Why do some people oppose mysticism and the mystics making reference to ahadith (traditions)?

Recently we see an overt propagation going on in some religious websites and weblogs against mysticism and the mystics. In these websites, prominent figures like Allamah Tabatabai, Hasan Zadeh Amuli, Mulla Sadra, Hafiz Shirazi and Rumi Balkhi are openly insulted and derogatory words are used against them. As they claim, they are using traditions and narrations in their websites to denounce the mystics. Kindly, guide me in this regard.Concise ...

( 2022-06-18 18:57:15 )

Is calling on someone tantamount to worshipping him and to polytheism?

What has prompted this question to be posed is the outward meaning of some of the verses of the Qur’an, which seemingly prohibit invoking anyone other than Allah. ﴾ أَحَدًا اللهِ مَعَ تَدْعُوا فَلاَ للهِ الْمَسٰجِدَ وَأَنَّ ﴿ “The places of worship belong to ...

( 2022-06-15 17:19:31 )

Some of the incidents pertaining to the event of Karbala do not seem to be rational? How can they be justified?

complete question I am from Tehran. Today, March 26 2010 I received an email which raises doubts concerning the event of Karbala, one of the deeply rooted Shiite beliefs. Given the fact that your institute has some of the best researchers and experts in Islamic sciences and that replying to such questions is a part of its mission, I appeal you to deal with the question after you have studied it thoroughly. I pray to God, the Exalted, to grant ...

( 2022-06-14 10:51:51 )

The Miraculous Eloquence of The Qur'an

The Miraculous Eloquence of The Qur'anQ: If the literary fluency and eloquence of the Qur'an is beyond explanation in terms of ordinary reality, that is so only for Arab speaking people (non-Arabs are far removed from the language). Why do Muslims claim that the Qur'an is a miracle for all o f mankind? A: The miraculous semblance of the Qur'an is not limited to its literary fluency and eloquence, rather the Qur'an is miraculous from every ...

( 2022-06-11 04:41:36 )

Is it permissible to contract temporary marriage with a female who is not having her husband with her as he has been living abroad for about 5 years?

Office of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah grant him long life):Insofar as a woman is married to her husband – as in the given example – it is not permissible to marry her. In fact, if a woman has some differences with her husband who is not willing to divorce his wife and it is unbearable or extremely difficult for the woman to continue living with him in such a case she can turn to one of the representatives of a qualified ...

( 2022-06-09 06:56:02 )

Which has more reward, reciting the Quran from a hard copy of the Quran, or reading it on a computer screen or on a mobile screen?

Salamun alaykum, Which has more reward, reciting the Quran from a hard copy of the Quran, or reading it on a computer screen or on a mobile screen? ThanksConcise answerIf it is proved that in common view reciting from the hard copy of the Quran is regarded as different from reciting it on a digital screen, reciting a hard copy earns more reward but it does not seem that such a distinction is drawn out by custom. Hence, there should not be any ...

( 2022-06-08 21:35:23 )

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.

( 2022-06-08 10:41:49 )

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 ...

( 2022-06-07 17:00:19 )

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 that ...

( 2022-06-07 00:56:56 )

Are there any guidelines from the Ahlulbayt (as) suggesting any specific foods and diet for a child’s development apart from the mother’s milk?

We have at our disposal in the English language many ahadith (traditions) on the best practices and foods including duas, for the conception of a child and the duration it spends in its mother's womb. But are there any ahadith that you can shed light on in regards to the best practices for the first 2-4 years of a child's development? Have the Ahlulbayt (as) suggested any specific foods and diet apart from the mother's milk? Have they provided ...

( 2022-06-06 04:55:43 )

Why do jurisprudents and theologians oppose the notion of wahdat al-wujud?

1. The notion of 'wahdat al-wujud' [Unity of Being] is a monistic understanding of tawheed, the doctrine of oneness of God. It is considered one of the most fundamental concepts in mysticism and in mystical schools especially that of Ibn Arabi. According to this principle, existence [wujud] is a single and eternal reality which is no one other than God. No one other God has real existence. Whatever comes to our sight are in reality ...

( 2022-06-06 03:48:40 )

What is shafā‘ah [intercession], which you believe in?

Reply: Shafā‘ah [intercession] is one of the principles confirmed by Islam which has been acknowledged by all Muslim sects and schools of thought which abide by the Qur’an and Sunnah regardless of their different views about the outcome of shafā‘ah. Shafā‘ah means that an honorable person who enjoys special ...

( 2022-06-06 03:48:40 )

The Harmful effects of Pork on the Health of a person

Question: What is the harm in eating pork, that Islam has prohibited it, whereas Christians consume it with delight?Answer: The present age has realized that pork has many unimaginable dangerous effects. One who eats pork is affected in a dangerous way. It is also bad from the ethical point of view, which comes into existence with the Hormones, and also many more health matters. Here we will point to one harm, a disease called Trichinosis; whose ...

( 2022-06-04 05:37:54 )

What is meant by this saying of Imam Ali, "Do you suppose that you are only a small body, while the macrocosm is placed within you?"

( 2022-06-01 04:49:46 )

Who are the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (ṣ)?

Who are the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (ṣ)? The quoted traditions affirm that the Holy Prophet (ṣ) called upon all Muslims to follow his progeny, considering them, alongside the Book of Allah, as the authorities for people to refer to after his departure. He said very clearly: “The Qur’an and my progeny will never be separated from each other.” Now, because the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (ṣ) who are introduced by the Messenger of ...

( 2022-05-27 08:46:59 )

Please let me get a short sketch of the life, children and grandchildren of Imam Musa Kadhim (AS).

( 2022-05-26 10:26:24 )

Late Ayatollah Bahjat has been quoted as having said: "The aged ones of this era will witness the moment of the reappearance of the Imam of Time (atf)." What is your opinion concerning this saying of the late Ayatollah?

Late Ayatollah Bahjat has been quoted as having said: "The aged ones of this era will witness the moment of the reappearance of the Imam of Time (atf)." What is your opinion concerning this saying of the late Ayatollah?Concise answer We have enquired the office of late Ayatollah Bahjat about whether or not the Ayatollah had said those words and they denied that he had said them. Instead, His Eminence had said that whenever difficulties and ...

( 2022-04-15 05:59:05 )

The Value of Friendship

Love is a natural human feeling. It is for this reason we see every man is attracted by an internal power to other members of his kind. Thus, this instinctive need must be fulfilled and every one must establish brotherly relations with certain individuals or groups so as to benefit socially from such relations.Love is the foundation of security and comfort. It is the most enjoyable spiritual need which develops with time. There is not a more ...

( 2022-04-04 15:12:24 )

Did angels and jinns come to the help of Imam Hussein in Karbala? Why didn’t the Imam accept their offer?

I have heard from a scholar that a number of angels and jinns came to Karbala to help Imam Hussein (A.S.), but he refused to accept their offer. Is it true that they came and offered their help (before the Imam had entered the battlefield)? Does this story have any confirmation in our sources ? 2. If such a thing is true, please explain why Imam Hussein refused to accept their help?Concise answer Of course, this isn't something unusual and has ...

( 2022-04-04 10:51:53 )

What is the reason for mourning for Imam Hussein (a.s)?

Concise answer Moreover, it is the duty of all people to express their gratitude and thankfulness to those who endeavored selflessly and sacrificed their lives for the awakening and prosperousness of human societies. Hence, lamentation for Imam Hussein bin Ali (a.s.) is a kind of thanksgiving and appreciation for the sacrifices Imam Hussein (a.s.) and his companions made to awaken the humanity. Detailed Answer Therefore, these great incidents, ...

( 2022-03-30 04:57:58 )