Muqtada al-Sadr Urges Merchants to be Trustworthy, Demands "Comprehensive Reform"

Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the National Shiite Current, issued a series of recommendations to merchants today, Friday, while calling for comprehensive reform, which he described as "shala' qala' (root and branch)." During his Friday sermon at the Kufa Mosque, Sadr addressed merchants, particularly those in holy cities and governorates, emphasizing that "all of Iraq is sacred." He urged them to uphold honesty, lawful earnings, and sincere dealings with all people, warning against deceit, trickery, price gouging, and anything forbidden by religion or custom. He stated, "If you are not free in your religion, then be free in your worldly affairs; worldly freedom means rejecting everything you would reject for yourself and your family." Sadr implored merchants to fear God and refrain from selling prohibited items, usury, exorbitant profits, and bad morals. He noted that such practices are not only religiously forbidden but also "rejected by every person of dignity and integrity." He vowed that "we will not stand idly by if the local government turns a blind eye to these transgressions. Whoever does not respect Najaf and its reputation, we will not respect them, and there is no escaping this." He also called upon all merchants to seek religious understanding, citing the saying: "A merchant is an evildoer until he gains understanding," and urged those who are not compliant to repent. Sadr concluded his sermon by stating: "This is precisely what we advocate for in terms of reform (shala' qala'), and even if some claim connection to us, do not let Satan overpower you and make you forget the remembrance and obedience of God."