1. What is the requisite which renders an activity a Husseini ritual? 2. Is serving food in the Husseini…

Answer

1. In the name of Allah, be advised, my son, that the prophet (PBUH&HF) and the imams (PBUH) ordered us to show grief and sadness on their plights, especially the plight of Karbala and its consequences. This is concluded from the Imams’ (PBUH) saying (Our Shia have been created from the mud which we are created from. They become happy for our happiness and sad for our sadness). It is known that the way of showing sadness differs according to the time, place, and the surrounding environment, like the liberty, distress, fear of darkness. So, showing sadness should be done as far as possible, provided that there is not religious prohibition like male and female mixing. My son, beware of mixing with women and beware of listening to enemies of Al-Hussain (PBUH) as they prevent rituals like hitting with chains and other rituals, while they do not confess doing that. Yes, if you are a follower of a Shia religious authority (Marja’) and he prohibited you from some common acts, then you have to follow another religious authority and stick to his fatwas (verdicts). For me, it is permissible to perform the rituals common nowadays except these which are proved to be illegitimate (not religious) and we have a book entitled “Husseini Rituals” which you can get from our website. Allah knows best. A/2. In the name of Allah, Yes it is from the important Husseini Rituals. Allah knows best.