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] Therefore, turning for intercession to any other than ...

( 2024-08-17 04:43:34 )

Do the Shī‘ah think that Jibra’īl (Archangel Gabriel) has committed treachery when he conveyed the message [risālah] to Muhammad instead of ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib?

Do the Shī‘ah think that Jibra’īl (Archangel Gabriel) has committed treachery when he conveyed the message [risālah] to Muhammad instead of ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib? Reply: Before proving the groundlessness of this loathsome accusation made against the Shī‘ah by some ignorant or spiteful people, it is ...

( 2024-08-17 02:28:30 )

What are the different dimensions of Lady Fatimah’s (as) character?

Please tell me about the different dimensions of the greatest woman's (Lady Fatimah (as)) character.Concise answer The dimensions of Lady Fatimah's (as) character are very vast and can only be understood through deep and profound thought and study. Reading and researching about her spirituality, knowledge and political struggles and the other aspects of her life, will help us in reaching our goal. According to both Shia and Sunni sources, some ...

( 2024-08-17 00:24:10 )

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

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 ...

( 2024-08-16 07:21:26 )

Drinking water by pilot and cabin crew to maintain the balance in the month of Ramadhan/the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei’s answer

The Grand Ayatollah Khamenei answered a question about drinking water by pilot and cabin crew to maintain their balance during the month of Ramadhan. Question: If the plane is flying in high altitude and for long distance of about 2.5 to 3 hours, the pilot and the cabin crew need to drink water to maintain their balance, in this case, is it Wajeb for them to fast other days instead and also pay Kaffarah? The Grand Ayatollah Khamenei: If fasting ...

( 2024-08-15 10:24:38 )

The allowed limit of the profit for selling goods/the Grand Ayatollah Khamenie’s answer

Question: How much profit is allowed for selling goods? Source: PERSIAN ...

( 2024-08-15 09:19:13 )

How long will the Imam of Time, Imam Mahdi (AS), will this world rule after he reappears?

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( 2024-08-15 09:19:12 )

Please explain the main purpose one should seek in marriage, and mention the characteristics and specifications of a spouse who could bring us to this goal.

The question you asked regarding the purpose of marriage and the characteristics of a spouse who could help one achieve this purpose, is an important issue that requires an elaborate and ample discussion. Certainly in this process having knowledge about the person's characteristics, morale, family situation, and much more can be very effective; however these aspects do not fit the scope of these pages. Upon studying this important and vital ...

( 2024-08-15 08:13:27 )

I want to make sure that all my deeds are performed according to Islamic laws. The obsession has affected my ordinary life. I need you advice.

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( 2024-08-15 08:13:26 )

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 ...

( 2024-08-15 07:10:51 )

Is it appropriate to perform Istikharah? The Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s answers

The Grand Ayatollah Sistani answered questions about performing Istikharah. Question: Is performing Istikharah as is customary among us nowadays, religiously approved and appropriate? And is there any harm in repeating it if it is accompanied with paying Sadaqah (offerings in the way of charity) equal to the number of times the person requests Istikharah? The Grand Ayatollah Sistani: Istikharah is performed after thinking and consultation, at ...

( 2024-08-15 06:10:14 )

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 ...

( 2024-08-15 06:10:14 )

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 ...

( 2024-08-15 05:03:44 )

Women crying loud in mourning ceremonies/the Grand Ayatollah Safi’s answer

Question: Is it allowed for women to cry loud in mourning ceremonies of Imams (AS) especially Imam Hussain (AS) considering that non-Mahram men are also present in these ...

( 2024-08-15 05:03:43 )

Correctness of divorce if it transpires that the woman has been pregnant/the Grand Ayatollah Shahroodi’s answer

The Grand Ayatollah Shahroodi answered a question about the correctness of divorce if it transpires that the woman has been pregnant.

Question: I am a woman and my husband divorced me when there was no sign of pregnancy, and after that it transpired that at the time of divorce I was pregnant, is this divorce correct?

The Grand Ayatollah Shahroodi: Yes, it is correct.

( 2024-08-15 03:53:57 )

What is the criterion for distinguishing monotheism or the Unity of God [tawḥīd] from polytheism [shirk]?

What is the criterion for distinguishing monotheism or the Unity of God [tawḥīd] from polytheism [shirk]? Reply: The most important issue in the study of monotheism [tawḥīd] and polytheism [shirk] is discerning what their criterion is, and if this issue is not decisively settled, part of the secondary issues ...

( 2024-08-15 03:53:57 )

Can the Muslim man and woman be guardians for a disbelieving child? The Grand Ayatollah Makarem’s answer

The Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi answered a question about the guardianship of disbelieving (Kafir) child by Muslims.

Question: Can the Muslim man and woman be guardians for a disbelieving child who is Najes (impure)?

The Grand Ayatollah Makarem: If the guardianship and education of the child are given to them, in Taharat (cleanliness) that child follows them.

( 2024-08-15 00:46:03 )

Adultery

1 Question: A man lived with a woman whom he intended to marry and also had sex with her without entering into a marriage contract (‘aqd); thereafter he married her in the proper religious way. Is their co-habitation before the ‘aqd considered marriage in the eyes of religious law? Does the subsequent ‘aqd have retroactive effect? What will be the status of the children born before the ‘aqd? Answer: In [an Islamic] marriage, the ...

( 2024-08-03 05:00:02 )

In adhān [call to prayer], why do you say, “Ashhadu anna ‘aliyyan waliyyullāh” [“I bear witness that ‘Alī is Walī of Allah”] and give testimony to the wilāyah [guardianship] of ‘Alī (‘a)?

Reply: In order to reply to this question, let us consider the following points: 1. In their books on jurisprudence, all the Shī‘ah jurists [fuqahā] stress that to say: “I bear witness to the wilāyah of ‘Alī (‘a)” is not part of adhān or iqāmah, and no one has the right to say that it is part of ...

( 2024-08-03 00:36:31 )

How do we interpret the attributes just, most compassionate and one for God?

Please explain the three attributes just, most compassionate and one when attributed to God.Concise answer Justice means to place everything in its appropriate place. This said, divine justice can have two types. First: takwini justice which means that every existing being including the skies and earth are based on justice (and that there is a special balance between the different parts). Second: tashri'i justice that has two types as well. The ...

( 2024-08-01 09:36:14 )