Foreign students participate in Martyred Leader’s funeral procession in Mashhad

These days, Mashhad is not just a city; it is a sacred sanctuary for the devotees of the Martyred Leader of the Revolution. It is a place to come and bid the martyred Leader a final farewell and to seek solace in presence of Imam Reza (AS).
Around noon on Wednesday July 8, a caravan comprising people from various nationalities including South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan arrived at Quds Cultural Institute with a warm welcome.
Mr. Ranjbar, coordinator of this international caravan, who had also accompanied them in the funeral processions in Tehran and Qom, explained the group's motivation for attending the final farewell in Mashhad, saying: "These dear students participated in Tehran and Qom ceremonies and insisted on being present in Mashhad for a final farewell so as not to miss these historic moments. Beyond Iranian soil, they see the Martyred Leader as the leader of freedom-seekers worldwide with no regard for religious boundaries. They viewed Imam Khamenei as a figure who transcended national boundaries, geography, beliefs, and sectarian divisions.
Muhammad Saghir Takur, a student from Nigeria, said: “I have seen the martyred leader four times. Ever since I was in my own country, I dreamed of seeing him with my own eyes. Meeting him face-to-face was a profound and transformative experience. Ayatollah Khamenei was a generous, capable, and tireless leader. He truly showed how to guide a society, care for its people, and direct everyone toward the path of truth to achieve happiness in this world and the hereafter. He beautifully preserved the legacy of Imam Khomeini (RA). He is a leader of the people; a people who deeply love and trust him because he shows no discrimination”.
Takur also stated: “He united the Islamic ummah as one whole, focusing on serving society and showing way to God. Even non-Muslims regard him as a just and equitable leader because of his avoidance of discrimination”.
The African business administration student went on to say: “We do not love Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei merely as a Shia leader; we see him as a leader for all Muslims and a champion of humanity. He devoted his life to protecting his people. That is why we hold such deep respect for him, keep his memory and legacy alive, and regard him as our leader. By the blessings of the sacrifices he made for these people, God willing, this society will continue to progress and emerge stronger than ever. Islam will triumph”.
Daniel Kutosi, a Christian from Uganda, was another member of this cultural group who had come to be part of the final farewell. 
Kutosi said: “The martyrdom of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, filled us with immense grief, because losing such a towering figure was a heavy blow to our camp. Although he was a politician, he had two dimensions: he was both a religious leader and a statesman. Losing a figure of such prestige was deeply painful for the Islamic ummah and the entire world”.
“Since Iran is now like my own country, I feel that whatever path Iran and its people take is the path I must follow. That is because of the love I have for the Iranian people and their culture. I have been here for nearly two years without returning to Uganda”, he further stressed.
This international relations student emphasized: "You cannot separate Christians and Muslims; that is impossible. My love for the Iranian people and the Supreme Leader especially for his role and his struggle against oppressors was the biggest reason I came here. I could not miss this chance to bid him farewell”.
Kutosi added: “For example, Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress during apartheid in South Africa. The Iranian Revolution served as a source of inspiration for South Africans to overcome white minority rule. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside the previous leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (RA), were pioneers of the support that helped South Africa achieve success and independence in 1994”.
He stated: “This revolution is a sign for Christians that Muslims do not discriminate on the basis of religion when offering support and aid. As long as you are oppressed, they will stand by you. Palestinians have suffered immensely since 1948. Yet, among all Muslim countries, it is Iran that remains resolutely by their side. Ultimately, Iran has played a key role in aiding and supporting the oppressed on a global scale”.
Baqir Uthman, a civil engineering student from Nigeria, spoke about Martyred Leader with a deep lump in his throat and tearful eyes saying, “Beyond religious and sectarian discussions, we must learn from his humanity. Iran is a model for all countries in the world in the fight against oppression. Anyone seeking independence should look to Iran as their role model. Before the martyrdom of the revolutionary leader, America's oppression and arrogance were unknown to many people; however, the world has seen America's tyranny and Iran's humanity now”.
Uthman mentioned: “I decided to attend funeral for the sake of humanity and to show that the path of the martyred leader continues. Now we follow Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and pray for destruction of global arrogance and victory of the Iranian nation”.
Seyyed Mutahar Ali Shahi, a business management student and another member of this group said: “On the day of the Supreme Leader's martyrdom, I was in Tehran. Despite the outbreak of war, I and all students from other countries said we would stay in Iran and not leave”.
Ali Shahi said: “I woke up and saw my friends crying. That was when we learned of the leader's martyrdom. We felt like those who have lost their father. That same day, people in my country protested outside the US embassy in Pakistan and my compatriots are still mourning and saddened for the martyred leader. When I went back to Pakistan, everyone told me: When you return to Iran, tell the Iranians that we stand with them in life and wealth and they are not alone”.
He stated: “My stay in Iran was over and I returned to Pakistan. When I heard about funeral of the Supreme Leader, I applied for a visa immediately. In my own country, I saw that free people across the globe—regardless of religion or creed—drew closer to one another after the martyrdom of Iran’s leader. The fact that he was martyred alongside his family in his office had a profound impact on people worldwide and everyone says a leader should be like Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei among his own people”.
A caravan set out from Quds Cultural Institute toward the start of funeral procession and the final farewell on Thursday morning. The tears in their eyes and their passionate mourning bore witness that their heartfelt love for the martyred leader would never fade.