Pilgrimage to the Sacred Land of Iraq

During my pilgrimage to Iraq, I traveled to the holy cities of Samarra, Kazmain, Karbala, and Najaf, visiting the shrines of the Imams of Ahlulbayt (AS). Most of us in the caravan were visiting Iraq for the very first time. The emotions were overwhelming, especially when standing before the golden, radiant shrine of Imam Ali (AS). As I write this, I feel the same goosebumps and emotional stirring once again. The sheer sanctity of the place humbled my heart and moved my soul. Every step in those sacred spaces seemed to carry a spiritual weight, a reminder of devotion that transcends time and place.

Among the many unforgettable moments of the journey, one stands out as rare and deeply humbling, the opportunity to meet Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani (حفظه‌ الله), the esteemed Maraja of Iraq. I had long admired his scholarship and piety, but to be in his presence was an experience beyond words.

After passing through security and a series of rooms, we finally arrived at a relatively larger hall, modestly furnished with a few chairs and stools. Around us sat devoted students and respected scholars, each there to seek guidance and knowledge. I joined the gathering with humility and gratitude, aware of the rare privilege I was about to receive.

Ayatollah Sistani حفظه‌ الله entered, dressed in his usual simple greyish-black attire, radiating an aura of calm, wisdom, and immense spiritual presence. The room seemed to quiet as he settled in. One of his students graciously introduced me, and he turned his gaze toward me. It was a gaze filled with deep compassion and understanding, as if he could see beyond appearances into the heart of those before him.

In that intimate and solemn moment, he offered me three profound pieces of advice, each resonating deeply.

1. Cling firmly to your Islamic identity, especially while living in the West, where faith is often tested.
2. Raise your children with moral clarity, grounding them firmly in the teachings and ethics of the Ahlulbayt (AS).
3. Establish schools that educate not only minds but also hearts, shaping students spiritually and morally, nurturing values alongside knowledge.

I also received a silver coin that I treasure deeply.

His words were simple yet profoundly deep, carrying the weight of decades of scholarship and spiritual insight. I felt both humbled and inspired, recognizing that his advice was not merely guidance but a lifelong directive for anyone striving to live a meaningful, faithful life.

Even after the meeting ended, the impact of that encounter lingered. Every gesture, every word, and every glance left an impression that continues to guide my personal and spiritual journey. Meeting Ayatollah Sistani was not just an honor. It was a transformative experience that reaffirmed my commitment to faith, service, and the responsibility of carrying the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (AS) into my life and community.

Author: Syed Muhammad Ali Jaffery