On March 1, 2026, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi (ناصر مکارم شیرازی), an Iranian Shia marja’, religious leader, and former member of the Assembly for the Final Review of the Constitution of Iran, issued an Islamic ruling following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in an Israeli aerial attack.
Here is the text of Shirazi’s Islamic ruling:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
«And give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”» [Quran 2:155-156]
O great Islamic nation, O free people of the world, and O sons of the honorable and mighty Iranian people,
Once again, the hand of the most despicable and most stubborn enemies of humanity in disbelief has extended to strike the wise Leader of the Revolution [Ali Khamenei], the captain of the ship of jihad against global arrogance, granting him the triumph of martyrdom on the luminous path of the school of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
He [Ali Khamenei] was a vigilant and courageous leader who spent his entire blessed life steadfast in truth amid the storms of events, trials, and pressures throughout the stages of the Islamic Revolution—until he attained his long-cherished wish and joined the caravans of martyrs and the Imam of Martyrs: “And among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [i.e., has been martyred], and among them is he who awaits [his chance].” [Quran 33:23]
Although this calamity is profoundly painful, the history of Islam bears witness that jihad in the path of truth is always watered by the blood of sacrifice. These martyrdoms are the price of dignity and independence, and a preparation for the appearance of the Master of the Age and Time (may our souls be sacrificed for him).
In this sensitive and fateful stage, it is essential to emphasize the following fundamental points directed to the dear Iranian people and Muslims worldwide:
1. Let us always remember that the hand of divine power is supreme over all forces. Do not let weakness creep into hearts during these trials; for Allah’s promise of victory does not fail: “If you support Allah, He will support you.” [Quran 47:7]
2. As the noble Quran warned upon the loss of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all.” [Quran 3:144] The martyrdom of the servants of the religion must not shake wills even by an atom’s weight. This revolution is a blessed tree that does not rest upon any single individual. By Allah’s grace and adherence to the slogan “Indeed, Allah is with the righteous,” [Quran 2:194] the banner of this uprising will never fall, Allah willing.
3. The time has now come for the heavy responsibility placed upon the Assembly of Experts for Leadership to act in accordance with the constitution without wasting time and with complete firmness. The decision of this assembly is the final word, both religiously and legally.
4. All governmental forces and officials of the regime must work with doubled motivation and smarter planning to fulfill the duties assigned for such a day, managing the country’s affairs so that no disruption occurs in people’s lives or in the security and stability of society.
5. We are in the midst of a comprehensive war. Therefore, the capable military and security forces—which are a source of reassurance for the people—must act with firmness and without any leniency to uproot any conspiracy or attempt to sow chaos by the enemies, confronting them wisely until their complete elimination.
6. The secret of our victory is unity. It is a religious duty upon all sincere people and sons of the nation to preserve the unity of ranks and to counter the enemies’ infiltration and rumors.
7. The Iranian people and the Islamic world are demanding the blood of the martyred leader [Ali Khamenei]. The primary criminals are the arrogant American government and the cursed Zionist entity; this revenge is a religious obligation upon every Muslim in the world until the root of these criminals is severed.
8. Let us not neglect supplication and seeking intercession, for we are under the shadow of a living Imam [Mahdi] who watches over us, and he will not leave us alone. With hearts filled with sorrow yet brimming with hope in divine victory, we raise our hands in supplication to the Exalted Originator, [Allah], praying for the triumph of truth.
In conclusion, I offer my condolences to the Greatest Remainder of Allah [Imam al-Mahdi] (may our souls be sacrificed for him), to all Muslims and free people of the world—especially the dear Iranian people—on the martyrdom of the great Leader of the Revolution [Ali Khamenei], his companions, and a number of innocent oppressed children and victims. I ask the Exalted Lord to grant them the highest ranks and to grant their families patience and abundant reward.”