• Activities
• 8 Rabi II 1438

Allamah Sayyid Murtadha Al-Kashmiri mentions the recommendations of the leading Marja’iyah to visitors of the holy shrines in the following points:
• Your visits to the shrines of the Immaculate Imams (a.s.) should not be limited to that which is customary only.
• Urged cooperation between the believers and visiting each other.
• Emphasized on making use of time to attain the ranks progress and perfection.
• His Eminence’s honour and respect for scholars and qualified people of knowledge.
• Called for coexisting in harmony with the communities where they live regardless of race and religion.
• Stressed on early marriage so as to preserve one’s religion and deter perversion.

This talk by Allamah Al-Kashmiri came during his visit to the holy shrines on the occasion of :

a- The birth of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and his [the Prophet’s] grandson Imam Jaffar ibn Muhammad Al Sadiq (a.s.)

b- The unveiling of the cover of the dome of Imam Ali (a.s.) shrine – after it was re-plated with gold.

c- Visiting the leading H. E. Marja’iyah Sayyid Seestani (long may he live) when he listened to the latter’s valuable recommendations and guidance to the visitors who flocked to his offices in Najaf Al-Ashraf , mornings and evenings, from various Arab, European, African and Asian countries – on the occasion of the new year festivities.

His Eminence received visitors in groups of men, women, old and young alike addressing them all with kindness and love; welcoming them first and praying for their success in both worlds and telling them that “I never forget to pray for you because you live in my heart and mind and my love for you exceeds your love for me.”

Among the most important recommendations His Eminence mentioned his visitors are the following:

1-That your visit to the holy shrines of the Immaculate Imams (a.s.) not be limited to the customary acts, rather the respected visitor should draw lessons and learn from the lives and teachings [of the immaculate Imams a.s.]; learning their patience, righteousness, sincerity and faith and other attributes of perfection characterized by the Immaculate Imams (a.s.). Because of the vast heritage the Imams (a.s.) left us is various educational and ethical curricula, we believe they are an example for us in their lifetime and after their martyrdom as well. If the Muslims follow their teaching then villains and tyrants would not dominate them. H. E. reiterates to his visitors the importance of returning to their homes and brother adorned with the gains from their Ziyara.

2- H. E. advised his visitors to cooperate with each other in the various affairs of religion and mundane issues, quoting the words of Imam Al-Sadiq (a.s.) “the believer has forty rights upon his fellow believer, the simplest one is to like for him what you like for yourself.” In other words whatever good you want for yourself , your children and family, you should want for others. If you want your son to succeed and become a scientist, a doctor or excel in knowledge then let your opinion be the same for your brother. Also, if he and not you, is in that position then do not envy him and do not look at him uncomfortably because he has achieved what his aims and you have not. It’s as though H. E. wishes to remove the barrier between you and your brothers from that which you like and dislike. In fact this is a delicate balance and a difficult test that some may fail - unless Allah has shielded their heart from prejudice and vanity.

3- Urged parents to pay attention to the religious upbringing of their children from a young age – keeping with the teachings of the prophetic tradition which says: if a child is born then recite Adhan in his/her right ear and Iqamah in the left one. H. E said this sense will remain stored in the child’s subconscious mind. H. E emphasized on parents at prayer times to accompany their children to the prayer hall, to show them how to do Ruku’, Sujood, and how to do Takbir and Tahleel and teach them about Allah Almighty and the names of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and the Imams (a.s.). Teach them about the Usool and Foroo-Al-Din as recommended by the Imams (a.s.). H. E. also stressed on memorizing the holy Qur’an. Also to preserve the child’s native mother tongue as well as other languages children learn in their country of residence – because by preserving the mother tongue their link with their faith will be inseparable.

4- Stressed the need to make use of every minute of time as the saying goes; time is more precious than gold. Gold can be replaced but not time and as the poet says:

Man’s heart beat say life                     is but minutes and seconds

So make sure not to waste your time in vain. Take advantage of it for this world and for the next one. H. E. said: “We notice developed nations these days do not waste their time even when travelling, reading books, newspapers and using current means of communication.” It has been said: “Be learned or learn and don’t be another for you will perish.” H. E. also said that nations which have succeeded in science and knowledge did so by making use of their time – citing the Chinese and the Japanese who have contributed to human advancement and prosperity.

5- H. E’s admiration for scholars and qualified people of knowledge in the fields of politics, military, industrial and social and others and considers them to be worthy of respect and appreciation, for the knowledge they have, each according to his competence. In other words H.E.’s respect is not only for the clergy, but for all who can be useful to society with their knowledge, abilities and services.

6. H. E. urged young people to learn and acquire new knowledge and experience to achieve the highest grades and qualifications so as to enlighten themselves and enlighten the path of their compatriots and of their faith. Because knowledge is light that benefits everyone.

7- In a special assembly for women, H. E. urged the sisters to adorn themselves with good traits and values that depict the position of women in Islamic society by adhering to their religion, faith, ethics, values, hijab and chastity. H. E. said: “The hijab decreed by Islam is only to honour the woman and cherish her for it will not prevent her from learning and acquiring knowledge - subject to her complying with her Islamic duties and chastity.” In reply to a question from a sister who asked: “What does H. E. advise us as students?” H. E. stressed on early marriage when the necessary condition are available for both parties, because if not, then it would be a reason for rampant corruption is some places – emphasizing not to impose excessive dowries and conditions that may discourage the young man from early marriage. H. E. said: “Let our principle here be the saying of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) (If you are happy with the character and the religion of he who has come forth then marry him).”

8- H. E emphasized on the groups living in major cities and far between places that they should have regular monthly meetings, attended at least by the educated and elderly members to discuss what they need to do to address their social, educational, political and other matters. This will strengthen their links, unity, understanding and interaction with each other. Should they require expert opinion then they can call upon those competent specialist to reach an appropriate conclusion. Such a gathering preserves them and their children from dangers.

9- In another session, H. E. stressed upon the rights of husband and wife, and that neither contravenes the outlined Shar’i limits. By doing so, they will both avoid family disagreements that have a detrimental effect on the children - thus affecting their studies and future. Should disagreements arise, which rarely do not occur, then let it be restricted between the couple only. 10- H. E. also recommended to his visitors to coexist in harmony among the communities they live in regardless of their religion, faith, race or colour, for Allah, the Exalted Almighty says: ((Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.)) Holy Qur’an Chapter 60 Verse 8

These recommendations are to be continued ... in another statement.