This was part of the word of the delegations of the European continent participating in the 14th edition of the World Cultural Festival of the Martyrdom's Spring, delivered on their behalf by Professor Udo Steinbach, Director of the Center for Governance in the Middle East, and expert of Middle East Affairs in the first and second German TV channels; Deutsche Welle TV.
He also said: "I thank you for inviting me on this occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him). And I would like to tell you the reason why I came here to participate with you: Celebrating the birth anniversary of a prophet or a saint is not just a custom but it is a cult, ritual and an opportunity to highlight the reality. Like the pope does in the birth anniversary of the Christ (peace be upon him), he celebrates the rituals not only as a cult but to send a message to the whole world.
The saints are not saints for one religion only, but they sent messages to the whole world, and Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) bore a message to all humanity.
The message of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) carries the meaning of justice, which was not given by the political or economic ruler, but it is a gift from Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) the real defender of justice and he is the son of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (peace be upon him). And the letter of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Malek al-Ashtar is a letter from a Muslim believer, but it was universal to all humanity, that is not limited to a minority or a set of ethnic laws, but it defines the relationship between the ruler and the citizens in all societies. The ruler is not the most important and will not be in the summit of the society, because without the acceptability of society, the ruler will not have legitimacy.
Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) fought in the name of humanity in order to achieve justice and right, and this is the greatest message that can be sent to humanity. This message ends with his martyrdom to be a global message.
And this is the reason that attracted me to be here, knowing that I am not a Muslim, or a Shiite, or an Arab or an Iraqi, but despite this I came from Berlin to Karbala to celebrate the birth anniversary of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him)..."