On Friday, the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, criticized "singers" with "shameful" movements and threatened to expel them, particularly those who speak the name "Al-Sadr." In a statement, al-Sadr said, "I have heard that there are some reciters and poets who mention us, Al-Sadr, in their poems and occasions, so may God reward them well, and thank them."
Al-Sadr added, "However, I deny and disavow before God Almighty anyone who uses forbidden practices in this, such as music and singing, as well as some shameful movements under the pretext of loving us, Al-Sadr. All of this is prohibited to listen to, practice, establish, spread, and assist."
He continued, "Their wealth is unlawful according to the fatwa of my late father (may God sanctify his soul), who entirely rejected this in his lifetime." He emphasized that "anyone who does this again will expose themselves to administrative and legal penalties and will be considered expelled from the movement and even expelled from our love, Al-Sadr."
Al-Sadr called on "the believers to refrain from cooperating with them, to boycott them, and to report them immediately."
