Ayatullah Sistani's message to the Khoja Community - Revision history

Mohamedali: /* Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020 */

2020-09-08T11:40:15Z

‎Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020

Mohamedali: /* Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020 */

2020-09-08T11:39:36Z

‎Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020

Mohamedali at 11:38, 8 September 2020

2020-09-08T11:38:03Z

Mohamedali: /* Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020 */

2020-09-08T11:37:00Z

‎Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020

Mohamedali: /* Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020 */

2020-09-08T11:35:50Z

‎Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's 2nd ExCo for the term 2017-2020

Mohamedali: /* Gujarati (Translation) */

2020-09-08T11:32:00Z

‎Gujarati (Translation)

Mohamedali: /* Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's Triennial Conference 2017 */

2020-09-08T11:30:35Z

‎Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's Triennial Conference 2017

Show changes

Mohamedali: /* Translation in French */

2020-09-08T11:13:06Z

‎Translation in French

Mohamedali: /* English (Translation) */

2020-09-08T11:12:32Z

‎English (Translation)

Mohamedali: /* English (Translation) */

2020-09-08T11:12:06Z

‎English (Translation)

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 Praise be to Allah, the Master of the worlds, and salutations and peace be upon the best of His creation Mohammed (s) and his infallible family (a).
-Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
+Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of the [http://khojapedia.com/wiki/index.php?title=The_World_Federation_of_Khoja_Shia_Ithna-Asheri_Muslim_Communities '''World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities'''] wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
 It pleases us that you all are preparing to convene your blessed conference in London in a few days. We convey to you the greetings of Syed Sistani (May God Prolong his life) and his condolences on the commemoration of the shahadat of as-Siddiqa az-Zahra (a). We also convey his Eminence’s profound appreciation for your earnest efforts and endeavours and his prayers for your increased success and virtue.

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 Praise be to Allah, the Master of the worlds, and salutations and peace be upon the best of His creation Mohammed (s) and his infallible family (a).
-Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of [[the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities]] wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
+Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
 It pleases us that you all are preparing to convene your blessed conference in London in a few days. We convey to you the greetings of Syed Sistani (May God Prolong his life) and his condolences on the commemoration of the shahadat of as-Siddiqa az-Zahra (a). We also convey his Eminence’s profound appreciation for your earnest efforts and endeavours and his prayers for your increased success and virtue.

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 Praise be to Allah, the Master of the worlds, and salutations and peace be upon the best of His creation Mohammed (s) and his infallible family (a).
-Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
+Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of [[the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities]] wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
 It pleases us that you all are preparing to convene your blessed conference in London in a few days. We convey to you the greetings of Syed Sistani (May God Prolong his life) and his condolences on the commemoration of the shahadat of as-Siddiqa az-Zahra (a). We also convey his Eminence’s profound appreciation for your earnest efforts and endeavours and his prayers for your increased success and virtue.

@@ Line 185: / Line 185: @@
 In addition, five things are advised to you, in which is included religious advice:
-'''First Advice'''
+'''(1) First Advice'''
 You must continue giving attention towards regulating your affairs and cooperating with each other. Indeed, this will bring about blessings and will be the cause of success. Avoid factions and disagreements as it will ruin your affairs. If you have elected people to do things, avoid creating factions and disputing with them. Rather assist and advise them. Know that amongst the most disliked and ill-fated matters are disagreements which occur because of religion. This is because Allah has made religion the basis of society and the source of affection and love between people. He has obligated unity and He hates division. Whoever wants good for his religion, must not make religion the cause of disagreement and hostility amongst its adherents.
-'''Second Advice'''
+'''(2) Second Advice'''
-Increase the attention of those living in the West amongst you towards safeguarding their religion, culture and beliefs. This is because they live in a different religious and cultural environment and are susceptible to be influenced by it, especially the youth. This matter requires increased effort and attention, and this attention ought to be motivated by sincerity and action as a matter of religious responsibility. This is in order to safeguard the true religion, correct beliefs and ideal values without blind following or harmful fanaticism. There ought to be amongst you a committee comprised of scholarly and reputable persons to track the dangers to belief and culture; and to follow appropriate methods of teaching and training suitable to avert and safeguard against such dangers.
+Increase the attention of those living in the West amongst you towards safeguarding their religion, culture and beliefs. This is because they live in a different religious and cultural environment and are susceptible to be influenced by it, especially the youth. This matter requires increased effort and attention, and this attention ought to be motivated by sincerity and action as a matter of religious responsibility. This is in order to safeguard the true religion, correct beliefs and ideal values without blind following or harmful fanaticism. There ought to be amongst you a committee comprised of scholarly and reputable persons to track the dangers to belief and culture, and to follow appropriate methods of teaching and training suitable to avert and safeguard against such dangers.
-'''Third Advice'''
+'''(3)Thir d Advice'''
 Attention towards developing virtuous personal and social character traits and upbringing children with these, such as justice, kindness, truthfulness in speech, fulfilling commitments, executing trusts, inward and outward chastity, kindness to parents especially in old age, consideration to neighbours, helping the weak, respect for morals and general rights and good conduct with all peoples. Avoid bad traits such as lying, treachery, cheating, fraud, bribery, accusations, unfounded talk, etc. as well as attacking the sanctity of others be it life, honour and property.
@@ Line 199: / Line 199: @@
 Know that a believer is foremost in adopting all virtuous traits and in avoiding all detestable ones. This is because Allah loves justice and enjoins kindness and He sent His Messengers to the people to emphasise on noble moral traits and to uphold equity and justice. He chose these Messengers from amongst the most distinguished of mankind in insights, wisdom and noble character in order to be examples to man and role models for them in their lives. Therefore, if a believer sees a noble trait or a good characteristic in someone who is not a believer then it should evoke a feeling that he is more deserving of it and should be foremost in it. He should try to adorn himself with it.
-'''Fourth Advice'''
+'''(4) Fourth Advice'''
 Attention to working and education and encouraging the youth towards it. It is essential for a person to work and earn a livelihood for it is his honour and vigour. It is also the zakat of what Allah has bestowed upon him in terms of strength and ability. Inactivity, whatever be the reason, is a great disease which leads to the presence of a great many ruinations. As for education, it is a gateway to employment and a means of progress. Every person ought to give attention to learning new knowledge, teaching it and creating it. Attention must be given to the youth amongst you, especially the distinguished amongst them – help them to increase their knowledge and to attain lofty heights.
-'''Fifth Advice'''
+'''(5) Fifth Advice'''
 Attention to the affairs of all believers to whatever extent feasible. Indeed, Allah has made faith a bond amongst those who possess it, just like a familial bond. He has also made the believers brothers and custodians of each other and has granted rights over each other the rights of some of them over the others, making some of it obligatory and others recommended. He considers them all his family. Whoever fulfils the need of his brother in faith, Allah will fulfil his needs in this world and in the hereafter. Hence no one would despair of Allah’s help, favour and mercy.
@@ Line 214: / Line 214: @@
 '''Office of as-Sayyid As-Sistani'''
-A'''n-Najaf al-Ashraf'''
+'''An-Najaf al-Ashraf'''
 ''2'Jamad ath-Thani 1439 (19th February 2018)''
 '''Reference:''' https://www.world-federation.org/news/message-ayatullah-sistani

@@ Line 169: / Line 169: @@
-In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful
+In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful.
 Praise be to Allah, the Master of the worlds, and salutations and peace be upon the best of His creation Mohammed (s) and his infallible family (a).
 Salams to our brothers and sisters of the Executive Council of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
-It pleases us that you all are preparing to convene your blessed conference in London in a few days. We convey to you the greetings of Syed Sistani (May God Prolong his life) and his condolences on the commemoration of the shahahdat of as-Siddiqa az-Zahra (a). We also convey his Eminence’s profound appreciation for your earnest efforts and endeavours and his prayers for your increased success and virtue.
+It pleases us that you all are preparing to convene your blessed conference in London in a few days. We convey to you the greetings of Syed Sistani (May God Prolong his life) and his condolences on the commemoration of the shahadat of as-Siddiqa az-Zahra (a). We also convey his Eminence’s profound appreciation for your earnest efforts and endeavours and his prayers for your increased success and virtue.
 You have requested some words of general guidance for you and all our brothers and sisters which we provide below:
-The first thing that is enjoined on you all and ourselves it to acquire taqwa of Allah (God mindfulness) and to have yaqin (certainty) in the Last Day. Thus every one of us should bring to mind that Allah is the Guardian over us and that He records our deeds in the book - nothing great or small is omitted from it. Man is rewarded by it for everything – good for good and bad for bad.
+The first thing that is enjoined on you all and ourselves it to acquire taqwa of Allah (God mindfulness) and to have yaqin (certainty) in the Last Day. Thus every one of us should bring to mind that Allah is the Guardian over us and that He records our deeds in the book - nothing great or small is omitted from it. Man is rewarded by it for everything – good for good and bad for bad. Secondly, know that your true religion, Islam, is the Absolute Truth (Haqq). Allah has based submission to Him through sound intellect and rational thought. He secured that obedience through acknowledgement of the ultimate realities: the existence of Allah and the Hereafter; and He established that obedience through the requisites of human nature. Through the human conscience, He made desirable virtuous characteristics like justice, kindness, honesty, loyalty and chastity. Similarly, through it, He cautioned against evil characteristics like injustice, wrongdoing, lying, unfounded talk, treachery and false pretence.
 In addition, five things are advised to you, in which is included religious advice:
-First Advice
+'''First Advice'''
 You must continue giving attention towards regulating your affairs and cooperating with each other. Indeed, this will bring about blessings and will be the cause of success. Avoid factions and disagreements as it will ruin your affairs. If you have elected people to do things, avoid creating factions and disputing with them. Rather assist and advise them. Know that amongst the most disliked and ill-fated matters are disagreements which occur because of religion. This is because Allah has made religion the basis of society and the source of affection and love between people. He has obligated unity and He hates division. Whoever wants good for his religion, must not make religion the cause of disagreement and hostility amongst its adherents.
-Second Advice
+'''Second Advice'''
-Increase the attention of those living in the West amongst you towards safeguarding their religion, culture and beliefs. This is because they live in a different religious and cultural environment and are susceptible to be influenced by it, especially the youth. This matter requires increased effort and attention, and this attention ought to be motivated by sincerity and action as a matter of religious responsibility. This is in order to safeguard the true religion, correct beliefs and ideal values without blind following or harmful fanaticism.
+Increase the attention of those living in the West amongst you towards safeguarding their religion, culture and beliefs. This is because they live in a different religious and cultural environment and are susceptible to be influenced by it, especially the youth. This matter requires increased effort and attention, and this attention ought to be motivated by sincerity and action as a matter of religious responsibility. This is in order to safeguard the true religion, correct beliefs and ideal values without blind following or harmful fanaticism. There ought to be amongst you a committee comprised of scholarly and reputable persons to track the dangers to belief and culture; and to follow appropriate methods of teaching and training suitable to avert and safeguard against such dangers.
-There ought to be amongst you a committee comprised of scholarly and reputable persons to track the dangers to belief and culture; and to follow appropriate methods of teaching and training suitable to avert and safeguard against such dangers.
+'''Third Advice'''
-Third Advice
+Attention towards developing virtuous personal and social character traits and upbringing children with these, such as justice, kindness, truthfulness in speech, fulfilling commitments, executing trusts, inward and outward chastity, kindness to parents especially in old age, consideration to neighbours, helping the weak, respect for morals and general rights and good conduct with all peoples. Avoid bad traits such as lying, treachery, cheating, fraud, bribery, accusations, unfounded talk, etc. as well as attacking the sanctity of others be it life, honour and property.
 Know that a believer is foremost in adopting all virtuous traits and in avoiding all detestable ones. This is because Allah loves justice and enjoins kindness and He sent His Messengers to the people to emphasise on noble moral traits and to uphold equity and justice. He chose these Messengers from amongst the most distinguished of mankind in insights, wisdom and noble character in order to be examples to man and role models for them in their lives. Therefore, if a believer sees a noble trait or a good characteristic in someone who is not a believer then it should evoke a feeling that he is more deserving of it and should be foremost in it. He should try to adorn himself with it.
-Fourth Advice
+'''Fourth Advice'''
-Attention to working and education and encouraging the youth towards it. It is essential for a person to work and earn a livelihood for it is his honour and vigour. It is also the zakat of what Allah has bestowed upon him in terms of strength and ability. Inactivity, whatever be the reason, is a great disease which leads to the presence of a great many ruinations.
+Attention to working and education and encouraging the youth towards it. It is essential for a person to work and earn a livelihood for it is his honour and vigour. It is also the zakat of what Allah has bestowed upon him in terms of strength and ability. Inactivity, whatever be the reason, is a great disease which leads to the presence of a great many ruinations. As for education, it is a gateway to employment and a means of progress. Every person ought to give attention to learning new knowledge, teaching it and creating it. Attention must be given to the youth amongst you, especially the distinguished amongst them – help them to increase their knowledge and to attain lofty heights.
-As for education, it is a gateway to employment and a means of progress. Every person ought to give attention to learning new knowledge, teaching it and creating it. Attention must be given to the youth amongst you, especially the distinguished amongst them – help them to increase their knowledge and to attain lofty heights.
+'''Fifth Advice'''
-Fifth Advice
+Attention to the affairs of all believers to whatever extent feasible. Indeed, Allah has made faith a bond amongst those who possess it, just like a familial bond. He has also made the believers brothers and custodians of each other and has granted rights over each other the rights of some of them over the others, making some of it obligatory and others recommended. He considers them all his family. Whoever fulfils the need of his brother in faith, Allah will fulfil his needs in this world and in the hereafter. Hence no one would despair of Allah’s help, favour and mercy.
-Attention to the affairs of all believers to whatever extent feasible. Indeed, Allah has made faith a bond amongst those who possess it, just like a familial bond. He has also made the believers brothers and custodians of each other, and has granted rights over each other the rights of some of them over the others, making some of it obligatory and others recommended. He considers them all his family. Whoever fulfils the need of his brother in faith, Allah will fulfil his needs in this world and in the hereafter. Hence no one would despair of Allah’s help, favour and mercy.
+I conclude these advices in emphasising once again adherence to taqwa (God mindfulness) of Allah. He has said: ‘O you who have faith! Be God-wary, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow, and be cognizant of Allah. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do. And do not be like those who forget Allah, so He makes them forget their own souls. It is they who are the transgressors.’ [59:18-19]
 I pray to Allah to give you all success and the ability to discharge the affairs of your deen (religion), dunya (the world) and Akherah (the hereafter). Allah is the Custodian of success.
-Office of as-Sayyid As-Sistani
+'''Office of as-Sayyid As-Sistani'''
-An-Najaf al-Ashraf
+A'''n-Najaf al-Ashraf'''
-Jamad ath-Thani 1439 (19th February 2018)
+''2'Jamad ath-Thani 1439 (19th February 2018)''
-Reference: https://www.world-federation.org/news/message-ayatullah-sistani
+'''Reference:''' https://www.world-federation.org/news/message-ayatullah-sistani

@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 અને અંતમાં સર્વોચ્ચ અને સર્વશક્તિમાન અલ્લાહ પાસે દુઆ માંગીએ કે હંમેશા તમારી દેખભાળ કરે (અને પોતાની પનાહમાં રાખે), અને તમે જે હક ઉપર છો જ તેની ઉપર મક્કમતાથી બાકી (સાબિત કદમ) રાખે, તમારા ઉપર રહમતો અને બરકતો નાઝિલ કરે, તમો હિદાયત ઉપર સાબિત કદમ રહો, તમે ઉર્વતુલ વુસ્કાને (મજબૂત હાથાને) વળગી રહો તેમજ બેહતરીન અખ્લાક અપનાવો જેના પરિણામે અલ્લાહ તમોને અહલેબૈત અલૈહેમુસ્સલામ માટે શોભા (ઈફ્તેખાર, ઝીનત) બનાવે, તમારા આમાલ (કાર્યો) ને એવા આમાલમાં જગ્યા અતા કરે કે જેનાથી આપણા સરદાર અને આપણા ઈમામ હુજ્જત ઇબ્નિલ હસન અસ્કરી (અ) રાઝી થાય. – અલ્લાહ તેના ઝુહુરમાં જલ્દી કરે –
-'''વસ્સલામો અલૈકુમ વ રહમતુલ્લાહે વ બરકાતોહ'''
+''વસ્સલામો અલૈકુમ વ રહમતુલ્લાહે વ બરકાતોહ''
 '''નજફે અશરફ, ૬ માહે રજબ, હિજરી સન ૧૪૩૮ (૪ એપ્રિલ ૨૦૧૭) '''

@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
 '''Signed:''' Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani, al-Najaf al-Ashraf
-=== Translation in French ===
+===French Translation ===
 Le Bureau d’al-Sayyid al-Sistani (qu'Allah prolonge sa vie), al-Ashraf Al-Najaf, Irak.<br>

@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 '''4 Rajab 1435 '''
-''The Office of al-Syed al-Sistani - Al Najaf Al Ashraf''
+'''The Office of al-Syed al-Sistani - Al Najaf Al Ashraf'''
 == Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's Triennial Conference 2017==

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 ===English (Translation) ===
-The Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani (May Allah prolong his life), al-Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq.<br>
+''The Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani (May Allah prolong his life), Al-Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq.''
-In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the Ever-Merciful<br>
+In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the Ever-Merciful.
-All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and salutations upon the best of His creation, Muḥammad, and his pure infallible progeny. Peace be upon our brothers and sisters from the Shiʿa Ithna ʿAshari Khoja community, and His mercy and blessings be upon them. It pleases us, as you are on the verge of convening your general conference this year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to convey to you the greetings of the respected Sayyid [al-Sistani], may Allah prolong his life, and his felicitations for this august gathering and his prayers for you to attain all that is good in this world and the Hereafter. After reminding you of the importance of maintaining piety and being conscious of Allah, the Most High, in private and public, he wishes to impart some advice on the following matters:<br>
+All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and salutations upon the best of His creation, Muḥammad, and his pure infallible progeny. Peace be upon our brothers and sisters from the Shiʿa Ithna ʿAshari Khoja community, and His mercy and blessings be upon them. It pleases us, as you are on the verge of convening your general conference this year in [[Dar es Salaam]], Tanzania, to convey to you the greetings of the respected Sayyid [al-Sistani], may Allah prolong his life, and his felicitations for this august gathering and his prayers for you to attain all that is good in this world and the Hereafter. After reminding you of the importance of maintaining piety and being conscious of Allah, the Most High, in private and public, he wishes to impart some advice on the following matters:
-)	The importance of unity and abstaining from dissension and discord that only give rise to trouble and misery. No community is divided but that it is afflicted by weakness and inability and this [eventually] leads to disgrace and loss. You must adhere to the electoral process and respect the will of the majority in organizing your affairs and in selecting those who will administer them. You should be longing to ensure the smooth and peaceful transition of leadership from one administration to the next elected administration, for indeed there is goodness in this for you [both] in your religion and your worldly life.<br>
+) The importance of unity and abstaining from dissension and discord that only give rise to trouble and misery. No community is divided but that it is afflicted by weakness and inability and this [eventually] leads to disgrace and loss. You must adhere to the electoral process and respect the will of the majority in organizing your affairs and in selecting those who will administer them. You should be belonging to ensure the smooth and peaceful transition of leadership from one administration to the next elected administration, for indeed there is goodness in this for you [both] in your religion and your worldly life.
-)	Taking great care to ensure the preservation of your cultural identity, whether it pertains to [matters of] your religion, ethics and notable traditions, or language and etiquettes. You must be cautious not to get acculturated to the culture of other societies where you migrate. Indeed, the cultural identity of every community is the chief guarantor for its prosperity, and your identity is – by the grace of Allah - one that incorporates rightly-guided beliefs, praiseworthy values and sublime morals, and these are the things that guarantee felicity for human beings in both worlds.<br>
+) Taking great care to ensure the preservation of your cultural identity, whether it pertains to [matters of] your religion, ethics and notable traditions, or language and etiquettes. You must be cautious not to get acculturated to the culture of other societies where you migrate. Indeed, the cultural identity of every community is the chief guarantor for its prosperity, and your identity is – by the grace of Allah - one that incorporates rightly-guided beliefs, praiseworthy values and sublime morals, and these are the things that guarantee felicity for human beings in both worlds.
-)	Keeping close ties with the grand institution of marjaʿiyya for the Shiʿa Ithna ʿasharis - may Allah enlighten them with His proof - in the coming ages just as has been your practice thus far. This is certainly the ideal path for the survival of your affair and the security of your future. The Grand Marjaʿ is always concerned for your well-being; he cares about you and takes an interest in your success and prosperity.<br>
+) Keeping close ties with the grand institution of marjaʿiyya for the Shiʿa Ithna ʿasharis - may Allah enlighten them with His proof - in the coming ages just as has been your practice thus far. This is certainly the ideal path for the survival of your affair and the security of your future. The Grand Marjaʿ is always concerned for your well-being; he cares about you and takes an interest in your success and prosperity.
-)	Paying special attention to increasing the religious and social awareness of the younger generation among the youths of the community in the face of attempts by deviant groups to recruit and attract them. These groups work assiduously under glamorous and misleading titles with the aim of driving them, in the end, towards corrupt beliefs and wrong practices, distancing them from steadfastness in their faith and conduct, and hurling them into the pits of extremity (i.e. overdone or underdone).<br>
+) Paying special attention to increasing the religious and social awareness of the younger generation among the youths of the community in the face of attempts by deviant groups to recruit and attract them. These groups work assiduously under glamorous and misleading titles with the aim of driving them, in the end, towards corrupt beliefs and wrong practices, distancing them from steadfastness in their faith and conduct, and hurling them into the pits of an extremity (i.e. overdone or underdone).
-)	Consideration for the state of the African believers from both cultural and humanitarian perspectives, for they are your brothers and sisters in faith and belief, so they should not suffer in your presence while you are capable of assisting them. You must therefore care for them while preserving their dignity, as this will bring special blessings and bounties of Allah -Glory be to Him- upon you.<br>
+) Consideration for the state of the African believers from both cultural and humanitarian perspectives, for they are your brothers and sisters in faith and belief, so they should not suffer in your presence while you are capable of assisting them. You must therefore care for them while preserving their dignity, as this will bring special blessings and bounties of Allah -Glory be to Him- upon you.
-)	Exercising precaution when it comes to the legally prescribed religious dues such as khums etc. These funds should not be spent in the wrong places, and one should stick to the exact amount that the Marjaʿ has permitted in his spending [of it]. Indeed, the responsibility is only lifted when the dues are delivered to their rightful recipients. The portion due to the Imam (sahm al-imam) is not to be spent except for propagation of the religion, as per the guidelines of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (as), and securing the fundamental needs of devout believers. The portion due to the holy lineage (sahm al-sadat) is to be disbursed to the poor, devout descendants from the Banu Hashim. Compensation for grievances (radd al-mazalim) is likewise to be disbursed to the poor who are devout. It is necessary to ensure that all the legal conditions are met by those to whom one wishes to give the religious dues. It is not permitted to be complaisant in this because of one’s personal attachments or feelings of empathy towards those who claim to be deserving [of these funds] without clear evidence to substantiate the claim or other similar justifications. Similarly, there is no justification for expending more than what the Marjaʿ has permitted in accordance with the interests of the wider community [of believers].
+) Exercising precaution when it comes to the legally prescribed religious dues such as khums etc. These funds should not be spent in the wrong places, and one should stick to the exact amount that the Marjaʿ has permitted in his spending [of it]. Indeed, the responsibility is only lifted when the dues are delivered to their rightful recipients. The portion due to the Imam (Sahm al-imam) is not to be spent except for propagation of the religion, as per the guidelines of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) and securing the fundamental needs of devout believers. The portion due to the holy lineage (Sahm al-Sadat) is to be disbursed to the poor, devout descendants from the Banu Hashim. Compensation for grievances (radd al-mazalim) is likewise to be disbursed to the poor who are devout. It is necessary to ensure that all the legal conditions are met by those to whom one wishes to give the religious dues. It is not permitted to be complaisant in this because of one’s personal attachments or feelings of empathy towards those who claim to be deserving [of these funds] without clear evidence to substantiate the claim or other similar justifications. Similarly, there is no justification for expending more than what the Marjaʿ has permitted in accordance with the interests of the wider community [of believers].
 In conclusion, we ask Allah, the Exalted, the Omnipotent, to keep you under His perpetual aegis, to make you steadfast on the truth that you are upon, to send down His mercy and blessings upon you, and to make you an adornment [and a source of pride] for the Ahl al-Bayt (as) through your unwavering adherence to guidance, holding on to the firmest handle, and beautifying yourself with the noblest morals. We pray that He places your deeds among those that please our master and Imam, al-Hujjah ibn al-Hasan al-ʿAskari, may Allah hasten his relief [through his reappearance]. Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.<br>
-al-Najaf al-Ashraf, on the sixth day of the month of Rajab, 1438 A.H (4th April 2017)
+''Al-Najaf al-Ashraf, on the sixth day of the month of Rajab, 1438 A.H (4th April 2017) ''
 Signed: Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani, al-Najaf al-Ashraf
 === Translation in French ===