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.

Question:When did Twaireej Jogging start?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we do not have a source which specifies the exact year or day. However, it seems from the events and interaction of this Jogging that it is very old. I think (Allah knows) it started after the oppression of Banul Abbas over Ahlulbait (PBUH) decreased and their enemies decreased their hostility against them and against performing the rituals. Its history is not important. What is important is its continuation in reviving the tragedy. Allah knows best.

Question:What is your opinion about “Twaireej Jogging” in terms of Sharia and practice?

Answer:/ In the name of Allah, it revives the incident which hurts the Shia of Imam Hussein (PBUH) because he was killed and they are not able to be blessed with martyrdom with him (PBUH). It also revives the memory that the martyrs of Taff had a delayed burial because of the oppression of Omar Ibn Saad and his mean master Obaidullah Ibn Ziyad. Actually, “Twaireej Jogging” is a brilliant way which reveals the loyalty of Shia to Imam Hussein and their dedication for Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) love. It also shows their sadness that they are not blessed with being with Imam Hussein (PBUH) to support him and not blessed with being martyred with him. Therefore, the scholars advocated it and none of them suspected its glorification. Thus, may Allah be pleased with whoever does this ritual and revolts for Ahlulbait (PBUH). Allah is the all Guide.