Q1394: With regard to the fact that the birthdays of our infallible Imams are held through staging celebrations and ceremonies, the question is whether the Holy Imams themselves held such ceremonies for their immaculate forefathers, and if they did so, what was the quality of such affairs like? For example, what were the characteristics of such ceremonies?

A: The Progeny of the Holy Prophet (PBUT) most definitely were happy and joyous on the occasion of religious festivities and birthdays, but as to the how of such celebrations, we have to refer ourselves to historical records.

Q1395: what is the philosophy of mourning for our Holy Imams (PBUT) in Islam?

A: Keeping alive the memory of those great people and being reminded of their and their forefather's innocence and infallibility in the face of decadence and Godlessness of their times, and the shedding of tears and mourning shows that we share in their misery and wish to keep alive their spirit of innocence and also the duty they burdened.

Q1396: What is the difference between God and the Infallible Prophet and His Progeny (PBUT)? Is it right to say that God is the Creator and they are His Creatures and there is no other difference except that?

A: All creatures are created by God, and all human beings are His servants, and in this regard, there is no difference between the Prophet and His Pure Progeny (PBUT) on the one hand and other human beings on the other, except that each occupies their own place in the measure of adoration and servitude, where the Ahl-ul-Bayt hold the highest ranks, and God has made them the mediators of His emanation towards other creatures.

Q1397: Is it permissible to beat oneself with chains, hit oneself in the face or pound one's chest, which leads to the tearing and injuring of the skin etc, while mourning for Imam Hussein (PBUH)?

A: It is permissible and it is considered as included in generalities of weeping, making others weep, and the veneration of sacraments, and that which is illegal in mourning and other acts is to cause grievous harm to the body, not actions whose harmfulness is not clear, and which, in the view of their advocates, do not count as harmful, let alone self-inflicted injury and cruelty. In addition, it seems that the mourners of Imam Hussein (PBUH) perform such actions because their love and affection for His Holiness takes the control out of their hands and they are thus rewarded.