Statement by His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayyed al-Sistani
(May Allah grant him long & healthy life)
regarding the criminal bombing of Sayyid al-Shuhada' School in Kabul, Afghanistan.
In the Name of Allah, the All-Compassionate, All-Merciful.
Indeed, we are from Allah, and to Him we surely return.
The horrible crime that has killed many female students of Sayyid al-Shuhada' School in Kabul, during the holy month of Ramadhan, resulting in the martyrdom of tens of people, whilst wounding many more, breaks and fills the heart of every free and conscientious person with grief and sorrow.
For many years, Afghanistan's defenseless civilians have been brutally attacked by extremist and ruthless groups, however, this crime is unparalleled and, in some ways, more painful.
We offer our deepest condolences to the honorable and oppressed people of Afghanistan, especially to the bereaved families, asking Allah, the Almighty to grant them patience, and the injured a swift recovery.
In the current difficult climate of the beloved country of Afghanistan, given the possibility of extremist groups gaining more power, national unity and solidarity amongst all ethnic groups is more important now, than ever. The government, national and religious leaders, and other elders of the Afghan society are expected to deliberate upon solutions and take appropriate measures to protect all civilians, especially the ethnic and religious minorities, from the oppression and crimes of terrorist groups.
Muslim countries and the international community also have a duty to not leave the helpless nation of Afghanistan alone in these difficult circumstances. They must not allow the sinister plan drawn by ill-wishers for the future of this country to be executed, as a result of which more innocent people will be targeted by criminal extremist groups.
We ask Allah, the Almighty to perpetuate the dignity and pride of the honorable people of Afghanistan.
27th Ramadan 1442 AH
Office of Grand Ayatollah Sayyed al-Sistani, Najaf Ashraf, Iraq.