Why didn’t Allah miraculously prevent the killing of Imam Hussein (A.S.)?

Complete question If everything is in Allah's hands then why didn’t he blunt the dagger that martyred Imam Hussein - by ordering it not to cut - the same way he did in the story of Prophet Ismail? Concise answer Everything takes place under Allah's will and according to His traditions and the same way Allah had the power to prevent Prophet Ibrahim's blade from cutting he could have also disabled all of the enemies' weapons, and ...

( 2022-08-06 22:14:14 )

Questions Relating to Ashura/Karbala (1)

Question: Why did Imam Husain (a.s.) take his family with him to Karbala? He knew that their fate was death. Why did he not leave them and allow them to remain behind or stay in a safe place? Answer: The holy uprising of Imam Husain (a.s.) has two dimensions: 1. Martyrdom. 2. Accomplishing a Mission. The primary role of the women can be seen in the second dimension. Of course the women did have a role in upbringing and encouraging the warriors ...

( 2022-08-02 20:36:14 )

What is badā’ and why do you believe in it?

Reply: In Arabic, the word “badā’” literally means “manifestation” and “appearance”, and in the parlance of Shī‘ah scholars it applies to the change in the natural course of someone’s destiny as a result of his or her righteous and wholesome behavior. The question of badā’ is one of the lofty ...

( 2022-08-01 11:48:40 )

Is paying khums obligatory on my wife’s dowry?

Is paying khums obligatory on my wife’s dowry? For instance, is paying khums obligatory on dishes kept in showcase that may not be used?Concise answerAccording to most of maraja’, since dowry is considered as gift or it will be used in the future, payment of khums is not obligatory on it. However, it is regarded as those things on which payment of khums is obligatory, according to some of maraja’[1]. Appendix: ...

( 2022-07-26 17:46:41 )

Is the saying authentic that, "Satans are chained during the Holy Month of Ramadan”?

Is the saying authentic that, "Satans are chained during the Holy Month of Ramadan”?Concise answerIn some authentic traditional sources like Al-Kafi and Tahzib, a tradition has been mentioned regarding the blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as follows, “When the Holy Month of Ramadan enters, the outcast Satans are chained." Detailed AnswerIn some authentic traditional sources like Al-Kafi and ...

( 2022-07-24 02:27:27 )

Where and when did mourning for Imam Hussein (A.S.) start first?

questionWhen we look at the lives of the Holy Prophet (S) and the Imams (A.S.), not only we do not see anything about mourning and lamentation but there are evidence and sayings prohibiting such acts. For example, Hamza (A.S.) was martyred in the Battle Uhud or later when Ja’far bin Abi Talib was martyred, not only the Prophet (S) did not hold such ceremonies but he forbade others from doing so. Now, the question arises as to when and how ...

( 2022-07-24 01:25:17 )

Bismillah Assalaamu Alaykum. Dear Hajj Agha Hadavi, This following question keeps coming up. I would like your guidance on the matter: Should Muslims in America be encouraged to vote in the upcoming presidential elections or is it better to avoid it?

Bismillah Assalaamu Alaykum. Dear Hajj Agha Hadavi, This following question keeps coming up. I would like your guidance on the matter: Should Muslims in America be encouraged to vote in the upcoming presidential elections or is it better to avoid it?
Concise answer
In the name of God.
It is better to encourage Muslims to vote and to choose the best.
Wassalaam

( 2022-07-23 10:42:17 )

The Holy Qur’an and Messianism (Mahdawiyyat)

QUESTION:Which verse of the Noble Qur’an can be cited regarding the authority (wilayat) of the twelve Imams (peace be upon them) and the just government of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his return) and the supremacy of Islam over the world?ANSWER:The verses from whose purport it is understood that the twelve Imams—may Allah elevate their word—have authority and Imamah are many in number.Among them is the verse: إِنَّمَا ...

( 2022-07-22 00:22:02 )

How Does Ashura Affect Me?

Shaikh al-Mufid quotes in his Kitab al-Irshad a letter which Imam Hussain would write to the people of Kufa prior to him accepting their invitation and embarking toward Kufa, he identifies and distinguishes his duties as an Imam. In the closing of that letter, Imam Hussain states, "If he (Muslim the son of Aqeel) writes to me that the opinion of your leaders and of the men of wisdom and merit among you is united in the same way as the messengers ...

( 2022-07-21 12:28:09 )

Grand Ayatollah Makarem Answers a Request for Fatwa regarding a Movie

One of the Arabic TV channels based in England has been fundraising, for a few months now, for the production of a feature film called ''Yawm al-Adhāb'' [i.e. The Day of Torment] and it has received millions of pounds from the Shias all over the world. Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi,Greetings,As you are aware, one of the Arabic TV channels based in England has been fundraising, for a few months now, for the production of a feature film ...

( 2022-07-18 11:49:32 )

Do the Shī‘ah regard witr prayer as obligatory?

Do the Shī‘ah regard witr prayer as obligatory? Reply: Witr prayer is part of the supererogatory night prayers and it is one of the recommended [mustaḥabb] works which the Muslims who follow the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) perform, but the Shī‘ah jurists [fuqahā] who rely on the Book of Allah and the Prophet’s ...

( 2022-07-17 16:02:45 )

What is the importance and philosophy of mourning for Imam Hussein (a.s.)?

In order for us to understand the significance and philosophy of mourning for Imam Hussein (a.s.), it is necessary to take notice of the following points: Detailed Answer Paying attention to lofty virtues and traits of elect and dignified men and religious leaders:God, the Sublime, says in Chapter Maryam: "And mention Ibrahim in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet."[1] ...

( 2022-07-17 09:48:31 )

Questions Relating to Ashura/Karbala (8)

One of the precepts strongly recommended by the divine law of Islam [shari‘ah] is holding ceremonies with the intention of paying homage to the signs of Allah. Upholding this precept is considered an act resulting from the piety of the hearts. There is no dispute or disagreement among the various schools of thought regarding the essential verdict pertaining to this precept. Disagreement, however, lies in the question of whether application of ...

( 2022-07-17 01:55:17 )

Did the Ansar believe in the caliphate of Abu Bakr and is that why they did bey’ah with him?

The Ansar opposed Abu Bakr and did bey'ah with Sa'd bin Ubadah, and Ali sat in his home and wasn't with either group. Afterwards, all of the Ansar did bey'ah with Abu Bakr; the reason for their bey'ah can be one of the following:1- They were forced to do bey'ah2- It became clear to them that Abu Bakr was more deserving of the caliphate3- There was no particular reason for their bey'ah with himOther than these three reasons there can be no other ...

( 2022-07-16 15:02:32 )

What will the world be like during Imam Mahdi’s rule?

What will the world be like during Imam Mahdi’s rule? Quranic verses and traditions all show that during Imam Mahdi’s (rule) there will be great progress in every aspect of our lives. Our life, way of living and thinking will be revolutionized. Some of the events that will occur can be listed as: 1 Injustice and tyranny will be exterminated for good and there will be global peace. Regarding the verse: “And say: The truth ...

( 2022-07-14 17:47:32 )

Is it true that the Sunni traditions which are in favor of Shia have been entered in their books by Shiites themselves?

I heard some Wahhabis say that the Sunni traditions which are in favor of Shia have been entered in their books by Shiites themselves? If it is so, then all the references given from the Sunni books to confirm Shia's viewpoint become null and void. Please send me a detailed answer in this regard.Concise answer In order to get a clear answer to your question, you need to go through the following points: Firstly, it is good that you ask the ...

( 2022-07-02 11:06:47 )

Historical Factors and Shi’ism

QUESTION: Have historical factors influenced the development of Shiaism, or is this sect a set of beliefs derived from the Qur’an and the clear traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family)? ANSWER: We need to explain several points in order to shed light on the topic and show that: (a) historical factors and events had no role in the development of Shiaism and the belief in the existence of an Imam who will save humanity ...

( 2022-06-30 06:18:27 )

Why do we repeat “Subhan’allah” in prayers and emphasize on doing “hamd” along with it?

Firstly, I wish to know why we repeat "Subhan'allah" in prayers. We recite it more than 72 times a day and more interestingly we do hamd (praise) of Allah immediately thereafter. For instance, we say "subhanallah wal-hamdu lillah wa..." or "subhana rabbiyal azim wa behamdihi"? Secondly, what is meant by "Subhan'allah"? Why does God give so much importance to it?Concise answer Tasbhih or saying "Subhan'allah" in the time of prayer testifies ...

( 2022-06-29 00:58:33 )

Is asking the rightful intercessors for intercession [shafā‘ah] tantamount to polytheism [shirk]?

While discussing this question, it is assumed that intercession [shafā‘ah] exclusively rests with God as it is stated in the Holy Qur’an: ﴾ جَمِيعًا الشَّفَٰعَةُ للهِ قُل ﴿ “Say, ‘All intercession rests with Allah’.”[1][1] Therefore, turning ...

( 2022-06-29 00:58:33 )

In Islam can we confess our sins to another person?

Why isn't there a specified person or people in Islam to confess to, as seen in Catholicism where Catholics confess to a father but no one actually knows who he is?Concise answer In the religion of Islam nobody has the permission to disclose their sins (small or big) and unveil their secrets to anybody. The reason why is, to begin with, man's honor and respect is so valued and significant he should only confess to his lord as a gesture of ...

( 2022-06-22 11:26:24 )