Sana'a: A commemorative event was held in Sana'a on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the passing of the eminent Islamic scholar and mujahid, Sayyid Badr al-Din bin Amir al-Din al-Houthi. At the event, Member of the Supreme Political Council Dr. Abdulaziz Saleh bin Habtoor delivered a speech in which he highlighted the virtues, intellectual legacy, and lifelong struggle of the late scholar. He stressed the importance of benefiting from the proposals presented during the event, particularly the suggestion to collect and preserve all of the scholar's intellectual and spiritual works, as well as the contributions of similar prominent Quranic and cultural figures.
According to Yemen News Agency, Dr. Bin Habtoor emphasized the responsibility of those who knew and lived alongside the late scholar to document his life and achievements so that they become an integral part of Yemen's history. He noted that nations continually need exemplary figures such as Badr al-Din al-Houthi, who devoted significant space to intellectual discourse, debate, and dialogue. He stated that one of the scholar's most notable contributions was his intellectual critique of the Wahhabi school, which he said had created divisions across the Muslim world. Bin Habtoor argued that Muslims from Jakarta in the east to Casablanca in the west had suffered from the consequences of Wahhabi ideology, asserting that extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS drew upon such thought and served agendas that harmed Islam and Muslims.
The SPC member also addressed what he described as the U.S.-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that it had reached its 100th day. He praised the Iranian people's resilience and national solidarity, stating that Iran and the Axis of Resistance had emerged as significant forces at both regional and international levels. He concluded by expressing appreciation to the organizers of the event honoring one of Yemen's most prominent figures, Sayyid Badr al-Din al-Houthi.
The event was attended by the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Abdulmohsen Shujaa al-Din. Acting Prime Minister Allama Mohammed Muftah stressed the importance of commemorating distinguished religious figures whose status was elevated through their dedication and sacrifices in the path of Allah. He explained that the late scholar overcame hardships and challenges through reliance on Allah, enduring illness, poverty, and trials while dedicating his life to religious service from his youth until his final days.
Allama Muftah reviewed the attempts on the scholar's life, including shelling and raids on his residence before and after the first Saada war, noting that he responded with patience and composure without resorting to public complaints or denunciations. He said that commemorating Sayyid Badr al-Din al-Houthi revives values of determination, faith, and trust in Allah, emphasizing that wherever the scholar went, he left a lasting positive impact through public service, intellectual contributions, and confronting campaigns aimed at misleading people and distorting Islam.
According to Muftah, the late scholar was among the earliest figures to confront what he described as US-Zionist misinformation spread under the banner of Wahhabism, which he said gave rise to extremist organizations responsible for violence and atrocities across the Muslim world. He highlighted the scholar's intellectual efforts, including his well-known work "Liberation of Ideas," and praised his perseverance despite the challenges he faced.
Muftah further noted that Sayyid Badr al-Din enriched Islamic scholarship and human thought through numerous writings aimed at guiding people during times of confusion and uncertainty. He called on the Yemeni Scholars Association, the General Authority for Endowments, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with Dr. Abdulrahim Hamran, to collect and preserve the scholar's works and oral heritage for future generations. He stressed the importance of highlighting exemplary personalities and successful role models across different fields to inspire society.
For his part, Grand Mufti of Yemen Allama Shams al-Din Sharaf al-Din said that commemorating such occasions serves to remind the nation of its distinguished scholars and leaders and to highlight their contributions to strengthening Islamic values and principles. He referred to Yemen's recent celebration of Wilayah Day, marking the occasion on which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) highlighted the leadership and virtues of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Sharaf al-Din stated that the Prophet's raising of Imam Ali's hand symbolized trustworthiness, honesty, courage, loyalty, knowledge, generosity, humility, and wisdom-qualities that should characterize those entrusted with the affairs of Muslims. He argued that the absence of proper leadership leads to failure and weakness within society, and criticized contemporary developments in parts of the Muslim world that he said reflected a departure from authentic Islamic principles.
The Grand Mufti described the late scholar as a devoted figure who remained deeply concerned about the condition of the Muslim nation, actively promoting awareness, knowledge, and moral responsibility despite facing repeated assassination attempts, house arrest, and other hardships. He considered Yemen's resilience and steadfastness in confronting external challenges to be among the fruits of efforts rooted in the values represented by Imam Ali and upheld by figures such as Badr al-Din al-Houthi.
Sharaf al-Din noted that the scholar traveled extensively to deliver lectures and educational programs, encouraging people to seek knowledge and uphold virtue. He stressed that the late scholar acted out of sincere devotion rather than personal or worldly interests.
The event was attended by Deputy Speakers of Parliament and the Shura Council, Abdulrahman al-Jama'i and Dhaifallah Rassam, as well as members of the government, parliament, the Shura Council, and military and civilian leaders. In a speech delivered on the occasion, President of Saada University Dr. Abdulrahim Hamran reviewed aspects of the late scholar's life, achievements, and contributions to promoting Quranic culture and confronting what he described as falsehood and sedition.
He highlighted the scholar's efforts in conflict resolution and social reconciliation, describing him as a distinguished academic figure and an intellectual school of thought characterized by generosity, sacrifice, and dedication. Dr. Hamran affirmed that despite the difficult circumstances he endured, including siege and assassination attempts, the late scholar remained committed to his educational, religious, and humanitarian duties and consistently embodied the teachings of the Holy Quran in both word and deed.