Organizing the community for social...

Organizing the community for social, religious and educational purposes should be started at once and one of you may be elected the leader of the community to keep them together and to help them solve their social and other problems. So far as the question of an "Imam" of 'Jama'at' prayers is concerned, you must follow the tenets of the Sheri'ah. There is no need for any credential from a Mujtahid. If someone fulfils all the necessary conditions, he is entitled to lead the Prayers.

These conditions and qualifications are given below and you will see that they are not so very difficult to fulfil:- He must be Baligh (adult), Sane Shi'a Ithna-ashari, Legitimately born, Knowing necessary Rulings of Sheri'ah. 'Adil', Man, if those who are praying behind are males, Not praying in sitting position (because of sickness etc.), if those who are praying behind are doing so in standing position.

'Adil means a person who does not commit major sins even unintentionally; and if he, inadvertently, commits a minor sin, he repents at once and does not repeat it. Now, I do not know whether you know Arabic. If you know the language, I will send some relevant books which will help you to understand the necessary Rules and Laws of Sheri'ah, (Prayers, Fast, Zakah, Khumus, Marriage, Divorce, Inheritance etc.).

If you do not know the language then I will send you some books in English, but they do not contain minor details. From the contents of your letter, I have a feeling that you earnestly wish to lead your life according to the commandments of Allah and His Representatives. In this situation, it will not be very difficult for you to abstain from all "Kaba'ir (Major Sins).

When you acquire the power (which in Islam is called 'Adalah') then you may lawfully lead your fellow Shi'as in prayers and other religious affairs. And until that stage is reached, you may make temporary arrangements in this way: All of you should gather at prayer time at an appointed place. One of you may stand slightly forward, and all of you pray together without the Niyyah (intention) of Jama'at prayer. Everyone will say his own prayer but it will look like a congregational prayer.

It will provide a chance to interested persons to deliver religious sermons and lectures, to discuss matters of common welfare and communal interest; and, in short, almost all the benefits of congregational prayer will be achieved.