Commemoration 24item In gatherings held for the commemoration of the demise of the Imams (a.s.), if hitting with a machete leads to one’s death, is it considered suicide? If someone makes a nadhr to place a mourning standard in the ḥusayniyyah, are the people responsible for the upkeep of the ḥusayniyyah justified in not accepting it? During the month of the Muḥarram, commemorative processions and the sounds of drums and trumpets continue until after midnight. What is your view on such a practice? Some religious organizations hold ceremonies commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn. Some of the accounts they recite about how the Imam was martyred are not quoted from reliable sources or heard from any mujtahid. When the reciters are asked about the source, the reply is that the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) had taught us the same and that the account of the Battle of Karbala can be related by way of inspiration as well and not necessarily through quoting. My question is this: Can the historical events be related through inspiration? If it is not the case, what should be the position of the listeners of such accounts? Recitation of the Holy Qur’an and sermons emanate from the loudspeakers installed on top of masjid buildings, especially during the season of the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.). Although the sound is very loud, which can be a nuisance to neighbors, the people responsible for the functions are adamant to carry on. What is the ruling in this matter? Is it permissible for a woman to be an elegy reciter in commemorative gatherings if she knows that men, who are non-maḥram to her, would hear her voice? As a result of taking part in the commemorative ceremonies of Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.), a worshipper missed out on some devotions, such as the morning prayer. Is it better for this worshipper to refrain from attending the commemorative ceremonies or that breaking the habit would result in alienation from the Household of the Prophet (s.a.w.)? Is hitting oneself with swords ḥalāl if it is done in secret? Or is your fatwā in this regard universal? In what avenues should the money left over from the donations for holding commemorative gatherings for the occasion of the martyrdom of the Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.) be spent? In some areas women hold functions under the title of "The wedding of Fātimah (a.s.)", where they sing songs, clap and dance. What is the view on these matters? What is the ruling in the matter of using musical instruments, such as the organ, in commemorative marches? What is the ruling in the matter of using mourning standards in the rituals/processions commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.) by putting it in the masjid or carrying it along with the mourners? What is the ruling in the matter of reciting songs of praise when celebrating the birthdays of the Infallibles (a.s.), or the day in which our holy prophet (s.a.w) was appointed as such? And what is the view on scattering money on people attending these functions? What is the ruling in the matter of people who let themselves fall onto the floor before they enter the Holy Shrines of Imams (a.s.), rubbing their face and chest on the ground and bruising their body? What is the ruling in the matter of lashing oneself with chains as done by some Muslims? 12