Biography Summary
The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi was born on the 20th of August 1942 in the Holy City of Karbala, Iraq. Descending from a lineage that links back to the Prophet of Islam Mohammad, peace be upon him and his progeny.
Family and background: The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi was born into an honorable and revered family, and a family well known for their knowledge, sacrifice and leadership. The linage of this eminent character includes praiseworthy and venerated personalities that played great roles of leadership during their times; of them are:
- The Great Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Mohammad Hassan Shirazi, the leader of the Tobacco Protest and revolution in the Qajar era.
- The Great Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Taqi Shirazi, the Islamic leader of the 1920 Iraqi Revolt against the British.
- The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Ali Shirazi, the son of the great Grand Al Mujadid al Shirazi who was of the greatest Maraji in the Holy City of Najaf.
- The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Isma’el al Shirazi, one of the greatest scholars of his time and the student of Imam Mirza Hassan Shirazi.
- The Great Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Abdulhadi al Shirazi, the grand Marja Taqlid of his time; and who of his students were: Ayatollah Shaikh Wahid Khorasani, Shaikh M. Redha Muthafar, Ayatollah Mirza Jawad Tabrizi and Sayid Musa al Sadr.
His eminence is the son of the great Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist Ayatollah Mirza Mahdi al Hussaini al Shirazi who was the main Marja Taqlid during his time. His eminence was renowned for his excellent command in epistemology during last centuries, and one of the founders and reformers of thought and science. His eminence was the main symbol and head of the Islamic Seminary of the Holy City of Karbala during his time.
Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi is the younger brother of the Grand Ayatollah and Martyr Sayid Mohammad Shirazi, known as Imam Mohammad Shirazi. Grand scholars and Maraji Taqlid existing today had graduated from his lessons. Imam Shirazi was labeled as the “Sultan of writers” after contributing over 1300 books in jurisprudence, theology, politics, economics, principle, logic, law, sociology, human rights and numerous other topics.
The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi is also the younger brother of the Martyr Ayatollah Sayid Hassan al Shirazi, the author of the “Al Kalimah Encyclopedia” and the establisher of the Islamic Seminary (Hawzah) in Syria.
Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi is also the uncle of the Grand Ayatollah Sayid Mohammad Taqi Modaressi.
EducationThe Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi received his specialist education of Islamic sciences under the authorities of great grand eminent scholars and jurists of the Islamic seminaries, until he acquired a distinguished degree of Ijtihaad.
Through his relentless endeavors, his eminence had developed in himself the quality of continually seeking knowledge along with unremitting observance of piety. Along with tirelessly promoting and spreading the teachings of AhlulBayt (a.s), disseminating their culture, and defending their sacred teachings and the laws of Shari’ah.
His eminence was the student of revered and honorable great grand scholars of the Islamic seminary, several of his noble teachers were:
- His honorable father, the great grand Ayatollah Sayid Mirza Mahdi al Shirazi.
- His elder brother, the Grand Ayatollah Imam Mohammad Shirazi
- His elder brother, Ayatollah Sayid Hassan Shirazi
- The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Mohammad Hadi Milaani
- The Grand Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Retha Isfahaani
- Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Shahroudi
- Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Kalbaasi
- Ayatollah Shaikh Ja’far Rashti
- Ayatollah Shaikh Mohammad Hussain Mazandaraani
- Ayatollah Shaikh Abdulrahim Qumi
Great scholars and eminent Jurists have graduated from the lessons and teachings of the Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi; of them is his nephew, Martyr Ayatollah Sayid Mohammad Retha Shirazi.
His eminence has written numerous works in various fields and on different levels, ranging from politics, economics, history and ethics to specialist works for Hawzah studies on topics such as jurisprudence and principle that exceed one hundred titles.
Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi has been teaching at the Islamic seminary for over half a century, and has written detailed analysis researches in various fields of knowledge and had presented them to grand scholars and Jurists of the Islamic Seminary. Of these researches are:
- “Bayaanul Fiqh” Sharh Urwatul Wuthqaa: Issues in Ijtihaad and Taqlid.
- “Bayaanul Usool” Qa’idat La Tharar wala Thiraar.
His eminence had undertaken the task of presenting and sharing his views and opinions in the mentioned chapters.
The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi has written several books in different fields of knowledge. His eminence has written books concerning Islamic Seminaries and its honorable students, such as:
- Sharh al Roudhah fi Sharh al Lum’ah
- Sharh al Shara’i
- Sharh al Tabsirah
- Sharh al Suyooti
- Sharh al Samadiyah
- Sharh al Awaamil
- Mujaz fi al Mantiq and many others.
His eminence has also published books concerning Islamic sciences that vary in their topics from politics, economy, sociality, ethics, doctrine and theology; such as:
- Imam Ali (a.s) in the holy Quran
- Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) in the holy Quran
- Al Mahdi (a.s) in the holy Quran
- Al Mahdi (a.s) in the Sunnah
- Ahl al Bait (a.s) in the Quran
- The Shia’ in the Quran
- Truths regarding the Shia
- Al Uqoobat fi al Islam
- Politics from the reality of Islam
- Qiyaas in Islamic Shari’a
- Riba, the economical problem
- Al Islaah al Ziraa’I fi al Islam
- Salaat al Jama’ah and its status in Islam
- Fasting
- Alcohol, along with many other subjects and titles.
The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi has caused a change in the Islamic Seminaries by his Kharij lessons in Principle (Usool) and Jurisprudence (Fiqh), which has continued for over two decades. And has resulted in great scholars and revered personalities along with several Mujtahids to participate his lessons.
These lessons are also available in the forms of Audio and Video, and one is able to purchase them for their own benefit.
Previous and existing honorable and great grand scholars of the Islamic Seminaries of Najaf and Qum have acknowledged the Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi as one of the very few people who have mastered the analysis behind the deducting of Islamic rulings and verdicts from their original sources, i.e. The Holy Quran and Hadith.
His lessons and honorable students have proven his level of knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings and the ability of deducting Islamic verdicts, which resulted in grand and eminent scholars testifying to his level of Ijtihaad. Of these Grand Maraji Taqlid is the teacher of Mujtahideen and Jurists, the Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist, Imam Sayid Mohammad Hussaini Shirazi, as his eminence issued:
First Letter:
In the name of Allah, Most merciful Most kind.
All praise is due to Allah lord of the worlds, and may the peace and prayers be bestowed upon the Prophet Mohammad and his pure progeny.
The Respected Ayatollah Haaj Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi, May Allah prolong his life, has reached a lofty status in Ijtihad, and a high rank in piety and Justice from what I have witnessed and felt. And I have found him worthy for the issuance of Fatwas and for being followed, and to take on the role suitable for a Just Faqih (Jurist). Thus, his Taqlid is permissible, and referring to him in everything that is conditional to the permission of a Just Marja Taqlid. And I remind him of piety and precaution, as it is the path of success in all matters. Similarly, I request my believing brothers to be involved with him and to benefit from him in various fields. Indeed, Allah is the provider of success, support, and he is who we turn to for aid.
Mohammad al Shirazi
Second Letter:
In the name of Allah, Most merciful Most kind.
All praise is due to Allah, and may the peace and prayers be bestowed upon Mohammad and his pure progeny.
My eminent brother, Hujjah (Islamic Authority), Haaj Sayid Sadiq Shirazi, May his honor be protected, had reached the rank of excellency and piety by his striving, and has reached the status of Ijtihaad and the deduction of Islamic rulings by his effort. Therefore I have made him my general representative and absolute religious deputy in all religious affairs and personal matters which I possess authority over. Indeed, his hand is my hand, his statement is my statement, his actions are my actions and his decisions are my decisions. And I remind him of piety, precaution and the service of Islam and Muslims; along with managing the Islamic Seminary. Similarly, I have permitted him to narrate from me what I have been permitted to narrate from the grand and great scholars. And Allah is the bringer of success and who is requested for aid.
Mohammad al Shirazi6/Jamadi al Thani, 1399HCharacter and personality The Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist, Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini al Shirazi has become distinguished for his accessibility to the Muslim Ummah, as his eminence directly deals and meets with various sectors of members of the society, listens to diverse views from various spectrums of the community.
His eminence is famous and well known for his excellent morals and conducts towards the young and the aged, along with his high status and degree in the field of knowledge and science throughout the Islamic Seminaries.
Muslims and non Muslims that have associated with the Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi have noticed his high level of understanding, care, conduct, welcoming and support; which has resulted in the reflection of his inner piety and the true teachings of AhlulBayt (a.s).
The Grand Ayatollah Shirazi places effort in order to remain up-to-date with the occurrences throughout this world, and strives to research in fields outside of the circle of religion, such as technology and medicine.
His eminence is well known in displaying total respect towards other opinions that are placed before him, and directs all to the teachings of Ahlulbayt (a.s).
The Grand Ayatollah Shirazi strives to encourage all that visit him in order to engage in Islamic Studies, as he once stated: “We have all seen doctors and engineers commit suicide, but we have never seen a [true] scholar commit suicide, therefore become scholars in the best field of knowledge, the field of Islam and the teachings of AhlulBayt (a.s)”.
Equally, he is distinguished for his humility, respecting the young and old, and also for his tolerance in responding to insult or evil with kindness and courteousness.
The Reviver of the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s).
One of the most important characteristics that the eminent Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi has been distinguished in is his approach towards the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s). His eminence had once stated throughout his speech during Muharam:
“I recommend and remind the believers and especially youth with the importance of reviving and maximizing the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), along with avoiding doubts and objections on the Azadari of Imam Hussain (a.s) and those who practice it. The believers and youth should also know that grief upon Imam Hussain (a.s) and every service placed forward for the sake of establishing gatherings to mourn upon the tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s), and even the drop that is shed for Imam Hussain (a.s) are all valuable, bring great rewards and extinguish the wrath of the lord; and vice versa, for opposing and combating with the matters and rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s) acquires great punishment.And the smallest statement against the mourning over the tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s) or its participants causes damage and shall bring danger to who has stated it. The same applies to mocking the participants of the Hussaini rituals, discouraging them, placing barriers in their paths or condemning and pointing a finger at a type or method of their rituals.Therefore, I remind you to avoid from uttering anything in opposition to the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s) or doubt towards it, even though it may be one word and without purpose, since it is playing with the fire of hell and not the fire of this world; and there is a great and massive difference between the two fires. As for the fire of this world, the most it can do is end one’s life, and instead of one living for fifty years, he would rather live for forty years if fire was to cause him death. And as for the fire of the hereafter, who ever shall enter it shall remain in it for eternity, as Allah Almighty had stated in the holy Quran: “Indeed, whoever comes to his Lord as a criminal – indeed, for him is Hell; he will neither die therein nor live” .Therefore the duty of each and every one of us is to strengthen the ceremonies of mourning upon Imam Hussain (a.s) as much as possible, and that is for the happiness of this world and the hereafter. And do not come short in maximizing the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his visitation, so that sorrow and regret does not haunt you on the Day of Judgment.Indeed, great is Imam Hussain (a.s) and his rituals, for punishment is not for those who oppose him alone, rather for even those that had come short in maximizing his rituals shall be dealing with great sorrow and regret.Muawiyah Bin Harb had narrated: “Imam Sadiq (a.s) said to me: O’ Muawiyah, do not let go of the visitation of the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) as a result of fear, since whoever leaves his visitation shall feel regret and shall with that his [own] grave was near Imam Hussain (a.s).” Therefore if this is the situation of those who come short in visiting the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s), then how about those who provoke objections or doubts regarding his sacred rituals? And as for those that combat with the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), abuse his pilgrims and wish to turn off his light – the light that Allah Almighty had insisted for it to remain – their ending and consequence is well known.Therefore assist the mourning processions upon Imam Hussain (a.s) and its rituals with your wealth, writings, strength, young and healthy age, hearts and all what you possess of ability so that you may increase in blessings. And always be positive towards the matters of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his sacred rituals. Even though you were to witness something negative in the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), and at the same time witness something positive, do not state: “this is negative”, rather participate in what you find positive or strive to perform everything that is positive in this path. And know that possessing a good intention alone is not enough to be directing criticism to what might seem negative to you. And great is my witnessing in this regard and matter, and it is special to the Islamic seminaries and scholars and they are known for their positive and good intentions.I shall share with you one example that is famous between the jurists, and it is that dressing in black clothes is Makruh, and that it is also Makruh to perform prayers in it. However, jurists state that it is no longer considered Makruh if wearing black clothes was done for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s), and rather changes into something rewarded for. This means that even if a certain action was Makruh, and not prohibited, it would be considered a Mustahab action if performed for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s) and the mourning upon his tragedy. Therefore, it is no longer considered Makruh alone, rather transforms to something Mustahab and to be rewarded for. Another opinion between several scholars exists, and it is that the Makruh action remains Makruh and does not change to Mustahab even though it was for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s). However, this opinion remains a jurisprudential opinion even though the majority have not agreed and referred to it. And there once was a scholar that did not see wearing black clothes as Mustahab, even though it was to be worn for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s), and rather believed that wearing black clothes remains Makruh even though it was worn for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s). However, there is no problem in this since it was his own juristic strive and diligence; although he used to refer to an unsuitable example when clarifying his case and which I do not wish to mention.Despite the fact that he was a great scholar and had written a book in jurisprudence that had been published around a century ago as a lithographical print, which I personally poses one as well, and I have referred to it in some of my books while being unaware of the unsuitable example he had stated regarding the issue of wearing black clothes for the tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s). However, what had always caused me to wonder was why he was never inglorious, famous and honored; and that I had never witnessed anyone mentioning him or referring to his statements; although several jurists had passed after him.And I also remember myself mentioning a matter during my youth age before one of the great jurists in Qum during those days, and he was surprised at what I had mentioned and said: Where did you find this?, and as I mentioned the reference for him and told him it was from that particular scholar, he replied saying: I have never heard of him nor his publications. I had been astonished by that occurrence, until I came across the unsuitable example that he used to state while referring to the wearing of black clothing out of sorrow and grief upon the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s). I then understood the reason behind the obliteration and effacement of his name and remembrance, and that this whole case returns to those unsuitable words that he used to state regarding one of the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), even though it was out of a good intention; and that he had become unknown even throughout the Islamic seminaries. This is because Allah Almighty had retaliated according to the level of audacity displayed towards Imam Hussain (a.s) in this world. Obviously, he shall not be punished in the hereafter since it was his own strive and diligence.And I had feared from being stuck by the same disaster and catastrophe for referring from his publications and indicating to them, and reneged to what I had quoted from him and erased them entirely from my books; since knowledge is not contingent upon a certain person nor these certain resources. What is important to understand is that possessing a good intention alone is not enough in dealing with the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s), and that good actions are also required and necessary. Since the slightest mistake and error, although it may not be purposely done, shall result in an indirect effect whether we like it or not; and that the evidences for this are many.Therefore beware from opposing the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), even though it may be out of good intentions; since Allah Almighty deals with the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s) in a special and exclusive manner. And that it is also obligatory upon us to deal with the matters and rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s) in a special and exclusive manner; and to never be negative and state: “Do not perform this and do not perform that”. Rather, we should always be positive and strive in offering what is the best, purest, most and greatest in the path of Imam Hussain (a.s).Importance towards Women
Another characteristic that The Grand Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi has been distinguished in is his importance towards Muslim women and the matters and issues that concern them.
His eminence has undertaken the task of publishing several books in their benefit ranging from “Islamic laws for Muslim women” to “Women and families”.
Programs for Muslim women are regularly established in the office of his eminence as the Grand Ayatollah Shirazi delivers his speech and covers and discusses issues that concern Muslim women throughout the globe. These issues vary from Hijab, the family and workplace, marriage, raising children, studies and how a Muslim woman may reach a status that satisfies Allah Almighty and the pure women of AhlulBayt (a.s).
