'XX/7 Vernacular Newspapers & periodicals, Extracts from & Pan-Islamism.' [‎16r] (31/70)

Translation of an article in the “ Habl-ul-Matio ”, No. 34, dated the 4th May 1906.
A LETTER FROM HOLY NAJAF.
As the sacred newspaper (“ Habhul-Matin ”) has been recognized as the
proclaimer of the improvements of the Muslims, the learned High Priests and
theologists of Islam depend on the “ Habl-ul-Matin ” for the publication, for the
information and guidance of the Islamitic world, of the strenuous efforts made
and measures adopted by those holy personages for the revivification and
advancement of Islam. For some time past the general public have apparently
been casting a slur on the Muslim High Priests and theologists by bringing
unjust imputations against them and accusing them of selfishness and
indifference to religious affairs.
Last week I sent you photographed copies of an istifta [consulting a
lawyer and asking for his fatwa (expression of legal opinion) on a point of
religious law] and the answer for fatwa (expression of legal opinion)] of the
learned theologists, which, I believe, you have inserted in the “Habl-ul-
Matin
This week I send you photographed copies of another istifta and the
answer of the High Priests which I am directed by those learned personages,
whom we are bound to obey, to ask you to insert in the “ Habl-ul-Matin ”
without any hesitation or delay.
M. A. [Muhammad Ali].
Query.
Demonstrators of Islam!
The news of the animosity of the Armenians of the Caucasus towards the
Muslims and of the conflicts and fighting between these two peoples which h:is
spread in the world has no doubt reached the ears of the High Priests. The
Muslims require instruments of war which now-a-days mean rifles, &c., for
defending themselves against the Armenians. Most Muslims, however, can
not afford to purchase arms without which they are unable to protect their
lives, honour (of women), and property. In consequence of this, thousands
of Muslims have lost their lives and property.
In these circumstances, can the rich purchase arms out of their tithes or
in particular out of the share of the Imam—on whom be peace—and supply
them to the other Muslims to enable them to use them in defending themselves
and protecting the offspring of Islam, or not, and whether in such cases is it
incumbent on all M uslims or not that every one should, as far as lies in his
power, give help to the Muslims of the Caucasus in the shape of men, money,
and arms ? If any of the Muslims in Persian or Turkish territory who can help
in the sending of arms should neglect to send arras, even for sale, will he be
guilty of committing a haram (forbidden or unlawful) act or not ?
Answer.
In the name of God, the Most High and Glorious 1
Yes, it is incumbent on all Muslims to assist the Muslims of the Caucasus
in every possible manner. For instance, in the sale of arms, it is incumbent
and binding on every one who can to cause arms to reach them in any way
that it may be possible. If any person neglects to do this, he will be a sinner,
because now-a-days the state of affairs in the Caucasus is the state of (Muslim)
defence against aliens and- enemies of Islam ; nay it is a kind of jihad (reli
gious war against infidels) in which it is incumbent on women also to take