His Eminence Sayyid al-Hakeem calls the Turkish Alawite community to establish brotherly ties with other communities, and to learn the teachings of Islam and abide by them

His Eminence Sayyid al-Hakeem calls the Turkish Alawite community to establish brotherly ties with other communities, and to learn the teachings of Islam and abide by them
2019/05/06

His Eminence, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammed Saeed al-Hakeem advised the Turkish Alawite community to strengthen the ties of love and brotherhood between themselves and other nations, and to continue the visitations of the holy shrines of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), to follow their virtuous path and to extend the bridges of acquaintance and friendship with the brothers in faith. His Eminence gave this advice during a meeting with visitors from the Turkish Alawite community.

His Eminence also recommended that they familiarize themselves with the laws of Islam and they learn their religious duties, through liaison and communication with scholars and preachers, and by abiding by the guidance of the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them), and by performing their duties in their prescribed times.

His Eminence expressed his pleasure in meeting with them and having this dialogue, and reminded them of their religious principles which they are obligated to preserve, as well as their attachment to the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them), doing what is necessary to abide by the religious decrees.

His Eminence prayed for their success and for the acceptance of their good deeds, and asked them to convey his greetings to their relatives in Turkey.

Day Questions

Where we live, it is customary for the parents to begin saving money and collecting the dowry of the daughter, such as jewelry, furniture and utensils, many years before the wedding. Is Khums obligatory on such money and items?

The normal rules of Khums still apply in such a case. So, if one purchased the said goods and did not use them for a year, Khums is payable on them. However, if he gave them to his daughter before the end of his khums year, he does not have to pay khums for them. She has to if they remain unused till her khums year-end.

When the soldiers left Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala after the lights were extinguished, have they committed a sin for which they will be punished? Given the fact that the Imam said to them, you are free and you can go, can the Imam (peace be upon him) urge others towards sinning?

It is obligatory to help the Imam (peace be upon him) if he asks for help. He is also permitted to excuse his companions from fighting for him. He is the leader and can make such a decision as per the current circumstances. The reason for such a decision as it appears from the narrations is that Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) knew that he will be killed in the battlefield as the little number of his followers cannot protect him. Therefore, he gave them the choice of leaving him to face his destiny. This shows the high ethical position of the Imam (peace be upon him) and the great values that he possessed. Similarly, his companions were excused from undertaking the hardship of the fighting and facing certain death in the battlefield, and fighting was not obligatory on them, but they refused to take this opportunity and decided to fight and show the highest level of selflessness and sacrifice.

Are there any authentic narration, Duas or Ziyarats in Shia books that direct us to ask the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them) directly for sustenance, children, and the like?

Seeking intercession of the Prophet and the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them) and asking them does not require an extra proof other than what is mentioned in the Holy Book. The following verse is sufficient to prove it, when Almighty Allah said: “And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah, and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful” (4:64).