The Press Release on the Tragedy at the Entrance of the Holy Shrine

 The Press Release on the Tragedy at the Entrance of the Holy Shrine
2019/09/14

Indeed we are of Allah and to Him we shall return

It is with great sadness and pain that the news of the tragedy at the entrance of the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) has reached us, which led to the loss of tens of lives, as they repeated the chant “Ya Husayn”, their hearts filled with the love and grief for the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them), during their participation of the Tuwairich Run on the afternoon of Ashura.
We, therefore, pay condolences to the Imam of our Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance) as well as to their grieving families, and to all the believers and lovers of the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them).
We call upon those responsible in the Iraqi government and the Custodianship of the Holy Shrines to establish sound plans and to take precautionary measures to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.
Similarly, we call upon all the respected visitors to the holy shrines – may Allah honour them – to act in coordination with the brothers who have been tasked with managing the millions of visitors in order to enable the illumination of godly teachings and guidance, and the expression of love and sorrow for the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them). Indeed, such service during this season is amongst the greatest of deeds in the eyes of Allah Almighty, and He is the greatest supporter and the Guardian of the believers.
In conclusion, we supplicate to Allah Almighty to bless those pure souls and to raise them in the highest ranks with the Master of Martyrs and his noble companions, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all. We pray that He inspires their loved ones who they leave behind with patience and solace, and that He blesses the injured with a quick recovery, for He is the Most Merciful.

11 Muharram 1441

Day Questions

How does one perform the Prayer of Signs (Salatul-Aayat)?

The Prayer of Signs is prayed in two units. In each unit there are five bowings, whereby he will recite before each bowing the Suratul-Fatiha and another chapter of the Quran. Alternatively, one may divide the second chapter recited into five parts and recite each part before each bowing without the need to repeat Suratul-Fatiha; after the fifth bowing, one will perform the two prostrations, and then rise again for the second unit and repeat what he did in the first unit, and end with the testimonies and the salutations as usual.

Many Sunni scholars insist that hijra - immigration is a necessity. I am a convert born in a non-Muslim country, and if I were to leave it would most probably entail losing custody of my children. What is the Shia opinion of hijra?

It is not mandatory to immigrate to Islamic countries. A Muslim must live in any place where he/she can observe the religion to find happiness in this life and the hereafter. There might be a non Islamic country with more suitable circumstance for Muslims to guard their religion than in an Islamic one.

What do Muslims think about cosmetics? What kind of cosmetics can they use?

There is no specific kind that is forbidden to use. However, it is unlawful for a woman to reveal her beauty in the presence of non-mahram men, except for the kohl applied on eyes and the ring on the finger.

Is listening to poetry about the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them) accompanied with music permissible?

If the music causes ‘tarab’ then it is not permissible to listen to it. ‘Tarab’ means the psychological interaction with the music or singing, whether it leads to joy, sadness, pride or any other emotion.