. described Sayyed Nasrallah’s passing as a “profound personal loss.”
“He was a guiding leader, trusted companion, and brilliant mind—but we remain committed to carrying forward his principles and example,” Sheikh Qassem stated.
On the relation with Sayyed Safieddine, Sheikh Qassem said he was in constant interaction with him.
“We shared the journey of Wilayah and resistance, taking responsibility and leadership positions that required awareness, wisdom, and dedication.”
Sheikh Qassem then elaborated on the relation between Sayyed Nasrallah and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Kahemenei.
“Sayyed Nasrallah (may Allah bless his soul) was deeply devoted to Imam Khamenei, following, learning from, and conveying his guidance while fostering loyalty among the brothers. In return, the Leader placed full trust in Sayyed Nasrallah, reflecting a relationship of profound faith, mutual respect, and effective collaboration in leadership and struggle.”
Hezbollah Martyred Leaders
Sheikh Qassem then recalled Hezbollah’s martyred leaders Sheikh Ragheb Harb, Sayyed Abbas Al-Moussawi and Hajj Imad Mughniyeh and how the approach of resistance remained alive after their passing.
Sheikh Ragheb Harb was “among the first to openly pledge loyalty and allegiance to Imam Khomeini and promote the connection to this blessed revolution.”
“In Lebanon, he was among the earliest to carry the banner of resistance against the “Israeli” enemy in all its forms, including steadfastness on the land and direct confrontation with the occupier. His statement, ‘Position is a weapon, and a handshake is recognition,’ reflected this spirit.”
Shifting into Sayyed Abbas Al-Moussawi, Sheikh Qassem said he “was one of the pillars who, in 1982, pledged allegiance to Imam Khomeini as their leader and representative.”
“His car was his mobile home, traveling between Beqaa, Beirut, the South, Damascus and Zabadani—wherever the work required. He was tireless in his movement, loved by everyone, and treated everyone equally. He had no personal agendas,” Sheikh Qassem told AL-Ahed News about martyr Sayyed Al-Moussawi.
“Two statements summarize Sayyed Abbas’s contribution to the early structure of Hezbollah: his own words, “The fundamental will is to preserve the resistance,” and his promise to the people, “We will serve you with our eye lids.”
About Hajj Imad Mughniyeh, Sheikh Qassem said: He “stood out for his exceptional security and military expertise, practical experience from a young age, and deep Islamic commitment aligned with the path of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei.”
“He left a lasting mark on the cadres he trained and led. He was constantly developing work methods, preparing capabilities, identifying talent, training it, and entrusting it with responsibilities through his effective management.”
Journey of Hezbollah’s Leadership
Sheikh Qassem then addressed the people, stressing that leading the resistance is one of immense responsibility, rooted in unwavering devotion to the people of resistance.
“Leading Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance carries immense responsibility, with the people at its core, they are the movement and its lifeblood. Since taking on this role, my love and commitment to the people have only deepened; they are my family and the children of the path of resistance and the martyrs. From the very beginning, I pledged to God to serve them to the best of my ability, dedicating my life to God, to Wilayah, to the resistance, and to the people, so that together, God willing, we may stand among the soldiers of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).”
This stage is challenging, yet, as in past trials like the ‘Formidable in Might’ Battle, we endure with patience. When the moment for decisive action arrives, we will act without hesitation. Our path is clear: the land is ours, and defending it through resistance is our rightful duty. We remain steadfast, preparing for the two noblest outcomes—victory or martyrdom—while awaiting the Master of the Age. There is no room for defeat, regardless of the sacrifices, for “victory comes only from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise.” (Ali Imran, 126).”
Source: Al-Ahed (translated and edited by Al-Manar)