The Official Website of the Office of His Eminence Al-Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani

Statement » Translation of Statement by the Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani (may he live long) regarding the Continuous Bombing Throughout the Gaza Strip

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

During these days, the Gaza Strip is being subjected to continuous bombing and intense attacks, which are unparalleled and have currently resulted in the death and injury of more than six thousand innocent civilians, the displacement of large numbers of people from their homes, and the destruction of vast residential areas. The extent of the bombing, which is targeting many areas, has left no safe place for people to shelter.
At the same time, the occupying army is imposing a stifling siege on the Gaza Strip, which most recently includes water, food, medicine, and other necessities of life, with the objective of causing the greatest harm to people who have no recourse and are powerless, as if its intent is to take revenge on them and compensate for its resounding loss and great failure in recent confrontations.
This is happening in full view of the whole world without any deterrent or prohibition. Rather, there are those who support these criminal acts and justify them under the pretext of self-defense!
The entire world is called upon to stand up against this terrible brutality and to stop the occupying forces from continuing to carry out their plans to cause further harm to the oppressed Palestinian people.
Ending the tragedy of the respected people of Palestine, which has persisted for seven decades, by granting them their legitimate rights and removing the occupation from their usurped lands is the only way to bring security and peace to this region. Without this, resistance to the aggressors will continue and the cycle of violence will keep on claiming more innocent lives. Indeed, there is no recourse nor strength except in Allah Almighty.

25th of the Rabi al-Awwal /1445 A.H – 11/10/2023
Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani (may Allah prolong his life) – Holy City of Najaf

Statement » Translation of the statement of the Office of the Supreme Religious Authority Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani (may he live long) following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

There is no power nor strength except through Allah, the Most High
The severe earthquake that struck a few days ago large areas of Turkish and Syrian territory, as revealed by recent news reports, has resulted in large numbers of victims and injuries and huge material losses in housing and infrastructure, in a humanitarian disaster that has been unparalleled in the recent era.
The supreme religious authority in Najaf Ashraf, while expressing its condolences and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy and praying to Allah Almighty for them patience and solace and for the wounded and injured with healing and wellness, it hopes that the efforts of the concerned authorities and the general philanthropists will be combined in order to provide the necessary needs for those affected as soon as possible.
We ask Allah Almighty to ward off the affliction of everyone and bless them with goodness and peace, for He is the guardian of that and He is the Most Merciful.
15 Rajab 1444 A.H
7 February 2023
Office of Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani (may he live long) - Najaf Ashraf

Statement » Translation of the Statement of His Eminence al-Sistani’s Office on Tragic Bombing of Kucha Risaldar Mosque in Peshawar

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verily we belong to Allah (SWT) and to Him do we return.

Dear Brothers and sisters in faith in Peshawar, Pakistan

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

The painful tragedy that took place today (04 Mar 2022) during the Friday prayers in the Kucha Risaldar Mosque, and which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a large number of innocent worshipers, caused great sorrow and grief. While offering condolences to you dear ones and expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, we ask Allah for patience for all and urgent healing for the injured and the highest degrees for the martyrs of this heart-rending event.

The Islamic Seminary of Najaf and the supreme religious authority condemn this horrific crime that targets the unity of Muslims, and urges the government of Pakistan to take prevent measures to protect oppressed people from the tyranny and crime of terrorist groups and take the necessary precautions, and not allow their religious gatherings to be subjected to savage and brutal attacks by extremist and stone-hearted groups.

We ask Allah Almighty to perpetuate the esteem and pride of the honorable people of Pakistan.

30th Rajab 1443 AH

Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s Office

Najaf Ashraf

Question & Answer » Can a woman perform wudhu whilst wearing "halal friendly"...

Can a woman perform wudhu whilst wearing "halal friendly" nail polish, whilst they state that water permeates through, but I do not have certainty that water reaches all areas under the nail polish?

One must ascertain that water reaches all areas necessary for Wudhu, this may not occur completely if one has the nails covered with nail polish, and with any uncertainty and doubt then one must remove the polish before performing Wudhu.

Archive » A statement issued by the office of the Supreme Religious Authority of World’s Shia Muslims, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, regarding his meeting with the Grand Pontiff, the Pope

In the name of God, The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful

This morning, His Eminence Sayyid Al-Sistani met with the Supreme Pontiff (Pope Francis), Pope of the Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican.

During the meeting, the discussion revolved around the great challenges that humanity faces in this era and the role of faith in God Almighty and His messages, and commitment to high moral values in overcoming them.

His Eminence talked about the injustice, oppression, poverty, religious and intellectual persecution, suppression of basic freedoms and the absence of social justice, especially the wars, acts of violence, economic blockade, displacement and so on, especially the Palestinian people in the occupied territories.

His Eminence indicated the role that the great religious and spiritual leaders should play in curbing these tragedies, and what is hoped for by urging the concerned parties - especially those with great powers - to prioritize reason and wisdom and to reject the language of war, and not to promote their self-interest over the rights of the people to live in freedom and dignity, and stressing the importance of concerted efforts to consolidate the values of harmony, peaceful coexistence and human solidarity in all societies, based on fostering rights and mutual respect among followers of different religions and intellectual trends.

His Eminence praised the status and glorious history of Iraq as well as its people from various faiths. He also expressed his hope that Iraq would surpass its current ordeal soon. He affirmed his interest in Christian citizens living like all Iraqis in peace and security while preserving all their constitutional rights.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani also pointed out part of the role that the religious authority played in protecting Iraqis and all those who had suffered injustice and harm in the incidents of past years, especially during the period during which the terrorists seized vast areas in several Iraqi provinces where they carried out criminal acts there.

His Eminence wished the Supreme Pontiff, the followers of the Catholic Church, and the general public of humanity good and happiness, and thanked him for making the effort to travel to Najaf to make this visit.

21 Rajab 1442 A.H.

The Office of Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani

The Holy City of Najaf

Statement » A statement issued by the office of the Supreme Religious Authority of World’s Shia Muslims, Grand Ayatollah Sistani, regarding his meeting with the Grand Pontiff, the Pope

In the name of God, The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful

This morning, His Eminence Sayyid Al-Sistani met with the Supreme Pontiff (Pope Francis), Pope of the Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican.

21 Rajab 1442 A.H.

The Office of Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani
The Holy City of Najaf

Question & Answer » What is the ruling on light make up, is it ought to be covered from the sight of non-Mahram?

What is the ruling on light make up, is it ought to be covered from the sight of non-Mahram?

Make up applied in any quantity is prohibited and it must be covered from the sight of non-Mahram

Archive » Inquiries regarding fasting the holy month of Ramadan with the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

The office of His Eminence Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (may he live long)

Salamu ‘alykum

Question:

The holy month of Ramadan is approaching, and the coronavirus continues to spread in various regions of the world. Some doctors recommend drinking water at close intervals to reduce the risk of contracting this dangerous virus. The lack of water in the body reduces its immunity and causes dryness of the throat. If the virus reaches the throat, it will then continue its way to the respiratory system. Drinking water may help in eliminating the virus by flushing it out of your mouth. In this case, is the fasting of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims waived this year?

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Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

The necessity of fasting the month of Ramadan is an individual obligation. Every person who fulfills the conditions of obligation must fast, regardless of whether it is obligatory for others or not. If the holy month of Ramadan comes by and a Muslim fears that he may contract the virus due to fasting, even if he takes all precautionary measures, then his obligation for fasting is waived for each day in which he fears that fasting may result in him contracting the virus. However, if a Muslim is capable of lowering the risk of contracting the virus by staying at home and avoiding contact with others, by wearing a protective mask, by wearing medical gloves and through continuous sterilization and so on then he is required to fast, provided that this does not cause him extreme and extraordinary hardship.

As for what was mentioned regarding some doctors recommending to drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration of the body and throat because this increases the possibility of infection with the coronavirus, assuming that it is true, a Muslim is still required to fast unless he fears that fasting may result in him contracting the virus, and there is no way to reduce the possibility of infection even if it may be through staying at home and taking other advanced precautions. As for others they must fast.

Note that it is possible to avoid body dehydration while fasting by eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in water such as cucumbers and watermelons before dawn. It is also possible to avoid having a dry throat by chewing sugar-free gum, provided that its parts in the mouth are not crumbling and going down the throat. Chewing gum increases salivary secretion in the mouth and it is permissible to swallow that saliva while fasting.

Thus, it appears that those who can leave work during the month of Ramadan and stay at home so that they are safe from the disease do not cease to be under the obligation to fast. As for those who cannot afford to leave their jobs for any given reason and are afraid of contracting the virus while not drinking water throughout the day and are unable to take any other measures to protect themselves from the virus, then they are not required to fast. However, it is not permitted for a Muslim to show others that they are not fasting, whether it be by eating or drinking in public.

In short, it is obligatory to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, this obligation is lifted if a Muslim has a legitimate excuse, such as being ill, and one who, upon medical advice, fears illness if he were to fast and cannot take precautionary measures to be safe from infection, otherwise he is required to do so, and it is not permitted for him to quit fasting.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatoh

17 Sha’ban 1441 A.H.

The Office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani

The Holy City of Najaf

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Archive » Questions about Preparing the Bodies of Those Deceased From CoronaVirus (COVID-19)

In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

The office of His Eminence Sayed Ali Al-Sistani (May Allah Prolong His Life)

Please answer the following questions regarding those who have deceased from the Coronavirus pandemic:

1. A Muslim who dies as a result of this virus, is it obligatory to perform Ghusl (ritual wash) on his body like other dead bodies, or is dry ablution (Tayammum) sufficient?    What if the authorities do not allow dry ablution as well, as they have placed the body in a medical bag, which contains chemicals and preservatives, and prevent the opening of the bag before burial?
2. If it is not possible to camphorate (Tahnit/Hanoot) the body by applying camphor to all seven obligatory areas (forehead, palms, knees, and tips of the big toes) is there an alternative method?
3. Should the body be shrouded (Takfin) in the three pieces of cloth (a loincloth, a shirt, and a full cover)? What if the authorities do not allow the opening of the bag and the shrouding of the body?
4. In some non-Islamic countries, the bodies of those who have died from Coronavirus are cremated. Is it permissible to allow the cremation of a Muslim’s body, or should his family resist and reject it if they can do so?
5. What is the ruling of placing the body of the deceased in a box (coffin), and burying the box in the ground?
6. Specialists say that it is possible to bury someone who has died from Coronavirus infection in the usual known burial places in the country, and there is no need for exceptional procedures to do so, for instance the depth of the grave, etc. This is because the virus relies on living cells to survive, and thus after the death of an infected individual, the virus remains for a period that may last for hours, however, there is no way for the virus to exit the body, resulting in the destruction of the virus.  Hence, it becomes sufficient to take the necessary medical precautions in the process of transferring the dead body of the infected individual and burying them while wearing medical gloves, respirators and so on, and there is no fear that after burial the virus can be transmitted to others. In light of this, what is the ruling of preventing the burial of those who have died due to Coronavirus in public cemeteries in the country - even in a location that is isolated and away from the other graves - contrary to the will of the deceased or the wishes of his family?

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In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

1. If it is not possible to wash the body in fear of transmitting the infection, then the duty, if possible, becomes that an alive human should perform dry ablution (Tayammum) on the body, even if he must wear gloves [to do so]. If this is also not possible or it was not allowed by the relevant authorities, the body can be buried without Ghusl (ritual washing) or performing dry ablution (Tayammum). 
2. In this case, camphorating (Tahnit) will no longer be a duty, and there is no alternative for it. 
3. The body must be shrouded in the three garments even if it is around the bag, and if it is not possible for the dead to be shrouded in all three, then it should be done with the pieces that are possible such as the Ezar (full body cover), which covers the entirety of the body.  
4. It is not permissible to cremate the body of a dead Muslim, his relatives and others must resist and prevent this, and they should insist on burial according to the requirements of the true Sharia.  
5. It is permissible, but it is necessary, if possible, to place the corpse in the box on its right side, directing the face towards the Qibla, as if it were placed in the ground (on the soil).
6. It is not permissible, in the context of this question, to prevent the burial of the body in the public cemeteries. The concerned authorities should facilitate this, and God knows best.

The Office of His Eminence al-Sayyid al-Sistani
The Holy City of Najaf
3 Sha'ban, 1441 AH

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Archive » Questions About CoronaVirus (COVID 19)

In The Name of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful

To the office of the Grand Religious Authority his Eminence Al-Sayed Al-Sistani (may Allah prolong his life),

Assalamu 'alykum wa rahmat'llahi wa barakatuh

The corona virus is spreading rapidly in many countries around the world and the number of cases of infection is increasing daily. We have come to understand the position of the Grand Marja'eyah regarding "The obligation of following the directions of the experts to control the spread of the this dangerous pandemic and that includes prohibiting holding gatherings and attending them for any reason." We have several questions for our grand marje' to answer:
1. Is it obligatory to refrain from touching those who may contract the virus by shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or the like and is it permissible to be around them without taking the necessary precautions such as wearing medical masks and so forth?

2. In regards to those inflicted with this illness and those with probable symptoms, is it permissible for them to be around others who do not know their state of health? If they were to mingle with others and became the reason for others contracting the virus then what is their responsibility towards those whom they infected?

3. Those who arrive in the country after having been in a country in which the virus had spread widely, or if he had been around those who were infected, is it obligatory for him to quarantine himself in his home or must that person get tested to know whether he was infected or not?

4. Is it permissible to use religious dues from Zakat and Khums to provide equipment that is necessary to protect from infection by those who have contracted the virus, such as gloves, medical face masks, cleaning supplies, sterilizers, as well as medications and other supplies that are needed to combat this sickness?

5. What advice do you have for the believers in light of these difficult conditions that they are facing from this dangerous pandemic?

A group of believers.

In The Name of Allah The Beneficent The Merciful

1. Those who fear infection from touching or mingling with others because they may be harmed greatly, even if its not death, must avoid doing so. Unless they are able to take the necessary precautions, such as sterilization, using medical face masks and gloves to the point that they are content that they will not contract the illness. However, if one does not adhere to the preceding instructions and as a result contracts the illness then they will not be excused from a religious standpoint.
2. It is not permissible for such a person to be around others such that there is a probability that the person is contagious and will infect them. If he was to do so, causing those who do not know of his state of health to be infected then he will be held religiously liable for any harm that he caused that person, and if that they were to die from the illness then it is obligatory upon him to pay the diyah (religious fine).
3. Yes, it is mandatory for him to do so, taking into account the directions of the respective authorities.
4. It is acceptable to spend from the portion of Sabeel'llah from the Zakat and from the Sahm (portion) of the Imam (a) in the case of the Khums while taking into account the religious criteria.
5. We advise the gracious believers (may Allah increase their status) to:
a. Turn to Allah Almighty and ask Him to push away this tribulation, increase doing righteous deeds such as giving charity to the poor, helping the weak, reciting the Holy Qur'an, and the supplications of the Prophet (s) and his immaculate Holy Household (a).
b. Take precautions that are proportionate to the size of this pandemic without panic and distress. Take all of the necessary preventative precautions and treatment based on what is determined by the medical experts while staying away from unscientific methods.

c.Work hard to educate others of the dangers of belittling the dangers of this virus and encourage them to adhere to and not ignore the directions of the authorities on this matter.
d. Help the families that have been harmed as a result of the the current situation because their livelihoods have been effected by the stoppage of work and the restrictions on people's movement.
f. Take care of those infected no matter their affiliations in religion or sect, with the goal of easing their burden and supporting them in their needs.

May Allah protect you all from all harm and tribulation and assalamu 'alykum wa rahmatu'llahi wa barakatuh.

The Office of Al-Sayed Al-Sistani

The Holy City of Najaf

Rajab 27, 1441 A.H.

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Archive » Rulings Regarding the Efforts of Medical Professionals Caring for Coronavirus Patients (COVID 19)

In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

The office of His eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Sistani (may Allah prolong his life)

Assalamu 'alykum wa rahmat'llahi wa barakatuhu

You are aware of what people are facing these days due to the Corona virus pandemic. The medical staff, nurses and volunteers in hospitals and clinics, which interacts with those who have this disease or are suspected to have it, are risking their health and may be their life because of what they do. They are exposed to being infected by this disease, what words does Marjiya (religious authority) have for them?

Please benefit us.

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In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

The responsibility of treating, caring for and helping the ill is Wajib Kifa'ie (collective obligation on those members of the community who are capable of contributing) upon those who are qualified to do so, including medical doctors, nursing staff and others. However, it is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to provide them, all that they need to protect themselves from the dangers of contracting the illness, and there is no excuse for the failure or delay in doing so.

There is no doubt that the work that is being done by these dear individuals, despite all the challenges they face, is a great work, their effort is priceless and it may be as close in importance as fighting side by side in the trenches with the heroes defending the homeland and its people. It is certain that Allah the Almighty appreciates their efforts in this world and will reward them for it in the hereafter. In fact, we plead with Allah for those who have sacrificed their lives in this path that they obtain both the reward and the status of a martyr on the Day of Judgement. And we thank them greatly and express our highest appreciation for their magnificent humanitarian work and ask Allah the Supreme the All-able to protect them, save them and keep away from them all ill. Surely, Allah is the All-Hearing and the most able to answer [our prayer].

The Office of His Eminence Sayed Al-Sistani
The Holy City of Najaf
21st Rajab 1441 A.H.

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Archive » A statement by an official source in the office of His Eminence

A statement by an official source in the office of His Eminence:
Last night His Eminence Ayatollah Sistani had an incidental strain to his left leg which resulted in a fracture to his thigh bone and he will undergo surgery today, God willing, under the supervision of an Iraqi medical team.
We request all believers not to forget praying to Allah the Almighty for his recovery.

Thursday (16/01/2020)

Question & Answer » Is it permissible to masturbate for medical reasons? If so, what are the conditions or limits?

Is it permissible to masturbate for medical reasons? If so, what are the conditions or limits?

Masturbation is Haram (prohibited), however if there is a medical necessity for a Mukallaf (dutybound Muslim) to perform that and the ejaculation could not be achieved through lawful means then other means are permissible.

Question & Answer » Can a husband and wife kiss or hug, etc. one another...

Can a husband and wife kiss or hug, etc. one another in public places?, For example, greeting and welcoming one another in the airport which is quite common in Europe?

It is not prohibited as as long as the wife's Hijab is kept and maintained, and does not encourage lust to onlookers, and its better to avoid such in public.