Imam Ali Foundation

Statements
23 Thi Alhija 1440

The recommendations of the supreme religious authority to the speakers and orators on the occasion of the coming month of Muharram 1441

In the name of the Almighty

All thanks to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and His blessings are upon our Prophet Muhammad (sawas), the Divine prophets (as), and the purified members (as) of his progeny.

Our salutation on the favoured servants amongst His created individuals and His successor, i.e. the Imam of this current time, who is under occultation (may Allah hasten his appearance).
Peace be upon al-Hussain bin Ali (as), who is the master of all martyrs of this nation! Peace be upon he, who is the ideal example for sacrifice, redemption, nobility, courage, pride and all the high moral values of God and perfect humanity! Peace be upon the holy progeny, the devout friends and companions.

The holy month of Muharram is approaching, when the tragic memories of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as), along with the noble members of his family and his honourable companions, were mercilessly killed. It is an anniversary of the greatest tragic event, which reflects the oppression of the family members of the Prophet (sawas) of this nation, despite of the fact that they were the purified members of the Muslim Ummah (nation), and are made equal to the Qur'an. The Prophet (sawas) has strongly advised Muslims to respect their rights; however, they have been deprived of the status that has been ascribed to them by God, the Almighty. They were prevented from leading the Muslim nation (Ummah). They have even been persecuted and mercilessly killed, due to their resistance and rejecting to submit to injustice, falsehood and evil, but also because of their call for justice, truth and charity.
This anniversary reflects the profound sacrifice of Ahlul- Bait (as) for the sake of Almighty Allah, supporting rights and order, and for submitting to the principles of reason, wisdom, justice and charity. These principles are indeed the purpose behind all Divine prophets and messengers (as), as the Qur’an states: "We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. (Holy Qur’an, C. Al-Hadid: V. 25).
The Imams of Ahlul-Bait (as) have strongly recommended us to commemorate this anniversary by organising meetings to recite dirges remembering the calamities and tragedies that have befallen them in order to remind the believers about the various moral challenges facing them and to emotionally feel their suffering and strengthen the support and solidarity with the oppressed. So it is a matter of moral duty upon the believers to comply with their will and -in accordance to their affection- to support them. One should participate in those religious gatherings, and each one of them shall feel the sorrow that has befallen Ahlul-Bait (as), exactly as they have suffered. One has to adhere to the recommendations of the sacred texts in loving them, and considering them like his family, and to consider what has happened like it happened to his own family, and to feel it with mercy, love, and sadness. Almighty Allah (swt), His Divine Prophet (sawas) and Ahlul-Bait (as) are dearer to the believer than himself and his family members.

Speakers and orators should emphasise mentioning the sacrifices and calamities, especially during these days of the month of al-Muharram, to be the crucial symbols and the significant cry of the commemorations, as indeed these are the purpose and the fundamental starting points behind them. Through reciting those dirges, the hearts of the believers are fonder of Ahlul Bait (as), and the blessings of Almighty Allah (swt) are descending on the believers, by strengthening their faith, turning their faith onto a profound level and to stimulate them to do good deeds, do charity and perform righteous acts.
The commemoration of the tragedy of al-Taff in Karbalah has become a beacon to remembrance of Almighty Allah (swt), reviving His teachings and remembering His saints. These gatherings are the direct cause for reviving the positive role of religion and the preservation of the Islamic teachings and values in the hearts of the followers of Ahlul-Bait (as) amongst other Muslims. As such, these are perfect opportunities for the scholars -may Almighty Allah guide them for further success- to preach righteous moral values and communicate the call for truth and Almighty Allah (swt), Prophet Muhammad (sawas) and Ahlul-Bait (as), while reminding all Muslims about their Divine status.
Indeed it is the perfect institution that must be preserved, maintained, while fulfilling the wisdom behind it and making good use of it the receiving the philosophy of religion and reminding people about the Divine status of the Ahlul-Bait (as).
Some of the wisdom teachings that should be complied with and followed- by the scholars, preachers and other professionals, such as poets and reciters, while performing their duties,- are as follows:

1st Wisdom: To provide the Holy Qur'an with the highest authority and treat it with the greatest respect throughout their speeches. Indeed the holy Qur’an is the message of Almighty God (swt) to all His created individuals. It is the greatest weight and treasure for this Muslim nation (Ummah) and the measure of right and falsehood. Almighty God (swt) has revealed it as His guidance, light and insights to all human beings. It is a book of wisdom and Divine blessings. Their acts -throughout the life of Ahlul-Bait (as) including all their sacrifices- were in accordance with its teachings, while being in full compliance with its instructions. As such it must remain the fundamental pillar and the most crucial corner stone of the speeches, while other sources and quoted arguments are to be mentioned on the margin and considered in the shadow of its Divine authority.

2nd Wisdom: The preachers and orators should try their best to include their speeches -whenever possible as the conditions and circumstances allow in some way- with arguments that prove the true nature of our religion. The ideas should support the faith with strong evidences and logical arguments that are presented with easy style and light materials that are comprehendible to the public level of understanding, as they were exactly stated in the Holy Qur'an, the Prophet's Sunnah and the narrations of the infallible Imams (as). The reason behind this approach is consolidating the faith of people, replying to suspicion, and answering spurious doubts. All of these logical arguments ought to be mentioned in a way that removes any doubt, and assists others in wise believing, not remaining in ignorant emulating, nor blindly following others. Sporadically, the preacher or orator may refer to the signs of the existence of God, while stipulating the masterpieces of the universe and the wonders of creation, which man witnesses around him through empirical findings or proven through scientific evidence and modern tools. One may emphasise the evidence that proves the validity of the Prophetic claims, as well as to refer to the arguments for the truthful message of Islam, as contained in the holy Qur'an and supported by the records of historical accounts amongst other arguments.
Let the preachers and orators mention as importantly as possible the afterlife and its crucial importance, for everyday life for each and every person. Every person will be given a record book of his/her work in this life. During that after life the measurement of justice will be implemented for the Day of Resurrection! So that each person with good and positive qualities will be rewarded, while those who are offensive and violating others’ rights, will be punished for what they have done.
One should use some examples which have been mentioned in the Qur'anic text, and the narrations from the Prophet's (sawas) sayings and teachings (as) referring to those topics.
In the speeches of the Commander of the Faithfull (as) in the book of (Nahjul Balghah) one may find the perfect examples of what the right speech should include! He (as) would normally begin by mentioning Almighty Allah (swt) and his signs in the whole world of creation, then would remind people of His heavy right upon them, through creating them and His care and love for them! He, then, often describes the message of the Prophet (sawas) with its Divine teachings. He would describe the life hereafter in such an eloquent way, with a description conjured up by the details of communications, as if those details were within their sight! He, then, emphasises the status of the Ahlul- Bait (as) amongst this Muslim nation (Ummah), for then He would refer to the privilege, as well as describe examples of wisdom and virtuous values that would increase the knowledge level and contribute to the social education and the right upcoming, and being able to distinguish between good and evil! Of course most of those mentioned are meant to be measured and judged by only the speaker himself, following his assessment, evaluating the audience.

In the book of prayers, [Sahifah Sajjadiyyah], ‘The Psalms of Islam’, there is many excellent and ideal supplications and prayers which the speakers can quote at the end of their speeches, or quote a paragraph of one of them and conclude his speech with those prayers, paving the ground for the audience to become familiar with the eloquent prayers of Imam Sajjad amongst other infallible Imams (as).

3rd Wisdom: To pay special attention to the divine and humane advice and noble teachings of Islamic values -as manifested in the Prophet’s hadiths, and Ahlul Bait’s (as) narrations,- their prayers (sawas), and in their practices and lives. One has to clarify their status and role as examples and role models for the Muslim nation (Ummah).

Indeed the Prophet (sawas) and Ahlul-Bait (as) are the elevated and distinguished figures of guidance. They are the ideal figures for this nation, as they were reflecting the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and its humane values in terms of their servitude to Almighty God (swt), worshipping Him, being blessed with a perfect reasoning and intellectual ability, as well as manifesting the Divine teachings and moral values such as justice, honesty and charity. They were loyal and committed to their covenant with their Lord, in servitude, chastity and good deeds.
This is because they (as) have dedicated their noble souls to this purpose and sacrificed their lives for it. Therefore, one has to present those principles, teachings and values in the light of the Holy Qur'an, in an amalgamation with the merits of their words and the historical records of their morals, their virtues, including being martyred for the sake of Islam, trying to apply that to the current conditions and the contemporary era. Indeed, this shall fulfil the requirement in portraying their personality, and the goals, for which they sacrificed their lives, and whatsoever the Divine duty in calling for the truth and Divine God.
Almighty God has made the purified examples –in each and every nation- role models for all its members! They are the Divine arguments and perfect authority and guidance for those who are left behind! The Qur’an states about Jesus Christ (as), the son of Mary (as): ‘and We made him an example for the Children of Israel. (Holy Qur’an, al-Zukhruf: v. 59). As such the Prophet (sawas) and the Ahlul-Bait (as) are the Divine argument sought for this nation and its role models! The Almighty states in the Qur’an: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often! (Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahzab: v. 21). This is narrated from the Commander of the faithful, Imam Ali (as), in one of his statements to some of his governors after describing his asceticism. He states: ("Certainly you cannot do so, but at least support me in piety, exertion, and chaste uprightness") (Nahjul-Balaghah, letter no. 45).
Generally speaking, the orators and preachers must focus on the elements of reasoning, wisdom and morality in the words and life of Ahlul-Bait (as), trying to uncover them and to clarify them, calling the audience to know and be aware of them, and to follow them while having accommodated them with the requirements of the present time.

Let the poets and reciters include -in their poems- the virtues of the Ahlul-Bait (as), as well as reminding about the values of purifying the heart, wisdom and virtue in order to help develop the mind, stimulating reason, strengthening conscience, revive the instinctual nature [fitrah] and profound consideration! This should take place following the guidelines of the Qur’an, and the Sunnah of the Prophet (as) and the narrations from his Ahlul-Bait (as)! The reason is obvious and clear, as this is the most appropriate context, in which one should present the biography of the infallible Imams (as), their sacrifices and what has befallen them. Eloquent poetry has a great impact on individuals, as its great indication would inflame religious feelings. As such, those emotional elements should be optimally used for preaching the truth and enabling noble causes.

4th Wisdom: To state their (as) special advice to their followers and Shi’ahs! The Imams of Ahlul-Bait (as) in addition to their general guidelines and recommendations to the Muslims, as they have emphasised on the importance of realising the status of Ahlul-Bait (as) for the Muslim nation [Ummah], and they are indeed the chosen amongst them. However, they have special advice for their pure Shi’ah followers and loyalists. These advices should be taken into consideration and presented to the public, so that the grassroots would hear about them, and follow them! They should act in accordance to those guidelines until they become customs or institutions among them.
These advices confirm in particular the Shi’ahs to practice and commit themselves to the religious teachings, maintain harmony between them, and follow their moral virtues (as), their dignity and tolerance, even with those who are different in religions and denominations, as well as those who share the same! Imam Abu Abdullah al-Sadiq (as) states: (May Almighty Allah intensify your god-wariness, piety, struggle for justice, honesty, loyalty, good manners and maintaining good relationship with your neighbours. You ought to be inviting [people to truth] and advocating the right path without speeches! You ought to be subjects for one to be proud of, and not be a matter of shame for us)) (See al-Kafi, V. 2: p.77).

In another hadith we read that Imam Abu Ja’afar, Imam Baqir (as) had been speaking to Jaber al-Ju'afi, as he had asked him: "Tell me, O Jaber, is it enough for the Shi’ahs to claim that they love the Ahlul Bait (as), without acting according to our guidelines? I swear by God (swt) that no one is considered to be a Shi’ah, unless s/he obeys Allah and fears Him! O, Jaber, what the Shi’ahs are known for, is: humbleness, fearing Allah, honesty and loyalty! They were known with extensive remembering Almighty God (swt), fasting, prayers, being polite with parents, and righteousness. Also they were known for taking care of poor neighbours, miserable individuals, those who are deprived and the orphans! They were known with the sincerity in their words, the recitation of the Qur'an, and humble words! They were known with abstinence of impolite words, and they were fully reliable in their claims for keeping things safe! In another narration he said (as): O Jaber, don't go astray! Do you think it’s enough for a Shi’ah to say: I love Imam Ali (as) and I’d choose his side, however he is not acting accordingly? If he were to say that he loves the Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (sawas),- but the Prophet (sawas) is higher than Imam Ali (as),- and then he does not follow his Sunnah, nor does not act according to his teachings, what would that benefit him? So fear Almighty Allah (swt) and act for His sake! There’re no close ties between Allah (swt) and one of His servants! Indeed the dearest servant to Almighty Allah (swt) is the most pious and god fearing to Him, with the best of his deeds are charities. O, Jaber no one would be closer to Almighty Allah (swt), unless through obeying the Divine commands! O, Jaber, we have no immunity from fire for anyone, and no one -as long s/he is not innocent- can be spared from the Hell-fire, so whosoever is obedient to Almighty God (swt), is our sincere follower, and whoever has been a sinner, is our enemy! Achieving this elevated status to be our sincere follower can never be achieved except through hard work and struggle for the truth. (al-Kafi, V.2 : p.74).

According to the hadith from Ma’awiyyah bin Wahab: I asked [Imam Sadiq (as)]: ‘How should we deal with our people and behave with people, whose faith is not identical to ours? He said: "Take a closer look at the Imams (as), whom you follow and follow in their footsteps, and do what they do! I swear by God, we [the Imams (as)] visit their patients, attend their funerals, testify for and against them. We would give them back their entrusted items and remain loyal to them.’ (Al-Kafi, V. 2: p. 636)
In another narration one reads: ‘What an easy approach; if you were to follow, people shall accept you! It is just to stop your disrespecting words and degrading them! (Al-Kafi, V. 8: p. 341).

5th Wisdom: The speakers and preachers, while explaining- the importance of the theological beliefs and the principles of the Shi’ah doctrine, and the elevated status of the Ahlul-Bait (as)- they should remain precautious and careful, not to weaken the importance of obedience, nor to underestimate the destructive effects of sins for the audience. The reason is obvious, namely that the believers’ success can only be achieved while having equal proportion of fear and hope, so that s/he must keep the balance between them -inwardly and outwardly, i.e. with regards to the affairs of others! No one shall be spared from Hell-fire while committing sins, unless they are harmless or minor sins. The minor sins may –sporadically- occur from anyone, for later on to repent over that sin, then he would revert to remain loyal to Almighty Allah (swt). Indeed a smart preacher should not cause his audience to recourse into apathy and desperation, so they don’t care about Allah’s (swt) punishment, nor allow it to have far-fetched hope relying on the Lord’s Mercy, Forgiveness or even due to intercession. One has to advise people to emphatically remember and recall the Qur’anic statement: “..and supplicate Us in hope and fear, (Holy Qur’an, Al-Anbi’a, C. 21: V. 90), and he says: " And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives, And that his effort is going to be seen - Then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense (Holy Qu’ran: C. 53: V. 39-41), and his saying is mighty: " Paradise is not [obtained] by your wishful thinking nor by that of the People of the Scripture. Whoever does a wrong will be recompensed for it, and he will not find besides Allah a protector or a helper."(Holy Qur’an, C. 4: V. 123).
We have mentioned some of the similar references, from the narrations of the Ahlul Bait (as), which may confirm that.

6th Wisdom: Preachers and orators must avoid anything that may divide the community or cause the believers schism! Rather they should be concerned for maintaining the unity, brotherhood and harmony.
Some aspects of this is to avoid focusing on the differences between them. A perfect example in focusing on their differences in following the Shi’ah Authority [marji’ayah] and the different details of certain rulings, or even each disagreement between them with regards to some technical points within theology. No type of disagreement should result in deviating from the right path of following the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bait (as), even if those different opinions were due to different levels of faith, profound intensity, and being committed to Divine guidance! They should refrain from any form of division, even if it were due to shortcomings or errors from some of them.
One has to be extremely careful when defaming or revealing others’ mistakes, because this may lead to the spread of sins and errors! This may lead to a worse condition, such as a sinner insisting on carrying the same wrong way, which may cause greater harm to the same person or harm the community at large. This may lead to weakening the truth that one intends to preserve and protect. In addition, this act is a perfect example of prohibited revelation, as it not permissible to defame the believers. It is extremely important to remember that under certain circumstances the wiser reaction, than focusing on someone’s mistakes or sins, is in ignoring them, turning blind eyes, and fuelling the communities with positive revelations. It has been wisely said that sometimes silence and ignoring a matter is more appreciated than revealing it with gossip.

In addition one has to be extremely careful not to consider some people disbelievers or outsiders of faith solely due to having some spurious doubts or a misunderstanding about religion, as long as one has explicitly declared recognising the two fundamental pillars of faith, i.e. monotheism and prophethood. It is equally worst to classify some Shi’ah Muslims for being Non-Shi’ahs, after they have espoused the doctrine of the Divine status of the Ahlul Beit (as) amongst the Muslim (nation) Ummah: as some prophets (as) and their progeny were selected and blessed with Divine leadership (imamah), wisdom and knowledge. Anyone who does so, has gone against their attitude and role-model. He has created schism and division amongst their followers and the guardians of Shari’ah, and shall be cursed as having committed a great sin.

One should avoid anything that creates division between Muslims, and also keep away anything that causes hatred and distrust amongst the believers. This is indeed against their teachings and the historical lessons as they (as) were keen to treat others kindly and would never highlight the differences so bluntly that would be weakening the Islamic faith in general, nor cause distortion to the truth. It has been recommended that one should pray together with them; never harm them, attend their celebration, commemoration and funerals. All of these details are historically confirmed through their acts, and clear statements. Therefore they (as) had deserved their respect, and were praised by them, up till they would come to learn general knowledge from them as well jurisprudence.
These advices shall never accept unjust acts, nor adopt wrong faith through giving up the right path. One should still remain firm against those who oppressed them, stand against the transgression, through revealing in a smart and clever way. Indeed there are different ways of explaining the same points, albeit using dissimilar ways. A wise speaker must choose the relevant way or related method taking into consideration his special audience and their abilities to grasp the points, in accordance to their (as) examples. Therefore it has been narrated from them (as) promoting the Shi’ahs to be smart enough to grasp what they intended to indicate. Such as the following saying: "We do not consider the man -of our followers- a jurist unless he would grasp what we intended to say" or “until he accurately directly perceives the points that we intend to make.”
The speaker must avoid putting the public to judge -the theoretical and specialized matters -within theology- as long as people were not obliged to think or adopt them. Also he needs to consult them on specialised matters as long as they were allowed to follow the experts. As such a gesture would lead the audience to reflect or think about certain points on a superficial level, or lead pretenders of knowledge misusing the atmosphere in order to misguide others, and ignore any scientific research, diminish the value of science and research and genuine specialization as well as the experts. All of those mentioned points shall have abhorrently significant negative repercussions among the believers, especially longer than the short, or long term.

7th Wisdom: One has to be extremely precautious not to speak without profound knowledge! As any foresight, and misleading information - whatever the content - is forbidden in accordance to the religious teachings. The Almighty said: ‘And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.’ (Holy Quy’ran, C. 17: V. 36).
Having good intention or performing in good faith are not enough. One's intensity and having good faith shall not protect him from the dangers and negative repercussions of what he had misled others.
This will only become possible through increasing one's knowledge with regard to the field of his/her speech! However, sometimes the depth of knowledge depends also on the practice, extensive attention to the different opinions amongst the thinkers [within comparative jurisprudence], but also being aware of what is certain, surrounded with spurious doubts! As such one has to be precautious in all matters.
Among some of those requirements is that one has to have appropriate assessment of the historical sources, and their different grades of reliability! In addition one must have sophisticated knowledge about the historical events, their circumstances, and conditions of the relevant historical facts.
In general, the speaker must be knowledgeable -up to sufficient level- in the relevant fields! He should be well-guided by the relevant information, having enough experience in the subject of his research and speeches, and be equipped with the necessary tools, thus remaining precautious in what he knows but mainly about what he does not know.
And one has to be careful not to fabricate any information, which is called [bid’ah]. This means to add something to religion that is not originally from it, nor based on authenticated arguments. Indeed fabricating things within a religion is one of the most harmful aspects of misguidance, as it leads to further sects within religious teachings and creates groups into multiple beliefs and initiates schism into different and cross-party divisions and parties, exactly as one may see in many current religions and sects. It has been narrated from the Prophet (sawas) an extremely severe warning against heresy! Indeed he said, that the most evil of things are those which are fabricated, as each fabrication and every heresy is a stern misguidance, and every misguidance will end up in the Hell-fire.
One of the statements without knowledge is exaggeration, and/or to cross its logical boundaries. A good example of that is considering a theoretical matter -that requires extra effort and research [ijtihad]- as extremely clear and obvious! Or to pretend the points that religious researchers have different opinions about something, to be unanimously agreed upon by them -either explicitly or implicitly- almost considering it agreed upon. Another example happens when one elevates certain guessed or solely suspicious cases to be certain. Or to declare certain recommended religious practices to be obligatory –without any special circumstances that make it be so-, or to consider certain theodicies that are not amongst the fundamental principles to be fundamental pillars of faith, or the other way around. All these examples are rejected in religious teachings. Anyone who is –generally speaking- related to the Shi’ah education or considered a moral preacher, or related to Ahlul-Bait (as), -in one way or another- is extremely required to avoid those examples. Any speech without piety and any statement without god-wariness is void and fruitless. It is better and dearer to the Almighty (swt) if one remains steadfast on the right path of piety.
In order to avoid unknowingly saying things, is to be precautious while narrating an account or a hadith. One has to prove things and be sure about them before narrating them, so one has to be extremely sure about the details and think twice before declaring them on the public. As such, one shouldn’t say a word in public without having completely contemplated about it. It would be like throwing a pebble without professionally targeting a precise goal! One has to be extremely careful, as if there would be no room for him to apologize in public. It is certainly better not to deliver a speech in public, that he has to apologise for having uttered, or there would an extreme need to explain and address its explanation.
Preachers and orators must not include any false ideas or refutable arguments in their speeches. This matter may weaken the truth or cause it to be murky! There is enough correct information and perfect approaches to prove the truth, so there is no need to rely on falsehood.

8th Wisdom: Preachers and orators must think -aside of the genuine contents of their speeches- about the educational effects on the audience in particulate and the society at large. The smart way of conveying a message is similar to the experience one may notice while talking to the family members and his children. The reason is that despite the fact that something is valid and correct, the act should be avoided, because of it being inappropriate, due to the negative effects it causes. Preachers, whose tasks are solely for calling for the sake of Allah (swt),- possess a status that is summarised in reminding about the truth and recommending the right path.
The preachers and orators must formulate the right and correct messages in an appropriate way! As a single message can be performed in different forms, some of which can be reasonable and influential, while others that are not so, may be considered harmful and repulsive.
Therefore, the speaking and preaching person must be aware that his speeches can be wrongly interpreted or inappropriately misunderstood. Being wise and smart necessitates that one should take these points into consideration. Sporadically one may come up with a statement, however it would be misunderstood, without having any hints to that, or even due to having unwittingly hinted to it, or that he indicates a message that he didn’t notice, or implies something that he didn’t predict. Also it became widely spread nowadays, namely –due to the spread of recording and filming tools- some people are taking some sentences out of context, then misquoting those words in order to defame him, only due to coming with false revelation and wrong accusation. Therefore one has to be careful while coming with a statement that can be misquoted in terms of recorded and screened lectures. As such a smart and wise speaker must pay special attention to any words that are made -within a specific place and time-, while the speaker meant something else! A perfect speaker and poet is not really a perfect orator or poet unless he pays attention to the delicate details of his speech and poetry and can express with as much control as possible the formulation in the most appropriated way avoiding any potential form of misquoting and misunderstanding.
What can be really useful is the wide knowledge of the speaker about the historical incidents and current experiences, because they are full of criticism, revelation, falsification and misinterpretation, and they represent –all- rich experiences worthy of careful attention and utmost consideration and being alert to the potential danger of misquotes and creating division and sedition.
Let the speakers, poets and pioneers be extremely careful about stating the truth that could cause an illusion and an extreme exaggeration on the status of the Prophet (sawas) and his Ahlul-Bait (as). The technical exaggeration and religious glorying [ghulow] is divided into two types: 1) To ascribe deity of gods other than Almighty Allah (swt) and 2) to ascribe attributes that are not proven, nor are there any reliable arguments for them. The doctrine of Ahlul-Bait (as) is pure from any one of these two forms of exaggeration, rather it is far from accepting them! The utmost doctrine -that it may involve- is to espouse the elevated status that Almighty Allah (swt) has ascribed to the Prophet and his Ahlul-Bait (as) without increasing or excessive belief. One has to look with precaution and suspicion, or even warning against any unreliable records or refutable arguments about their status. A pious individual should never exaggerate about those whom he loves, nor degrade or commit unjust acts towards those whom he despises. It is not right to base those beliefs on merely blind irrational love, and it’s incorrect to believe in something or what is said by those who have exaggerated! As giving to false claims with blind eyes may cause further damage to the faith, which may lead to showing off -in the matters of religion without rational arguments- and may also lead to the occurrence of fabrication! It may also lead to voracious greed by the ignorant, elevating misguided people to the top leadership, and the decline of the pious and god-warry individuals, who are precautious under suspicious circumstances. All of these points may cause extreme damages to the right faith, and may be counterproductive facing the negligence of others, and illogical addition to the faith without reliable arguments is equal to the unacceptable decrease while facing reliable arguments! Anyone who has recently increased something, without a valid argument, may well increase something in the future, pretending that others are negligent and/or suffering from shortcomings! As such it is wiser to remain steadfast on the right path.
The speaker while criticising something or somebody, should try to address it smartly with insulting anyone in a generalised way! As such if the purpose is achieved with private criticism, there would no need to blame or insult and humiliate someone. One has to appreciate the good qualities and decent practices of others, so that they would be encouraged to the best way, and feel promoted to do so, both for the related individuals as well as for others.

9th Wisdom: Preachers and orators should be extremely concerned in having their deeds matching their words, and their outward to be identical with their inward. They must be even more keen to apply more than others in personifying those values. Indeed this practice shall make them closer to honesty, and way beyond showing off! They will be closer to sincerity and cause more influence on the community members and their audience! How can eagerly and with density describe the moral virtues and qualities of the Prophet (sawas) and his noble Ahlul-Bait (as) recommending them for others, including their worshipping, their abstinence from worldly desires, solely seeking justice, honesty, chastity, loyalty and charity to parents amongst other noble attributes, while he is far away from practicing them, nor reflecting them through his own works??? The Qur’an states: “Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves.” (Holy Qur’an, C. 2: V. 44).
And He said: “O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do?” (Holy Qur’an, C. 61: V. 2).
Anyone who is accustomed to say and preach what he doesn’t do, shall grow hypocrisy in the heart, intensify the malady of double standards and showing off. This may ruin his life in general! Also this may lead his rewards to be annulled and cause his works to be void both in this world and in the hereafter. It can also lead to [bad karma] evil end, from which we seek refuge in Allah (swt) to protect us.

10th Wisdom: It is incumbent upon the preachers and orators to possess the moral virtues and appropriate qualities that are required for this honourable task, namely teaching the Divine message, and whatever is required from the preacher of having the appropriate attributes. We know that each job requires certain relevant qualities and formalities, whether things to be followed in the public sphere or matters to be adhered to in private behaviour. Preaching and communicating the religious teachings and the Hussayni messages requires one to behave and act in accordance with what they encapsulate. Also one may recall the requirement of truth, its pioneers and whatever is conveying their guidance and how to act accordingly. Especially to remember is the need to remain full of honour and dignity, instead of bargaining while asking for money! One must avoid causing distrust, shaking the pure image of the religious leaders, through acts that indicate greed, and to remain abstinent from being corrupted with any worldly desires behind them.
And the preachers and orators, as well as the managers of commemoration councils and processions, must refrain from any form of disorder, contradictions, division and the schism, especially while Muslims are living in the diaspora! These points scratch sincerity, abolish rewards and cause misgivings among believers and lead to the breakdown of projects that depend on cooperation and solidarity, and those who can It makes his work and his support more like the truth of the secret without asking for a presidency or fame or a good one to do it, it is good for him and more blessed, and God almighty said: “If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.” (Holy Qur’an, C. 2: V. 271), and whoever believes in Allah (swt), and remain god-wary, He shall provide for him, from which he is not expecting, nor waiting for.
In addition the preachers and orators must refrain from any matter or method that negatively affects the sanctity of these meetings that ought to be reviving the Divinity of Allah (swt), his Messenger and his saints (as). Indeed the nature of the topics requires the speaker to follow the most appropriated methods while preaching. Any flagrant violation from the speaker, would negate his very intended goals, and contradict the identity of the message, which is supposed to be for the right cause, but also perhaps could be considered an abuse to the original cause.

11th Wisdom: The speaker should have self-criticism! He should think twice about his acts and words before preaching to others. One should avoid praising himself in a form of self-promotion, as if he is safe and immune from any sin! One should be aware that Almighty Allah (swt) is vigilant over him, feeling His presence (swt) as well as as His extreme control over him while he is busy with inviting people to the truth, and during all his circumstances, as he will be asked about them during the Day of Resurrection! He should benefit from others’ criticism, and remain fair to himself and responding to a reminder of truth.
The speaker and orator realize that the Prophet (sawas) and his Ahlul Beit (as) are witnessing whatever the scholars in the religion, the preachers and the orators of what they have done and worked for. For then the scholars are witnesses to the ordinary people in the society with what they have done and said, as the Qur’an has stated: “In this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people.” (Holy Qur’an, C. 22: V. 78)! As such, whoever is wrong- in the order of the da'wa and preaching the truth, with regards to the sayings or deeds,- Almighty God (swt) will punish him. Whoever has carried his responsibility according to his outmost efforts, but unfortunately people didn’t respond with a positive reaction, will be in peace of mind, while they will be punished! This approach is very important and delicate for those who have contemplated what is rightfully theirs to meditate and think.

12th Wisdom: Beyond all of what we have mentioned, the speakers must seek extreme god-wariness, piety and total devotion to Almighty Allah (swt) while saying, acting and behaviour. One has to put Almighty Allah in front of his eyes, keeping in mind and reminding himself about Him being vigilant over him. He must seek His approval and acceptance, as all his efforts are for the sake of His Lord’s Mercy. Anyone who is god-wary and extremely loyal to the Lord, will be blessed with being constantly guided, continuously led to the right path. Almighty Allah (swt) shall bless this life and the hereafter.
This does not mean that the crucial element is limited to the intention, or that one should not pay attention to the quality of work. One should master it and pay special attention to its influence and prepare for it in order to get it perfectly accomplished. Indeed the entire loyalty and absolute devotion would lead the believer towards wiser and merely profound understanding. It should assist him realising the consequences, and wouldn’t act as if he were detached from reality. He should be learning from his and others’ experiences, as it has been narrated that the believer is always intelligent and smart. A believer is supported with the Divine light and that he must never allow repeating the same mistakes again and again. A wise believer thinks before speaking, while the fool's mind is always behind his tongue. A believer does the good deeds, albeit he is afraid that he might be committing a mistake, “And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord. It is those who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein.” (Holy Qur’an, C.23 : V. 60-61), and this verse: “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.” (Holy Qur’an, C. 2: V. 269).

Oh, God bless Muhammad and the Ahlul-Bait (as), shower Your Mercy over Muhammad and the Ahlul Bait (as), and honour Muhammad and the Ahlul Bait (as), as you have blessed, showered your Mercy over Abraham and his family member, i.e. Ibrahim, and his family members, as You are the Praised, the thanksgiving.

Oh, God bless the ones who call to You and inform others about Your religion! Oh God bless those who revive in the memory Your Prophet (sawas) and the Ahlul-Bait (as). Oh God bless them to perform this job optimally, and write to them with the servants who are loyal to You, and who seek Your satisfaction! Oh God, help them to have every virtue and stay away from all dissonance, and thank them with rewards for their struggle for truth in this world and the hereafter! Oh God, write similar rewards like that, for those who have sought to do so by establishing and organising these councils and commemoration and help them attending them! Our Lord accept all our worship from us: You are the most generous, and all thanks to Almighty God, the Lord of the Worlds!

Shawwal Moon Crescent 1446

The recommendations of the supreme religious authority to the speakers and orators on the occasion of the coming month of Muharram 1441

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