'Turning Point In Islam': Iran Says Khamenei Will Be Seen As 'Second Imam Hussain' In 100 Years

Published 7 July 2026 · world

'Turning Point In Islam': Iran Says Khamenei Will Be Seen As 'Second Imam Hussain' In 100 Years Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 23:47

'Turning Point In Islam': Iran Says Khamenei Will Be Seen As 'Second Imam Hussain' In 100 Years Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 23:47 IST Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said many people have compared Khamenei's death to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Vehicles drive past a banner depicting Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, a day before his funeral procession in the holy Iraqi city of Karbala. (AFP photo) Iran on Tuesday said late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will be remembered as the “second Imam Hussain" a century from now, as millions gathered across the country to pay their final respects during his funeral. Speaking to foreign journalists in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said many people have compared Khamenei’s death to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam, NDTV reported.

Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes in late February at the start of the war in West Asia. Baghaei said Khamenei’s killing would be remembered as a “turning point in Islam, Shi’ism and Iran", adding that the late leader would be regarded as the “second Imam Hussain" 100 years from now. Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in the seventh century. His death is one of the most important events in Shia Islam and is seen as a symbol of sacrifice, justice and resistance against oppression. Funeral Continues Across Iran and Iraq Funeral ceremonies for Khamenei ended in the Iranian holy city of Qom on Tuesday after a large procession in Tehran a day earlier. Thousands attended the events, carrying red flags and placards with slogans against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The remains of Khamenei and four of his relatives, who were also killed in the strikes, are expected to be taken to Iraq. Funeral processions will pass through the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before returning to Iran. Khamenei’s remains will be taken to the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf and later to the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Abbas in Karbala, two of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Iraqi authorities have made extensive security arrangements for the ceremonies. Khamenei’s final burial is scheduled to take place on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest after more than three decades as Iran’s supreme leader. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.