Community Delegation Meets His Eminence Sayyid al-Sistani in Najaf
On 13 August 2025,  19 Safar 1447, a group of approximately 40 community members, primarily from the UK, had the honour of an audience with His Eminence Sayyid al-Sistani (dz) in Najaf. The delegation included notable figures such as Shaykh Anwar Jaffer, Resident Alim of KSIMC of London, CoEJ President Br. Arifali Hirji, and Hon. Treasurer of CoEJ Br. Mohamedkazim Bhaloo.
During the meeting, His Eminence offered prayers and words of encouragement to the group. He emphasised the spiritual significance of attending the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Aba Abdillah al-Husayn (a.s.) and congratulated the believers for undertaking this sacred journey. Agha expressed his desire for the group to convey his greetings to their families and the wider community in Europe. His Eminence also shared that he remembers the Khoja community, particularly in the West, in his daily prayers. Additionally, Agha conveyed appreciation for those in the community proficient in Farsi, which facilitates easier communication with him.
A question was posed to His Eminence, in the presence of his son Sayyid Mohamed Ridha al-Sistani, regarding the role of believing men in supporting hijab within the context of Western societal norms shaped by postmodernism, feminism, and equality. In response, Sayyid Mohamed Ridha assisted in summarising His Eminence’s guidance: “believing men have a responsibility to support the women in their households and communities—wives, daughters, and others—in upholding the hijab to the best of their ability.”
The meeting concluded with attendees having the opportunity to personally greet His Eminence. Following the collective audience, CoEJ President Br. Arifali Hirji was granted an impromptu private exchange with His Eminence. In this meeting, His Eminence emphasised the importance of unity within the Muslim community in the West, particularly in the UK and Europe. He highlighted the significance of maintaining strong ties and unity with the Hawza and conveyed his love and greetings to all believers across Europe.
This memorable meeting reaffirmed the enduring bond between the community and the Marja’iyyah, strengthening the collective resolve to uphold our faith and values.