Majlis

Majlis (or Mejlis; Arabic: مجلس‎, pl. مجالس Majālis) is an Arabic term meaning "council", used to describe various types of special gatherings among common interest groups be it administrative, social or religious in countries with linguistic or cultural connections to Islamic countries.

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Matam . Majlis . Salah (Prayers) . Salat al-Jama’at

If a Majlis concludes at Maghrib and Matam occurs instead of performing Salat, does that mean the prayer is not done on time? Is a 15-20 minute delay in congregational prayer considered to still be praying on time?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answer updated 6 months ago

Imam Husain (AS) never delayed the Salat even when he was in the mid of fighting in Karbala. We are supposed to follow Imam Husain (AS) not our own thoughts. We should plan the timings of the Majlis and Matam both to finish before the time of Salat.

Wassalam.

188147

Majlis . Matam . Mourning . Nawha . Wedding . Eid al-Fitr

Is it appropriate to mourn or conduct Majlis, recite Noha, and perform Matam during weddings and Eid, considering that some Shia believe that Eid coincides with the 10th day of Imam Ali's martyrdom?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 1 year ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Unfortunately, this is a clear misguided view and practice. In the dua we recite on Eid al-Fitr day, it says it is a day in which Allah ta'ala made it as Eid for Muslims. It is definitely not appropriate to change a happy celebration occasion to mourning and ma'tam. There is a time for each of them.

As the hadith says, "Our Shi'ah..... they grieve when we grieve, and are happy when we are happy."

Much more can be said about this, and the most important thing is one follows not what a small fringe group does, but what majority of Shi'ah do, especially our mainstream esteemed 'Ulama.

And Allah knows best

171296

Majlis . Hadith . Ahl al-Bayt

Could you share Hadith narrations that affirm the happiness of Ahl al-Bayt (as) when their merits, virtues, and teachings are recited and propagated through Majalis?

There are many authentic narrations in this regard. Ahlul Bayt (AS) encouraged their followers to mention their truth , merits and virtues. Imam Ja'far Al-Sadiq (AS) said: Keep our truth alive. May Allah bestow His Mercy on every one who keeps our truth alive among peopleأحيوا أمرنا رحم الله من أحيا أمرنا . Biharul Anwaar, V. 44, page 282.

Wassalam.

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Parents . Majlis

If someone's parents forbid them from attending Majalis without a rational excuse, is it permissible for the person to attend Majalis behind their parents' backs?

You should never hurt the feelings of your parents nor cause them feel insulted or ignored.

Wassalam.

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Majlis . Tears . Azadari

Is it more meritorious to attend a Majlis in person where you are not able to shed tears, or listening to it online and being able to shed tears and cry?

Bismihi ta'ala

Location should not affect the ability to weep and shed tears for Imam Husain (a.s.), as when you hear the musibah of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), you should completely zone out from everything else and express your grief.

Of course, it is always best to attend Majalis in person, participating in the mourning ceremonies with other believers and increasing the number of devotees who commemorate the tragedy of Karbala.

And Allah knows best

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Paradise . Pain . Majlis . Meaning

As it is said that the people of paradise will feel no pain or suffering, does that mean that there will be no Majlis of Imam Hussain (a) in paradise?

Bismihi ta'ala

At the end of times, prior to Qiyamah, there will be Raj'ah; the return of the purest and the return of the wickedest.

This is when retribution will happen, and those responsible for the worst of oppression will be held accountable for what they did.

This means that in Heaven there will be no more sorrow or grief or sadness. Indeed, as our ahadith say, attending the Majalis of Imam Husain (a.s.), weeping for him and the tragedy of Karbala, writing poem for him, and everything related to serving Imam Husain (a.s.) will amount to mandatory entering of Heaven.

This itself is the greatest blessing, if we do it sincerely and with correct ma'rifah, truly recognising the status of the Imam and following his teachings in practice.

If we are fortunate enough, we could also be in the vicinity of Imam Husain (a.s.) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) in Heaven, in shaa Allah.

And Allah knows best.

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Woman . Majlis

Is a woman allowed to give Islamic lectures in front of mixed gatherings?

Yes, as far as she observes full Hijab. Lady Fatima (AS) has spoken in the Masjid Nabawi in front of men and women.

Wassalam.

140596

Majlis . Ahl al-Bayt . Divine Attributes

How is the belief that the Ahlul Bayt are present in every Majlis and are listening to them around the clock not ascribing a Divine attribute to them?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 3 years ago

A similar thing could be said for the Angel of Death: people are dying around the clock, and yet the Angel of Death is always on time!

Shaytan is a similar example - he can act on and be aware of many people at once, regardless of where they are located, without infringing on divinity.

Moving along from these morbid examples... My understanding is that once the soul leaves this world, it is not subject to the same restrictions of physical reality that we experience here (such as regarding space and time).

That could especially be said for those who have a high position near Allah, as well as other created beings which do not primarily exist on earth, such as archangels and the ruh.

Possibly they are able to "stretch" into various places at once while remaining in a place near Allah.

This is my understanding - Allah knows best.

In any case, this particular belief does not require ascribing them a divine attribute, although people may accept or reject the belief, or accept or reject the explanation.

It is a good question however!

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Majlis . Soul . Ahl al-Bayt

Are the pure souls of Ahlulbayt (as) present in every Majlis or Milad ceremony though we do not see them? If so, are there any traditions to support this claim?

Yes. This fact is confirmed by many most authentic narrations which can be found in many books including Jaami' Al- Ziyarat by Ibn Qolawayh which is one of the most authentic books.

Wassalam.

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Perfume . Martyrdom . Majlis . Ahl al-Bayt

I understand that it is recommended to wear perfume, but what about wearing perfume on days of martyrdom of the Ahlul Bayt (a) or while going to a Majlis?

Wearing perfume has been mentioned in the Hadeeths from the Prophet (SAWA) and Ahlul Bayt (AS) as highly recommended which multiplies the reward of the Prayers seventy folds. This recommended act is for all the time and all situations. It does mean celebration as some cultures take it but it is an act of worship. It is always recommended unless your culture and your community take it as a celebrity which they don't do it in sad occasions.
Followed Islamic teachings is above following our cultures or habits.
Wassalam.

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Majlis . Azadari

Why do people go to Majlis and cry over an event that happened years ago?

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 4 years ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. As people of faith, we connect to our sacred history and the personalities that represent the values of our religion. Thus, while events may have happened a long time ago, the personalities that these events happened to are important to us, so naturally, when recounting the tragedies that befell them, we cannot help but be brought to tears. Such acts of devotion have a positive effect on the soul and this has been indicated in the copious praise for crying over these events in our scriptural sources. Simply put, we cry because it matters to us and we recount the events so that we remember and develop those feelings and are revitalized by the strengthening of our bond with those we love.

May you always be successful

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Azadari . Marriage . Ahl al-Bayt . Majlis . Sunni-Shi'a

Can I marry a Sunni boy who believes in the Ahle Bayt and participates in Majalis and Azadari, as his mother is Shia, but offers prayers the Sunni way?

You must be sure that you and your children will always follow Ahlul Bayt (AS). Don't take any risk in this crucial matter. I advise you to invite him to read few books written by Sunni scholars who became followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) after researching Sunni and Shia books e.g The I was guided by Dr Samawi Tijani and The Miising Link etc.

After reading such books and being able to ask questions to Shia scholars, he should be able to decide his following Ahlul Bayt (AS).

Wassakam.