The exception to this is only in the case of those...

The exception to this is only in the case of those 'restrained from error' by Allah. Hence we find that the prophet, himself impeccable, saying: ' Oh people consult me in matters'119. and before that in the Qur'anic verses: ' Consult them in affairs'120, and '. . . those who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation'121, and '. . . by mutual consent and consultation '122, and so on. Therefore there is a need for charitable organisations in all areas of life.

In Democratic States It is true that in Democratic countries, charitable organisations are able to work to their full potential while this is not the case in dictatorships or one-party states where they might be banned or expelled or otherwise limited as was experienced in Iraq under the Republicans from the late 1950's at the time of the coup of 'Abd-al- Karim Qasim until the present day. Similarly in Iran under the Pahlevis. Communal weddings in Democratic states are a simple matter.

There, the government is an institution like other institutions but monitors other institutions in order to stop wrongdoing and to promote the advancement of the country and guard the public interest. The public interest is public in the full meaning of the word, where there are free political parties and proper elections, and not as dictators wish to interpret the public interest. They only see their own interests and hide behind dazzling rhetoric.

The organisation which works towards setting up projects for communal weddings should take advantage of the possibilities open to it in a democratic country where such organisations are able to operate in relative freedom, in the light of multi-party politics, ease of law and media and simplicity of obtaining donations etc. In dictatorships such as Iraq, such matters are not at all simple and extreme caution must be exercised.

Probably it should not be communal as the regime bans or expels these kinds of groups. In fact the regime would probably exploit the reputation of these groups for propaganda purposes. This would be more detrimental to society than the benefit hoped for in marrying people. (There is no obedience to Allah through disobedience). In the case of dictatorial governments, people must cut them off and not cooperate with them even in the building of mosques.

As Imam Al- Sadiq said: ' Do not build them even a single mosque'123.