The people of Basrah had forwarded certain questions telegraphically to the late Marja, Raeesul Fuqaha, Ayatullah al Udhama Sheikh Muhammad Husain Naeni (R.A.). He gave the following answer:

 

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful. To the people of Basrah and its surroundings: After salutations and greeting to the respected people of Basrah and its suburbs: We have received your several letters and telegrams asking us to give our ruling on the matter of processions which are taken out to mourn and grieve the martyrs of Kerbala, and on other aspects relevant to them. As we have returned safely to Najaf, all praise to Allah, we write the answer to those questions by clarifying the following points:

First, taking out the mourning procession on the day of Ashura and other similar occasions, on the streets and public roads is undoubtedly permissible, and is a matter of preference. It is one of the best manifestations of our mourning and grief for the oppressed martyrs, and the best way of propagating the Husaini Mission far and wide. However, it is imperative that in such acts of reverence, people refrain from improper practices like music or use of its instruments or engaging in undue competition and rivalry and things like that. And if such practices occur, they would be deemed haram, though it does not in any way affect the procession itself. It is just like someone who stares at Na-Mahram while he is praying. The act will be a forbidden one but the prayers are not there by invalidated.

Secondly, there is no objection to beating cheeks and chest till they show redness or blackness. It is also permitted to hit one's back with chains to that extent, or, even if a little blood comes out. As to hitting one's front part of the head with the sword, it is allowed if it does not entail extra ordinary danger. It should be confined bleeding, without harming the skull bones, nor causing excessive bleeding, the same way as experienced and trained people do. However, if one does it carefully, yet in a dvertently harms himself by excessive bleeding, that would be a forbidden act, like one who did Wudhu, Ghusl or kept a fast believing that it was safe for him and then it turned out to be harmful. However, it is better, in fact Ahwat that only experienced and trained people engage in such acts. The youths who in their intense grief, love and emotions for Imam Husain (a.s.) exceed the limit and as a result carelessly harm themselves, should refrain from such acts. May Allah keep them steadfast on the right path, in this world and here after.

Thirdly, apparently there is no objection to bringing out symbols, semblances and other illustration Shabeeh, as has been customary among the Imamiya Shias during the last several centuries, even if it involves men wearing women's dress. This is done with the purpose of inciting sorrow and grief. Though we had earlier hesitated about men wearing women's dress and had put in some limitations on the matter of shabeeh in our Fatwa issued four years ago, but we have revised our view. On second thought, we are convinced that it is haram for a man to wear women's dress, by adopting it as a permanent mode of dress. But if it is worn for a brief occasion without adopting it as an attire, the way it is done during these shabeeh, it is not objectionable. We have added this to our latest notes on al-Urwah al-Wuthqa. Yes it is necessary that people refrain from committing acts which are forbidden though I have mentioned earlier that it would not affect the practice of bringing out shabeeh.

             Fourth, the drums which are used in such processions, (though we have not been able to investigate its significance) are also permissible if they are meant for mourning, or calling people to assemble or to warn those who are mounted, or to rhyme with the shouts and clamour which is traditional among Arabs and provided that they are not used for rejoicing or amusement. Allãh knows best.[1]

Muhammed Husain al-Gharawi al-Naeni

5^th Rabiul Awwal 1345 A.H.

 

1. Views expressed by Ayatullah al Udhama Sayyid Muhsin al Hakim TabaTabai (R.A.) on the above Fatwa of Ayatullah al Udhama Sheikh Muhammad Husain Naeni (R.A.).

In the name of Allah, the Merciful and for giving. The subject matter elucidated by our great master is succinct, and has extreme clarity. In fact it is so clear that it hardly needs any supplementary Fatwa to support it further. It is felt that criticisms have been levelled against acts which are contrary to the spirit of Azadari and expression of grief toward Imam Husain b. Ali (a.s.). It is incumbent upon Mu'mineen to try and refrain from such practices which give occasion for criticism to the enemies of Imam Husain (a.s.). It is absolutely necessary to perpetuate the grief and weeping over the great tragedy and to help the continuity of these sacred signs. May Allah bless us with His Guidance. Upon Him we depend, and unto Him we return

Muhsin al Tabatabai al Hakim

2nd Muharram 1367 A.H.

 

 

 

 

 

2. View expressed by Ayatullah al Udhama Sayyid Abul Qasim al Khui (R.A.) on the above Fatwa of Ayatullah al Udhama Sheikh Muhammad Husain Naeni (R.A.).

In the name of Allah, Most High. The answers given by our master, to the questions put forward by the people of Basrah, are correct, and it is permissible to act accordingly. And we pray to Allah to guide all Mu'mineen to venerate and respect the religious symbols, and to refrain from such acts which are forbidden.

Abul Qasim al Musavi al Khui.

 

 

1. Ayatullah al Uzma Haj Sayyid Abul Qasim Moosavi Al Khoie

"Performing azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) is a part & portion of His (a.s.) mission because declaring the zulm (oppression) of zalim (oppressor) and mazloomiyat of mazloom (oppressed) is exactly the Deen."

2. Ayatullah al Uzma Sayyid Roohullah Khominie

“Life of nation lies in Azadari. Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) granted salvation to Islam, and protected its eminence from being trampled by kissing martyrdom. So holding majalis-e-aza to commemorate Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.)'s martyrdom is a source of everlastingness and immortality of Islam. Those who oppose these majalis, oppose Islam. They are totally unaware of Islam's reality. It is Azadari-e-Sayyid-ush- Shuhada (a.s.), which has given protection to Islam till today. Seena zani (beating chest), nohay, lamentation and cries are the very secrets of our success.”

3. Ayatullah Abdullah Majeed Faqeehi Barojurdi

"All marasim-e-aza are from among the sha'a'ir Allah (signs of Allah). And to respect sha'a'ir Allah is piety."

4. Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Ali Kazmaini Barojurdi
"Marasim-e-Aza (azadari rites) are not only mustahab (desirable) rather they are obligatory."

5. Ayatullah al Musleh al Sheikh Muhammad Hussain     Aal Kashif Ul Ghita
"By God, Azadari is the gate of ample blessings of Allah, and the boat of salvation (kashti-e-najat) which protects from every destruction and trouble. Who is he and what sort of power is that, which could shut this open gate of Divine blessings and intercept this great mean & source, which leads towards Allah"

6. Ayatullah al Uzma Sayyid Mohsin Tabatabae Hakeem

"Performing Azadari is a source of connection with the Guides of deen, of verdure and fertility of emaan, elevation and magnificence of deen and expression of Sha'a'ir-e-Deen (signs of religion). If this amoor-e-azadari (majalis-e-aza, mourning, azadari processions, matam, zanjeer zani and quma zani etc) are not to be performed, irreligiousness would get popularization".

7. Ayatullah al Uzma Sayyid Muhammad Raza Gulpaigani
"Due to the blessings of Azadari, people get awareness of their rights. It is a source, by dint of which mission of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the aim of Risaalat (prophet hood) is being revived. In fact Azadari is Deen (religion). The pure and sinless Aaimmah (a.s.) had said: "perform Azadari-e-Imam Hussain(a.s.) to stand against tyranny and despotism". This is Azadari which gave birth to the biggest revolutions, shaked the basis of palaces of tyranny of Umayyad rule, redressed the grievance of oppressed and rooted out the oppressor."

8. Ayatullah al Uzma Mamqani
"These are the rites of Azadari, by virtue of which thousands of misled have become righteous."

9. Ayatullah al Uzma Haj Sayyid Mohammad Haadi Meelani
“Azadari and its rites only are the most important means of promotion and thriveness of deen. Which one is that pen which could duly and properly write down the supremacy, praise, virtues and the effects of His (a.s.) qayaam? Khandaan-e-Ismat-o- Taharat is a divine sign from among the divine signs and Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the mazloom son of that mazloom father that no one is there to take their qisas (revenge) but Allah."

10. Ayatullah al Uzma Sayyid Abdullah Sherazi
" Rites of Azadari of Ahle-Bayt-e-Ismat- o-Taharat (a.s.) are from among the most important sha'air-e-deeniya (signs of deen) and are the excellent and most prominent deeds which will provide ground for more and more reward in Akhira (the hereafter). These lead the whole Muslim nation in general and shia nation in particular towards the achievement of great success and creation of revolutions."

11. Ayatullah al Haj Sayyid Abdul Aala Sabzwari

"The respect, promotion and eternity of sha'air-e-Hussainiyat (Hussaini signs) is from among the most powerful and important means of liberation because Rites of Azadari are from sha'air Allah (signs of Allah)"

12. Ayatullah Sayyid Mirza Al Khurasaani Al Ha'eri
"Performing Azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) all of this is from the desired sources of nearness to Allah, a great success and eternal reward in this world and the hereafter, and whatever has been said or written against it, it is nothing but venom spitting of Ummayad and enmity of marvanis. Revival of sha'air's (signs) respect is the promotion of Islam, presevation of Islamic signs and manifestation of Islamic lights."

13. Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Jawad Tabatabai Tabrezi
"Azadari Rites of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn-e-Ali (a.s.) in whatever manner they are, all are the more effective means for Islam's greatness, magnificence and protection. For that very reason enemies of Islam are making ambush but they are not able to snatch this great dawat (invitation) from the people."

14. Ayatullah Al Uzma Muhammad Bin Al Mehdi Hussaini Sherazi
"Azadari of Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the very base of our religion and we want to protect Islam through it. Azadari rites are the sources of salvation for weak and helpless people from tyrant rulers. In whatever manner, sha'air-e-Hussaini are, they are superior and source of sawaab (reward)"

15. Ayatullah Ali Al Hussain Al Asfahani Al Faani
"We consider matam and sha'air-e- Hussainia the nearest means for nearness to Allah Almighty and reaching towards Rasool (peace of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and Aaimmah Huda (a.s.) because through it mission of these sinless guides get revived. Thrive ness of divine message and promotion of Ahkaam-e-sharia is the fruit of performing Sha'air-e-Hussaini. It creates unity and harmony in the ranks. I consider these sha'air a reply to istaghasa-e-Imam-e- Mazloom (a.s.)"

16. Ayatullah Al-Uzma Aqae Al Haj Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq Roohaani
"Azadari is an effective weapon against oppression. Azadari processions are a source from among the Hussaini sources and a gate from among the gates of Heaven (Jannat). Qayaam of Sayyid-ush-shuhada (a.s.) and His sacred sacrifices happened to be the source of religion's revival after its destruction .if it was not being done then their would be nothing remained of Islam but its name and of Quran but just a written thing."

17. Ayatullah Sheikh Muhammad Raza Tibsi Nahfi
"All rites of azadari are religious signs (sha'a'ir), and to respect sha'a'ir Allah is a sign of piety of hearts."

18. Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Waheedi Tabrezi
"It should not be hidden that in praising Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.), describing the factors of His Qayaam (coming out), lamenting over His (a.s.) sufferings, and in holding majalis such a great reward lies that the tongue and pen are unable to describe it. To respect the Azadari rites is a religious want and a source of reward. Weak and helpless of the world could be get freed by virtue of these azadari rites."

19. Ayatullah Al Uzma Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Gharvi Asfahani
"Why these Azadari rites would not be the source of reward, hence just Azadari-e- Mazloom-e-Karbala (a.s.) and its rites have been the only and only source of unity of the nation, propagation of religion and promotion of Kalma-e-Haq in the past, present and will be in future."

20. Ayatullah Hasan Qummi Tabatabae
"Majalis-e-Azadari are the only source which gathers the people on a platform and make them aware of religious teachings."

21. Ayatullah Al Uzma Sayyid Asad Ullah Moosavi Dazfoli
"Azadari rites cause honour, dignity and respect. They are national sign and from among those important Sha'a'ir, Aaimmah (a.s.) had again and again advised for. Mission-e-Masumeen (a.s.) is alive due to these azadari rites, and lesson of qayaam-e- haq against Baatil lies in it. In fact maraasim-e-aza (azadari rites) is Maktab-e- hle Bayt (a.s.)."

22. Ayatullah Aaqae Raza Madni Kashani
"The topmost objective of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) was the protection and prosperity of Islam. So performing Azadari is from among the most important wajibaat."

23. Ayatullah Hashim Aamli
"Azadari rites and description of sufferings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) has an effective role and contribution in the existence of Islam in general, and of Mazhab-e-Haqqa Isna Ashari, in particular."

24. Ayatullah Sheikh Murtaza Mutahheri
"Azadari rites (majalis-e-aza, mourning, azadari processions, matam, zanjeer zani quma zani etc) are a basic movement and a collective Elaan-e-Jehad. A single tear being flown in commemoration of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.)'s martyrdom, is also a Jehad (holy war)."

25. Ayatullah Al Uzma Al Sheikh Muhammad Ali Iraqi
"The most important result which is being obtained from Azadari is that: the listener feels that the blood which was caused to shed wrongfully, was the most sacred blood, and Ahle Bayte Ismat-o- Taharat (a.s.) were those holiest persons who were chained."

26. Ayatullah Sayyid Karamat Ullah Hussaini
"Enemies of Islam also are aware of the advantage of azadari rites and majalis-e-aza. For the development of an Elevated Goal, the elimination of Imperialism, the eradication of satanic powers and the establishment of Universal Islamic Rule, the protection of Azadari is very much necessary."

27. Ayatullah Al Uzma Aaqae Sayyid Shahab Ud Din Mar'ashi Najafi
"Qayaam of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the Divine Qayaam. Ummat had crossed the limits of oppression and cruelties over Him (a.s.). So amoor-e-azadari (holding majalis, description of sufferings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.), beating chest, zanjeer zani, quma zani etc) should be performed as in the past. Rather to perform these amoor in the present day world is from among the zarooriyaat-e-deeniya and a source of enhancement in reward."

28. Ayatullah Sayyid Murtaza Pasandeeda Khomenie
"To observe the azadari days of Aaimmah-e-Ahle Bayt (a.s.) is compulsory and obligatory, and to leave them out is against the masaleh of ummah."

29. Ayatullah Sayyid Kazim Mar'ashi
"Arrangements of azadari rites, which is a source of success and blessings in this world and the hereafter is obligatory."

30. Ayatullah Sheikh Ali Ghazi Shahroodi
"Azadari-e-Ghareeb-e-Karbala (a.s.) is a worship from among the divine worships. Munkar of azadari and its rites is in fact a munkar of zaroorat-e-mazhabi (religious necessity)."

31. Ayatullah Allamah Sayyid Murtaza Askari
"To perform marasim-e-aza is a source of sawab (reward) and all rites of azadari are the promotion of sha'a'ir-e-deeniya (religious signs)."

32. Ayatullah Sayyid Taqi Tabatabai Qummi
"By virtue of performing azadari, reward and Allah's pleasure is being achieved. Azadari rites are sha'a'ir-e-deeniya and Maktab-e-Sayyid-Ul-Mursaleen (peace of Allah be upon Him and His Aal)."

33. Ayatullah Sayyid Mehdi Mar'ashi
"Azadari of Sayyid-e-Konain (lord of two worlds) is a kind of angelic lights. It has been, and will remain a source of integrity of shia school of thought, development of deen-e-mubeen, promotion of commands of Khatim ul Anbia(peace of Allah be upon him and his progeny), propagation of mazhab-e-jafariya in the Islamic world, establishment of justice and equity, opposition of tyranny and oppression, and annihilation of oppressor."

34. Ayatullah al Uzma Nasir Makaram Sherazi
"Azadari of pashwa'e Hurriyyat (guide of freedom), Salaar-e-Qafla (leader of the caravan), Talib-e-Shahadat (desirous of martyrdom) Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his companions who sacrificed each and every thing in the battle of Haq and Baatil in Karbala and preferred the red death of martyrdom than the black and dark life of disgrace, is a duty from among the duties of muslim ummah."

35. Ayatullah al Uzma Sayyid Muhammad Raza Barojurdi
"Azadari with all its kinds, is a source of development of sacred deen, Islam .The people who do not give importance to Azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Ahle- Bayt(a.s.) ,their Emaan (faith/belief) is declining."

36. Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Mehdi Moosavi Khalkhali
"Performing the rites of Azadari is the respect of sha'air Allah and revival of Aaimmah Ahle Bayt (a.s.)'s sacred mission. To commemorate Aaimmah Ahle Bayt (a.s.) whether it is under the title of Azadari or lamentation, is the life of religion and hatred to oppression .The effects of majalis-e-aza in the existence of Islam are evident till today."

37. Ayatullah al Uzma Aaqa'e Haj Sheikh Jawad Tabrezi
"Azadari of Aal-e-Muhammad (progeny of Hazrat Muhammad PBUH&His Aal) is from among the mustahab aamal (desireable deeds). These are the best means to promote Islam and to give public, awareness with the facts and realities of Islamic history."

38. Ayatullah Sayyid Hassan Moosavi Khadmi Asfahani    
"Azadari of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the most important of sha'a'ir-e-deeniya. Wonderful reward has been promised for azadari because shahadat-e-Imam mazloom (a.s.) is a maktab-e-fikr and a lesson."

39. Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslemeen Sayyid Murtaza Feroze Abadi
"Whoever raise a question or argue about istehbaab of azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) in the present day world, do it understand that there's something wrong with his deen, lineage and nobility or he has lost his head and gone mad."

40. Ayatullah Muhammad Fazil                                               "All azadari rites are the protectors of sacred qayaam of Imam-e-Mazloom (a.s.). The first and last objective of Imam Hussain (a.s.)'s qayaam (coming out) was only the revival of Islam .as just as the foundation of Islamic revolution of Iran is under obligation to azadari rites, in the same manner the development and promotion of this revolution will be achieved through azadari and rites of azadari."

41. Ayatullah Jafer Subhani
"Azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) is one of those Islamic mustahabbat, which have been emphasized by our guides and leaders of religion. Rites of azadari are the protector of the goal of Imam-e-mazloom (a.s.), the goal which is the creator of revolutions."

42. Ayatullah Muhammad Karmi
"Marasim-e-Azadari, being performed in connection with the great sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.), are sha'a'ir Allah and obligatory in every period and at every place. Publicizing the mazloomiyat-e- Imam (a.s.) to this extent that Arsh-e- Iqtadaar (throne) of disobedient and headstrong be shaken and trembled, is extremely necessary."

43. Ayatullah Muslim Malkooti Saraabi
"Azadari of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) which is one of great sha'a'ir-e-mazhabia, has become a particular sign of Mazhab-e- Haqqa. It would not be improper and wrong to say that the existence of shia maslak without any change and modification up till now, and the protection of Usool and Faru, are under obligation to these Marasim-e-Aza (azadari rites) and Azadari-e-Ghareeb-e- Karbala (a.s.)."

44. Ayatullah Hussain Noori
"Azadari rites are commendable and praiseworthy rather a source of reward. It is necessary for the whole Muslim ummah not only to observe this bloody incident of Aashoor every year but refresh it every moment so that the weak and have nots of this Maktab-e-Fikr be embraced with the freedom of fikr-o-amal (thinking and deed)."

45. Ayatullah Murtaza Ha'eri Yazdi
"Lamentation over Ghareeb-e-Karbala (a.s.) is from zarooriyaat-e-mazhab (requisites of deen)."

46. Ayatullah Mustafa Etamaadi
"Azadari of Sayyid-ush-Shuhada (a.s.) is a true path and divine fountainhead of bounty. Its legality is quite clear, evident and unambiguous in any form and condition. Protection of this heavenly reality is obligatory."

47. Ayatullah Muhammad Taqi Jaffery Tabrezi
"Azadari and Marasim-e-Azadari is a voice of expression of hearty feelings. Hussaini days have been the jhoomar (beauty) of history's forehead in the name of defending the honour of Islam."

48. Ayatullah Sayyid Mehdi Lajwardi
"Those who taunt Azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) are living in the heaven of fools. They are the enemies of deen and shariat and are wearing the tauq of curse of the true guides of Quran and Deen-e-Haq."

49. Ayatullah Mustafa Noori Ardbeli
"Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) is a standard bearer of freedom of thought, rather a divine representative and from Ashaab-e-Kisa (peace of Allah be upon them), in respect of whom Aaya-e-Tatheer was revealed. Beams of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.)'s qayaam are a lesson for whole Islamic world. Whole world should find out its way in the light of these beams and rays."

50. Ayatullah Aaqae Sheikh Abu Talib Tajleel
"Azadari of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the very foundation of shia school of thought as well as honour of sha'a'ir Allah. To hold majalis-e-aza and lament over His (a.s.)'s great sufferings reflects the love with The Holy Prophet (peace of Allah be upon Him& His Aal)."

51. Ayatullah Aaqae Haj Sayyid Hussain Moosavi Karmaani
"All effectiveness of karbala is due to the name of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) and it is Qayaam-e-Hussaini which gave life to deen. To hold majalis-e-aza and perform marasim- e-aza is the most important amar from among the amoor-e-deen."

52. Ayatullah Mohsin Haram Panahi
"Aza-e- (to mourn) Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the respect of sha'a'ir (signs), the revival of deen and the promotion of shariat."

53. Ayatullah Abbas Mahfoozi Gilani
"Majalis-e-Aza are the revival of Mission-e-Aal-e-Muhammad (peace of Allah be upon Them). These are the majalis which have been giving us protection since centuries."

Agha Sayyid Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi
To commemorate Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.), The Successor of Anbia (a.s.), and The Protector of Tauheed, Risaalat and Walayat. Karbala is the central point of all movements in action for achievement of independence all around the world. Karbala is the name of giving priority to honourable death over life in humiliation. Islam is an expression of Hussainiyyat while Hussainiyyat that in fact is the message of death for evil forces, is commensurate with Azadari. Azadari is a universal protest of oppressed against oppression. Azadari is our jugular vein; it is the soul of all Ibadaat (worships) while zanjeer zani and quma zani are the soul of Azadari. Any one, who will collide with the strong rock of Azadari, will become unidentified."

 

Answer by Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi (R.A.)

Question:  Could you please put more light on the question of Matam i.e. beating of chest and taking out the blood in Muharram.

Answer:  According to the Fatwa of Agha-e-Khoui it is allowed if it does not do harm to the health of person and is done within the limits of sheriat, i.e. Namaz and other wajib things are not sacrificed for Matam.[2]

 

Answer by Mulla Asgharali M.M.Jaffar

Question:  My question is that, what is the actual wording of the ruling of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Hussani Seestani (may he live long), on the issue of "Zanjeer Ma'tam"?

Answer:  Ayatullah Seestani permits zanjeer matam provided there is no fear of loss of life or causing irreversible injury to any limb.[3]

 

Question:  According to the Mujtahideens of our religion, What is the mutual consent over the issue of Zanjeer Ma'tam which is a kind of ma'tam ,inwhich backs of men in Pakistan, India and Lebanon are cut and bleed? Is it permissible or forbidden? Are fatwas available or a documented reference to where I could find such fatwas? I would really like the authentic proof of evidence since I have heard both sides with regards to its permissibility.

Answer:  In Iran, India and Pakistan, many books citing the opinions of previous Mujtahideen on this issue have been printed over the years. The consensus of the majority (although not all) of them is that it is permissible. I have seen one such book where the fatawa of great Ulema such as Mirza Husein Na'ini, Agha Ziyauddin Iraqi, Agha Muhsin al-Hakim,Agha Abul Qasim al-Khui and some others have been printed, allowing it.[4]