Criticism of Middle East Crisis by Ajmer Sharif Dargah Leader

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Leader Speaks Out

On Monday, Syed Zainul Abedin, the head of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, expressed his disapproval of the escalating crisis in the Middle East. He stated that the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States should not be labeled as war but rather as an act of tyranny. In a conversation with a news agency, Abedin accused the U.S. of holding world leaders hostage for its own interests, referring to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as not only Iran's supreme leader but also a guide for Shia Muslims globally.

Protests Erupt Over Khamenei's Death

Abedin emphasized that the situation between Iran and Israel cannot be classified as war; it is an act of dictatorship. He criticized the U.S. for attempting to manipulate global leaders for its own benefit. Following the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, protests erupted among Shia Muslims across India. Maulana Yasub Abbas, the general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, announced that businesses would close and black flags would be raised in mourning for Khamenei.

Details of Khamenei's Assassination

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 28 during U.S.-Israeli attacks, alongside his daughter, grandson, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law. Abbas stated that businesses would remain closed for three days, and gatherings would be held to express condolences. In Lucknow, members of the Shia community gathered at the small Imambara to pay tribute to Khamenei.

Community Responses and Candlelight Vigils

During a gathering, Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad declared that the people of Iran would never bow down, asserting that Israel and the U.S. would be defeated. In Aligarh, students from Aligarh Muslim University organized a candlelight march condemning the assassination of the Iranian leader. Protesters collectively offered funeral prayers for Khamenei.