The funeral program of former Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will last for six days. During this time, there is an atmosphere of state mourning in the entire country. Meanwhile, the name of 101 year old Grand Ayatollah Hussain Noori Hamedani is the most discussed. He will lead the funeral prayers of Khamenei in Mashhad. Nouri Hamedani is counted among the most senior religious leaders in the Shia community and is considered a close supporter of Khamenei.
Who is Grand Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani?
Hossein Nouri Hamedani, also known as Grand Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani, was born in 1925 in Hamedan city of Iran. He is ‘Marja-e-Taqleed’, one of the highest religious positions of Shia Islam. The religious leader holding this position is considered the supreme guide in religious and legal matters in the Shia community. Millions of Shia Muslims around the world follow his religious decisions and guidance. Even at the age of 101, his influence is considered very strong in the Shia world.
Close relationship with Iranian Islamic Revolution and Khamenei
Nouri Hamedani was one of the closest associates of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution. He had openly opposed Shah’s rule, due to which he had to go to jail several times and even faced exile. Later he was among the strongest supporters of Ali Khamenei. He always supported Khamenei’s religious and political leadership. For this reason, his name was considered the most respectable to lead the funeral prayers of Khamenei.
Why will Tajheez-o-Takfeen take place in Mashhad only?
Ali Khamenei was born in Mashhad city of Iran. This is the reason why he wished that Tajheez-o-Takfeen should also be performed in this holy city. Mashhad is considered very holy for Shia Muslims, because it houses the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of the Shia community. According to Shia tradition, only the most senior and respected Grand Ayatollah leads the funeral prayers of a supreme religious or national leader. 101-year-old Nouri Hamedani leading this prayer reflects his highest respect and religious stature in the Shia community and the Iranian administration.
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