The light shall remain…
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By SAdam Rizvi, The India Observer (TIO): Yesterday was a black day of my life as I woke to the terrible news of the martyrdom of Syed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran.
I personally admired the Grand Ayatollah for his wisdom, dignity, bravery, and humility. For millions like me, he was an epitome of everything that the teachings of Ahlulbayt ever strived for in human beings.
I remember the huge posters that adorned our ancestral Imambargah in Mustafabad. He had a striking charm on his face that spoke unspoken words — someone from my own flock, like a buzurg (elder) who could guide me when I would fall. Such was his charisma.
Though he was much revered and popular in Iran and within Shia domains, Syed Ali Khamenei rose to even greater global prominence after the crushing and humiliating Iranian response to Israel, when they struck at the heart of Iran in a surprise attack in June 2025. The rogue state has continuously attacked other sovereign nations like Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. In addition to the genocide in Gaza, Israel had been eyeing Iran for the longest time.
Having finished their hands off from Syria, Libya, Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Iran’s sovereignty always threatened America and its rogue allies.
I have deep love and respect for this beautiful country and its people because of the values and principles upon which it was founded. In spite of crippling sanctions and bans resulting from American policies, Iran has managed to emerge from the shadows and assert its place on the global stage.
It advanced in science, technology, arts, and culture, among various other fields. Its universities are at par with leading institutions around the world. Under the leadership of Ali Khamenei, Iran was able to achieve near-universal literacy for its people. Women worked in all sectors and were granted equal rights. The hijab was regarded as their protection, not a symbol of oppression as it has often been portrayed. A woman was not treated as a commodity, but as an asset under his leadership.
Though I yearn to write more about the slain Supreme Leader, whose life touched our weary souls in a gentle and calming way — a sentiment reflected in the protests witnessed not only in Iran but across the world — since yesterday, my heart and mind have been overwhelmed with emotions that cannot be fully expressed.
As we bid farewell to this great leader, a powerful statesman and, above all, a remarkable human being, our hearts and minds shall always remember the teachings he emphasized: to live like Ali ibn Abi Talib and to die like Husayn ibn Ali.
Khuda Hafiz, Syed. You will continue to inspire generations of Hussainis to come.
The light shall find its place, Insha’Allah.
Also Read more from this Author: Tents of Muharram
Curated by Humra Kidwai
