RNA – On the joyous occasion of Eid al-Ghadir, which celebrates the divine appointment of Imam Ali as the Prophet Muhammad’s successor, 34 seminarians from 10 countries at Qom’s al-Mustafa International University had their turbans placed upon their heads and given permission to wear the sacred clerical uniform in a special ceremony led by Grand Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani.
Shi’a clergy wear a white or black turban, a special ankle-length coat called a qaba, with an aba, a loose, sleeveless cloak, which open in front worn over the qaba. The black turban is only worn by a cleric who is a sayyid, someone descended from the Prophet Muhammad (S).
This uniform is considered an honour to wear by the clerics and is only given after several years of seminary studies. It comes with heavy responsibilities and it an honour which is not taken lightly.
After congratulating the non-Iranian seminarians on the occasion of Eid al-Ghadir, Ayatollah Sobhani offered his condolences over the tragic stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, adding: “The House of Saud cannot erase the stigma [of their negligence], even with [all] the water in the sea.”
His Eminence stated: “This stigma on the forehead of the House of Saud will last forever and God Almighty knows how to punish the oppressors.”
Referring to verse 67 of the Quranic chapter “al-Maidah,” he noted that this verse indicates a very big event and it is said that with the revelation of this verse at the pond of Khumm, God Almighty perfected the religion of Islam and completed his favour upon the Muslims.
The renowned source of emulation stated that some commentators claim that this verse refers to something else, such as jihad or usury, “but,” he said, “the truth is that this verse explains an important event.”
Ayatollah Sobhani added that God told the Prophet Muhammad that it is his duty to deliver the verse in order to complete the religion, which is the event of Ghadir.
His Eminence stressed that it is fitting that in the oath taken by the seminarians after receiving their turbans, they state that they are committed to comply with the terms of the holy clerical uniform and will work to establish and promote Islam in their countries and, apart from God, they will not be afraid of others in the propagation of religion.
Addressing the seminarians of al-Mustafa International University, Ayatollah Sobhani explained that “until now, many the activities were permissible for you, but after putting on the holy clerical uniform, those issues which are incompatible with the principles of being a seminarian, will be forbidden for you.”
The revered Iranian scholar pointed out: “By putting on these holy clothes in your country, you can help spread Islam there. Good conduct and morals can make people interested in Islam.”
Ayatollah Sobhani stated that Islam spread in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, through the activities of Muslim traders and added that the seminarians of al-Mustafa International University can propagate Islam through their behaviour to propagate Islam and can please Imam al-Mahdi.
111/112