Sayyid Ahmed Al-Safi
My brothers, my sisters…
I bring to your attention the following two matters:-
First Matter:
We emphasise once again on what has been stated in previous sermons; that ISIS terrorism is the biggest challenge facing the country in its present circumstances, and we must harness all possible potentials in facing its threat; calling for greater coordination and cooperation among the combating troops of our Armed Forces, the Federal Police, volunteers, sons of tribes and the Peshmerga, to emerge in coming battles for new victories and the liberalisation of further areas, so that final victory can be achieved in the end with the expulsion of terrorists from all our lands, and God willing eradicating all their threats off our beloved country. On this occasion, we pay tribute to the victories achieved by our brothers of the Peshmerga in Sinjar, and express our sorrow to what occurred in clashes in Tuz Khurmatu, hoping that the wisest of both sides will put an end to it by directing their weapons in the face of our common enemy; the terrorists of ISIS.
Before moving onto the next matter, groups of students of middle and junior high stages are praised for their contributions in support if this matter; who reduced their daily expenses in support of the battle waged by Iraq against the terrorists, as I hold in my hand what has been saved by these students in (1,000) Iraqi Dinars. This amount falls in the lower value category in our currency, yet it is all that they own. Their noble stance in this manner in defense of their country is praised. When we reiterate the necessity of supporting this battle, advocates and supporters to this call should be answered, no matter how small in support is greater in reality, because it is all they own in financial support. Pretext is on state officials, the wealthy and the decision-makers who bear in their capacity to offer support but have not done so. In reality, we are very proud of our boys. Certainly, this is not a character of one group of people, but each should offer as much as he could. I think the givers are the pride of this country, and politicians who do not contribute to this battle should take these boys as an example and learn from them.
Second matter:
Citizens suffer from a lack of efficiency by some staff in many government departments to complete their applications accordingly to legal contexts. It is witnessed in many cases that some staff deliberately obstruct or delay applications. It is very easy for some of them (ie staff) to postpone applicants to another time for no apparent reason, which in turn causes several problems and harm to the applicant. This is only partially some of the corruption that we suffer from, that continues to plague the government system. Efforts must be exerted to repair and reform the system by an important aspect of it; in educational and cultural efforts. Education and knowledge must be gathered in earlier stages of the employee before official assignment in governmental work. Promotion of culture and good citizenship is by raising children in the home, school and university contributes that can immensely reduce some of the current wrong practices of governmental staff and lifts apathy that surrounds the behaviour of others.
Some serious lesions suffered by government departments, such as bribery, would not have spread in this shocking way that we witness today if there was previously serious work in the education of our sons and daughters in determent from such manners; as immoral behaviour and warn them of the risks to the country and its future.
Corruption of the self is of the greatest forms of corruption. Self consciousness and principles can be achieved only through good education and correct upbringing. If we want a better future for our country, in which the proportion of corruption is less, we must work on the correct upbringing of the new generation at home, in school and university to exercising moral virtues and stay away from dishonesty. We must nurture and cultivate them love of the homeland and all its citizens, commitment to honesty and care for the rights of others, and to stay away from lying, bribery and any damage to public interests and so on. Everyone bears responsibility in this conduct.
We ask God The Almighty to take our hands toward whatever bears benefit to our country and people. He is the Most Merciful, Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds and God bless Muhammad and his holy progeny.
