The al-Shirazi Reference: Allegiance to Ahl al-Bayt and Disavowal of Their Enemies are Fundamental Tenets of Religion

The al-Shirazi Reference: Allegiance to Ahl al-Bayt and Disavowal of Their Enemies are Fundamental Tenets of Religion

The highest religious authority, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi (may his shadow endure), affirmed that allegiance to the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and disavowal of their enemies are two inseparable principles, emphasizing that they are fundamental, established tenets in Islam and not branches of the religion. This statement was published on the official website of His Eminence’s office coinciding with the arrival of the second Ghadir Days, also known as the Joy of Lady Zahra (peace be upon her) with the advent of the ninth of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

His Eminence stated: “After prophethood comes the Imamate, meaning allegiance to the Imams (peace be upon them) and disavowal of their enemies. These two principles are intertwined and inseparable,” clarifying that “they should not be considered as branches of religion; rather, they are among the recognized and foundational principles of Islam.”

Al-Shirazi explained that allegiance and disavowal represent interconnected pillars of belief, as the concept of allegiance to the friends of Allah Almighty cannot be completed without adopting a clear doctrinal stance towards His enemies and those of His Messenger and His Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

In this context, His Eminence remarked: “Islam is founded on allegiance to the friends of Allah during Eid al-Ghadir and disavowal of His enemies during the second Ghadir; faith cannot coexist with allegiance to the enemies of Allah.”

Al-Shirazi referenced the verse of the Almighty: ﴿You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger﴾, thus underscoring the necessity of coupling faith with allegiance to the friends of Allah and disavowal of those who oppose Allah and His Messenger.

His Eminence’s guidance sheds light on the doctrinal significance of the principles of allegiance and disavowal and their connection to the Imamate following prophethood, with an emphasis on the necessity of strengthening ties with the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), following their path, and adhering to their principles.