Question:There are pilgrimage texts (zyarats) mentioned by Al-Mashhadi in his book Al-Mazar that he does not attribute to an infallible and they do not appear in any other sources. Based on this, there are two issues: 1.Is every pilgrimage text transmitted by him about the infallibles (PBUT) considered authentic, even if it is not properly attributed to them? 2.Should the texts transmitted by him, which are attributed to an infallible, be treated like the other books of visits?

Answer:1: In the name of Allah, attributing a pilgrimage text or supplication to an infallible (PBUH) without an authentic chain of transmission is not permissible. This does not mean, however, that one cannot benefit from the supplication or visit itself. Allah is the Guide, and He is the All-knowing. 2: In the name of Allah, the status of such texts is similar to that of unauthenticated narrations in terms of legal rulings. Allah is the All-knowing.

Question:Is the mixing that occurred during the Arbaeen pilgrimage acceptable according to Islamic law, in light of health warnings regarding physical contact and social distancing?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we mentioned in our statement before the masses rushed to visit Imam Hussain (PBUH) that full precaution and prevention are sufficient. It is impossible for a person living among others on this earth to avoid all forms of contact. Ask yourself, my son, do you not sit with your family? Do you not buy fruits, vegetables, bread, and other things that have been touched by others? Do you not approach these items? Does the nursing mother not embrace her infant? Wake up if you are asleep. Be informed that the visit to Imam Hussain (PBUH), and similar acts, are carried out in compliance with Allah’s commands, seeking His mercy and desiring the intercession of Hussain (PBUH) to protect us from this calamity, the epidemic, and other afflictions. Peace be upon those who follow the guidance.

Question:It is mentioned in the Ziyarat Ashura (and curse 'Ubaid Allah ibn Ziyad, and Ibn Marjana). Are these two individuals the same person, or are they separate figures? And why is there a distinction between them?

Answer:In the name of Allah, a person earns praise and blame based on their personal qualities and their association with either the good or the evil. The distinction in the Ziyarat is meant to highlight the specific curse upon each individual, demonstrating that each is deserving of being cursed and disassociated from in two ways: by their own characteristics (self) and by their ancestral ties (heritage). Allah is the Guide and the All-knowing.

Question:At the end of the holy Ashura pilgrimage text, is it necessary to face the Qibla during prostration?

Answer:In the name of Allah, facing the Qibla is not a condition in the situation mentioned in the question. Allah knows best.

Question:If a person has performed the obligatory Hajj, which is better: going for the recommended Hajj again or going to visit the Master of Martyrs (PBUH) on the Day of Arafah?

Answer:In the name of Allah, in the case of this question, visiting the Master of Martyrs (PBUH) is better than the recommended Hajj. Visiting Imam Hussain (PBUH) is superior to all recommended acts. Allah knows best.

Question:If a person is well-off, is it better for him to visit the shrines of the Ahlulbait (PBUT) or to help the poor and those in need?

Answer:In the name of Allah, both actions are recommended, and one can draw closer to Allah by assisting the believing needy and also by attending the shrines of the infallible Imams (PBUT), where he can pray for himself and for the well-being of the believers. Allah is the All-Knowing.

Question:I recite the visitation text of Ashura every day for four years and haven't left reciting for a single. Now, people tell me that it is not correct to recite it every day as this action harms. Is that correct? Are there specific days on which our pure Imams (PBUT) prevent us from reciting Ashura, such as the third of Sha’ban and the ninth of Rabi’ al-Awwal?

Answer:In the name of Allah, recite, then recite then recite. This blessed visitation strengthen your faith in Allah and the Messenger (PBUH&HF) and Ahlulbait (PBUT) and by its grace Allah blesses you with more love to Ahlulbait (PBUT). Insha’Allah, with your piety, you will be worthy of the intercession of Imam Hussein (PBUH) in the grave, the isthmus and on the Day of Judgment. Allah is the Guide.

Question:In saluting Imam Hussein (PBUH) in Ashura visitation text, "Assalamu Ala Al Hussein wa ala Ali ibnul Hussein wa ala Awlad Al Hussein wa ala Ashab Al Hussein" ((Peace be upon Hussein, Ali son of Hussein, sons of Hussein, and companions of Huusein)). The question is: Why did Imam Baqir mention Ali Al-Akbar (PBUH) in name rather than all the others? Why wasn't Abal Fazl Al-Abbas (PBUH) mentioned like Ali Al-Akbar (PBUH)? Can we say that there is preference in the ranks related to what we mentioned above?

Answer:In the name of Allah, there is no doubt that there is preference of Al-Taf martyrs over other martyrs. That is why Hamza Ibn Abdulmutalib (PBUH) is called the master of the martyrs out of those who died in Battle of Uhud. As for not mentioning Abal Fazl (PBUH), the reason is - Allah knows best- that this visitation text was created when the master of believers (PBUH) did the visitation and it was remotely done. That is why other than the master of martyrs was mentioned in general. Mentioning his name, Ali Al-Akbar (PBUH), specifically is a reference to his privilege over the rest of the martyrs from among the relatives of the Master of Martyrs (PBUT), and Abal Fazl Al-Abbas (PBUH) also entered into this general address. Allah knows best.

Question:It is narrated in the Nahyia visitation text about Imam Mahdi (PBUH): (…You fell to the ground wounded. The horses trample you with their hooves, and tyrants mount you with their bows. Your forehead has perspired for death….) Al-Mazar, page: 504. Do we understand from this excerpt that the enemies trampled the body of Imam Hussein (PBUH) before and after his martyrdom?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it seems so. The Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) knows more about what happened to his oppressed grandfather. We have said repeatedly that the narrations are various and different regarding the details of Karbala tragedy. So long as there is no offense in narrating this narration, there is no objection to it. Allah knows best.

Question:In your opinion, what is the reward of visiting Imam Hussein (PBUH) on the night and day of the tenth of Muharram?

Answer:In the name of Allah, as for the night of the tenth of Muharram, it is appropriate for the Karbala incident that a person visits with the general pilgrimage text of Imam Hussein (PBUH) or to visit using Ashura text. Yet, to stay in Karbala and commemorate this night with worship and mention of the misfortunes of Hussein and his family and companions (PBUT) and remember the words of the Imam and his advice is required on the tenth day of Muharram. Two pilgrimage texts have been narrated for this day in the books of supplications like Mafateehul Jinan and others. It seems from the narrations that one of the signs of loving the Ahlulbait (PBUT) is the concern for what we mentioned on the night and day of the tenth. One of the characteristics of the Twelver Shiite is that he mourns with tear during the aforementioned day and night. Allah is the Guide.