The Shiites...

The Shiites, however, maintain that God's saints and their relics are all created (beings) and are dependent on the Unique God both for their existence and for any influence they may have on other things. It is only out of respect and sincere love toward their Imams and those foremost in Gods religion that the Shiites seek blessings from these saints.

It is because of their love towards their Prophet and his descendents that the Shiites kiss the grave or the doors and the walls of the shrines on visiting these sanctuaries. This is an innate feeling deep in the heart of any devoted person, of which the following poem is and excellent manifestation: Passing by Salim area I do kiss the walls, this and that, not because I love the walls but I do love the one residing therein. Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Ashribah; Malik's al-Muwatta', vol. 1, p.

138, on Saluting the Prophet; Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 90; Musnad Ahmad, vol. 4, p. 32; al-Isiab, commenting on al-Isabah, vol. 3, p. 631; Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, p. 1, pp. 281-2. Back Index Next Previous…