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On 3rd April, 2013, a group Zawwar led by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer met Ayatullah Sistani at his home in Najaf.
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On 3rd April, 2013, a group Zawwar led by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer met Ayatullah Sistani at his home in Najaf. Agha met the delegation in two groups – the men first and then the ladies group. At the end of the meeting with the ladies, one of the lady members in the group asked Sh. Mustafa to request Agha to pray for unity in the community. In response, Agha Sistani replied, in connection with the subject of unity in the community, that we have to, first of all, understand when we as a Shia society – not only Khoja society - but any Shia society anywhere – when they show their strength and unity, people outside feel threatened and will do everything to break this unity.
  
Agha met the delegation in two groups – the men first and then the ladies group. At the end of the meeting with the ladies, one of the lady members in the group asked Sh. Mustafa to request Agha to pray for unity in the community.
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By the same token, whilst they use their different means and conspiracies to break our unity and divide us, we should learn to live with our differences and unite. Our differences should make us stronger if we understand how to live with our differences. We want everything in black and white; only one way. There is nothing like ‘one way’. The diversity has to be utilized to strengthen ourselves. Then we will be able to succeed. It is not only one way –that one leader says one thing and that is the only way. Differences should be utilized to strengthen ourselves and not to divide us. Everything is not one way. Agha stated that ‘in your diversity learn how to live with your differences’. Successful societies are those that have learnt to live with their differences and appear as one society.
  
In response Agha Sistani replied, in connection with the subject of unity in the community, that we have to first of all understand when we as a Shia society – not only Khoja society - but any Shia society anywhere – when they show their strength and unity, people outside feel threatened and will do everything to break this unity.<br>
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Look at the Aga Khan. I am sure that you have your relations with them and you compare yourselves with that society. They look united under a strong leader. Yet they have many differences but look united because they have learnt to live with their differences. Similarly, the Jews also have many sects and political views with differing opinions but they have the appearance of a united society. They have learnt to live with their differences. We, who have the legacy of Ahlul Bait, cannot we live united within our differences? If not, this will be a continuous block to our progress.
 
 
By the same token, whilst they use their different means and conspiracies to break our unity and divide us, we should learn to live with our differences and unite. Our differences should make us stronger if we understand how to live with our differences.
 
 
 
We want everything in black and white; only one way. There is nothing like ‘one way’. The diversity has to be utilized to strengthen ourselves. Then we will be able to succeed. It is not only one way –that one leader says one thing and that is the only way.
 
 
 
Differences should be utilized to strengthen ourselves and not to divide us. Everything is not one way. Agha stated that ‘in your diversity learn how to live with your differences’.<br>
 
 
 
Successful societies are those that have learnt to live with their differences and appear as one society.
 
 
 
Look at the Aga Khan. I am sure that you have your relations with them and you compare yourselves with that society. They look united under a strong leader. Yet they have many differences but look united because they have learnt to live with their differences. Similarly the Jews also have many sects and political views with differing opinions but they have the appearance of a united society. They have learnt to live with their differences. We, who have the legacy of Ahlul Bait, cannot we live united within our differences? If not, this will be a continuous block to our progress.<br>
 
  
 
(Above transcript based on a report, given by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer to the Zawwar present, after Majlis at the Hotel.)
 
(Above transcript based on a report, given by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer to the Zawwar present, after Majlis at the Hotel.)

Revision as of 10:57, 8 September 2020

Ayatullah Sistani - On differences and unity

On 3rd April, 2013, a group Zawwar led by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer met Ayatullah Sistani at his home in Najaf. Agha met the delegation in two groups – the men first and then the ladies group. At the end of the meeting with the ladies, one of the lady members in the group asked Sh. Mustafa to request Agha to pray for unity in the community. In response, Agha Sistani replied, in connection with the subject of unity in the community, that we have to, first of all, understand when we as a Shia society – not only Khoja society - but any Shia society anywhere – when they show their strength and unity, people outside feel threatened and will do everything to break this unity.

By the same token, whilst they use their different means and conspiracies to break our unity and divide us, we should learn to live with our differences and unite. Our differences should make us stronger if we understand how to live with our differences. We want everything in black and white; only one way. There is nothing like ‘one way’. The diversity has to be utilized to strengthen ourselves. Then we will be able to succeed. It is not only one way –that one leader says one thing and that is the only way. Differences should be utilized to strengthen ourselves and not to divide us. Everything is not one way. Agha stated that ‘in your diversity learn how to live with your differences’. Successful societies are those that have learnt to live with their differences and appear as one society.

Look at the Aga Khan. I am sure that you have your relations with them and you compare yourselves with that society. They look united under a strong leader. Yet they have many differences but look united because they have learnt to live with their differences. Similarly, the Jews also have many sects and political views with differing opinions but they have the appearance of a united society. They have learnt to live with their differences. We, who have the legacy of Ahlul Bait, cannot we live united within our differences? If not, this will be a continuous block to our progress.

(Above transcript based on a report, given by Sh. Mustafa Jaffer to the Zawwar present, after Majlis at the Hotel.)

Ayatullah Sistani's message for The World Federation's Triennial Conference 2014

Arabic

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

الحمد لله رب العالمین و الصلاه و السلام علی خیر خلقه محمد و آله الطاهرین و بعد:

الاخوه و الاخوات اعضاء جماعه الخوجه الشیعه الاثنی عشریه حفظهم الله السلام علیکم و رحمه الله و برکاته مع المحبه و الاحترام

فی هذه الایام الکریمه التی ینعقد فیها مؤتمرکم العام یسرنا ان نبعث الیکم بتحیات سماحه السید المرجع دام ظله و دعاءه لکم جمیعا بالخیر و البرکه و مزید الموفقیه و السداد. و نحیطکم علما بان سماحته اذ یبارک لکم عقد مؤتمرکم هذا و یعده مصداقا لما اوصی به مولانا امیر المؤمنین علیه السلام اولاده و شیعته من نظم امرهم فانه یؤکد علی ضروره الاهتمام ازید من ذی قبل بالجوانب الثقافیه لاعضاء الجماعه و اتخاذ کافه الوسائل و السبل المتاحه للحفاظ علی هویتهم الدینیه الاصلیه، کما یؤکد علی ضروره الاهتمام باخوانکم و اخواتکم المؤمنین و لا سیما من الافریقین سواء فی الجوانب الثقافیه او الخدمات الاجتماعیه، سائلا المولی العلی القدیر ان یسدد خطاکم و یمنحکم مزید الاجر و الثواب. والسلام علیکم و رحمه الله و برکاته.

4 رجب المرجب 1435 مکتب السید السیستانی النجف الاشرف

Translation in English

In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the Ever-Merciful. All praise is for Allah, Lord of the Worlds and may peace and blessings be upon the best of His creation Muḥammad and upon his pure progeny.

Brothers and sisters, the members of the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community, may Allah safeguard you. Salamun alaykum wa rehmatullah wa barakatuhu, with love and respect.

In these auspicious days when your general conference is being convened, we are pleased to convey to all of you, greetings and prayers of beneficiation and prosperity, as well as increase in tawfeeq and steadfastness from His Eminence Grand Ayatollah al-Syed [Ali al-Husayni as-Sistani], may his life be long.

His Eminence blesses you on convening this conference and considers this as an exemplification of the recommendation of our master Amir al-Mu’mineen (a.s) to his children and to his Shias to manage their affairs.

He [his Eminence] stresses upon the necessity to give more importance than ever before on the cultural aspects of community members and to seize all available means and avenues to safeguard their original religious identity. He also stresses upon the necessity to give importance to your mu’min brothers and sisters, especially the Africans, on both cultural aspects and on social services. Praying to the Almighty Master to keep you all steadfast and grant you with increased reward and recompense.

Wassalamu alaykum va rehmatullah va barakatohu 4 Rajab 1435 The Office of al-Syed al-Sistani - Al Najaf Al Ashraf

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

Arabic

Message - Arabic Page 1 - Click to Enlarge


Message - Arabic Page 2 - Click to Enlarge

Translation in English

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

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:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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).

5) 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.

6) 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.

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

Le Bureau d’al-Sayyid al-Sistani (qu'Allah prolonge sa vie), al-Ashraf Al-Najaf, Irak.

Au nom d'Allah, le Tout-Vénérable, le Tout-Miséricordieux

Toute louange appartient à Allah, Seigneur des mondes, et des bénédictions et des salutations sur le meilleur de sa création, Moḥammad, et sa pure descendance infaillible.

La paix soit sur nos frères et sœurs de la communauté Shiʿa Ithna ʿAshari Khoja, et sa miséricorde et ses bénédictions soient sur eux. Comme vous êtes sur le point d’organiser votre Conférence Générale cette année à Dar es-Salaam, en Tanzanie, cela nous fait plaisir de vous transmettre les salutations du respecté Sayed al-Sistani (qu’Allah prolonge sa vie), ainsi que ses félicitations pour cette Assemblée majestueuse et ses prières pour que vous puissiez atteindre tout ce qui est bon dans ce monde et l'au-delà. En vous rappelant de l’importance du maintien de piété et d’être conscient d’Allah, le très Haut, en privé et en public, il souhaite donner quelques conseils sur les questions suivantes :

1) L’importance de l’unité et, l'abstention de la dissension et de la discorde qui ne causent que des problèmes et des misères. Aucune communauté n’est divisée, mais elle est affligée par la faiblesse et l’incapacité, ce qui [finalement] conduit à la disgrâce et la perte. Vous devez vous conformer au processus électoral et respecter la volonté de la majorité dans l’organisation de vos affaires et en sélectionnant ceux qui vont les administrer. Vous devriez désirer assurer une transition sans heurt et paisible des dirigeants d’une administration à la prochaine administration élue, car en effet il y a de la bonté pour vous [deux] dans votre religion et votre vie mondaine.

2) Prendre grand soin d’assurer la préservation de votre identité culturelle, qu’il s’agisse de votre religion, de votre éthique et de ses traditions remarquables, de sa langue et de ses étiquettes. Vous devez être prudent de ne pas être acculturés à la culture des autres sociétés où vous migrez. En effet, l’identité culturelle de chaque communauté est le principal garant de sa prospérité et votre identité est – par la grâce d’Allah - celle qui intègre des croyances bien guidées, des valeurs dignes d’éloges et des mœurs sublimes, et ce sont les choses qui garantissent la félicité pour les êtres humains dans les deux mondes.

3) Garder des liens étroits avec la grande institution de marja'iyya pour les Shi'a Ithna'asharis - qu'Allah les éclaire avec ses preuves - dans les années à venir tout comme cela a été votre pratique jusqu’à présent. C'est certainement le chemin idéal pour la survie de vos affaires et la sécurité de votre avenir. Le Grand Marja' est toujours préoccupé par votre bien-être ; Il se soucie de vous et s’intéresse à votre succès et votre prospérité.

4) Accorder une attention particulière à la sensibilisation sociale et religieuse de la jeune génération parmi les jeunes de la communauté face aux tentatives de groupes déviants, pour les recruter et les attirer. Ces groupes travaillent assidûment sous titres trompeurs dans le but de les conduire, en fin de compte, vers des croyances corrompues et de mauvaises pratiques, en les éloignant avec fermeté dans leur foi et leur conduite, et en les lançant dans les puits de l’extrémité (c’est-à-dire excessif ou saignant).

5) Avoir de la considération pour l'état des croyants africains à la fois dans les perspectives culturelles et humanitaires, car ils sont vos frères et sœurs dans la foi et les croyances, afin qu'ils ne souffrent pas en votre présence alors que vous êtes capable de les aider. Vous devez donc prendre soin d’eux tout en préservant leur dignité, car cela apportera des bénédictions particulières et les bienfaits d’Allah (Gloire soit avec lui) sur vous.

6) Faites preuve de précaution en ce qui concerne les frais religieux prescrits par la loi, tels que les khums, etc. Ces fonds ne doivent pas être dépensés dans les mauvais endroits, et il faut tenir compte du montant exact que le Marja' a permis dans les dépenses [de celui-ci]. En effet, la responsabilité n'est levée que lorsque les droits sont versés à leurs destinataires légitimes. La partie due à l'Imam (sahm al-imam) ne doit pas être dépensée, sauf pour la propagation de la religion, selon les directives des Imams de Ahl al-Bayt, et pour garantir les besoins fondamentaux des croyants pieux. La portion due à la lignée sacrée (sahm al-sadat) doit être décaissée aux pauvres, pieux descendants des Banu Hashim. L'indemnisation pour les griefs (radd al-mazalim) est également décaissée pour les pauvres qui sont pieux. Il est nécessaire de veiller à ce que toutes les conditions légales soient remplies par ceux à qui on souhaite donner les frais de religion. Il n'est pas permis d'être complaisant en raison de ses attachements personnels ou des sentiments d'empathie envers ceux qui prétendent mériter [de ces fonds] sans preuve claire pour justifier la réclamation ou d'autres justifications similaires. De même, il n'y a aucune justification pour dépenser plus que ce que le Marja' a permis en fonction des intérêts de la communauté dans son ensemble [des croyants].

En conclusion, nous demandons à Allah, l’Exalté, l’Omnipotent, de vous garder sous son égide perpétuelle, de vous garder fidèle à la vérité dont vous êtes sûr, de vous envoyer sa miséricorde et ses bénédictions et de faire de vous une parure [et une source de fierté] pour les Ahl al-Bayt (as) grâce à votre adhésion sans faille à la direction, en tenant à la poignée la plus rigide et en vous embellissant avec les morales les plus nobles. Nous prions qu’il mette vos actes parmi ceux qui plaisent à notre maître et Imam, al-Hujjah ibn al-Hasan al-ʿAskari, qu’Allah hâte son secours [à travers sa réapparition]. La paix soit sur vous, ainsi que la miséricorde et les bénédictions d’Allah.

Al-Najaf al-Ashraf, le sixième jour du mois de Rajab, 1438 A.H (4 Avril 2017) Signé : Le Bureau d’al-Sayyid al-Sistani, al-Najaf, al-Ashraf

Translation in Gujarati

અલ્લાહના નામથી જે ખુબજ મહેરબાન અને બહુ જ દયાળું છે

બધાજ વખાણ અલ્લાહ માટે છે જે આલમીનનો પાલનહાર છે, અને સલવાત તથા સલામ થાય તેની બેહતરીન મખ્લૂક હ. મોહમ્મદ અને તેની પાક મઅસૂમ આલ ઉપર. ખોજા શીયા ઇસ્ના અશરી જમાતના અમારા ભાઈઓ અને બેહનોને સલામુન અલયકુમ વ રહ્મતુલ્લાહે વ બરકાતોહ,

જયારે કે તમો તમારી સામાન્ય સભા યોજવાની અણી ઉપર છો કે જે આ વર્ષે દારે-સલામ, તાન્ઝાનિયામાં યોજવામાં આવનાર છે, અમોને ખુશી થાય છે કે અમે મોહતરમ સય્યદ (આયતુલ્લાહ અલી હુસૈની સિસ્તાની સાહેબ) – અલ્લાહ તેમની આયુષ્યમાં વધારો કરે- તેમની વતી તમોને સલામ ની સાથે આ સભા માટે મુબારકબાદ (શુભેચ્છાઓ) તેમજ તમારા માટે દુનિયા અને આખેરતની તમામ ભલાઈની દુઆઓ પેશ કરીએ છીએ; તથા જાહેરમાં અને એકલતામાં, પરહેઝગારી અને મહાન અલ્લાહની મોજૂદગીનું ધ્યાન રાખવાની સાથે સાથે તમોને નીચે મુજબની બાબતોની ભલામણ કરે છે :

૧. એકતા જાળવવી, તેમજ મતભેદ અને ભાગલા પણાથી દૂર રહેવું કારણ કે આ મુશ્કેલીઓ અને દર્દનાક દુ:ખોને નોતરે છે; કોઈ પણ કૌમ એવી નથી કે જેના ભાગલા પડે છે અને તે નબળાઈ અને અક્ષમતામાં ન ફસાય અને તેનું પરિણામ જાહેરમાં બદનામી અને નુકશાન છે. તમે ચૂંટણી પ્રક્રિયાનું પાલન કરો અને તમારી બાબતોના આયોજન માટે તેમજ તેના વહીવટ કરનારને ચૂંટવામાં બહુમતીની ઈચ્છાઓને માન આપો. તમને એવી તિવ્ર ઈચ્છા હોવી જોઈએ કે સરળતા અને શાંતિપૂર્ણ તરીકાથી આ નેતૃત્વ (આગેવાની) ને નવા ચૂંટાયેલા આગેવાનોને સોંપે કારણ કે આમ કરવામાં જ તમારા દીન (ઈમાન – મઝહબ) અને તમારી દુનિયાની ભલાઈ છે.

૨. ખુબજ કાળજી રાખીને પોતાની સંસ્કૃતિક ઓળખને જાળવી રાખે, ભલે પછી તે તમારા દીનને લગતી હોય કે નૈતિકતાને લગતી, નોંધપાત્ર પરંપરા (રિવાજો) હોય કે (માતૃ)ભાષા હોય કે રીતભાત (શિષ્ટાચાર). તમારે ખાસ ધ્યાન રાખવાનું છે કે જયારે પરદેશમાં સ્થાયી થવા જાવ તો તે પરદેશની સંસ્કૃતિને અપનાવવાની નથી. બેશક દરેક કૌમની સંસ્કૃતિક ઓળખ જ સમૃધ્ધી માટે મુખ્ય બાંયધરી આપનાર છે; અને તમારી ઓળખ – અલ્લાહના શુક્રથી – સાચ્ચી માન્યતાઓમાં (સાચ્ચા અકીદાઓમાં), પ્રશંસનીય મુલ્યો અને ઉત્કૃષ્ટ નૈતિકતા (બુલન્દ અખ્લાક) માં સમાયેલી છે જ; અને આ તે બાબતો છે જે માનવજાત (ઇન્સાન) ને દુનિયા અને આખેરતમાં સૌભાગ્ય (કામયાબી) ની બાંયધરી આપે છે.

૩. શીયા ઇસ્ના અશરીના મહાન મરાજએ તકલીદ (મરજઇય્યત) ની સાથે - અલ્લાહ તેઓને પોતાની દલીલો થકી નુરાની કરે - જેવી રીતે અત્યાર સુધી તમારા વડીલો (પૂર્વજો – બાપ-દાદાઓ) એ સંબંધો જાળવી રાખેલ છે તેવી જ રીતે તમારે પણ ભવિષ્યમાં પણ સંબંધો જાળવી રાખવા; કારણ કે આ એજ આદર્શ માર્ગ છે કે જેના થકી તમારી બાબત (તમારા અસ્તિત્વ) ને ટકાવી શકાય (સાતત્ય) (અખંડતા) અને તમારૂ ભવિષ્ય સુરક્ષિત રહે. મરજએ તકલીદ (આયતુલ્લાહ સિસ્તાની સાહેબ) હંમેશા તમો સુખી રહો તે માટે ચિંતિત છે, તમારા વિષે ધ્યાન આપે છે અને તમારી સફળતા અને સમૃધ્ધીમાં રસ લે છે.

૪. કૌમની યુવાન પેઢી માટે ધાર્મિક (મઝહબી) અને સામાજિક જાગરૂકતા વધારવા માટે ખાસ ધ્યાન આપવામાં આવે જેથી ગુમરાહ (વિચલિત) જૂથોનો સામનો થઇ શકે કે જેઓ યુવાનોને ભરતી (કમાણી) માટે અને પોતાની તરફ આકર્ષણ માટે પ્રયત્નો કરે છે. આ જૂથો ખુબજ એકાગ્રતાથી મોહક અને ગેરમાર્ગે દોરવી જનાર શીર્ષકો હેઠળ કામ કરે છે કે જેનો મકસદ અંતમાં યુવાનોને ખોટા અકાએદ (માન્યતાઓ) અને ખોટી પ્રથાઓ તરફ દોરે, અકીદાઓમાં મક્કમતા અને અમલથી તેઓને દૂર રાખે અને તેઓને અંતરાય (ઇફરાત અને તફરીત) ના ખાડામાં ધકેલે.

૫. સંકૃતિક અને માનવીય દ્રષ્ટિકોણથી આફ્રિકાના (સ્થાનિક) મોઅમિનોનું ધ્યાન રાખે, કારણ કે બેશક તેઓ ઈમાનમાં અને અકીદામાં તમારા ભાઈઓ અને બહેનો છે; તો (ધ્યાન રાખો કે) તેઓને તમારી હાજરીમાં સહન ન કરવું પડે જયારે કે તમે તેની સહાય કરવા સક્ષમ છો. તમારે તેમનું ધ્યાન રાખવાનું છે અને સાથે સાથે તે લોકોની પ્રતિષ્ઠા પણ જળવાઈ રહેવી જોઈએ; બેશક આ તેવા કાર્યોમાંથી છે કે જેના કારણે અલ્લાહ (સુબ્હાનહૂ) તમારી ઉપર નેઅમતો અને બરકતો નાઝિલ કરશે.

૬. જયારે શરીઅતના બૈતુલમાલ જેમ કે ખુમ્સ વગેરે વાપરવાની બાબત હોય તો એહ્તેયાત (સાવચેતી) રાખવી અને આ રકમને યોગ્ય જગ્યા સિવાય વાપરશો નહીં, અને જેટલી રકમ વાપરવાની મંજુરી મરજઇય્યતે આપેલ છે તે રકમને વળગી રહેજો (અને તે રકમથી વધારે વાપરશો નહિ) કારણ કે આ (રકમ વાપરવાની) જવાબદારી ત્યાં સુધી તમારી ગરદન ઉપર છે જ્યાં સુધી શરઈ હકદારને તેનો હક પહોંચી ન જાય. સહમે ઈમામ અલય્હિસ્સલામ ને, ફક્ત અહલેબૈત અલય્હેમુસ્સલામના ઇમામોના માર્ગદર્શન મુજબ દીનને ફેલાવવા (તબ્લીગ) માટે અને દીનદાર મોઅમિનોની મૂળભૂત જરૂરતોને પૂરી કરવા માટે વાપરવામાં આવે, અને સહમે સાદાતને ફકીર દીનદાર સય્યદોને આપવામાં આવે, અને રદ્દે મઝાલિમને પણ એવી જ રીતે દીનદાર ફકીરોને આપવામાં આવે. જેની માટે પણ આ બૈતુલમાલની રકમ વાપરવામાં/આપવામાં આવે, તેની ખાતરી કરવી જરૂરી છે કે તે શરીઅતની શરતો પ્રમાણે હકદાર હોવા જોઈએ; આ બાબતમાં જે લોકો સ્પષ્ટ પુરાવા (સાબિતી) વગર અથવા બીજા સમાન કારણોસર, અગર આ માલ માટે લાયક (મુસ્તહક્ક) હોવાનું દાવો કરે (જણાવે) તો તેઓની સાથે કોઈ પણ જાતના અંગત સંબંધો અથવા સહાનુભૂતિની લાગણીના કારણે સાનુકુળ થવાની (તસામોહની) અનુમતિ (મંજુરી/રજા) નથી. તેવી જ રીતે જેટલી રકમ વાપરવાની રજા આપવામાં આવેલ હોય તેના કરતા વધારે પણ ન વાપરવી જેથી બીજા (વિશાળ) સમુદાયનો હિત જળવાય રહે.

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
નજફે અશરફ, ૬ માહે રજબ, હિજરી સન ૧૪૩૮ (૪ એપ્રિલ ૨૦૧૭) સહી : સય્યદ સિસ્તાની સાહેબ નું કાર્યાલય, નજફે અશરફ

Translation in Urdu

تمام تعریفیں اللہ کیلےء ہیں جو عالمین کا پروردگار ہے، اور درود و سلام اسکی بہترین مخلوق حضرت محمد ص اور ان کی آل پر۔

برادران و خواھران خوجہ شیعہ اثنا عشری جماعت سلام علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و برکاتہ،

جب کہ آپ حضرات اس سال دارالسلام، تنزانیہ میں سالانہ نشست کی تیاری کرنے میں مشغول ہیں ہم بہت خوش ہیں کہ ہم محترم سید ( آیت اللہ علی حسینی سیستانی حفظہ اللہ تعالی) کی طرف سے آپ سبھی حضرات کو تحفۂ سلام اور اس نشست کی مبارکبادی پیش کرتے ہیں، اور آپ حضرات کیلۓ دنیا اور آخرت کی خیرو عافیت کی دعا کرتے ہیں، میں آپ حضرات کیلئے تقویٰ و پرہیزگاری کے ساتھ ساتھ خدا کو حاضر و ناظر جانتے ہوئے مندرجہ ذیل چیزوں کی نصیحت کرتا ہوں۔

1 آپس میں متحد رہیں اورہر طرح کے اختلافات سے دوری اختیار کریں، کیونکہ اس سے مشکلات اور تکلیفیں بڑھ جاتی ہیں، کوئی بھی قوم ایسی نہیں کہ جس میں اختلاف ھو اور وہ کمزور اور تنزلی کی طرف نہ بڑھے جس کا نتیجہ ظاھرا بدنامی اور نقصان دہ ہوتا ھے، آپ اپنے انتخابات کے قوانین کی پابندی کریں اور اور اپنے امور کو منظم کرنے کیلۓ انتظامیہ کے انتخاب میں اکثریت کی رعایت کریں، آپ کو چاھیۓ کہ امنیت برقرار کرنے کیلئے اس قیادت کوجدید منتخب شدہ افراد کے حوالے کرے کیونکہ ایسا کرنے میں ہی آپ کے دین اور دنیا کی بھلائی ہے،

2 کوشش کریں کہ اپنی تھذیب کو باقی رکھیں، چاھے وہ دینی ھو یا سماجی، رسم و رواج، مادری زبان یا اخلاق و کردارکا خاص خیال رھے تاکہ جب کبھی بیرون ملک رہنے کیلئے جائیں تو وھاں کی کلچر کو نہ اپنائے، کیونکہ ھر قوم کی اپنی پہچان ہی ترقی کی ضامن ہے، اور آپ کی شناخت الحمد للہ سچے عقیدہ، اچھے کردار و اخلاق میں ہی پوشیدہ ہے، یہی چیزیں دنیا اور آخرت میں انسان کی کامیابی کا ضامن ہیں،

3 شیعہ اثنا عشری کے علماء و مراجع سے جس طرح ابھی تک بزرگوں نے تعلقات برقرارکر رکھا ہے اسی طرح اپنے تسلسل اور سالمیت کو باقی رکھ سکتے ہیں اوراسی میں آپ کا مستقبل بھی محفوظ رہیگا، مرجع عالی قدر آیت اللہ سیستانی صاحب ہمیشہ آپ کے خوش رہنے کیلئے دعا گو ہے، اور آپ کی ترقی اور کامیابی میں دلچسپی لیتے ہیں،

4 انتظامیہ خاص طور سے قوم کے جوانوں کیلئے مذہبی اور سماجی بیداری کی طرف توجہ دیے جس سے گمراہ کرنے والوں کا مقابلہ ہو سکے جو جوانوں کو اپنی طرف کھینچنے اور گمراہ کرنے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں، ایسے گروہ بہت ھی منظم طریقہ سے گمراہ کرنے والے افراد کے تحت کام کرتے ہیں ، جن کا مقصد جوانوں کو غلط عقیدہ اور غلط رسم و رواج کی طرف موڑنا ہے، جو عقیدہ میں مضبوط لیکن عمل سے دور کر رہے ہیں، تا کہ جوانوں کو افراط و تفریط کے گڑھے میں دھکیل دیں،

5 انسانیت کے ناتے افریقہ کے مومنین کا خیال رکھیں، بیشک وہ ایمان و عقیدہ میں آپ کے بھائی ہیں، اس بات کا خاص خیال رہے کہ آپ کی موجودگی میں ان کو کسی قسم کی تکلیف نہ اٹھانی پڑے جب کہ آپ انکی مدد کر سکتے ہیں، اور اس بات کا خیال رھے کہ ان کا احترام اور عزت محفوظ رہے، یہ ایسا کام ہے جس سے خدا آپ کے اوپر نعمتیں اور برکتیں نازل فرمائیگا،

6، بیت المال ( خمس وغیرہ ) خرچ کرنے میں بہت ہی احتیاط سے کام لیں اور ضرورت سے زیادہ خرچ نہ کریں، مجتھد کی طرف سے جتنی اجازت ہو اسی اعتبار سے خرچ کریں کیونکہ شرعی رقوم کی ذمّہ داری آپ کی گردن پر ھے جب تک حقدار کا حق اس تک نہ پہونچ جائے۔

سہم امام ع کو فقط محبان اہلبیت ع اور دین تشیع کی تبلیغ اور دیندار مومنین کے ضروریات کو پورا کرنے کیلئے استعمال کیا جائے، اور سہم سادات محتاج دیندار سیدوں کو دیا جائے، اور ردّ مظالم بھی دیندار حاجتمندوں میں تقسیم کیا جائے، جس کو بھی بیت المال کی رقم دی جائے یا جس پر بھی خرچ کیا جائے تو مکمل یقین کر لینا ضروری ہے اور وہ شریعت کی شرائط کے مطابق حقدار ھونا چاہیئے، اگر ثبوت بغیر یا کسی اور وجہ سے مستحق ہونے کا دعویٰ کرے تو ان کے ساتھ کسی طرح کی ذاتی پہچان یا دلی ہمدردی کی بنا پر ھم اجازت نہیں دیتے، جتنی رقم خرچ کرنے کی اجازت ھے اس سے زیادہ بھی خرچ نہ کریں تا کہ دوسروں کا حق محفوظ رھے،

آخر میں پروردگار سے دعا ھے کہ ہمیشہ آپ کی حفاظت فرمائے، اپنی پناہ میں رکھے، مذھب حقہ پرمضبوطی سے ثابت قدم رکھے، آپ پر رحمتیں اور برکتیں نازل کرے، آپ ھدایت پر باقی رہیں، عروۃ الوثقیٰ سے متمسک رہو، اور بہترین اخلاق سے اپنے آپ کو مزین کریں تاکہ اللہ آپ کو اھلبیت اطھار ع کیلئے باعث افتخار قرار دے، آپ کے اعمال سے وقت کے امام حضرت حجۃ ع راضی ہوں، اللہ امام کے ظھور میں تعجیل فرمائے،

والسلام علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و پرکاتہ،

نجف اشرف، 6 ماہ رجب المرجب، ھجری 1438، ( 4 اپریل 2017) امضاء سید سیستانی صاحب

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

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.

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.


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 acknowledgment of the ultimate realities: the existence of Allah and the Hereafter; and He established that obedience through the requisites of the 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.


Hold onto this religion with the holding on of those who have deep insights. Act through its teachings with the acts of those who have conviction in their actions. Embody Islam’s beauties through your character and conduct. Be united and nurture yourselves and your children through Islam. Allah has said ‘By time! Indeed man is in loss, except those who have faith and do righteous deeds and enjoin one another to [follow] the truth and enjoin one another to patience. [103:1-3]’ Hold onto the Ahl al-Bayt (a) of your Prophet (s), for they are His chosen successors from amongst his ummah and they are the Proofs of Allah on this ummah after His Messenger (s) and His book. It is necessary for you all to apprise yourselves of the beauties of their sayings and advices and to act upon them.


In addition, five things are advised to you, in which is included religious 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

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

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

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

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 cognisant 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

An-Najaf al-Ashraf

2Jamad ath-Thani 1439 (19th February 2018)

Reference: https://www.world-federation.org/news/message-ayatullah-sistani