'XX/7 Vernacular Newspapers & periodicals, Extracts from & Pan-Islamism.' [‎12r] (23/70)

Translation of an article in the “ Ilabl-ul-Matin ”, No. 33, dated the 20th April 1906.
A LETTER FROM HOLY NAJAF.
The " Habl-ul-Matin ”, which is recognized as a newspaper intended to
inspire the Muslims with courage to improve their condition, has written some
effective articles to try and persuade the High Priests to act according to the
exigencies of the times. In course of these articles it has respectfully made
certain hints and objections. As the intentions of the editor of the “ Habl-ul-
Matin ” are good, the Muslim High Priests—may God increase their number—
at Naiaf have been stirred up to such an extent that they have become ready to
devise schemes beneficial to the country and the nation. Accordingly a query
was specially submitted to those personages to which they replied. I send you
photographed copies of the query and the replies for your information. Please
order the correspondence to be inserted in the “ Habl-ul-Matin ” so that the
charge of apathy often preferred against the Muslim High Priests by the
public may be removed :—
Query.
Demonstrators of Islam!
What is the religious order regarding wares, cloths and goods bought by
the Muslims from foreigners when similar articles are either already produced
by the Muslims themselves, or are possible to be manufactured by them in
factories which can be opened, particularly when their purchase from foreigners
by Muslims is likely to practically impoverish and weaken the Muslims even
tually, and to seriously interfere with the influence and dignity of Islam ?
Is it necessary or not that the Muslims should open their own factories,
as far as possible, and avoid making purchases from foreigners ? When a
Muslim has a certain article as well as a non-muslim, is it necessary that
Muslims should purchase it from the Muslim or not ? In this case is purchase
from a non-muslim haram (forbidden) or not ?
Replies of Muslim High Priests.
(Received in the “ Habl-ul-Matin ” Office in the order given here.)
In the name of God, the Powerful, the Glorious !
Yes. When the Muslims can establish factories to manufacture goods
which they need for their consumption, it is obligatory on them to adopt
measures to do so and avoid giving their money, which is the source of the
maintenance of their lives, to foreigners for the purchase of perishable goods.
It is incumbent on all Muslims to have, as far as possible, all their dealings
with the Muslims ; and when certain goods are procurable from the Muslims,
it is advisable, in the interests of Islam, that such goods should be bought from
them and not from non-muslims, as acts like these are calculated to strengthen
Islam and to increase the power of the Muslims. It is obligatory and incum
bent on all Muslims to keep these points in view. In the cases mentioned
purchase of goods from foreigners is haram (forbidden), as it is calculated to
increase the power of the enemies of Islam.
Signature and Seal of Haji Saiyid Ali Razawi,
of Tabriz, residing at Najaf.