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Appealing to God via Prophet and the Ahlul Bayt Not “Polytheism”

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Ahlul Bayt News Agency – Speaking on the Egyptian satellite television channel “Capital Broadcast Centre,” Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt, stated that a helpless person who cannot do what the Prophet Muhammad and his Ahlul-Bayt have done, has done it and if he wants to do tawassul or appeal to the Prophet in supplication, it is not a problem, as some claim, and he has not committed shirk (polytheism) – the association of partners to God.

The top Sunni scholar added that when someone says “Oh God, for the sake of our master Husayn…” and another says “I swear by the Prophet…” it is not considered associating partners with God and one says that this is considered associating partners with God has a “mental disorder.”

He also said that when a person who vows to God Almighty that he will do a certain action due to his love for Imam Husayn, it is a form of oath, not associating partners with God.

Sheikh Gomaa said that swearing to God is a form of worship and the Prophet of Islam also performed such actions of worship. This is while heretical extremists do not know this and consider it an innovation and mock those who perform such action.

The former Grand Mufti of Egypt said that these extremist groups have deviated from the true path of Islam and have introduced into the religion these same falsehoods have led to bloodshed in Iraq and Syria. He added that extremist, radical and heretical elements which act heinously have sought to create a parallel structure within Islam and we have always warned about their actions, which show a lack of religion and are barbaric actions.

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Sayyed Mir Baqeri: Western Civilisation modern form of idol worship

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Ahlul Bayt News Agency – “In today’s modern world they have created an idol stretching across the entire earth in which they live, and from morning to night they are busy worshipping this idol which they have named modernisation and civilisation however in reality only the face of the idol has been changed,” the head of the Islamic Sciences Academy in Qom, Hujjat al-Islam Mir Baqeri, said.

“In order for us to become true monotheists we must connect to the Ahl al-Bayt. True monotheism is entering the house of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and journeying in this valley of light until we reach the very source of this light.”

Hujjat al-Islam Mir Baqeri pointed to the different level of polytheism: “A monotheist is somebody who has manifested the traits and characteristics of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and on the opposite side polytheism is in the first level idol worship, on the second level to desire from and rely upon something other than God, and on the third level of polytheism are the tyrannical leaders that call people towards the idol worship.”

“If somebody seeks the true monotheism they must perform good deeds and not associate partners to God, because the understanding of the phrase ‘There is no God but Allah’ is that we must recognise polytheism and reject it – even the hidden polytheism – which according to traditions is more difficult to discern than a black ant on a black rock on a dark night.”

Regarding the role of the Infallible Imams in true monotheism, Hujjat al-Islam Mir Baqeri stated: “Polytheism towards God most certainly begins with rejection of the Wilayah of the Infallibles, because entering into the valley of the Infallibles is the same as entering into the valley of monotheism.”
 
“Our existence is similar to a plant seed and the infallible Imam is similar to the clouds which bring the rain, and the sun which shines upon us, and the sky which gives us shade, and the fertile earth from which we grow; therefore if we were to follow the Imam we allow ourselves to grow and reach perfection.”

Regarding the role of patience in a correct understanding of monotheism, he stated: “If we enter into the valley of the Imam, the intercession of the saints of God will encompass us and this will give us the foresight which will enable us to remain patient in the face of the trials and tribulations of this world.”

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Qatif protesters hold rally to support senior Shia cleric Sheikh al-Nimr

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Ahlul Bayt News Agency – Upon hearing of the endorsed sentence of ‪Sheikh Nimr‬, Saudi youth risk their lives by staging a protest in defence of the pro-democracy faith leader in Qatif, Saudi Arabia.

Tens of Saudi protesters have once again taken to the streets, calling on Wahhabi authorities to overturn the death sentence handed to prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

The Saudis staged a rally in the Qatif region of Eastern Province for many times in a row to show solidarity with Nimr, on death row in the kingdom.

The demonstrators carried placards and shouted slogans, urging the ruling Al Saud regime to release the respected cleric, who was sentenced to death by ruling court last night.

The protest was held as calls were growing worldwide for the release of Nimr, who has been in jail for more than three years.

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Photos: Ashura mourning hold at Imam Mahdi Mosque of Zamboanga, Philippines

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Ahlul Bayt News Agency – Commemorating the day of Ashura held at Imam Al Mahdi Mosque (A’) of Zamboanga City, Philippines. With Sheikh Abu Mahdi, Sheikh Taleb,Sheikh Melgani, Sheikh Abdurasil and Sheikh Shaheed. Also additional speaker from the crowd Sheikh Mohammad and Ustadz Jamal.

Photos By: Al-Mahdi



















Ashura observed in Punjab cities peacefully

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In the city of Faisalabad Ashura was observed amid tight security in Punjab cities on Saturday. As many as 153 processions were taken out and 26 Majalis were held.

Heavily guarded by police and volunteers, the processions started emerging from various parts of the city early morning and later assembled at Clock Tower Chowk in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, talking to The News, City Police Officer Afzal Ahmad Kausar, who was monitoring the security arrangements, said that police had made foolproof security arrangements by deputing more than 7,000 policemen in addition to detailing 124 inspectors, 162 sub-inspectors, 462 ASIs, 18 DSPs and seven SPs. Moreover, 25 teams of Elite Force and Quick Relief Force also patrolled around the processions and Majalis, he added.

In the city of Gujranwala the main Alam and Zuljinah procession was taken out from Imambargah Gulistan-e-Marfat while about 86 small processions were also taken out from different Imambargahs across the city.

Strict security arrangements were made by police and the district administration to avoid any untoward incident. Heavy contingents of police and other forces were deployed at all the entry and exit points in sensitive areas to ensure security of the people. DCO Amir Jan and CPO Waqas Nazir visited the procession routes and inspected the arrangements.

In the city of Toba Tek Singh several processions of Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah were taken out from different areas and Majalis were held in Imambargahs to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.

The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Jhang Road and culminated at the same place after passing through its traditional route. The security measures taken for protection of the people were unprecedented as security checkpoints had been established at short distances and everyone had to cross three layers of security for reaching the venues of processions.

In the city of Hafizabad six processions of Tazia and Zuljinah were taken out in the city which gathered at Fawara Chowk where the mourners observed self-flagellation. Police had made strict security arrangements to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the Jamaat Ahle Sunnat organised Shahadat-e-Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) conference at Markaz Ahle Sunnat, which was attended by thousands of people. Speaking on the occasion, Peer Syed Waseemul Hassan Naqvi urged the people to follow the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) for living a successful life. Syed Usman Shah, Peer Burhan Shah, Sahibzada Attaul Hussnain also addressed the conference.

In the city of Burewala the Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah possession was taken out from Markazi Imambargah Hussainia under the aegis of the Anjuman-e-Haideria on Saturday.

The Health Department, Rescue 1122 and Patients Welfare Society had set up their medical camps to provide medical treatment to the mourners. Police had chalked out a comprehensive security plan to avert any untoward incident.

In the city of Lalamusa Youm-e-Ashur was observed with reverence here on Saturday.

The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Qasr-e-Abu Talib, Railway Road. The small processions of Tazia and Alam merged into the main procession. The mourners offered Zohr and Asr prayers at Milad Chowk. The procession ended after marching through Main Bazaar Machli Chowk and Eidgah Road. Police had sealed the route of the procession.

In the city of Jhang district Police Officer Humayun Masood Sindhu while expressing satisfaction over the arrangements for peace in Muharram, especially during Ashura, praised the efforts of religious personalities of all sects, business community, organisers of processions and Majalis, Pak Army, police and other security agencies.

Talking to newsmen here on Sunday, he said that police heaved a sigh of relief as Ashura processions ended peacefully in the district metropolis. He said that Ashura processions and Majalis in the district were held in congenial environment while ideal atmosphere of fraternity and integrity was witnessed among all schools of thought during the day.

Meanwhile, Fesco Jhang division Executive Engineer Operations Syed Saleem Shah appreciated the efforts of all SDOs operations of Civil Lines and other sub-divisions for ensuring duty rostrum in letter and spirit during Ashura. He said that the Fesco line staff worked in three shifts round-the-clock to ensure uninterrupted power supply as desired by the district and police administration.

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Shiites of Karachi observed Ashura amid strict security measures

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Karachi: Commemorated with great religious zeal and fervour amid serious security threats, the mourning processions taken out on Ashura peacefully culminated after passing through the traditional designated routes.

To pay homage to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions during the battle of Karbala, the mourners started gathering at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah, Kharadar – the starting and the end point of the processions taken out on both 9th and 10th Muharram – at around 10am in the morning.

Given the looming threat of a terrorist attack on the processions, a total of 64,414 policemen and 7,408 Rangers were deployed across the province Sindh on for the security of processions and gatherings on the 10th of Muharram, especially in 216 “most-sensitive” areas.

All entry points to the MA Jinnah road were sealed from the 7th of Muharram, whereas CCTV cameras were installed along the route of the procession for close monitoring, aerial surveillance was also carried out by security agencies.

Followed by the end of the processions, the mourners attended various Sham-e-Ghareeban Majalis after saying the Maghrib prayers.

 

MWM protest

With over 30 precious lives lost to two separate bomb attacks during the first 10 days of Muharram this year, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) held a demonstration at the Numaish Chowrangi, after the culmination of the 10th Muharram procession, to condemn the attacks as well as the failure of the federal and provincial governments to maintain foolproof security, despite considerable threats to the Shia community.

Leaders and supporters of the MWM urged the Sindh government to stop “providing cover to terrorists”, and arrest the culprits immediately, while also calling for compensation for the deceased and the injured to be paid on a priority basis.

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Halloween Burka Costume Draws Criticism

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Sparking every year’s criticism, Ebay auction site has come under fire for offending Muslims by offering burkas as Halloween fancy dress costumes, with anti-Islamophobia group calling for the listing to be removed.

“Many Muslim women do not wear the burka, though to associate it with Halloween further stigmatizes women who wear it,” said Fiyaz Mughal OBE, a director of Tell MAMA, adding that the costume “dehumanizes” women who wear the veil, Daily Star reported on Sunday, October 25.

“We ask that eBay remove these so-called costumes and understand the impact that it has on women, perceptions within wider communities and to the safety of some Muslim women.”

The uproar started when an advert on Ebay offered for the sale of the burka costume. The advert describes the traditional outfit as being “perfect for stag parties.”

Sellers Dragons Den Fancy Dress have the outfit listed as a “Halloween Fancy Dress Idea Sharia Burka”.

Offered in various colors, including Forest Green, City Blue and Royal Blue, the costume comes in a range of sizes from small to extra-large at prices between £22.55 and £29.95.

Also available on the site is a mini-skirt and veil combo described as a “Middle Eastern Arab Girl Burka Halloween Fancy Dress Costume”.

Facing criticism, an eBay spokesman said they do not intend to spark anti-Muslim sentiments.

“We do not allow any items that promote intolerance toward religion,” he said.

“We always welcome feedback from our members and take this into account when reviewing items on our marketplace.”

Controversial releases of this year’s Halloween include, the “Clock Bomb Boy” costume, which depicts US Muslim student Ahmed Muhamed who was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school, “Cecil the Lion killer” and Foxy Megyn Bloody Tampon Halloween costume.

Halloween is an annual Western celebration based on Celtic pagan doctrines and traditionally applied to the evening of October 31st.

Celtics were a group occupying the area known now as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Northern France about 2,000 years ago.

Halloween has clear connections with the Eve of Samhain, a celebration marking the beginning of winter as well as the first day of the New Year among ancient pagans of the British Isles (2nd century BC).

On this occasion, it was believed that supernatural forces gathered together and that the barriers between the supernatural and human worlds were broken.

They believed that spirits from other worlds, such as the souls of the dead were able to visit earth during this time and roam about.

When Christianity came to the British Isles, the church tried to take attention away from these pagan rituals by placing a Christian holiday on the same day.

The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, acknowledges the saints of the Christian faith in much the same way that Samhain had paid tribute to the pagan gods.

These traditions were brought to the United States by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.

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Supreme leader has the “final word” over JCPOA

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Ayatollah Arafi stressed that all Iranian factions and groups should realize that Ayatollah Khamenei has the “final word” over the JCPOA and that his advice and commandments are paramount to all partisan issues.

During his Friday prayer sermon to a large and fervent crowd of believers and mourners in Qom’s Holy Shrine of Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah, Ayatollah Ali-Reza Arafi stated that the message of Ashura is to have piety in one’s personal and social life and added that the Ashura of today is to confront and resist “American Islam, Saudi Islam, ISIL and aristocratic Islam.”

Referring to the ISIL Takfiri terrorist group, His Eminence added that the hatred of these modern-day successors of Umayyad Dynasty seek to stand against the roaring waves of those mourning for Imam Husayn, but they know that the flag of Imam Husayn will remain flying high and that they and the arrogant powers cannot stand against the message of Imam Husayn which has “pushed all their waves aside.”

Ayatollah Arafi stressed the need to avoid superstitions and distortions during the mourning ceremonies and said that mourning for Imam Husayn must be passionate and avoid superstitions and practices such as tatbir (self-flagellation) which is the cause of insult to Shi’a Islam.

“Our Shi’ism is revolutionary and our revolution is based on Ashura and it must be protected,” he stressed.

In another part of his speech, Qom’s Friday prayers’ leader referred to the letter from the Supreme Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution (Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei) to President Hassan Rouhani in regard to the implementation and important points of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and stressed that Ayatollah Khamenei has the “final word” over this agreement which was reached after twenty months of tough negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in July.

“All parties must consider the statements of the Supreme Leader as the final word as such, they are paramount over their own positions and his commands and advice are more important than partisan issues and disagreements because he is the monitor and guardian of the Islamic Revolution,” he said.

Ayatollah Arafi said the legislation and implementation of the JCPOA should be carefully considered by the country’s authorities as the text of this agreement has weaknesses which Iran’s enemies can take advantage of after it is implemented.

He emphasized that Iran must to strengthen its research and development capabilities and prepare to defend itself against the arrogant powers and must also continue its support of the Islamic Resistance and establish a culture of resistance and a resistance economy after the implementation of the JCPOA. He added that Iran must not show any tolerance or weakness in this regard.

The renowned Iranian scholar said that the enemies must know that Iranians have been reasonable and have had patience over the JCPOA but we are children of Ashura and will not make any concessions to the enemies or surrender to their excesses.

Ayatollah Arafi stressed that the United States and the Zionists are not safe from collapse. Takfiri terrorist groups must not feel safe as the waves of the Islamic Resistance are increasing throughout the world.

“Our message, which has been inspired by Ashura, to the Americans and other enemies of Islam is that they must realize that they cannot influence Iran so they should stop trying to interfere in Iran by creating dissension among our people,” he said.

He explained that Ashura is a sign of the greatness of the Iranian nation, adding that the Zionist regime is in the grip of the Islamic Resistance and by God’s grace, this cancerous tumour will collapse soon.

His Eminence added that ISIL, Takfiris and the House of Saud know that until Iran sits back and surrenders to the oppressors, they cannot continue their support of conflict among Sunnis and Shi’ites in Iran. “They must stop their support of evil policies or they will be defeated,” he said.

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Two Pig heads bearing anti-Islam slogan left outside church in Ireland + Pics

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Two severed pig’s heads bearing an anti-Islam slogan have been left at the doorsteps of a disused church in Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland.

St Luke’s Church on Northumberland Street, owned by the Church of Ireland, is up for sale but is currently being used by a community group for an event period. The wardens at St Luke’s Church have described the incident as terrible.

Chief Inspector of Police Gavin Kirkpatrick said that they received a report at around 10.30 this morning that two pig’s heads with racially offensive language written on them were left outside a property at Northumberland Street.

“Officers are currently carrying out enquiries into this incident which must be condemned by all.”

Spokesperson from the Belfast Islamic Centre (BIC), has said that the racist attack is disgusting no matter what side of the community you come from and there is no place for it in a civilized community.

It is noteworthy that police are treating the incident as a race hate crime.

Three Syrian women killed in a terrorist attack in Aleppo

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Three civilians were killed in a terrorist attack with rocket shells on Shihan residential area in Aleppo City.

A source at Aleppo Governorate said that terrorists of the so-called “Shuhada Bader Brigade”, positioned in Bani Zaid neighborhood, last night fired rocket shells on citizens’ houses at the roundabout of Shihan residential area on the northwestern outskirts of Aleppo City.

The source indicated that 3 women were killed in the attack and three other civilians sustained wounds of varying severity, adding that the rockets also caused a material damage in a number of the citizens’ houses and their properties.

Earlier on Saturday, three civilians were killed and three others were injured in a terrorist attack with a rocket shell that fell on a residential building at al-Neel Street in Aleppo City.

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