The eighth day of Rabi al‑Awwal recalls a sorrowful sunset — the day when the sun of the eleventh Imamate, Imam Hasan al‑Askari (AS), after a life short in years yet abundant in struggle and guidance, departed to meet his Lord, leaving the Shia world in grief over the loneliness of that oppressed Imam. This mourning became inseparably bound to a timeless covenant with the twelfth Divine Proof, Imam al‑Mahdi (May God Hasten His Reappearance) — the hidden sun behind the clouds — whose leadership and guardianship commenced on this very day.

With a heart steeped in sorrow, I extend my condolences on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al‑Askari (AS) to the sacred presence of Imam al‑Mahdi (May God Hasten His Reappearance), to all Shia believers, and to the honorable people of Iran. I beseech Almighty God to hasten his reappearance and grant us all the blessing of aiding him.

✍️ Rahim Jalili
CEO, Khuzestan International Exhibition
President, Iran International Exhibitions Association