Top US intelligence official resigns

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Dennis Blair, the US Director of National Intelligence, has announced his resignation after frequent clashes with White House officials.

His resignation came as he was put under pressure from the White House, ending a tumultuous 16-month tenure marked by intelligence failures and spy agency turf wars.

In a message Thursday to his work force, Blair said his last day would be May 28.

“It is with deep regret that I informed the president today that I will step down as director of national intelligence,” Blair said.

The administration has been interviewing candidates for the job for several weeks now. The likely candidate to replace Mr. Blair is James R. Clapper Jar a retired Air Force lieutenant general and the Pentagon’s top intelligence official, the New York Times reported.

In addition to Clapper, other likely candidates to replace Blair include John Hamre, undersecretary of defense from 1993 to 1997; Chuck Hagel, a former senator who co-chairs Obama’s Intelligence Advisory Board; Michael Leiter, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center; and Lee Hamilton, co-chair of the September 11 Commission, Reuters reported.

In his 16-month tenure as the DNI, Blair had angered the White House several times.

He was widely criticized in the case of the failed Christmas Day bomber, Abdulmuttalab, in which the White House laid particular blame on the National Counterterrorism Center, an agency supervised by Mr. Blair.

A recent Senate report on this plot was also particularly critical of the NCTC’s failures to piece together the information that could have prevented Abdulmuttalab, a young Nigerian man who nearly detonated a bomb on a trans-Atlantic flight on Dec. 25, from boarding the plane.

Dennis Blair is the first high-ranking member of the Obama national security team to leave.

Musharraf plans return to Pakistan and politics

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JNN 21.05.10 WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf said Thursday he planned to return from exile and re-enter politics, and did not rule out a new bid for the presidency.

Musharraf, who has mostly lived in London since losing power following 2008 elections, visited Washington this week and met quietly with prominent Pakistanis at a ritzy hotel to discuss his future plans.

In an interview with CNN, Musharraf said he intended to return to politics, although he was coy when asked about the time-frame.

“I certainly am planning to go back to Pakistan and also join politics. The question already of whether I am running for president or prime minister will be seen later,” he said.

Officials in Pakistan earlier said Musharraf had applied to register a new party with electoral authorities, setting the stage for a political comeback.

“There are security issues. Maybe my wife and my family is more worried than I am but there are security issues which one needs to take into consideration and that is why I’m not laying down any dates for my return,” he said.

“But I do intend launching and declaring my intentions formally, sooner than later,” he said.

But Musharraf could face a criminal trial if he returns to Pakistan for detaining judges in 2007 as he attempted to cling to power.

Musharraf is also wanted for questioning over allegations in a UN-led investigation that he could have done more to prevent the December 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf disagreed with the UN report, saying, “I think all the security was provided” to Bhutto.

“In fact, it was me who warned her about the threat to her,” Musharraf said.

Musharraf said he had previously stopped Bhutto from going to the venue where she was later killed.

“A lot of political aspersions were cast on me that her movements are being restricted. But she decided to go again,” Musharraf said.

Musharraf said that he fully supported the military campaign ordered by Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the lawless northwestern tribal areas.

The operation has won wide praise in the United States, where officials were long suspicious that elements of the Pakistani establishment during Musharraf’s rule played a double-game of supporting extremists.

But Musharraf joined the government in criticizing the US deployment of unmanned drones to kill wanted extremists in remote parts of Pakistan.

Musharraf mused that Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American accused of trying to set off a car bomb in New York’s Times Square, was angered by the drone campaign.

“I wonder whether this Faisal Shahzad incident… has he been affected by indiscriminate bombing by the drones?” Musharraf said.

Musharraf also backed the Pakistani government in banning Facebook over a furor about a page hosting caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

“I am a great supporter of Facebook,” Musharraf said.

“And that is why my Facebook was launched and it’s going on very, very successfully,” said Musharraf, whose Facebook page has attracted more than 200,000 fans.

Asked by CNN whether the Pakistani decision to block Facebook was the right move, Musharraf said that “in Pakistan and in the Muslim world generally” there is extreme sensitivity over casting “negative aspersions” on prophets.

“One has to look into, to obviously take some measures, because people were agitating,” Musharaff said.

“These are sensitive issues,” he added. “And for the sake of independence of media, liberty of speech, we cannot hurt sensitivities of millions of people.

“We must not do that. I am against that,” he said.

The Pakistani authorites blocked Facebook on court order after caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) appeared on a Facebook page created by an anonymous member who said he was acting to promote freedom of speech.

Facebook has expressed disappointment at being blocked and said it was considering whether to make the offending page inaccessible in Pakistan.

Obama's Anti-Iran Allegations

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The US president Barack Obama has claimed that Tehran statement is not sufficient for what he referred to as removing concern over Iran’s nuclear issue. In a phone conversation with the Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, Obama added that the US will continue its efforts to intensify sanctions against Iran.

Islamic Republic of Iran in a tripartite meeting in Tehran on Monday with Turkey and Brazil announced, within a statement, its agreement with the exchange of part of low-enriched uranium with the nuclear fuel needed by Tehran research reactor. Within the framework of this statement, Tehran will deliver 1,200 kilograms of 3.5% enriched uranium to Turkey, in return for receipt of 120 kilograms of 20% enriched fuel.

Tehran statement was widely welcomed which goes to show that this statement is a positive development that can soon be put into practice. But, the US is hell-bent on sabotaging this interaction through imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran.

Tehran statement is based on two important principles. Firstly, it emphasizes on Iran’s legal rights which are rooted in the contents of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Iranian nation and MPs’ demand is to maintain Iran’s legal and legitimate rights and the Iranian government will not retreat an iota from fulfillment of the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation.

The second principle in Tehran statement is attention to the logical views and proposals of other countries. Hence, Tehran statement can be assessed as another step in line with mutual confidence-building measures. Therefore, the other step for materialization of Tehran statement is for Vienna Group to prove its resolve and pragmatism.

Tehran statement, which has been signed by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil has a clear logic within the framework of the topic of fuel swap, and it obviously is not linked to Iran’s peaceful and legal nuclear activities, which the US has used as a pretext for presentation of another anti-Iran resolution. Hence, one should say US insistence in this regard is due to reasons other than the alleged concern over uranium enrichment in Iran. One of these other reasons is the US opposition to Iran’s scientific growth and development. Furthermore, the US also refrains from fulfilling its commitments which were made after the US joined the process of Geneva negotiations, within the framework of the agreement of Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Vienna Group. In fact, with implementation of Tehran statement, the US and other parties to Vienna Group will no longer have a pretext to justify their opposition to fulfillment of their commitments to IAEA for provision of the fuel needed by Tehran research reactor.

Iraqi National Alliance Emphasizes on Political Groups Agreement

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A member of the Iraqi National Alliance, Mohammad Mahdi Al-Bayati has considered agreement among political groups as the sole approach for resolution of disputes and establishment of the national unity government.

In an interview with Al-Alam Network on Thursday night, he added that the agenda of the future Iraqi government would be to learn a lesson from previous mistakes, resolution of problems and existing hurdles and challenges, the Iraqi administration faces.

He also referred to the efforts of the joint committees of the Iraqi National Alliance and the State of Law Alliance for introduction of the nominee for the future premiership post, while noting that in case these two alliances do not reach an agreement to this end the joint arbitration committee instated by these two alliances will introduce the new Iraqi premier, based on the majority of votes cast.

US Detainees Meet Moms in Tehran

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The mothers of the three US nationals held in Iran on charges of illegally intruding into the country’s territory and espionage have met with their children in Tehran.

According to Press TV, Nora Shourd, Laura Fattal, and Cindy Hickey, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday after the Iranian government granted them visas to travel to the country to visit their children.

The meeting took place at north Tehran’s Esteqlal hotel on Thursday.

Iran says it issued visas for the mothers on compassionate grounds and in accordance to the Islamic codes of conduct.

The three Americans were arrested in Iranian territory after crossing the border from northern Iraq in July 2009.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has emphasized that contrary to the harsh treatment of Iranians under US custody, the three detained Americans have been treated well and humanely despite serious charges against them.

Pakistan blocks YouTube over blasphemous cartoons

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Pakistan has blocked the popular video sharing website YouTube in a bid to contain “blasphemous” material, officials are saying.

Pakistan has blocked the popular video sharing website YouTube in a bid to contain “blasphemous” material, officials are saying.

The blockade came hours after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed internet service providers to stop access to social network Facebook indefinitely because of an online competition to draw the Prophet Mohammad.

Wahaj-us-Siraj, the CEO of Nayatel, an internet service provider, said PTA issued an order late on Wednesday seeking an “immediate” blockade of YouTube.

“It was a serious instruction as they wanted us to do it quickly and let them know after that,” he told Reuters.

YouTube was also blocked in the Muslim country in 2007 for about a year for what it called un-Islamic videos.

A PTA official, who declined to be identified, said the action was taken after the authority determined that some caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad were transferred from Facebook to YouTube.

Any representation of the Prophet Mohammad is deemed un-Islamic and blasphemous by Muslims.

'Protest against al-Quds plan on Friday'‎

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A Fatah official has called on Palestinians to attend Friday prayers en masse at the al-Bustan protest tent in the al-Quds (Jerusalem) neighborhood of Silwan to protest Israel’s “alternative city plan” for al-Quds.

Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), A Fatah official has called on Palestinians to attend Friday prayers en masse at the al-Bustan protest tent in the al-Quds (Jerusalem) neighborhood of Silwan to protest Israel’s “alternative city plan” for al-Quds.

Hatem Abdul Qader, a Fatah official responsible for al-Quds affairs, said on Wednesday that the prayers and the presence of al-Quds people in the Silwan neighborhood will serve as a protest against Israel’s renewed threats to demolish at least 88 homes in the al-Bustan community in the Silwan neighborhood of East al-Quds, the Ma’an news agency reported.

On Monday, al-Bustan Defense Committee member Fakhri Abu Diab told local radio that they received a warning message on Sunday night from an Israeli municipality official in occupied al-Quds stating that the “al-Bustan neighborhood will be demolished soon.”

Israeli mayor of the area Nir Barakat already postponed two news conferences where he was expected to announce the demolitions, which would make way for an Israeli national park, displacing about 1,000 Palestinians.

Abu Diab said the Israeli official told him over the phone that the “decision was made” and “implementation will be at any time now,” citing June 15 as a start date for demolitions.

Abu Diab also urged all al-Quds residents to pray alongside the people of al-Bustan on Friday.

Karbala Seminar in Turkey

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An international seminar on the event of Karbala will begin today, May 20, in the city of Sivas in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey.

Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), The seminar will discuss different aspects of the vent of Karbala and the lofty character of Imam Hussein (AS).

Seven Iranian scholars will be present at the four-day seminar which is organized by the Jumhuriat University. Scholars and writers from Turkey and other Islamic countries will also percolate at the event.

The Iranian Cultural Center in Turkey has announced that it is ready to contribute to the seminar, a move welcomed by the organizers.

The international seminar on the event of Karbala will conclude on Sunday, May 23.

Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 faithful companions were martyred in Karbala on the day of Ashura in the year 61 after Hijra (680 A.D.)

Malaysia hosting World Islamic Economic Forum

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TEHRAN — The 6th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday.

The 6th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday.

Bearing the theme ‘Gearing for Economic Resurgence’, the three-day forum will look at the role of Islamic banking and finance in paving the way for a more stable global financial system.

The event has brought together some 2,000 participants comprising world leaders and members of the global business community to attend the Forum to discuss ideas and strategies on global issues affecting trade and business and to network with each other on cross border business opportunities.

The World Islamic Economic Forum is a global conference that acts as an international business platform where the business sectors of the Muslim world meet for business opportunities and together with the government leaders, act as a hub where policy proposals on economic development can be formulated.

Iranian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seyyed Shamseddin Hosseini, heading a delegation, has attended the forum, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported

Westerners should change their views about Muslims

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John L. Esposito is one of America’s leading authorities on Islam. Now, in this brilliant portrait of Islam today– and tomorrow– he draws on a lifetime of thought and research to provide an accurate, richly nuanced, and revelatory account of the fastest growing religion in the world.

According to Ahlul Bayt (A) News Agency – ABNA.ir – John L. Esposito is one of America’s leading authorities on Islam. Now, in this brilliant portrait of Islam today– and tomorrow– he draws on a lifetime of thought and research to provide an accurate, richly nuanced, and revelatory account of the fastest growing religion in the world.

Here Esposito explores the major questions and issues that face Islam in the 21st century and that will deeply affect global politics: Is Islam compatible with modern notions of democracy, rule of law, gender equality, and human rights? How representative and widespread is Islamic fundamentalism and the threat of global terrorism? Can Muslim minority communities be loyal citizens in America and Europe? The book also turns the mirror on the US and Europe, revealing how we appear to Muslims.

Recent decades have brought extraordinary changes in the Muslim world, and in addressing these issues, Esposito paints a complex picture of Islam in all its diversity-a picture of urgent importance as we face the challenges of the coming century.

John L. Esposito is University Professor of Religion and International Affairs at Georgetown University and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin-Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He is the editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islam and The Oxford History of Islam, and author ofUnholy War, What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, and many other acclaimed works.

Azerbaijan Stops Demolishing of Shia Masjids After Warning of Shia Leaders

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The problem with Fatimeyi Zahra Mosque has been solved, Caucasus Muslims Organization (CMO) head said.

The construction of “Fatimeyi-Zehra” mosque will be completed, spokesperson for the Caucasian Muslims Office Rahima Dadashova told reporters.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has ruled that the Fatimeyi-Zahra Mosque on the outskirts of Baku will be subordinated to the country’s leading religious authority, RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service reports.

Aliyev’s ruling on May 14 means control of the mosque will go to the Muslim Spiritual Board of the Caucasus, preventing its demolition.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to transfer the mosque to the Caucasus Muslims Organization (CMO).

Caucasus Muslims Organization (CMO) head, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade appealed to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev concerning Fatimeyi Zahra Mosque, Caucasus Muslims Organization press-service said.

The decision to pull down the Fatimeyi Zahra Mosque , located in settlement 33 of Yeni Gunashli in the Surakhani district, was made by Local Economic Court on the basis of the claim of Surakhani District Executive Power.

Caucasus Muslims Organization makes every effort to preserve the relationship between religion and state, Pashazade said.

On May 12, Iranian Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi threatened to issue a fatwa against Azerbaijani officials if the mosque was destroyed. The “Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir)” quoted him as saying that a warning had been sent to the Azerbaijani leadership.

Also Ayatollah Zeyn-ol Abeddin Ghorbani, the Friday prayer Imam of Rasht province and representative of Imam Khamenei in Gilan – Iran, severely condemned the act of demolishing Shia Mosque and in address to Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev, he announced: “I am sending you an ultimatum, you may appear in the ash heap of history, like Mohammad Reza Shah and Saddam Husein.”

Great Shia personality; Grand Ayatollah Sayed Muhammad Mufti al-Shia Moosavi Expires + pic

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Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), HOLY CITY OF QOM, Iran: Ayatollah Al-Uzma Syed Muhammad Mufti al-Shia Moosavi Ardbaili passed away on Wednesday in holy City of Qum in Iran. He was 82. The late Ayatollah was considered amongst the famous religious teachers and he authored dozens of religious books and translated hundreds of books.

There will be closed holiday in religious Madaris during these days. A statement issued from the headquarters of the Maktab-e-Tashih says that Ayatollah Mufti Al-Shia Urdbaili spent all his life in serving the religion. The gap created by his demise could not be filled.

His funeral ceremony will be start today (20.5.2010) at 17:30 from Imam Hasan Askari (as) mosque to holy shrine of Hadrat Masumah (sa).

Memoir of Ayatullah Mufti Ash-Shia Al-Mousavi

Translated by Ghulam Shabbir on the direction of Allama Syed Hussain Muqqadasi

In the name of Allah the merciful, the beneficent

Praise be to Allah who created pure and perfect man in between knowledge and those who possess knowledge, by his generosity regarded scholars the end of hope of hopeful person & on the basis of his justice preferred the pen of one who knows and acts accordingly to the blood of martyrs and termed them as blessings to all of his creatures. He bestowed preference to the memory of those who served for Shariat to the memory of nameless people and gave them all such things, which non-else has ever been given.

I bear witness that Allah is one and there is no partner unto Him; nor is there any god except him.

No doubt Muhammad (PBUH&HP) is His servant and His prophet corroborated by Rooh-al Quds and Aql-e-Kul; one who was the most gentle & consummate man, took pity on all weaklings, poors, indigents, orphans and all other destitutes.

Knowledge is one of such things as has been applauded and appreciated in Islam and Muslims have been urged to attain it. Quran bears many verses in this regard, which stress upon the importance of knowledge, its attainment and applause of scholars.

The creator of universe ordered for deliberation, and prudence, and has eulogized the man of understanding (olulalbab) and not only this but only those who are possessed of knowledge are said to be God-fearing.

As is stated:

“Those of His servants only who are possessed of knowledge fear Allah”

Surah xxxv/xxviii (The originator)

“Say, Are those who know and those who do not know alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful” (The companies/ix, Surah/xxxix)

Likewise several hadiths from Holy prophet (PBUH&HP) and His vicegerents Aaimma Masoomeen (A.S.) have been reported.

Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) quotes Holy Prophet (PBUH):

“A learned has such preeminence on adorer as the full moon on fourteenth has on all the stars and no doubt the scholars are heirs of prophets.”

All these hadiths state the significance of knowledge, the dignity and degree of scholars, subordination to them, the patronage of scholars in proclaiming the laws of religion, their being trustee of Allah, the angels spreading wings for them, birds in the sky & fish in water craving mercy for them. Even Imam (A.S) regards scholars as his assistants and attorneys.

He (A.S) states further:

“Among the fuqaha (theologians) one who guards himself against sensuality, concupiscence, refrains from least and greed, is amendable to Lord’s orders; people must follow such theologian.”

Likewise Maktab-i-Ahlebait (school of prophet’s descendants) has never been without the teacher and the student even for a single day. Right from the early days of Islam to this day it has extended the best service to Islam. The conspicuous proof is the emergence of four thousand scholars in various fields of knowledge from the great school of Hazrat Iama Jafar Sadiq (A.S).

The branch of knowledge which has been the most stressed upon and for which people have been urged to attain is Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) because in it lies the system and order of this world and the benefit of the world hereafter; as it is the law of Shariat (the divine law) and he who acts upon it is successful both here and hereafter.

Maktab-i-Ahlebait is particular in that there has always been opportunity for Ijtihad i.e. interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic laws. That is why in every era there emerged unprecedented scholars, the most pious men of the time, ulema and fuqaha (theologians).

This booklet comprises of brief biography of Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma As-Syed Muhammad Mufti Ash-Shia, Al-Mousavi (Dama Zilluhul Aali) and his family. Further, about his teachers, his own teaching services rendered in Hawza and his general welfare works have been mentioned. May Allah’s graciousness be always with us to write more, in future, on various other aspects of his great personality (Aameen)

Brief Biography

His Good Name

Muhammad-bin-Muhammad Taqi bin Murtaza bin Naqad Ali bin Mir Ali Raza bin Hussain Al-Mousavi. He was born on 10th of Rajab-ul-Murajab 1347 A.H. in Ardbail (known as Dar-ul-Irshad) – a city of Iran.

Ayatullah al Uzma As-Syed Muhammad Taqi Mufti Ash-Shia Ardbaili was his father who died in 1361 A.H. He was considered one of much followed theologians. He was also leader of his city. His Risala-i-Amalia (journal) was published on 18th of Zilhajj 1336 A.H under the title of “Shajara-tut-Taqwa”. The second journal “Zakhirat-ul-Uqba” was published in 1344 A.H. he had been the pupil of Akhund Khurasani, Syed Kazim Yazdi, and Syed Muhammad Isfahani Fasharki.

His Grandfather

His grandfather’s name was Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Murtaza Khalkhali Ardabaili. He too was one of the venerable Maraje Uzzam. On his return from Najaf-i-Ashraf, he laid the foundation of great Hawza-i-Ilmia in Ardbail, which produced several Ulmas. Students, not only from Iran, but also from various other countries like Badkoba, Sherwan, Siliyan, Ierwan, Nakhchwan, Lankran, and Aazarbaijan came to this Hawza to seek knowledge. He was the pupil of Sahib-i-Karamaat and Sheikh Ansari (R.A). He left this world on 1317 A.H.

His respected Uncle

His uncle, Faqih-i-kamil Syed Ahmed Mujtahid, the pupil of Sheikh Hassan Mamqani and Fazil Sharbiani, was one of those precedent theologians who saved their city against the wickedness of enemies.

His second uncle, Syed Musa Faqih Murtazavi who was great worshipper and a pious man, had the degree of Ijtihad (interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic laws) from great maraje like Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Abu Al-Hassan Isfahani, Muhaqqiq (researcher) Naeeni and Muhaqqiq Iraqi.

His respect worthy mother

She was the daughter of Syed-ul-Ulama As-Syed Baqir Al-Ardbaili Al-Najafi who was awarded ijaza-i-ijtihad (Permission for interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic laws) by Syed-ul-Ulama great Marje As-shaikh Muhammad Taqi Ash-sherazi in 1335 A.H. He was son of Ayatullah Syed Habib Ullah Al-Athari Ardbaili who was the grandson of Mujtahid-i-Akbar Syed Hussain and nephew of Muhaqqiq Karki al-Aamli. He was Shaikh-ul-Islam in the regime of Sultan Tahmasab Safawi in Ardbail.

His Progeny

The sustainer of the world bestowed him seven sons. Three of them are scholars:

1.Hujjatul-Islam Aaqai Syed Muhammad Taqi (R.A)

2. Hujjatul-Islam Aaqai Al-Haj Syed Muhammad Zaki (R.A)

3. Siqa-tul-Islam Syed Abul Fazl (R.A)

His pedigree

His lineage reaches to Syed Ibrahim Al-Asghar surnamed Al-Murtaza the son of Imam-I-Hamam Musa bin Jafar (A.S) who has been talked about in the books of genealogies.

His dynasty

His family is one of those the most ancient and learned families whose members reside in cities like Najaf-i-Ashraf, Tehran, Ardbail, Khalkhal, Qazween & Rasht. This family has always been exerting for the attainment of knowledge & wisdom. There have been several theologians, scholars, authors & poets in this noble family who have been leading the masses as a prelate (Mujtahid) in their spiritual and worldly problems. This is why the pages of the books of tazkira and rijal are full of their excellence learning & compositions.

His conduct & attentions

In 1361 A.H, on the day of Hazrat Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S)’s martyrdom, his father departed in Ardbail, who left the whole city in affliction and people arranged Majalis-i-Aaza for forty days and on 40th day much honoured & preferred Ayatullah al uzma Syed Younis Ardbaili attired him the spiritual apparel with his own hands and put Amamah (a religious turban) on his head after which he left for Mash’had Al-Muqqadas.

In 1363 A.H, he performed the duties of imamat in his father’s mosque (which is known as Masjid-i-Bazar & masjid Syed Ahmed) on the consent of his worthy uncle Syed Musa faqih. Although he was quite young yet people used to participate in his Jamat (gathering for prayer) with pleasure and zeal, for his amiable nature and belonging to praise worthy dynasty and the mosque used to fill with Namazis to its full capacity. Not only this but very often people used to take his ablution water as a benediction and solicited him for Dua (prayer); he was of the rank of his ancestors in religious affairs.

He was known for his continence, abstinence & decency in his family and the city where as among the learned (ulama) and the seekers he was famous for the mode of equity and man of wisdom.

Acquisition of knowledge

He showed quick, sharp and brimful mind in the acquisition of knowledge. He got his education of ‘Moqaddemaat’ from distinctive ulmas (teachers) of Ardbail and his father’s pupils. He learnt ‘Rassail’ from Ayatullah Shaikh Ghulam Hussain Gharvi and ‘Makasib’ from his worthy uncle Ayatullah Syed Musa Faqih Murtazavi.

Left for Qum

In 1367 A.H, he left for Hawza-i-ilmia Qum for further education. For Dars-i-Kharij in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) he joined the lectures of Ayatullah al uzma Brojurdi who was delivering his lectures on Salat (prayer) in those days.

For discussion on ‘Baye’ (buying & selling) he took lessons from Ayatullah al uzma Syed Muhammad Hujjat. He participated in the class of Ayatullah al uzma Roohullah al-Musawi Al Khomeini (R.A) for discussion on principles of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). Debate on Taharat (cleanliness) was learnt in the classes of Ayatullah al uzma Syed Muhammad Muhaqqiq Damad (R.A). To have an insight in the enigmas of philosophy, haiyyat & tafseer he attended the bountiful lectures of Allama Syed Muhammad Hussain Tabatabai (R.A), along with this he himself delivered lectures on high level on “Rasa’il”, “Kifaya”, “Makasib” & “Manzooma”.

In summer vacations when he came back in his own country, he used to guide the people & helped them in their religious problems. He was also used to perform Imamat in his ancestral mosque.

Migrated to Najaf-i-Ashraf

Zeal for the acquisition of knowledge did not end and his thirsty nature for knowledge and cognizance led him leave for Najaf-i-Ashraf in 1374 A.H. and he attended the lectures of following chosen, excellent highly esteemed ulamas (scholars) and Maraje Uzzam:

1.Marjae Aaliqadar Ayatullah al uzma Syed Mohsin Hakim (R.A)

2. Marjae Aaliqadar Ayatullah al uzma Syed Mohammad Shahroudi (R.A)

3. Marjae Aaliqadar Ayatullah al uzma Syed Abul Qasim Khoie (R.A)

For quite a long period he attended the lectures of Ayatullah al uzma Sheikh Hussain Hilli (R.A) on Asool (principles) & Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and he sought maximum learning from him. For more than ten years he remained under his guidance and kept on writing his lessons till the day when he was talked of one of the keen pupils of Sheikh Hussain Hilli (R.A). He has compiled a complete lesson of esteemed teacher on Asool (principle)& urwah (path).

In 1388 A.H, after performing Hajj and taking leave of Ayatullah al uzma Sheikh Hussain Hilli (R.A), he started teaching Fiqh & Asool. At the same time he began research and composition.

Back in his country

A delegation of venerable personnels reached in Najaf-i-Ashraf Ardbail in 1379 A.H and requested Marjae Aaliqadar Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Mohsin Hakim to send Aaqae Mufti ush Shia as his attorney to explain divine code of life to the people in Ardbail. Hence, in view of their constraints and requisition Ayatullah al Uzma Hakim (R.A) sent him to Ardbail. However, he never wished that Mufti ush shia should ever leave Najaf-i-Ashraf. Aaqae Mufti ush shia left Najaf-i-Ashraf for Ardbail on 16th of Zeeqaadh 1379 A.H. and arrived on 24th Zilhajj.

As soon as the people came to know of his advent, particularly great ulamas and khutbaas (preachers) they came out at a distance of twelve Farsakh (Miles) to welcome him and gave him a magnificent reception.

In 1380 A.H., when Marjae Aalam-i-Tashayyo Ayatullah al Uzma Brojurdi departed for the world hereafter, people of Aazarbaijan under the guidance of Aaqae Mufti ush shia started to follow Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Mohsin Hakim (R.A) and they always turned to him in all their problems and masail-i-shariat.

After his one and half year stay in Aardbail he went again to Najaf-i-Ashraf to restart his learning activities.

Compositions

He has all the speeches delivered on Asool & Fiqh, which he wrote while attending the lectures of his teachers in Najaf-i-Ashraf and Qum. The detail is as under:

In Hawza-i-Ilmia Qum

The book on bae (Buying & selling) by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Muhammad Hujjat (R.A).

The book on Salat (prayer) by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Agha Hussain Brojurdi (R.A).

The book on Taharat (cleanliness) by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Muhaqqiq Damad (R.A).

He wrote “Mabahis-i-Ilfaz”& discussion on “La jabar wala tafweez bal amar bain al amrain” in Dars-i-Asool by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Roohullah Al-Mousavi Al-Khomeini (R.A).

In Dars-i-Manzooma & Asfar by his great teacher Allama Taba Tabaie (R.A) he wrote his theories as marginal notes in his books.

Hawza-i-Ilmia Najaf-i-Ashraf

“Salat ul Musafir wal Jama’ah” & some important things about Hajj by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Mehmood Shahroodi (R.A).

A complete composition of Asool-i-Fiqh by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Syed Abul Qasim khoie (R.A)

A complete composition of Asool-i-Fiqh by Hazrat Ayatullah al Uzma Sheikh Hussain Hilli (R.A) and “Bae-o-Khiyaraat” in Fiqh, “Taharat” a discussion of urwat-ul-wusqa

A tract on “La Zarar wala Zaraar”

Sharah Kifayah

A treatise on doubted apparel

A Pamphlet about “Ilm-i-ljmali” (Brief knowledge)

Qaida “Iqrar-o-Raza’a” and several other magazines on important discussions along with summaries in a book titled “Fiqh-i-Mabsoot”

This is an argumentative book in which important things of Fiqh have been discussed in the light of Qawaid-i-Asoolia, Quranic verses, sayings of Masumeen (A.S) & Asool-i-Amlia. He also wrote on “Ilm-i-Ikhlaq” & “Ilm-i-Nafs”. He also wrote marginal notes on “Asfar” & several other books.

His Risala-i-Amlia – “Towzeehul Masa’il & Masa’il-i-Mustahaddisa”, Minhaj-us-saleheen” are in two volumes. He wrote valuable books on “ Manasik-i-Hajj” and “marginal note on Urwah”.

His status among scholars

He obtained ljaza-i-ijtehad (license for interpretation and reinterpretation of Islamic laws) & ljaza-i-Riwayat (to narrate) from great Ulamas, Mashaikhs and Mujtahideen. The writing of these ijazas is evidence of his abilities. He is known as mark of equity, abstinence, research & keen observation. This small treatise does not allow me to quote all such statements but only as a specimen one line from the letter of Ayatullah al uzma Syed Mehmood Shahroudi (R.A) is mentioned here which he wrote on 26th Zeeqaad 1390 A.H when he was leaving for Iran:

“I deem him quite essential in Najaf-i-Ashraf in all possibilities as Hawza-i-Ilmia needs him and others like him.”

Social services

He has played an important role for the welfare of the deprived & wretched people of society and showed bountiful magnanimity in building Institutions for public good, schools & mosques. Similarly he permitted some Momineen for the disbursement of obligations of revealed law (wajoobat-i-shariah) in the interest of the destitute & the poor.

His morals

He has good morals, is tender hearted, has almost all virtues and is like his proceeding ulamas in “Ser-o-Salook”. His majlis (sittings) are never without Zikr-i-Khuda”, “Rawayat”, “Hadith-i-Ahl-i-bait (A.S) Fiqh Masa’il & Asool.

He is quite unprecedented in treating the destitute with attention and ceremony, in knowledge, clemency virtue, piety & veracity.

In his conversation and “Masa’il-i-Shariah” he speaks with depth of thought and constancy.

Deported from Najaf-i-Ashraf

In 1396 A.H. Iraqi authorities adopted the policy of deportation of hundreds of intrepid of Imam-i-Zamana (A.S) from Hawza-i-Ilmia Najaf – the then centre of ulams and Mujtahideen-i-Shia & Maadan-i-uloom-i-Aal-i-Muhammad (A.S). They issued orders of expulsion of the teachers and the students of Iran, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey & other countries, and this order was issued so that the enemies of Haq-o-Imamat i.e. Allah and Imam may express pleasure on the annihilation of auspicious Hawza Najaf-i-Ashraf – the pride of Shia & Muslim Ummah.

Hence, the government started arresting people. Aaqae Mufti Ush Shia (R.A) was also arrested. First along with many others, he was in (Khan An Nisf) prison, which is midway from Karbala to Najaf. Then, all alone, he was confined in a small cell. There after shifted in the prison of Najaf-i-Ashraf. Later, the agents brought him home and ordered to leave the country within two hours.

Hence, with his family he proceeded to Iran, and stayed in adjacency of Bargah-i-Hazrat Masooma (A.S) to start teaching, writing and solving the problems of the people.

He was made principal attorney of the head of Hawza-i-Ayatullah al uzma Hazrat Syed Abdul Aala Sabzwari (R.A) in connection with the selection of attorneys and representatives in Islamic countries after the death of Ayatullah al uzma Khoie (R.A). He was also consulted in important matters. This is, conspicuous demonstration on his abilities and trust.

Ayatullah al uzma Sabzwari (R.A) remembers him in these words:

Moassesa Imam Muhammad Taqi (AS)

Saudis to CUT-OFF Wahhabis ‘Chaotic Fatwas’ Radical Islamic decrees out of hand in Saudi Arabia, religious authorities say.

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Radical Islamic decrees out of hand in Saudi Arabia, religious authorities say.

Saudi authorities are planning to regulate the issuance of Islamic rulings by limiting the number of Wahhabi religious personalities allowed to formulate religious decrees.

The plan is currently being discussed by the Higher Council of Religious Scholars and could be implemented as early as next month.

“If the Saudi authorities regulate the fatwa industry, it will reduce the amount of extreme fatwas and it will send a positive message to those who are irresponsible and unaccountable with their fatwas,” Dr. Khalil Al-Khalil, a former Saudi member of parliament and an expert on Islamic trends, told The Media Line. “It will send them a message that they are not doing the right thing.”

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Bin Abd Al-Aziz Bin Baz told Al-Arabiyya that the issuance of fatwas, or religious scholarly opinions, in the Saudi kingdom had gotten out of hand to the extent there was a need to regulate and unify them.

The Saudi authorities are mainly concerned about extreme fatwas that are being disseminated via mass-media forms such as the Internet and satellite television.

Radical messages in extreme fatwas often receive much attention in western media as legitimizing terror attacks against non-Muslims.

Media experts warn that these broadcasts can have a huge impact, especially since the target audience is young and impressionable.

“[Those issuing fatwas] know very well that the people here are connected with the government and the state regulations, and no one wants to be seen in conflict with the Saudi authorities,” Al-Khalil added. “It will make those who are extreme think twice before issuing a fatwa.”

Opposition groups within are saying that allowing only a select few to issue Islamic religious opinions stifles pluralism of opinion and goes against the spirit of Islam.

Critics of the planned regulation further point out that hundreds of Arabic-language satellite stations are beyond the reach of the Saudi government, rendering the moves ineffective, as Saudis will continue to be exposed to extreme messages through the Internet and other media forms.

Al-Khalil himself believes that regulating fatwas, despite the advantages, is not only impossible to implement but is also contrary to the spirit of Islam.

“It will not be successful in any place in the world,” he said. “They want to formulate a group at the national level and the local level who will be authorized to issue fatwas. They will employ specific individuals, who will have the right to issue fatwas and this is an impossible mission.”

Al-Khalil explained that this contradicted the very nature of Islam, which allows people to choose for themselves who is qualified to issue a fatwa.

“Who will choose those people, and based on what qualifications and what orientations?” Al-Khalil asked. “You can choose for yourself but you can’t choose for everyone in your state. We know that usually selection of authorized individuals in any field in life is based on politics and the mood and not on expert qualification.”

Contrary to much popular belief, fatwas are diverse in content and are a guideline for endless mundane matters, such as how a Muslim should shake hands, if a Muslims can consume caffeine, whether it is appropriate for a man to grow his hair, whether Muslims should play football, and many more.

But Western media in recent years has often depicted fatwas as associated with edicts on warfare and death sentences.

A fatwa can be issued by anyone who is seen to have sufficient Islamic scholarly training for the task, usually a Muslim with high standing in his community.

Those in favor of regulating these edicts say there is ‘fatwa chaos’ where anyone can issue opinions, which often serve narrow interests, be they related to politics, security, commerce or a social interest.

“The function of a fatwa in Islam is not a court verdict,” Al-Khalil stressed. “A verdict is binding when the process is complete and it has to be implemented, but fatwas from religious authorities are different.”

“It’s just an effort to give advice,” he said. “It’s not supposed to be a binding verdict that must be implemented. The state or the leader can choose to implement that fatwa and then it becomes obligatory by law, but if it’s issued by an individual, formal or informal, it’s just advice or a religious opinion and it’s not obligatory.”