Was Eve created from the rib of Adam?
Q:
Based on the following Ayah: "That He created for you mates from among
yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them "(30:21) was Eve
actually created from the rib of Adam?
A:
This does not indicate that she was born from his rib; but rather, from
the same source (clay), as mentioned in some narrations. Perhaps what
is meant by the term "from among yourselves" is the species to which
they belong; i.e. not belonging to the species of animals or jinns.
The Prayer of the sick
Q: Is praying not obligatory on sick people?
A:
Prayers are obligatory even on sick people, whilst taking into
consideration what might harm the patient. For example, if he cannot
prostrate, then he can pray the way he can.
Every human being is pure
Q:
Are the People of the Book or the atheists who do not believe in Allah
deemed impure; i.e. does the wetness coming from any of them turn
someone impure?
A:
Every human being is pure, be he amongst the People of the Book or not.
What is actually meant by the impurity of the atheist is the spiritual
filthiness he embodies due to the lewdness of his belief, and not the
materialistic impurity that transmits from one thing to another via
wetness.
The purity of animal leather
Q:
Is the leather imported from non-Muslim countries deemed pure? Should
one wash his hand if he touches this leather with a wet hand?
A:
If there was not a high possibility that the leather imported from
non-Muslim countries is from animals slaughtered according to the
Islamic Shariah, then it is subjected to the rulings of dead animals;
i.e. it is impure, and one cannot pray whilst having it on. Moreover,
anything wet that could transmit wetness becomes impure if it touches
this leather. However, if it was most probably taken from animals
slaughtered according to the Islamic Shariah, then it is deemed pure and
it is permissible to pray whilst having it on.
---------------------
Q: Is it permissible to wear a pair of shoes made from the leather of an animal not slaughtered according to the Shariah?
A: Yes, it is permissible, although it might be impure.
God's ability of creation
Q: Is God capable of creating what is [logically] impossible for Him to create?
A:
It is not that difficult. A man, once, asked Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) if
his God is capable of placing the entire world (meaning the universe) in
an egg, without making the egg bigger in size and making the world
smaller in size, and the Imam (a.s.) answered that indeed He is capable
of doing so, but incapability here lies in the creature and not the
Creator. What Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) meant was that the common sense
necessitates a state of proportionality between the size of the bowl and
what could be placed in it; thus, since the egg is too small for the
world to fit in, then the reason behind that is the small size of the
egg and not the incapability of Allah, the Most High, of doing so.
Since
Allah has power over all things, there is nothing He cannot create that
could make us wonder if our Lord is capable of creating what is
[logically] impossible for Him to create. There is no such thing as
"impossible" for Allah. He can create and generate anything that could
come to people's minds, as long as it is logic and rational, or else, is
it acceptable to ask Allah, the Most High, if He is capable of making
Himself perish?! In this case, the question in itself is illogical and
irrational, as Divine Entity, by definition, does not perish. Actually,
we, as humans, are only capable of doing rational and logical acts,
regardless of the power and ability we possess. In other words, man is
capable of drinking just as he is capable of not drinking, but he cannot
do both actions at the same time; i.e. to drink and not to drink, not
because he is incapable of doing that, but because the act itself is
impossible, for nothing could happen and not happen in the same moment.
the concept of exaggeration
Q:
What is the concept of exaggeration, especially that there is some sort
of misunderstanding of certain concepts, and some consider that the
Imams (a.s.) are capable of creating and providing sustenance?
A:
Exaggeration refers to the state where people lift the state of
humanity from the infallibles and attribute some characteristics to
them, which belong neither to any form of miracles nor to certain honors
Allah had privileged them with, especially when such act is taken too
far by attributing Divine traits to them
Can dreams be interpreted?
Q: Do all our dreams have certain interpretations or they are merely reflections of the subconscious mind?
A:
Most dreams are reflections of the subconscious mind, yet some of them
might be true, but we do not possess the means to confirm that.
Actually, interpreting dreams does not have fixed religious rules; but
rather, it is a mere personal judgment by the one interpreting the
dream.
The place of burial of Sayyeda Zeinab (a.s.)
Q:
There exist three narrations on the place of burial of Sayyeda Zeinab
(a.s.): Ash-Sham, Egypt, and Al-Madina, what is the reason behind the
multiplicity of these narrations, and why is Ash-Sham the place where
she was most likely buried, although it is difficult to believe that she
had returned to it?
A:
I, personally, do not encourage this kind of dispute. We are grateful
to have the Maqam (shrine) anywhere, whether in Ash-Sham, Egypt, or
Al-Madina…
When
we visit [the shrine of] Sayyeda Zeinab (a.s.), we ought to experience
her wide horizons; thus, it would not matter whether she was buried in
Ash-Sham, Egypt or Al-Madina. Actually, these shrines are places where
people remember and mention the Household Members (a.s.), through which
people open up to Islam. Thus, we disapprove of doubting where the
Household Members (a.s.) were buried.The aim behind the visit (Ziyarah)
to the shrine of Sayyeda Zeinab (a.s.) is not to sit and kiss the
shrine; but rather, it is to picture Sayyeda Zeinab (a.s.), and depict
her greatness, heroism, and piety, as well as the elevated status she
enjoyed and the courageous and bold stands she took for the sake of
[establishing] the right and justice. This is what we ought to inspire
from our visits to the shrines, so that they would not be mere
traditions and customs. When we visit Sayyeda Zeinab (a.s.), we ought to
look up to her mind, heroism and courage, and deduce lessons from them.
Is Hellfire their eternal abode?
Q:
Is it true that the abode of all non-Muslims, including the Christians,
will be Hellfire, although they are from the People of the Book?
A:
It is up to Allah to decide on who shall enter Heaven and who shall
enter Hellfire, and the Holy Quran says that Allah surely does not
forgive associating anything with Him, and besides that, he forgives
whomsoever He pleases. It is incumbent upon every human being to look
for the rightful religion amongst all the various religions and sects in
the world, especially that there exist essential differences between
Islam and Christianity. Islam calls for the belief that there is no God
but Allah, the One and Only, Who could not be embodied in any way and
Who begets not. However, Christianity calls for the belief that Allah is
three Divine persons embodied in one entity, for He is the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit, and that Allah descended from his kingdom to
earth personified in a human being to sacrifice himself for the sake of
[forgiving] people's sins. What view do you think is the right one?!
This is where our duty steps in, as we ought to examine the issue
thoroughly, so as to reach the ultimate truth, for if we do not, we
would actually be falling behind and neglecting the duty of knowing God,
the Creator.
Obligation of offering prayers later
Q:
I do not perform my prayers constantly, do I have to perform all the
prayers I have missed as a Qhada', knowing that I am 24 years old now?
Is there any solution other than actually praying them, such as paying
atonement (Kaffara)?
A:
You ought to perform all the prayers you have missed, and the only
atonement you can offer is praying for Allah's forgiveness whilst
performing the prayers you have missed… Allah is the All-Forgiving, the
Most Merciful.
Was evil created by Allah?
Q:
Was evil created by Allah, the Most High, the Most Exalted? If He did
create evil, how could that be while He can never be the source of evil
as mentioned in the Holy Quran?! And if He did not create evil, how can
we interpret the following Ayah: "Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the
dawn from the evil of what He has created"?
A:
Allah, the Most High, the Most Exalted, created the universe with all
its norms, laws, and systems, which, all in all, is good for man.
However, the nature of the limited matter necessitates having certain
negative aspects, for there is no such thing as hundred percent good. On
the contrary, there are certain negative aspects, which man calls evil,
for they would seem harmful from a certain angle. However, this evil
could be good when regarded from a different angle. Thus, scholars say
that there exists no absolute evil; but rather, evil is relative, as
this same evil could be regarded as evil from a certain angle, and good
from another angle.
Advice for marriage
Q: What would you advise a girl who is about to get married?
A:
We advise her to step into other people's life in a calm and natural
manner. She should not meddle in the affairs of her husband's family
that are of no concern to her, just as she should not let her parents
meddle in her own affairs with her husband. Moreover, she ought to be
committed to the line of faith and piety throughout her life.
Waking up for the night prayer
Q: What can we do and what should we avoid in order to be able to wake up to perform the night prayer?
A:
In any act of worship, one ought to be determined to perform it
regularly and commit himself to it. Sleeping early could help you in
waking up to perform the night prayer.
Separating religion from the state
Q:
Some non-religious groups, secularists, and modernists claim that the
progress of the European, American and Asian nations was due to the fact
that these nations rejected religions and held on to science. They also
claim that there is no way for the Islamic and Arab nation to progress
except by discarding religion and preventing it from intervening in the
public affairs and limiting its practice to the places of worship and
homes. Moreover, they allege that when Europe was subjected to the rule
of religion and popes, it only reaped wars, backwardness and
destruction. What do you say about that?
A:
This is not a new matter, for several intellectuals, influenced by the
western culture, have called for adopting the slogan of separating
religion from the state… Actually, such calls embody hoaxes and
falsehood, for the experience that succeeds in a certain time and place
does not mean that it will succeed in every time and place. Moreover,
the western countries had called for the separation of a certain form of
religious rule from the state and preventing its interference in the
government, politics, and literary issues and the like; that form which
was marked with the predominance of clerics and theologists (in the
sense that was prevalent in the seventeenth century). That form of
religious rule was what deterred any attempt for scientific progress and
limited the freedom of scientific thought and other aspects, which were
prevalent in the era of backwardness that Europe was plunged in
throughout the three known centuries in its history… This does not apply
at all to Islam which calls for adopting science, encouraging
development and progress, and promoting openness on the other…
Investing a certain dark historic era and trying to project it on all
historic eras can never be accepted.
Organ Donation
Q: Is it permissible to donate one's organs after death?
A: Yes, it is permissible to donate body organs after death.
Women's veil in the Quran
Q: Does the Quran contain proofs which state that is obligatory on women to wear the veil, as it is common nowadays?
A:
Allah says: "O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the
women of the believers that they let down upon them their over-garments;
this will be more proper, that they may be known, and thus they will
not be given trouble; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful," (33:57), and:
"And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and
guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments except what
appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings over their
bosoms, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or
their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the
sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or
their sisters' sons, or their women, or those whom their right hands
possess, or the male servants not having need (of women), or the
children who have not attained knowledge of what is hidden of women; and
let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their
ornaments may be known; and turn to Allah all of you, O believers, so
that you may be successful!" (24:31). This indicates that the woman
ought to cover her body and feminine beauty features, except the face,
palms and feet, as mentioned in the noble traditions. Moreover, there
exists a consensus amongst Muslims on the obligation of wearing the
veil, without imposing a certain form (code of dress), as long as it
covers the body as mentioned.
Are women deficient in mind, shares and faith?
Q: Is it true that Imam Ali (a.s.) said: "Women are deficient in mind, deficient in shares and deficient in faith"?
A:
We have reservations on the authenticity of these sayings attributed to
the Commander of the faithful (a.s.), for not accepting the testimony
of one woman has nothing to do with the mind and any deficiency in it;
but rather, it is linked to the woman's soft emotions. Had not accepting
her testimony been related to a deficiency in her mind, them demanding
the testimony of another woman does not complete her mind and render
their joined minds one complete mind. As regards the deficiency in faith
that is justified by their abstention from prayers and fasting during
their menstrual period, it does not embody actually any deficiency for
they leave these acts out of obedience to Allah Who ordained them to do
so. As regards deficiency in their shares (inheritance), it is
justified by the fact that women are not obliged to provide for their
family financially; whereas, the man should.
Do Hellfire and Heaven exist?
Q: What is the proof on that Hellfire and Heaven do exist?
A:
After believing in Allah, the Most High, through the innate nature and
reason, we believe in the Messenger of Allah, through the miracle he
made and clear proofs. Consequently, one ought to believe in the unseen
that Muhammad, As-Sadiq (the truthful) Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and the
undoubtful Holy Book had talked about. Moreover, the Holy Quran and the
other Heavenly books mention Heaven, Hellfire, Judgment, Angels and the
Hereafter, knowing that the Last Day is necessary to realize Divine
justice.
Status of Imam Al-Hussein (a.s.)
Q:
We heard a religious scholar saying in a lecture: "Visiting Imam
Al-Hussein (a.s.) in his grave, is like visiting Allah in His Throne,"
and some of us criticized that as it is impermissible to consider that
Al-Hussein and Allah are of an equal status. Moreover, pointing out the
possibility that man can visit Allah in His Throne contradicts with the
Ja'afari jurisprudence which conclusively refuses to describe any of the
traits of Divinity, but the lecturer said that it is used
metaphorically. What is your opinion on that?
A:
The problem lies in the fact that the following Ayah: " Say: "Shall we
tell you of those who lose most in respect of their deeds? Those whose
efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were
acquiring good by their works?" applies to such people.
Do not go near prayer when you are intoxicated
Q:
Was this Holy Ayah: "Do not go near prayer when you are intoxicated"
directed to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.)?
A:
This can never be true, for Imam Ali (a.s.) is infallible and purified
and cleansed from [committing] sins and wrongdoings. Moreover, we have
discussed this narration, mentioned by certain scholars, in a scientific
manner in our book "Interpretations [inspired] from the Holy Quran" and
we have revoked it.
Chatting between opposite sexes
Q: Am I allowed to chat with a male over the phone or via the internet?
A:
This is not forbidden if the lawful restraints are taken into
consideration; however, it is preferred to avoid it, making sure not to
be entrapped by certain arousing instants and sexual instincts that
violate these restraints.
Sufism and 'Irfan
Q:
Those who follow Sufism do certain things that I do not like, such as
mentioning the word "breast" out loud, and shaking while they do the
mentioning, in a collective manner. What do you say about that? What is
your opinion on the 'Irfan of the Household Members (a.s.)?
A:
It is impermissible to join such groups, and 'Irfan (literally
"knowing") signifies getting to know Allah, the Most High, and reach out
to him through the Quran and the fixed noble Sunnah, through the
traditions of the Prophet (p.) and the methodology of the Household
Members (a.s.), by relying upon their jurisprudence and the authentic
supplications and mentionings, and following their path of piety,
devoutness and sublime Islamic morals.
Dowry: Not a price for the woman
Q:
Some women say that the dowry paid for the wife degrades her, for she
would be treated as a merchandise whose emotions are bought in exchange
for a certain amount of money. What is your opinion on that?
A:
The dowry is not a price for the woman; but rather, it is, as Allah
says, a gift, for He says: "And give women their dowries as a free gift,
but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it,
then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result." (04:04). The
dowry could be a copy of the holy Quran or teaching one of its Surahs or
the like, knowing that it is up to the couple to agree on it.
Sex education
Q: Does Islam say that teenagers need to be sexually educated? Why?
A:
Indeed, they need that, yet to the extent that conforms to their age,
and consequently their awareness and ability to understand the terms and
expressions used in sex education. Thus, they ought to acquire such
education in a scientific instructional manner, so as to educate them on
sex in a way that removes any obscurity from their minds in what they
need to know, ask about and experience as they reach puberty and sexual
changes take place in their bodies. It is impermissible to instruct them
using a pornographic sexual method, which arouses instincts and drives
them to try these experiments, which leads to wrongdoings, deviation and
vice, especially amidst this youth environment that is plunged with
temptations and elements of arousement.
Muslims in western societies
Q: What is the responsibility of the Muslim here in the West and what is the best and most important thing he ought to do?
A:
One of the most important things is that the Muslim ought to manifest a
bright image of Islam, its morals, justice and good way of treating
others. Moreover, a Muslim ought to preserve his religious commitment
and avoid deviation and indulgence in corrupt ambiences, and to preserve
the welfare of his family.
Emulation in the doctrines
Q:
It is known that emulation should be done in issues related to the
branches of the religion. However, in the issues of principles, such as
unification, prophethood and the like, it is impermissible to emulate a
certain religious authority; but rather, one ought to look into the
matter thoroughly and get to know everything about it. Thus, we
understand, that as a well-educated and conscious youth, we can express
our opinions concerning many issues related to the principles of
religion, such as unification, the Imamate, the virtues of the Imams and
other Islamic issues. We also understand that we can revoke the
opinions of our religious scholars on these issues, and even disagree
with them according to our knowledge and views; thus, it is
impermissible to follow a certain religious authority in such issues. Is
that true? What is the principle that controls this issue?
A:
Indeed, it is impermissible to perform emulation in such issues, for
what is required is to believe in them and be sure and certain about
them; however, he who wishes to express his opinion ought to be
qualified to do that and well-versed in the Islamic texts represented by
the Holy Book and the Sunnah, which help in forming the right image of
the pillars on which religion was based… It must be noted that in
certain matters, one ought to refer to the experts, just as one does
when the issue is difficult and controversial, especially if the issues
in question were related to unification and the traits of Allah, the
Most High, the Most Exalted… The controlling principle is that man ought
to be able to reach full conviction based on evidences and proofs and
not on desires and fanaticisms.
Running the Universe
Q: Can the Imam run the universe?
A:
The Imam can run the affairs of the people, if the people choose to
help him in the process, for this could not be done by coercion; but
rather, it takes place with the people's consent… The Imam has nothing
to do with the Universe; thus, it is meaningless to ask if the Imam can
run it or not… The affairs of the universe are up to Allah, the Most
Exalted, and to Him only
What is infallibility?
Q: What is the definition of infallibility? Are the infallibles born infallible?
A:
Infallibility is a grace that Allah privileges His servant with,
through which He makes him abstain from committing sins, although he is
capable of doing so and without depriving him of the ability to make a
choice. Moreover, infallibility extends throughout his entire life.
The mind and the heart
Q:
Allah says in His Holy Book in Al-Hajj Surah: "Have they not travelled
in the land so that they should have hearts with which to understand?
For surely it is not the eyes that are blind, but blind are the hearts
which are in the breasts." What is meant by the heart?
A:
The heart referred to in this Ayah signifies the mind, intellect, core
and the like, and it definitely does not signify the vital organ that
pumps blood.
Cheating in exams
Q: Is it allowed to cheat in school or university exams, for any reason whatsoever?
A: This is impermissible, and the student ought to work hard and study well so as to reach success
Congregational supplication
Q:
Every Friday night in the mosque, one of the believers recites Kumayl
Supplication before a crowd of believers who follow up with him. Do the
traditions of Ahl El-Beit (a.s.) include any indication on the virtue of
reciting the supplication in congregation? Which is better: recite the
supplication individually or in congregation?
A: Indeed, this is mentioned in several traditions that urge the believers on gathering to recite the supplication
At-Tawassul Supplication
Q:
What is your opinion, Your Eminence, in At-Tawassul (Soliciting)
Supplication which gives each member of Ahl El-Beit the power of
intercession, as mentioned in the following quotation from the
supplication: "We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy
before Allah; we put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah.
Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us," and other similar
quotes?
A:
At-Tawassul supplication is not established to be authentic, especially
in terms of its content, as it is not acceptable to beseech or solicit
anyone other than Allah, even if one is asking for intercession. One
ought to invoke Allah by the intercession of the Imams
Islamic unity
Q: What is meant by Islamic unity? Could such unity be actually achieved on the ground?
A:
Islamic unity is manifested by the proximity of Muslims of all sects,
by cooperating, supporting each other and conducting a dialogue over
what they could be in agreement about, in an ambience of cordiality and
openness to the other. Actually, this could be achieved, and it is
already achieved, over ages, in several countries, and to different
extents. Every believer ought to support this state of unity and take
part in its process as much as he could; thus, exerting every effort for
what brings about cordiality and avoiding saying or doing what could
lead to partition. Despite the huge negligence of the governments that
could actually play a big role in establishing unity, each of the
believers in his house and neighborhood, can participate in what brings
about benefit and good to the society.
The Big Bang and religion
Q:
I would like to know the points of differences and similarities between
science and religion on the issue of the Big Bang. Science says: the
universe as one entity, and after the Big Bang, stars, planets and the
earth were formed. The earth took thousands of years to be in today's
form. However, religion says that Allah, the Most High, the Most
Exalted, formed the earth in seven days.
A:
The Holy Quran did not mention accurate scientific details on the
process of the formation of earth and the heavens; but rather, it
generally mentions that the formation took place in phases, which is
approved and not contradicted by science. The Holy Quran might also have
included indications on the Big Bang theory, for Allah says: "Do not
the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together
(as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from
water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" The acts of
joining together and cloving asunder comply with the Big Bang theory
that is still a subject of debate and dispute amongst scientists.
Generally, religion is not concerned with natural scientific issues; but
rather with putting down recommendations for enhancing the individual
and social behavior; thus, there would be no contradiction between
science and religion as long as each of them sticks to its own field
The Quran and science
Q: What do you say to all those who claim that the Quran goes against science?
A:
This talk is baseless and it is the result of ignorance in the nature
and role of the Quran and the nature and role of science. The Quran is a
book of guidance, and at the same time it urges people to think and
look into the matters thoroughly; two traits that the scientific method
is characterized with, so where does such contradiction lie? Indeed,
some might try to point out that certain connotations in the Ayats
contradict with certain scientific facts, which includes hidden attempts
that aim at offending the Quran. On the other hand, there are several
important studies that participated in defending the Quran and revoking
the claims of its critics, especially in such an issue.
The formation of Earth
Q:
I am a university student. We are taught that there are many evidences
that support the idea that the age of earth is over 4,6 billion years,
as proven by several scientific studies. What do you say about that,
especially that the Quran mentions that earth was created in six days;
whereas, science says that it took millions of years to be formed?
A:
The holy Quran is not a book of science. Perhaps what is meant by the
days is the time phases that the process of the earth formation took.
Determining the fetus's sex
Q:
Allah says in the Holy Quran: "He creates what He pleases; He grants to
whom He pleases daughters and grants to whom He pleases sons." Who is
responsible for determining the sex of the fetus? Is selecting the sex
of the fetus from in-vitro fertilization forbidden?
A: Choosing the sex through scientific methods is not forbidden, for Allah enabled man of the knowledge and means to do so.
Marriage: A predestined fate?!
Q:
Is marriage from a specific partner predestined as they say. Could not a
person who falls in love with someone and wishes to marry him, actually
marry him? Is the partner of every person in this world chosen by
Allah?
A:
Marriage and choosing a partner is left for the choice of the human
being, and Allah would bless this marriage or direct it according to His
Own will
Plastic surgeries
Q:
Thanks to Allah, I was born beautiful, but I cannot smile. Perhaps,
this case is due to weakness in the jaw muscles. Is it permissible for
me to perform a plastic surgery as part of a medical treatment?
A:
This is permissible provided that the legal limits during the treatment
are taken into consideration, meaning that the operation should be
performed by a female doctor, since direct contact will take place or
the doctor will have to see certain parts of the woman that a foreigner
is forbidden from seeing, unless a female doctor was not available and
the operation constitutes a dire need to remove any hardship.
The woman's veil
Q:
Is wearing the veil (covering the hair) obligatory on the woman in
Islam? I have read in several books that wearing the veil is merely a
traditional practice by ancient tribes, and it was transmitted to us in
the name of religion and Islam… and I have searched for an explicit
proof in the Quran but
I found none. What do you say about that?
A:
A woman should wear the veil, not only in the sense of covering the
hair, but also the entire body and the feminine beauty features, except
the face, palms and the feet. The Quran includes a clear explicit text
on the obligation of wearing the veil, which enjoys the consensus of all
Muslims, and is considered part of the fundamental rulings in the
Islamic Shariah. Allah says: "And say to the believing women that they
cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display
their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their
head-coverings over their bosoms, and not display their ornaments except
to their husbands or their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands,
or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or
their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or those
whom their right hands possess, or the male servants not having need (of
women), or the children who have not attained knowledge of what is
hidden of women; and let them not strike their feet so that what they
hide of their ornaments may be known; and turn to Allah all of you, O
believers, so that you may be successful!" (24:31).
Forbiddances by the legislator
Q: What are the acts that were deemed forbidden by the legislator and that were not mentioned in the Quran?
A:
No one can forbid what Allah has not forbidden in His Book, except what
was forbidden in the noble Sunnah, which could be understood from the
general lines of the Book or specific cases based on general rules.
How to persuade a child to pray
Q:
How can I persuade a twelve-year old boy to pray? Is it permissible to
beat him up or hit him slightly, if he refuses to pray?
A:
You should use a patient, wise and lenient method with him.
Accompanying some friends and relatives to the mosque and participating
in scout and recreational religious activities might be useful for him.
Is this true?
Q:
Is it true that the Jinns could possess man and influence him and his
life? What is your opinion in the following Ayah: "Whom the Evil one by
his touch Hath driven to madness" on which many base their opinion that a
Jinn can possess man?
A:
This is not true, and it has not been proven. The touch of the Evil
mentioned in this Ayah does not mean possession by the Jinn; but rather,
it signifies the temptations and whisperings of Satan. Thus, Allah
would never make Satan possess the human being in the way people believe
it to be.
Al-Bayan sermon
Q: Is Al-Bayan sermon narrated about Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib (a.s.) authentic?
A:
It is not proven that this sermon could be attributed to the Commander
of the Faithful (a.s.); but rather, it is falsified, because it includes
certain connotations that could never be attributed to him as they are
against the doctrine of unification and contradict with his style of
speech.
Sayyeda Az-Zahraa (a.s.): An ordinary person
Q:
Is it true that Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Fadlullah says that Fatima
Az-Zahraa (a.s.) is an ordinary woman? What does he mean by that?
A:
This is what Allah says about His Prophet "Say: I am but a [mortal] man
like yourselves." What I meant here is that the Prophet or the Imam is
an ordinary man in his humanity and human characteristics. Allah chose
from amongst His human servants messengers, and He did not choose any
angel or other creatures for this mission. As for the aspect of belief,
grace and infallibility in their lives, they are the chosen, selected
and preferred individuals whom Allah has bestowed with infallibility and
the appropriate qualifications for their missionary position
