If the needs are reciprocal...

If the needs are reciprocal, then it is not a problem however if we are in need of what the others have while they have no need for us or our products, then this is of no benefit! If we do not want to have political relations with other people or countries, then we must also not have economic relations with them; and if we do not want economic relations with them, then we must not have intellectual relations with them!

However, if we wish to have relations with others, then no matter what slogans in defense of freedom and independence we cry out, they will have no impact since within the products which foreign countries produce and sell, we see that they have infused their culture and tradition into them!

The fiftieth characteristic states, “…the believer is one who not only fulfills the obligatory acts which are upon him and refrains from the prohibited, rather, he also stays away from the doubtful issues in life.” Thus, the true believer would not participate in vain and useless gatherings, which is one of the areas of doubt. In the Du’a of Abu Hamza al-Thumali which is recited in the Month of Ramazhan and has been taught to us by Imam ‘Ali b.

“All reprehensible acts are permissible to perform, and all recommended acts are permissible to neglect.” The true believer is one who stays away from doubtful things and anything which serves to separate him from his faith. The fifty-second characteristic is that the true believer is one who “…forgives the slips and errors of his brother in faith.” Other than the Infallibles (as), who else is there in the world that does not have errors or faults on their record?

If we were to remember all the mistakes and faults that others perform, then it would not be possible to live in this world any longer!