Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has reacted to the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as a “lucky soul” who died in jihad.

Gumi stated this in a post shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, where he said the late Iranian leader died while confronting those he accused of killing innocent women and children in Gaza and other conflict areas.

According to the cleric, Khamenei’s death would inspire change within the Muslim community, also known as the Ummah.

“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere,” Gumi wrote.

He added that Khamenei stood firmly for justice and did not hide during periods of conflict, warning that those responsible for his death would face the consequences of their actions.

Khamenei, who led Iran for decades as Supreme Leader, was a central figure in the country’s political and religious leadership. Reports indicated that he died following an Israeli strike in Tehran on Saturday amid rising Middle East tensions.

Iran has since announced a period of mourning in honour of the late leader.