Question:In Ashura pilgrimage text, it is mentioned “May Allah curse the first then the second then the third then the fourth and may Allah curse Yazid the fifth.” Who are meant by this?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it must be known that the creator of the this text –the infallible Imam or Allah SWT as it may be a divine saying- wanted to conceal the meaning of “the first, the second, the third and the fourth.” Guessing should be avoided as the wise do because they speak of what they know only. Allah has also done this in His holy book when He concealed many things for the common people and revealed it for the people of knowledge. For the non-Imamia, the people of knowledge got the privilege of comprehending the similar things. Therefore, guessing is not an act of wisdom and maybe the creator of the text had other things not mentioned. This is what is to be said here, although some people can get the meanings of these words through the context or through Alqama Supplication which is considered as complementary to the pilgrimage text, or through contemplating in the Quran, narrations, and traditions which specify who is the first, the second, and the third. However, this cannot be taken for granted.

Question:On days of occasions, some Mawakib (procession) owners (may Allah reward them) serve food for the visitors. Is it necessary to serve small meals to them so that there will not be extravagance? If we do so, may this contradict generosity?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is clear that the sane person would not do something illegitimate or illogical. The Mawakib owners have to respect the guests and cook what they need. If some food remains, it is not considered a fault or sin. However, lack of food should not happen. Allah knows best.

Question:Many of Imam Hussein’s (PBUH) visitors visit him (PBUH) two or more days before Arbaeen and return before Arbaeen. Does it suffice for Arbaeen visit?

Answer:In the name of Allah, in this case, the visitor has not get the blessings of Arbaeen visit, but he got the rewards of visiting Imam Hussein in that day. Allah knows best.

Question:Is visiting Imam Hussein (PBUH) considered better than Haj? If so, which Haj does it mean, the obligatory or the recommended?

Answer:Visiting Imam Hussein (PBUH) is far better than recommended Haj and Umra. Allah knows best.

Question:It is known that the word “Jihad” ((to fight or strive for something)) means that the right people fight against the wrong people. Yet, we find in the visiting text of Ashura “May Allah curse the gang which fought (Jihad) against Hussein”. Does this mean “to make one tired”?

Answer:In the name of Allah, the linguistic meaning is “to make tires or to tire”. Allah knows best.

Question:What is your opinion regarding visiting the Imams (PBUH) walking? Is there a religious proof?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it has been proved through authentic evidence and continuously recurrent narrations (Hadith Mutawatir) in meaning that there is a great reward from Allah for visiting Imam Hussein (PBUH) and Kaaba walking. Regarding other Imams (PBUH), visiting them is recommended. However, the more difficult the visiting is the more rewards the visitor gets as it is said by the infallible imams (PBUH) “The best acts are the most difficult”. Accordingly, the traditions of the followers of Ahlulbait (PBUH) were to care for performing the pilgrimage or visiting in this way. It continued as such and will continue despite the enemies of Islam and Hussein (PBUH). Allah is the all Guidance and knowing.

Question: I would like to ask where one should turn when reciting the Ashura pilgrimage text. Should one turn towards Karbala or Kaaba?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is better to turn towards the grave of Imam Hussein (PBUH) as it is mentioned in the explanation of this pilgrimage text. One should not turn away from the grave of Imam Hussein (PBUH). Allah knows best.

Question:I have come to Najaf for pilgrimage of the holy shrine. While performing the pilgrimage inside the holy shrine, a head-cover fell over my head and I took it thinking that this was permissible. When I went back home, I asked about this and was told that it was not permissible and I had to take it back. I will return it when I have the chance to go there, but what do I do with it now?

Answer:In the name of Allah, you must return the cover to the place where you took it from. If you do not know the owner, then give it to the administration of the holy shrine. This should not be delayed and if possible try to send it with an honest believer. This is a must. Moreover, you are not allowed to use it. Allah knows best.

Question:What is your message to the participants in Twaireej Jogging?

Answer:In the name of Allah, the answer is included in what we have mentioned above. Our love for this ritual and our encouragement to the believers in contributing and participating in it and taking care of it. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:what is the effect of Twaireej Jogging on the Islamic identity?

Answer: In the name of Allah, like other rituals, Twaireej Jogging helps keeping the memorial of Al-Taff tragedy alive. As it is known that the spreading out and continuation of the Islam depends on the Husseini Rituals, thus peace and blessings on those who performs it, participates in it and feed it. Although this ritual does not harm the enemies of Ahulbait (PBUH) in any way, not even their worldly interests, yet they are so annoyed and angry at it. Twaireej Jogging is like the spears in the chest of the enemies, the arrows in their eyes and fire burning their hearts. It will remain under the care of the Awiated Imam (AJ) and those who are loyal to Imam Hussein (PBUH) until the reappearance of his grandson (AJ) who will avenge him against his enemies and their supporters in the earth.