Question:On the martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH), we are used to practise zanjeel (hitting our backs with chains). Some of our scholars say that it is not advisable to practise zanjeel during fasting, as fasting will be void. What is your fatwa in this regard?

Answer:In the name of Allah, if this practice does not force the fasting person to break his fast, it is considered as a ritual and you will be rewarded greatly for it. One should not leave it if one has the ability to practise it.

Question:My question is about one particular issue. What is the ruling of the blood coming out of our bodies for the sake of Imam Hussain (PBUH) during tatbeer or zanjeel practices in Ashura? When I come home at the time of prayers, can I pray with those particular clothes, which are spotted with blood, as I want to pray in time?

Answer:In the name of Allah, although this blood is shed to seek closeness to Allah and passion to Ahlulbait (PBUH) and the master of martyrs so that it becomes a means to obtain the intercession of the prophet (PBUH&HF) and Ahlulbait (PBUH), we are ordered not to pray with blood if the blood spot was bigger than thumb head. We cannot also pray if the spot is less than the size mentioned earlier with the wound bleeding, where it cannot be stopped. Therefore, we have to abide by Allah’s order and show our emotion and passion to Ahlulbait (PBUH) at the same time. Allah is the All Guide and Knowing.

Question:Is blood donation regarded as part of Hussainy Rituals?

Answer:In the name of Allah, blood donation is not part of Hussainy rituals and not from religious rituals at all, though it is a good deed. Allah knows best.

Question:I have been practicing the ritual of hitting my back with chains since I was young, is it permissible? If so, what are the reasons? And if not why?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we have repeatedly said that this ritual is one of the best of Husseini rituals. If you do so in order to offer condolences to Imam Hussein (PBUH) and those who were murdered in Taff or to show the readiness with all the precious and noble things to defend Hussein (PBUH) and its principles, then do practice such rituals. May Allah reward you with good, you and your parents, who have accustomed to you since your youth. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:What do you say to those who express their grief by hitting themselves with the chains?

Answer:In the name of Allah, I pray that Allah will reward them with the intercession of the mother of Hussein (PBUH) Zahra (PBUH) and the intercession of his grandfather the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF). Rather, some narrations mention that those who seek to commemorate the tragedy of Al-Taff have a special intercession from Hussein (PBUH) and have the opportunity to see the Imam’s enlightened face before entering Paradise. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:Is there any prohibition in hitting the backs with chains?

Answer:In the name of Allah, I do not think that there is any religious prohibition. As for the dissatisfaction of the Europeans, it is not evidence. They do not like our circulation around the Kabaa or between the mountains of Safa and Marwa and do not accept the stoning of the Jamara with stones, as well as our standing in Arafa and our prayers. Our fasting is not accepted by the Europeans which is not evidence of rejection of these things, although they believe and exercise things more than that. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:What is the position of your Eminence from hitting the back with chains as a way of showing grief and sorrow on the tragedy of Karbala in terms of legislation and application? What is its origin?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we have repeatedly pointed out that it is one of the best rituals. Tatbeer and every practice that takes place in the form of commemorating this tragedy, unless there is something that contradicts the Sharia, is also permissible, taking into account that the rituals are different according to the customs and traditions in terms of times and places. Congratulations to all those who practice such rituals. Allah is the all Helper.

Question:What is the rank of the ones who practice Tatbeer in terms of grief and sorrow for the master of the martyrs Imam Hussein (PBUH)?

Answer:In the name of Allah, the ones who practice Tatbeer, as long as sincere, expresses his displeasure and shows his determination to show all what is in the cause of Hussein (PBUH), and sacrifices the precious and invaluable in order to win the cause of the martyr of the martyrs; then he is determined to show everything that Imam Hussein (PBUH) sacrificed for. Allah is the all Helper.

Question:What is the opinion of His Eminence in Tatbeer in terms of legislation and application?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we have said many times that it is one of the best rituals of Husseini rituals and the best way to show the commitment and determination to sacrifice all the precious and invaluable for the sake of Hussein (PBUH). The dissatisfaction of the Europeans is not evidence. They are not satisfied with our prayers, our pilgrimage, our fasting, our clothes and even the way we eat. The religion is not what the Europeans want. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:What is the origin of Tatbeer? What is its evidence in terms of logical reasoning and /or Quran and prophetic and Ahlulbait (PBUH) traditions and narrations?

Answer:In the name of Allah, I am surprised by you, my son, and anyone who thinks like you and follows what you have mentioned. The evidence is sought from those who deny this. As matter of fact, all acts are permissible and allowable unless evidence indicates their forbiddance. Allah is the all Guide.