Question:What is the ruling on applauding during the celebrations of the birth of the Imams (PBUT) and the joyous occasions of the Ahlulbait (PBUT) in Hussaini gatherings?

Answer:In the name of Allah, while applause may not be strictly prohibited, it is an act lacking in solemnity. Expressing respect and joy has seeped into our customs from the West, akin to other unseemly customs and traditions in the eyes of those committed to propriety. It is preferable to manifest joy in religious occasions through Takbir (saying Allah is Great'), Tasbih (glorifying Allah), sending blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH&HF), and raising one's voice in mentioning the Divine name, such as 'Ya Allah,' while maintaining composure, much like is customary when listening to a beautiful recitation of the Quran. Allah is the Guide and the All-Knowing."

Question:Does His Eminence support the blood donation campaign which is launched annually in several countries on the birthday anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), and does he think that it is a recommended act to donate blood on that day?

Answer:In the name of Allah, there is no doubt that the donation of blood to those in need is doing good, a matter which we should not be leave. However, it should not be at the expense of Al-Tatbeer on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hussein (PBUH), in the sense that believers should donate bottles of blood to the sick and needy, and in the meantime donate symbolic drops Imam Hussein (PBUH) to be an indication for the sacrifice for Imam Hussein (PBUH) in the guidance of people and their knowledge of Hussein (PBUH), who was raised under the hands of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) Allah is the All-guide and Knowing.

Question:Recently, it has appeared so-called (Mahdist rap) by some groups regarding it as a Husseini ritual - as they described - and say that there is no sanctity, please kindly explain the rule of that?

Answer:In the name of Allah, every singing in any way is prohibited; even if it is in the recitation of the Quran. Allah knows best.

Question:What is your opinion of the so-called Islamic rap, where it has recently appeared to the chants and songs of the popular mobilization forces and Imams’ Birthdays in the form of rap? Is it permissible or not?

Answer:In the name of Allah, every singing in any way is prohibited; even if it is in the recitation of the Quran. Allah knows best.

Question:What is the ruling of applause on religious occasions such as the births of Ahlulbait (peace be upon them) whether they are held in mosques and Hussainiya or in a private hall?

Answer:In the name of Allah, applause, although not forbidden, but it is not rational to do and show respect. Having joy came to us from the West like other customs and ugly traditions in the eyes of those committed to rationality. It is preferable to show joy in religious occasions through takbir (Saying Allahu Akbar), tahlil (saying La ilaha illa Allah), praying on the Prophet (PBUH) and raising the voice by mentioning the word Majesty such as (O Allah), taking into account behaving in a good manner as is customary when listening to the Quranic recitation in a good voice. Allah knows best.

Question:What is the ruling of clapping in the Islamic occasions like the birthday anniversaries of Ahlulbait (PBUH) whether held in mosques, Husseiniyas or private halls?

Answer: In the name of Allah, although not forbidden, clapping is considered an indecent act. Using clapping to show respect and happiness has come to us from the west like other ugly traditions as they are considered so by the decent people. Therefore, it is better to express happiness on the religious occasions by takbeer and tahleel (saying Allaho Akbar and La ilaha illa Allah), praying on Muhammad and his family (PBUH), and raising our voice with (Ya Allah). One should be decent even in doing these things and in reciting the holy Quran. Allah knows best.

Question:What is ruling of listening to Alqawala (signing the Islamic poems)?

Answer: In the name of Allah, be advised my son that it is not permissible to listen to singing whether is in Islamic or non-Islamic poems even in reciting the holy Quran. The doer of this action and the listener are sinners with a grand sin. Allah knows best.