Day Questions

If people do not follow any religious jurist, Marja and asked about any laws of the Sharia, can I give an answer based on the edicts of my Marja, without mentioning that there are other opinions?

In this case, it is permissible for one to answer based on the edicts of his own Marja, and he does not need to give a reference of the source of the edicts or mention that there are other opinions of other scholars.

Is it permissible for a man to attend mixed-gender swimming pools, particularly if each individual is swimming in separated tracks back and forth?

Swimming for men, in itself, is permissible; however, these places are one of the reasons of falling into committing sins usually, unless the individual attends during the times when women do not attend.

Is there any kaffarah for a lady to pull out her hair in grief and mourning?

It is prohibited for the woman to do so. The kaffarah for doing so is either giving ten needy people 900 grams of food each - staple food items such as dates, flour and rice - or clothing them; if neither of these are possible, then she should fast for three consecutive days.

What is the philosophy of Infallibility? Is it true that the Shia believe that the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) cannot make mistakes?

There is no dispute amongst the followers of the Ahlul-bait (peace be upon them) that the Prophets and the Imams are sinless, in such a way that they do not commit what opposes the religion. Our scholars have explained in their books of beliefs the evidences to prove this concept. There is no doubt that the Prophet and the Imam are appointed by Almighty Allah. He has ordered people to follow them. So, if it is possible for them to commit sins, they might order people to do so as well and people have to follow them. So their orders would not be trusted to be from Almighty Allah, and He will not order us to follow somebody who can misguide us. Similarly, they are to be taken by their followers as role models. If they were to commit sins, others will be encouraged to do the same.

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