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• 8 Muharram 1448

The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe emphasized that Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) is not merely a historical figure whom we remember on this night; rather, he is a complete school of thought from which we derive the meanings of steadfastness, awareness, and commitment. From his life, we draw inspiration for building faithful young people capable of carrying the Divine message and confronting challenges. We must raise our children upon the values for which Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) lived and sacrificed, and transform our love for him into practical commitment to his morals and principles so that we may truly be among the supporters of Imam Husayn (A.S.) and those who follow his path.

Tonight coincides with the ninth night of Muharram, a profound spiritual and educational occasion during which we remember one of the greatest youths of Islam—a young man who combined physical beauty with noble character, courage with morality, faith with obedience, and sacrifice with insight. What lessons can we learn from this remarkable personality tonight? I will mention nine of them:

First: Presenting Him as a Righteous Role Model for Youth


Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) was a young man who combined deep faith, noble character, good manners, humility, courage, steadfastness, obedience, and commitment. Therefore, this night should be an opportunity to introduce young people to this great personality and to explain that true worth is not measured by appearances, fame, or wealth, but by closeness to Allah, the Exalted, and service to the truth.

Second: Drawing Inspiration from Resembling the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)


One of the most distinguished qualities of Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) was that he most closely resembled the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in character, appearance, and speech. This description opens a wide door for reflection. A believer should not be content merely with loving the Prophet (PBUH), but should strive to emulate him. One of the best ways to benefit from this night is to renew our practical relationship with the Prophet (PBUH) by adopting his morals, showing mercy and kindness, being truthful in word and deed, respecting others, demonstrating humility, and treating people well. The closer a person comes to the character of the Prophet (PBUH), the closer he comes to the model embodied by Ali al-Akbar (A.S.).

Third: Strengthening the Faith-Based Identity of Youth


Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) possessed a complete awareness of his identity and affiliation. He knew his place in the camp of truth and understood his responsibility toward religion and the Imam of his time. Neither temptations nor fears caused him to abandon his cause. In an era when religious and cultural identities face numerous challenges, we need to instill these meanings in the hearts of our children. This night should be an occasion to speak about pride in one's faith, pride in belonging to the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.), steadfastness upon principles, resisting assimilation into deviant cultures, and combining authenticity with conscious openness. A young person who knows his identity is better equipped to face challenges.

Fourth: Inspiring the Spirit of Obedience and Commitment


One of the most prominent features of Ali al-Akbar’s personality was his absolute obedience to Imam Husayn (A.S.). He was raised in the household of Imamate and nurtured upon submission to truth and obedience to Allah's commands. Therefore, he never hesitated to stand beside his father and Imam under the most difficult circumstances.
When he asked: “Father, are we not upon the truth?” Imam Husayn (A.S.) replied: “Yes, by the One to whom all servants shall return.” Ali al-Akbar then said: “Then we do not care whether we fall upon death or death falls upon us.” Imam Husayn (A.S.) responded: “May Allah reward you on behalf of a father with the best reward granted to a son.”
This lesson is especially important in an age when many voices call for liberation from every restraint, even from religious values and principles. True freedom does not mean rebelling against the truth; rather, it means liberating oneself from desires and passions and adhering to what pleases Allah. Thus, the night of Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) is an opportunity to renew our commitment to obedience to Allah, His Messenger, and the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.).

Fifth: Learning Responsible Courage


Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) became renowned for his exceptional courage on the Day of Ashura. However, his courage was not emotional impulsiveness or reckless behavior. It was courage rooted in faith, insight, and certainty. Today’s youth need this kind of courage: the courage to speak the truth, resist negative pressures, remain committed to religion in difficult environments, confront moral deviation, and accept responsibility. Societies are not built by the hesitant, but by those who possess clear and steadfast convictions.

Sixth: Drawing Inspiration from the Spirit of Sacrifice and Giving


Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) sacrificed himself for the sake of Allah and for the cause in which he believed. He could have sought personal safety, as many throughout history have done, but he chose the path of sacrifice. This teaches us that a dignified life is built upon giving and selflessness: sacrificing time in service of religion and society, sacrificing comfort in pursuit of knowledge, sacrificing personal interests for the public good, and sacrificing forbidden desires in obedience to Allah. A person's true value lies not in what he possesses, but in what he gives.

Seventh: Strengthening the Relationship Between Parents and Children


One of the most moving scenes of Karbala is the special relationship between Imam Husayn (A.S.) and his son Ali al-Akbar (A.S.). It was a relationship founded upon love, trust, and profound spiritual upbringing. This invites us to reflect on the state of our families. How many parents complain about the distance of their children, and how many children long for dialogue and understanding? The night of Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of family dialogue, embracing our children, listening to their concerns, building mutual trust, and instilling values through persuasion and affection. A strong relationship between parents and children is the foundation of successful upbringing.

Eighth: Paying Attention to Contemporary Youth Issues


If the night of Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) represents the night of youth in Karbala, then it is natural that it should also be an occasion to discuss the concerns and challenges facing young people today. Among the most important issues deserving attention are preserving religious identity, confronting atheism and doubts, dealing responsibly with social media, choosing friends wisely, building a successful academic and professional future, marriage, and family formation.
True loyalty to Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) is not expressed merely through mourning him, but through genuine concern for the young people whom he represents.

Ninth: Renewing the Covenant with the Mission of Imam Husayn (A.S.)


Ali al-Akbar (A.S.) was not separate from the movement of Imam Husayn (A.S.); rather, he was an essential part of it. Therefore, his memory calls us to renew our commitment to the objectives of Karbala: supporting truth, confronting injustice, reforming ourselves, serving society, and adhering to Islamic values. The closer we come to these goals, the closer we come to the true spirit of Ashura.
May the peace of Allah be upon Ali al-Akbar on the day he was born, on the day he grew up in obedience to Allah, on the day he was martyred alongside Imam Husayn (A.S.), and on the day he shall be raised alive again.
We ask Allah, the Almighty, to grant us the ability to follow his example and to make our youth bearers of his message and values. Indeed, He is All-Hearing and Responsive.