ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Question & Answer Question 20 : Why Do the Shias Kiss the Doors and Walls of Their Holy Shrines Whislt Paying a Visit To Them? ANSWER: Seeking blessings from the beloved servants of God is not considered an innovation by any group of Muslims, on the contrary, this tradition can be traced down back in History right from the time of the Holy Prophet and his companions.

In fact, not only did the Holy Prophet and his companions practice this recommended act, but also the previous prophets visited shrines and sought blessings from them. Let us now look at the evidences to the validity in seeking blessings from the saints of God from the view- point of both Quran and Sunnah.

In the Holy Quran, when relating about Prophet yusuf and his integrity, states that when he introduced himself to his brothers and forgave them for their wrongdoings, he said: "Take this my shirt and cast it onto my father's face; he will gain back his eyesight." The Holy Quran then continues to say: "So when the bearer of good news came, he cast it on his face, hence forthwith, he regained his eyesight.." The significance of this verse of the Holy Quran clearly substantiates the seeking blessings of Prophet Yaqub by using the sacred attire of another prophet Yusuf.

(p) Moreover, it is through the shirt of prophet yusuf that restored the vision of Prophet Yaqub (p). Hence, does it justify to proclaim that the behavior of these two honorable prophets was not in the framework of unity and veneration to God? It is significant to point out the fact that the Holy prophet of Islam, whilst circumambulation of the holy Ka'aba used to touch and kiss the black stone.

Al-Bukhari in his Sahih said: " A man asked Abdullah bin Omar about the touching of the black stone", to which he replied: "I saw God's messenger (p) touching and kissing it." If this touching and kissing was regarded as polytheism, then the honorable Prophet (who was the caller to monotheism) would never have performed such an action.

In the authentic books of narrations and in the course of History and tradition, there are many narrations pertaining to the seeking of blessings of the companions of the Holy Prophet using the various belongings of the Holy Prophet such as his clothes, water for ablution, water pot, etc, which when we refer to them, we shall be removed from any speck of doubt and will be convinced that such behaviour is considered lawful and recommended.