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• 22 Thul Hijja 1447

Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Delivers a Eulogy for Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Al-Fayyadh (May Allah Sanctify His Soul) at the Memorial Service Held in London
The lofty scholarly ranks and eminent religious positions held by the jurists are all of great significance. Yet the phrase chosen by the Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani (may his blessings endure), to bid farewell to his lifelong companion—‘my sincere brother’—was not merely a description of his scholarly standing, but also a reflection of the profound bond that united them.

A memorial service (Majlis al-Fātiḥah) was held on Sunday, 7 June 2026, at the Sayyid al-Khoei Centre in London for the soul of Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq Al-Fayyadh (may Allah sanctify his soul). The gathering was organized by Islamic institutions and centres in London and attended by representatives of religious authorities, scholars, congregational prayer leaders, heads of institutions, and a large number of believers from various Muslim communities.
On this sorrowful occasion, elegiac poems were recited and speeches delivered by distinguished speakers highlighting the late scholar’s eminent status in knowledge and piety, as well as the hardships he endured under oppressive regimes during earlier periods of his life.
Among the speakers was Sayyid Al-Kashmiri, who addressed the audience with the following remarks:
With hearts filled with grief and sorrow, the Islamic world today mourns the loss of a distinguished scholar from the Hawzah of Najaf al-Ashraf, at a time when we are in great need of figures such as him amidst the difficult circumstances we face. Yet we have no choice but to submit to the decree and will of Allah. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
Respected scholars and esteemed guests,
Several brothers have already spoken about the late scholar’s academic and moral stature. Given the limited time available, I shall not elaborate on those aspects. Instead, I wish to draw attention to the description used by the Supreme Religious Authority (may his blessings endure) in his statement of condolence, where he referred to the deceased as **“my sincere brother” (Akhī al-Ṣafī)**.
This expression is particularly noteworthy, as we have not previously heard it used by him—or by others—in commemorating the passing of earlier grand religious authorities, despite the fact that the term appears in the salutations addressed to the Imams (peace be upon them): *“O chosen friends and beloved ones of Allah.”*
What, then, are the implications of this description when applied to Sheikh Al-Fayyadh (may Allah sanctify his soul)?
I would like to mention several points that may help illuminate its significance:

1. A Reference to Purity and Sincerity
The term (ṣafī) derives from (ṣafā’) (purity and clarity). It is used to describe one whose affection is sincere and whose inner character is free from blemish—someone who is a genuine friend, a trustworthy companion, and dearly beloved from the depths of the heart.
Thus, the phrase *“my sincere brother”* signifies far more than a bond of faith; it reflects a relationship enriched by genuine affection, profound respect, and complete trust.

2. An Indication of the Depth of Their Relationship
The phrase also points to the close relationship between the two religious authorities. They shared a long history of scholarly companionship in Najaf al-Ashraf, spending decades together in study, research, teaching, and service to the Hawzah.
Together they witnessed some of the most challenging periods faced by the religious seminary and religious leadership in Iraq. It is only natural that two individuals of such stature in knowledge and faith would develop a relationship that transcended scholarly association and matured into true brotherhood.
Viewed in this light, the expression reflects the special bond that united them.

3. An Implicit Testimony to the Purity of the Deceased
When the Supreme Religious Authority describes the late marjaʿ as *“the sincere one,”* the phrase conveys more than personal affection. It also carries an elevated moral testimony.
Such testimony is particularly important for students of religious knowledge—and even more so for religious authorities—in our present age. Purity is not merely mutual affection; it is a title for inner sincerity, purity of intention, and freedom from personal ambitions.
Accordingly, the expression serves as an implicit acknowledgement of Sheikh Al-Fayyadh’s life and character, known for his asceticism, humility, calm disposition, and avoidance of conflict and discord.

4. Affirming the Unity of the Marjaʿiyyah School
At a time when attempts are often made to exaggerate differences among religious authorities or portray divisions where none truly exist, this phrase offers a practical lesson in the ethics of religious leadership.
I personally heard Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Hakim (may Allah sanctify his soul) say during a meeting at London Airport, when the discussion turned to His Eminence Sayyid Al-Sistani (may his blessings endure):

> “I do not consider it obligatory for me to intervene in general political affairs while Sayyid Al-Sistani is present.”
Similarly, Sheikh Al-Fayyadh (may Allah sanctify his soul) reportedly told a group of officials who sought his guidance:

> “I have no opinion in the presence of the opinion of the Supreme Religious Authority, Sayyid Al-Sistani. Ask him.”

The conclusion is clear: both Sayyid Al-Sistani and Sheikh Al-Fayyadh are among the foremost religious authorities of the Shi‘a community, each possessing his own scholarly personality and independent juridical reasoning. Yet the phrase *“my sincere brother”* demonstrates that scholarly plurality was never an obstacle to heartfelt unity and mutual respect.
This is an important lesson for students of religious knowledge and for all believers: differences of opinion should never become causes of estrangement or unhealthy rivalry.

5. Expressing the Magnitude of the Personal Loss

The phrase also reveals the extent of the personal loss felt by the Supreme Religious Authority himself.
Only recently he lost his longtime peer, Sayyid Al-Hakim (may Allah sanctify his soul), and today he mourns Sheikh Al-Fayyadh (may Allah sanctify his soul).
Thus, the expression does not merely refer to the loss suffered by the Muslim community and the Hawzah; it also points to a deeply personal bereavement.
When a believer reflects upon this brief yet profound phrase, he realizes that the greatest legacy a person leaves behind after a lifetime of knowledge and service is purity of heart and excellence in relationships with others.
For this reason, we say that while lofty scholarly ranks and eminent religious positions are undoubtedly of immense significance, the expression chosen by the Supreme Religious Authority (may his blessings endure) to bid farewell to his lifelong companion was not simply a description of his scholarly standing. Rather, it was a description of the unique bond that united them. Hence he said: **“my sincere brother.”**
This reveals an important truth within the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them): when knowledge is coupled with noble character and sincere affection, it gives rise to a brotherhood whose effects endure until the end of life, becoming a lasting testimony that encapsulates decades of companionship in just two words—words that rank among the most eloquent expressions of condolence and remembrance.
We ask Almighty Allah to elevate the ranks of the departed scholar, to place him among the martyrs, the truthful, and the righteous—excellent indeed are such companions.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.