Shia Community in Lucknow Holds Mass Protest Over Iran Leader's Killing
Thousands of members of the Shia community took to the streets of Lucknow on Sunday, expressing profound anger and grief following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an alleged attack attributed to Israel and the United States. The protest saw prominent Islamic clerics from the city reacting strongly to the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Islamic world.
Prominent Clerics Condemn Attack and Announce Mourning
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad described Khamenei's death as a major tragedy for the Islamic world. He stated that the Iranian leader was conducting routine meetings in his office when the attack occurred, firmly rejecting claims that he had been hiding in bunkers. "We want to tell the world that although Khamenei has departed from this world, his mission is alive, and we will carry forward his mission and continue to raise our voices against oppression and support the oppressed," said Jawwad.
In response, Jawwad has announced three days of mourning, with a condolence gathering scheduled at Chhota Imambara at 8 pm, followed by a candle march. He called on people of all religions to participate in the events and requested the closure of businesses as a mark of respect.
Protests and Symbolic Actions Planned
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, revealed that effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be burnt during a protest on Monday. The Shia community has declared a three-day mourning period, during which people will wear black attire, hoist black flags at their homes, and organise special prayers, Abbas added.
Strong Condemnation from Islamic Leaders
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India and Shahi Imam of Lucknow, condemned the attack in unequivocal terms. He stated that the action violated international law and described Iran as an independent and sovereign nation. Farangi Mahali also alleged that civilian areas, including schools, were affected in the attack, expressing deep concern over the killing of innocent children.
Referring to Khamenei's death, Farangi Mahali called for immediate international intervention to halt the conflict, particularly noting the sensitive timing during the holy month of Ramadan. He urged global leaders to raise their voices against the attack and demanded that those responsible be brought before international courts. Simultaneously, he appealed to Muslims to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Women's Association Joins in Condemnation
Meanwhile, the All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) condemned the ongoing US-Israel military action on Iran, labeling it a violation of international law. The organisation said the conflict has caused widespread devastation across the region, with women and children suffering the most severe impacts.
AIDWA described the attack on a primary school in Iran as "inhuman" and raised significant concerns over the safety of civilians, including Indian workers in the region. The group urged the Indian government to take a firm diplomatic stand and press for an immediate cessation of hostilities. AIDWA leaders expressed solidarity with the Iranian people, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution and justice.
