Updated 26 April 2012

On Sunday 22 April 2012, an attack with a sound bomb targeted the office of Grand Ayatollah Ishaq al-Fayadh. By the grace of the Almighty, there were no casualties.  The blast caused material damage to a number of civilian properties, near the office, and on a street in the old city center of Najaf.

Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq al-Fayadh (born in 1930) is currently the one of the eminent Shi'a Marja living in Iraq, and one of the four Marja residing in Najaf.

A second attack took place on Tuesday 24 April 2012 near the Office of Grand Ayatollah Najafi.  This attack was in the form of a bomb that was placed near an energy generator in proximity to the office.  When the bomb exploded, it caused minor damage to the generator, and no casualties were reported.

Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Basheer Hussain Najafi (born 1942) is one of the six Grand Ayatollahs in Iraq, and is also one of the four Marja of Najaf.

The individuals responsible for both attacks are unknown.  The attacks came after the interior ministry said it had withdrawn “surplus” guards from the clerics; “because there are some personalities who have more than they need,” the interior ministry said on Wednesday.

The Secretary General was present in Najaf at the time and has passed on via a letter to each of the Marjae the condolences of our community and our sorrow at the bombings.

Dr Moledina, the President of The World Federation said: ‘These attacks in Najaf are attacks on the institution of Marjae and on our Shia Faith. We strongly condemn such attacks as being attacks on our faith.’


The World Federation is deeply saddened to hear of these recent attacks, and condemns such acts of hatred. May The Almighty protect our respected Ayatollah from harm’s way and we also pray for the safety of those residing in Najaf.