notifications_active Weekly Meshkat-e Noor Session: Thursdays at 20:30 at Haj Reza Mosque
Greetings to our esteemed teacher,
Please share your thoughts on the day of the pledge of allegiance, which is observed after the anniversary of Imam al-Askari’s martyrdom.
Does this observance have religious and historical basis?
Could it be considered an innovation in religion?
َّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحيمِ
The day on which we renew our pledge to the Imam of Our Time is the same as Eid al-Ghadir, which commemorates the proclamation of the authority of Amir al-Mu’minin. Following the martyrdom of Imam al-Askari, our covenant and pledge to the Imam of Our Time should be renewed and strengthened—but not with celebration or rejoicing. Rather, we should offer our condolences to the Imam on the loss of his father, hold mourning ceremonies, and recount his father’s virtues.
Just as Ghadir Khumm is regarded as a day of celebration عِيدُ اللَّهِ الْأَكْبَر, the day the Prophet of Islam passed away—when the Imamate of the Commander of the Faithful began—is also a day of “greatest bereavement.” Therefore, following the example of the Ahl al-Bayt, we should respond in the most fitting and appropriate way to the passing of the “Father of the Proofs”—peace be upon them—and the beginning of the Imamate of God’s Proof.
Our festival of pledging allegiance to the Imam of our time is the same as Eid al-Ghadir. When the authority of our master, the Commander of the Faithful, was proclaimed, the authority of every one of the Ahl al-Bayt, including the Imam of our time, was proclaimed as well.
On Ghadir Khumm, on the Imam’s birthday, on Fridays—which are dedicated to him—and on special occasions, we may hold gatherings of joy and celebration, sharing sweets in gratitude for the blessing of his presence, Imamate and authority.
Our pledge of allegiance must be renewed every day—indeed, every hour. After the martyrdom of Imam al-Askari, that pledge should be strengthened and reaffirmed, without engaging in inappropriate displays of joy and celebration. To laugh and rejoice while the tears of our Imam of the time are flowing is an affront to his sacred station.
Special programs befitting the Proof of God, peace be upon him, after the anniversary of Imam al-Askari’s martyrdom:
First, no program should involve joy or celebration.
Hold a special gathering to offer condolences to the Imam on the sorrowful martyrdom of his noble father, and arrange a dedicated mourning ceremony.
Recount the merits of the Imam of the time through a comprehensive introduction to his life and station.
Recite a special visitation prayer for the Imam.
Discuss the duties of the Shi‘a during the Imam’s occultation.
Hold a special program to renew our covenant with him.
Organize competitions devoted to learning about the Mahdi.
Arrange a special charitable initiative for those in need on the Imam’s behalf.
Recount the Quranic verses and hadith concerning him.
Explain the end times and the need to prepare for them.
Discuss the signs of the end times.
Study the Dajjal and the Sufyani, alongside the Khurasani and the Yamani.
Discuss the qualities of the Imam of the time’s companions.
Hold a conference on the trials of the end times.
And so on.