Question:With whom was Salman al-Muhammadi paired in brotherhood?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it has been mentioned in the books of the Imami school that the brotherhood (Mu’akhāt) was between Salman and Abū Dharr, and also between Salman and al-Miqdād. Yes, it is stated in most books of the general (Sunni) scholars that the brotherhood was between Salman and Abū al-Dardā’, but this is unlikely, as it is known that Abū al-Dardā’ embraced Islam after the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) had already established brotherhood among his companions. Some later Shia scholars have reported the brotherhood between Salman and Abū al-Dardā’ from Sunni sources, but, as you can see, there is hesitation regarding its authenticity. Allah is All-Knowing.

Question:Universal and religious traditions testify that the companions of the prophets are the best among the followers of their religion. If the followers of each religion were asked about the most virtuous among them, they would say: the companions of the messengers. If the followers of the Torah were asked, they would say: the companions of Moses; and if the followers of the Gospel were asked, they would say: the companions of Jesus. So, is companionship (with the Prophet) proof of superiority?

Answer:In the name of Allah, know, my son, that if a companion was committed to religious rulings and obedience, then he attained both the honor of companionship and the honor of religion, and thus possesses virtue. However, one who is from the Ahl al-Bayt (Household of the Prophet) and descends directly from the Prophet (PBUH&HF), while also having attained purity, is superior even to the righteous companion. Allah is the Guide and All-Knowing.

Question:Imam Al-Hussain (PBUH) offered to return [home] to the camp of Ibn Saʿad after clarifying to them the reason for his coming that he came in response to their invitations and that they had promised to support him in his stance against Yazid ibn Muʿawiyah. The question is: why did the option of returning remain on the table?

Answer:In the name of Allah, know, my son, that the purpose behind Imam al-Hussain’s (peace be upon him) offer to return to where he came from, Mecca or Medina, was to establish the final proof (ḥujjah) against them. He (PBUH) knew that the enemies had surrounded him and would not allow him to return. Allah knows best.

Question:The Shia have a tradition of dedicating the eighth day of Muharram to Al-Qasim, the son of Imam Hasan Al-Mujtaba (PBUH). They recount his virtues and elegies as part of the ongoing custom. When the reciter reaches his mention and delivers words about him from the pulpit, trays with candles, henna, and greenery are brought into the gathering. This is done to commemorate the magnitude of his tragedy, emphasizing that he was martyred in the prime of his youth without fully enjoying life. They consider this a wedding procession for Al-Qasim. When the trays are brought into the gathering, the mourners cry and wail, tears flow down Shia faces, and the Hussaini assembly is deeply moved. Is there, in your esteemed view, any objection to this custom and practice, or is there no harm in it?

Answer:In the name of Allah, there is no objection as long as everyone avoids anything contrary to the Sharia. Allah knows best.

Question:Who was the husband of Lady Sukayna, the daughter of Imam Hussain (PBUH)?

Answer:In the name of Allah, know, my son, that Sukayna was not the actual name of Imam Hussain's (PBUH) daughter; rather, it was her title. Her real name was A'mina, and in some narrations, Amina. She was given the title Sukayna due to her tranquility and deep sense of peace, stemming from her trust in Allah’s mercy, her intense worship, and her profound fear of Allah. She viewed worldly life with detachment. When her cousin, a son of Imam Hasan (PBUH), sought her hand in marriage from Imam Hussain (PBUH), the Imam replied that she was preoccupied with worship, fear of Allah, and complete devotion to Him. She had no inclination toward worldly life and thus was not suited for marriage or serving a husband. Enemies of Ahlulbait, who spared no effort in spreading false accusations against the Prophet’s ancestors, himself, and his progeny, fabricated stories about this noble lady. They falsely claimed that she married a cursed enemy of Ahlulbait and accused her of inappropriate behavior, such as sitting with poets and listening to love poetry—accusations utterly unbefitting a noblewoman of her stature. In reality, she never married due to her complete devotion to the Hereafter. She had reached such a high level of spiritual annihilation in Allah that worldly matters held no value for her. This conclusion has been established by our esteemed scholars (may Allah sanctify their souls). There is no power nor strength except through Allah. Allah is the Guide and the Grantor of success.

Question:One of the dissenters says: What is special about the brotherhood between the Messenger (PBUH) and our master Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)? The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called our master Umar and others among the companions "my brother" many times as well! And Allah, the Exalted, says, "Indeed, the believers are brothers." What is the appropriate response to this person?

Answer:In the name of Allah, be informed, my son, that the brotherhood between the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) refers to the specific brotherhood established by the Prophet (PBUH&HF) among the Muslims after the Hijra. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) instituted a bond of brotherhood among the companions to mitigate the impact of losing relatives due to the migration to Medina. Those who were paired in this brotherhood would inherit from each other and support each other in worldly tribulations. This specific type of brotherhood was uniquely established between the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) and Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH). As for using the term "my brother," it aligns with Allah's statement, " Indeed, the believers are brothers." Allah is the Guide.

Question:Who is the maternal uncle of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib?

Answer:In the name of Allah, his maternal uncle is Hunayn ibn Asad ibn Hashim. Allah is the Guide.

Question:The opponents challenge us by saying that the Shia has been repeatedly mentioning in their books about the thirst of Imam Hussein (PBUH) during the battle, so they write the following phrase on water tanks: "Drink and remember the thirst of Hussein." The question is: Since the Imams, according to the Shia's understanding, have knowledge of the unseen, couldn't Imam Hussein know his need for water during the battle and that he would die of thirst, and thus gather enough water for the battle? Furthermore, doesn't providing water during the battle fall under taking necessary measures? Allah says: "And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows"

Answer:In the name of Allah, Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his companions and family were besieged and prevented from accessing water. The Master of Martyrs (PBUH) was only obligated to use natural means, just as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) used natural means in battles and did not utilize miraculous powers. Similarly, the Master of Martyrs (PBUH) was obligated to use natural means. Then, why doesn't Allah use miraculous powers to guide people to Islam and destroy the enemies? Allah is the Guide.

Question:The opponents challenge us by asking why we did not find a number of loyal companions with Imam Hussein, such as Jabir ibn Abdullah, Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, Abdullah ibn Ja'far, Ibn Abbas, and others?

Answer:In the name of Allah, Imam Hussein (PBUH) is infallible and must be obeyed, and he did what Allah commanded him to do. He took those who joined him and left those who did not, all by the command of Allah. We only know the wisdom and commands of Allah through His teachings and the teachings of His chosen representatives. Some of the Prophet's (PBUH&HF) companions were killed alongside Imam Hussein (PBUH). Allah is the Guide.

Question:Did the marriage between Umm Kulthum and Omar ibn Al-Khattab happen?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we have stated in various answers that the claim of the marriage of of Ali ibn Abi Talib's daughter (PBUH) is fabricated, and our righteous scholars, including the esteemed researcher, the great scholar, Syed Ja'far Murtada Al-'Amili (may his soul be sanctified), have confirmed this in his book "The Obscurity of Umm Kulthum: Investigation and Study." Allah is the Guide.