• Statements
• 25 Rabiul-Thani 1424

The reply by Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Hussaini Al-Seestani in response to an inquiry made by a group of Iraqi people regarding the preparation of the next Iraqi Constitution

In The Name of Allah The Merciful The Most Compassionate

Your Eminence,
Our Dear Marja’ Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Hussaini Al-Seestani (long may he live).
Assalamu alaikom warahmatullah wabarakatoh
The occupying forces in Iraq have announced their decision to establish an assembly to prepare the next Iraqi Constitution and that they will appoint the members of this assembly after consulting political and social groups in the country. Then the Constitution drafted by the assembly will be presented for a general referendum.
Kindly clarify the position (of this plan) according to Sharia’ (Islamic Law) and what the believers must do regarding this matter of drafting the Iraqi Constitution.

A Group of Believers
20 Rabiul-Akhar 1424
21 June 2003




In the Name of The Almighty

Those forces have no jurisdiction whatsoever to appoint members of the Constitution preparation assembly. Also there is no guarantee either that this assembly will prepare a constitution that serves the best interests of the Iraqi people or express their national identity whose backbone is sound Islamic religion and noble social values. The said plan is unacceptable from the outset.
First of all there must be a general election so that every Iraqi citizen - who is eligible to vote - can choose someone to represent him in a foundational Constitution preparation assembly. Then the drafted Constitution can be put to a referendum.
All believers must insist on the accomplishment of this crucial matter and contribute to achieving it in the best way possible. May Allah The Blessed Almighty, guide everyone to that which is good and beneficial.


Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (Peace and Allah’s love and blessings be upon you)

Signed & Sealed
Ali Al-Hussaini Al-Seestani
25 Rabiul-Akhar 1424
26 June 2003