Bahrain’s prominent Shiite cleric
AyatollahQassim
has praised what he described as a “grand and majestic” funeral procession held by Iraqis for Sayyed Ali Khamenei, portraying the gathering as a demonstration of religious devotion, loyalty, and commitment to Islamic leadership.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ayatollah addressed Iraqis, particularly followers of the religious establishment in Najaf, saying they had “given much to your Islam, your present and future, your position, your worldly life and your hereafter” through their reception, farewell, and funeral procession for Khamenei.

He described the event as a “million-strong, majestic gathering overflowing with the spirit of true devotion to God, His religion, His Messenger, and his Household,” adding that it reflected “the spirit of sacrifice and devotion for the great cause of monotheism.”

Ayatollah Qassim said the procession conveyed “a high level of insightful awareness, political understanding, and accurate objective assessment,” while emphasizing what he called the importance of choosing righteous and qualified leadership to safeguard societies from “corruption, instability, exploitation, fragmentation, and weakness.”

The senior cleric further emphasised that loyalty to righteous leadership remains a lasting commitment, stating that “the same need that calls for righteous leadership also calls for loyalty to it: supporting it, protecting it, carrying its message, and implementing its commands.”

Addressing Iraqis directly, Ayatollah Qassim said: “We are all supporters of God, supporters of His religion, supporters of the leadership that He approves,” adding that the cause was embraced “with deep and sincere faith.”

He concluded by thanking believers and free people, saying the impact of the gathering extended beyond those who participated, describing it as a contribution whose benefits would reach all according to how it was received and valued.