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

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).

Is it appropriate to engage in sports activities like cricket, football, tennis etc. on the eve or day of Ashura?

Engaging in such activities on the night or day of Ashura is not in accordance to what has been narrated from the Imams (peace be upon them) in the exhortation to express grief and sadness over the tragedy suffered by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), his household and companions on the day of Ashura.

I came across many authentic traditions of the Imams of the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them) about ghusl, purification and ablution. These traditions are highly descriptive and specific about the main issues in jurisprudence. Is it permissible for me to follow my understanding of these traditions, and follow the rulings of my marja in other issues?

You should follow the scholar who has reached the level of ijtihad and fulfills all the other conditions of the marja in all issues. The derivation of the edicts from the religious sources require a great amount of knowledge and experience gained from continuous studying and research over many years. The authenticity of the traditions is only one factor taken into consideration in this process. Only the scholars who have reached the level of ijtihad have the capability to undertake this.