Congratulations on the Auspicious Birthday Anniversary of the Imam Musa al-Kazim ('a)

The Imam assumed the divinely appointed position of Imamah in the year 148, when his father was martyred, making him the seventh Shiite Imam. He himself was martyred in either the year 183 Hijri or 186 Hijri.

Birthday Anniversary of Imam Hassan al-Mujtba ('a)

On this auspicious day Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi's Website releases a brief biography of the Imam ('a)

Key Elements of Imam Ali's (ʿa) Wilāyah in Relation to the Event of Ghadīr Khum from the Perspective of Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi

The issue of Wilāyah is one of the most important of precepts. The reason behind its importance can be found in a statement made by Imam Ali (ʿa) where he said that Wilāyah guarantees the implementation of other Islamic precepts.

A Reflection on the Influential Teachings of Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

The lecturers and students of the religious seminary can utilize the teachings of Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) in helping the people resolve their various ideological questions and doubts. Unfortunately, Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) has not been remembered like the other Imams (ʿa), nor have his teachings been given the attention that they truly deserve. We must do our best to remedy this shortcoming in ourselves and our institutions.

The Teachings of the Intellectual School Of Thought of Imam al- Baqir (ʿa) From the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

When we examine any book of jurisprudence, beliefs (ʿAqāʾid), the principles of jurisprudence, and ethics, we find that they are full of traditions narrated from Imam al-Baqir (ʿa) and Imam al-Sadiq (ʿa). These two Imams (ʿa) have left behind a massive intellectual and spiritual legacy and the implications of their teachings for the Islamic sciences are enormous.

A Reflection on the Teachings of Imam Al-Jawad (ʿa) From the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

The prevalence of various social problems has placed the ideal which we strive towards in our social lives at great risk. There are many problems which we are faced with in this regard. Through studying the various aspects of the life of Imam al-Jawad (ʿa) in regards to this field, we can create better policies which will help resolve these issues, particularly those related to marriage.

A Reflection on the Key Teachings of Imam Al-Rida ('a) from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Imam al-Rida ('a) played an integral role in guiding the intellectual progress of the Muslim Ummah and defending the Islamic beliefs against the encroachment of un-Islamic ideological currents. As the Muslim Ummah’s borders expanded, it came in to contact with the ideas and beliefs of many various nations and religions.

The Effects and Consequences of the Ashura Revolt According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

There is hope that in the world of today, the oppressed nations will take lesson from the story of Karbala and rise up, crushing their oppressors once and for all.

A Look in to the Strategies of Combatting the Oppressive Super-Powers as Found in the Revolution of Ashura by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

One of the main problems facing humanity during our time period is that of the oppressive superpowers and their destructive goals and policies. The aim of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was nothing but fighting against these oppressive and tyrannical powers.

The Strategic Characteristics of the Yearly Arba'in Processions By Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Indeed, the ceremonies held on Arbaʿīn are one of the noblest traditions of the religion of Islam. These ceremonies have deep roots within the religion itself and they were handed down to us from the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) themselves. In spite of all the years which have passed since the great uprising of Karbala, perhaps it is still too soon for us to truly understand the profound reality of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa)’s sacrifice.

Some Teachings from the Life of Imam Al-Hasan ('a) by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

There is no doubt that Imam al-Hasan (ʿa) possessed so many positive and noble characteristics that he was truly befitting of his name ‘Hasan’. We hope that we can also follow in his footsteps and become more like him as well.

The Manifestation of the Culture of ‘Servanthood’ in the Epic of Ashura From The Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) performed his prayers in congregation even on the day of Ashura. This shows us that the prayers must be performed even in the most extreme and difficult of condition. Thus, in order to highlight this lesson and show its importance, it is very important that we offer the Noon Prayer of the day of Ashura in congregation.

Ethical Lessons from the Movement of Ashura by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Reviving the name and memory of these great men is something which gives inspiration and it furthermore gives human beings a spirit of self-sacrifice.

A Look in to the Detriments of the Distortions Created in the Mourning Ceremonies of Imam Al-Ḥusayn (ʿa) Through the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

The mourning ceremonies must be held in a way where all the people are made aware of the goals of Imam al-Husayn(ʿa). The methods which are used in these ceremonies must be in line with the guidelines of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and the rest of the Infallibles (ʿa), as well as the common practice of the wise members of the Muslim community.

The Key Element of “Remembering Death” in the Movement of Imam Al-Husayn (ʿa) as Reflected in the Words of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Various moments in the history of Karbala have shown us how we should live an honorable life and how we should die an honorable death. These are the same lessons which Imam al-Husayn(ʿa) taught the world at the Battlefield of Karbala on the Day of Ashura.

Teachings and Messages from the Uprising of Ashura as Reflected in the Words of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

We must follow in the footsteps of the martyrs of Karbala and we must also implement the teachings and messages which they left behind for us.

The Semiology of the Martyrdom of Imam Al-Husayn (ʿa) on the Day of Ashura from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

The martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was so intertwined with various lofty values that it will never become old, nor will its values ever become outdated. Not only that, but Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) grows in value and relevance every single day.

Important Considerations Regarding Mourning for Imam Al-Husayn (ʿa) According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

The combination of the proper affections for Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) alongside the necessary knowledge and understanding of the purposes behind Imam al-Husayn (ʿa)’s uprising are two necessary aspects of the establishment of proper mourning. The mourning ceremonies must be held with ever increasing levels of grandeur and perfection every year and we must be careful not to engage in any actions which will tarnish the grandeur of these ceremonies.

The Goals and Motivations of the Ashura Movement from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

One can only claim that they love Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and are among his true followers when they have reflected upon the various corruption and problems which exist during their own time period and they have done their best towards reforming these issues. Without any doubt, if the mourners of Imam al-Ḥusayn (ʿa) make a logical and calculated decision together towards fighting the corruption which exists in their society, they will be successful in reforming it.

Does merely appearing to be a just person Suffice for a person to be qualified as the prayer-leader of a congregational prayer

I am an M.A student and when we don’t have a prayer-leader for our congregational prayers in university, my friends insist that I act as the prayer leader of the congregation but I don’t consider myself Just because of my sins (even cardinal sins). What is my duty?

Reciting al-fātiḥa and sūrah in a low voice for ma’mūm (the followers in a congregational prayers)

The prayer-leader of a congregational prayer is reciting the Four Tasbihāt in prayers in which al-fātiḥa and sūrah should be recited loudly and the ma’mūm is performing his second rak‘at and wants to recite al-fātiḥa and sūrah; should he/she recite them loudly or in a low voice?