Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei lucky, died in Jihad, says Gumi

 

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has reacted to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as “a lucky soul” who “died in jihad.”

In a post shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi said Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.”

He added that Khamenei’s blood “will fuel the change in the ummah,” noting that the Iranian leader stood firmly for justice and did not hide in bunkers.

Gumi wrote, “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.

“His blood will fuel the change in the ummah. He stood firmly for Justice and didn’t hide in bunkers. For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world.”

Iran’s ex-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Credit: AFP
PUNCH Online had reported that Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for decades, was a central figure in the country’s political and religious leadership.

He reportedly died following an Israeli strike in Tehran on Saturday.

Iran State television confirmed his death, without referring to reports of a massive US and Israeli attack on his residence.

A presenter announced Khamenei’s death at 5:00 am (0130 GMT), as the channel broadcast archive images with a black banner as a sign of mourning.

Another broadcast by the state television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays in his honour.

“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal,” a presenter said.

Khamenei, 86, had been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.

US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said that Khamenei had been killed in air strikes, though there had been no independent confirmation from Tehran at the time of the statement.