40th Day of Commanders’ Martyrdom Inspires Nation to Greater Heights
By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer
The commemoration ceremony on the 40th day after the departure from the mortal world of a believer is not just an occasion to dwell on his/her lofty characteristics, but is of high significance in Iran and other Islamic societies to keep alive the memory of the departed as inspiration for the living.
The more so if that person was a martyr and active in the service of Islam, the society, and the country,
That is the reason, God informs us in the Holy Qur’an: “Do not call those who were slain in the path of Allah as ‘dead’; rather they are living, but you are not aware.” (2:154)
Now we understand the importance of the annual mourning ceremonies for the martyrs of the heartrending tragedy of Karbala that climax on Safar 20 at the holy shrine of the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Husain (AS), with over a score of million pilgrims converging from all over the world on “Arba’een” or the 40th day of his immortal martyrdom.
Thus, those treading the footsteps of the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) in defence of the faith and the country not just have a special place in Iranian society, but also inspire the nation to greater heights for the triumph of their blood over the enemies’ bombs and bullets.
Last Friday, Iran commemorated the 40th day of martyrdom of Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri, IRGC Chief Hossein Salami, Commanders of Khatem al-Ambiya HQ Gholam Ali Rashid and Ali Shadmani, Commander of IRGC Aerospace Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and other military personnel, as well as scientists such as Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi and Faridoun Abbasi.
They were the victims of the unprovoked US-ordered Israeli aerial aggression on the Islamic Republic.
So sincere and skillful were the services of the said martyrs that Iran fully utilizing their sound preparations and contingency plans responded with a devastating barrage of missiles and drones to nullify the sinister designs of the Zionist entity and later of their American comrades in crimes at Qatar’s al-Udaid base.
As a grateful nation paid tributes to the martyred heroes of Iran, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution released an important message highlighting the Islamic Republic’s tremendous achievements during the 12-day imposed war and telling the nation that Tehran’s spectacular progress in the scientific and all other fields have since accelerated.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei saying the foolish and shortsighted enemy failed to achieve its goal, outlined the strategic duties for all sectors of Iranian society, as follows:
“Maintaining national unity, accelerating scientific and technological progress, preserving national dignity, enhancing defense capabilities, ensuring government efficiency, providing spiritual guidance, and fostering revolutionary enthusiasm — particularly among the youth.”