Picking A Marja?

[Palabras]

(salam)

I am learning about Islam more and more, and alhumdullilah my knowledge is expanding. My sister tells me that I as a Shia Muslim need to pick a Marja to follow. I am wondering who is the best Marja to follow and why? What is everyone's Marja they follow? How do I know which one is the best to pick? Is there a list of Marjas?

Jazak Allah Khair

(wasalam)

[Yabnul_Taha]

(wasalam)

Sistani

Khamenei

Haydari

Fayyadh

Naser Makarem Shirazi

Yaqoobi

Any of those are good. The most popular is Sistani. Khamenei if you are big on WF (although several of these support WF -- Khamenei is the leader). Haydari is the newbie, but alhamdulillah he's great. Fayyadh is the second most senior marja' at Najaf (after Sistani) and is widely considered to be more knowledgeable than his elder (although several would disagree). Wizdom can tell you tons about Yaqoobi (my knowledge is limited but he seems very good alhamdulillah). Naser Makarem Shirazi probably has the second best English risala (if that is your only language) after Sistani.

Stay AWAY from people named Sadiq Shirazi, Mohammed Shirazi, Mujtaba Shirazi, Yasser al-Habib, Brother Tawhidi, etc. Not all of those are maraji', but they are all one and the same with an agenda. Naser Makarem Shirazi is good, the rest of them (Shirazi's) aren't.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Yabnul_Taha

[Al-Hassan]

(wasalam)

Sistani

Khamenei

Haydari

Fayyadh

Naser Makarem Shirazi

Yaqoobi

Any of those are good. The most popular is Sistani. Khamenei if you are big on WF (although several of these support WF -- Khamenei is the leader). Haydari is the newbie, but alhamdulillah he's great. Fayyadh is the second most senior marja' at Najaf (after Sistani) and is widely considered to be more knowledgeable than his elder (although several would disagree). Wizdom can tell you tons about Yaqoobi (my knowledge is limited but he seems very good alhamdulillah). Naser Makarem Shirazi probably has the second best English risala (if that is your only language) after Sistani.

Stay AWAY from people named Sadiq Shirazi, Mohammed Shirazi, Mujtaba Shirazi, Yasser al-Habib, Brother Tawhidi, etc. Not all of those are maraji', but they are all one and the same with an agenda. Naser Makarem Shirazi is good, the rest of them (Shirazi's) aren't.

[Palabras]

Please at leastpost something relavent, the picture isn't necessary.

Thank you Yabnul_Taha, please anyone else who has any suggestions let me know your input.

JazakAllah Khair.

[Al-Hassan]

On 5/14/2013 at 2:31 AM, Palabras said:

Please at leastpost something relavent, the picture isn't necessary.

Thank you Yabnul_Taha, please anyone else who has any suggestions let me know your input.

JazakAllah Khair.

Honestly, it really depends on you. No one can tell you who the best marja' is if you are not convinced yourself with following him. That means, you have to do a lot of research on each marja', by analyzing their biography, their scholarly background, how much they studied, their merits in jurisprudential standings and whether or not the leaders of the Hawza institutes recognize them.

Based on my past research, I came to a conclusion that Ayatollah Sayed Sadiq Al-Shirazi is the most knowledgeable and wise marja' to follow. I have stated my reason in details of why I chose him in this thread here.

http://www.shiachat....and-why-part-2/

Here is his website: [Mod Note: Link removed. No longer a religious website.]

Aside from Sayed Sadiq and based on my current research, I also view the following Maraje' as highly knowledgeable and wise as well:

Ayatollah Sayed Ali Al-Sistani

Ayatollah Bashir Al-Najafi

Ayatollah Ishaaq Fayadth

Ayatollah Sadeq Roohani

Ayatollah Wahid Al-Khorasani

Good luck inshallah

(wasalam)

Edited December 3, 2021 by Hameedeh
[Mod Note: Link removed. No longer a religious website.]

[Al-Hussayni]

Stay AWAY from people named Sadiq Shirazi, Mohammed Shirazi, Mujtaba Shirazi, Yasser al-Habib, Brother Tawhidi, etc. Not all of those are maraji', but they are all one and the same with an agenda. Naser Makarem Shirazi is good, the rest of them (Shirazi's) aren't.

Oo yes..they are all mI5 agents I forgot working for Israel :o

But yes, Sayed sadiq, Sayed sistani, & sayed khorasani are good choices I believe.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Labbayk

[haideriam]

(bismillah)

(salam)

I think there are 2 options for muhibbs as a whole

1. any senior marja for jurisprudence

and Ayatullah Khameini(may Allah(swt) prolong his life, along with all other maraje), as your WF.

This is a Unity Call for the Momineen.

2. just follow the Rahbar for ease of oneness.

I would advocate 1 as it will distribute the Khums funds evenly, and till a solution can be found to this.

May Allah(swt) protect all the Momineen and hasten the Zahoor of our Master(as)

(wasalam)

Edited May 14, 2013 by haideriam

[Wizdom]

Can you read Arabic? Because this will dramatically influence your choice of Marji'.

As you are new to Taqlid, i'd advise you to follow Syed Ali al-Sistani. He is followed by the majority; his rulings are easy to obtain; he has representatives everywhere; and his English website is very good.

I'd keep out of the WF/non-WF debate for the time being, until you advance further in your learning.

I personally follow Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoobi, for a multitude of reasons, which I am happy to outline; though I wouldn't advise you to follow him unless you can read Arabic fluently.

http://www.yaqoobi.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Yaqoobi

Yabnul_Taha is pretty spot on with his advice. Unfortunately, PurifiedTruth is clueless, and subscribes to the teachings of a deviant offshoot of the Shia faith, condemned by the Maraji' - so i'd advise you to stay well away.

[Ali Musaaa :)]

^... Has Al-Yaqoobi condemned Sadiq Shirazi?

Any other Marja's?

[Wizdom]

^... Has Al-Yaqoobi condemned Sadiq Shirazi?

Any other Marja's?

I was referring to Yassir al-Landani. Maraji' don't condemn each other!

[Ali Musaaa :)]

I was referring to Yassir al-Landani. Maraji' don't condemn each other!

I thought you were referring to Sadiq Shirazi as Brother PurifiedTruth follows him (if I'm not mistaken).

[Najib]

(wasalam)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_Maraji

We can only advise you on whom to choose, but if you choose a marji based on the advise given here, you may regret it in the future. And then when you have chosen and want to change, people are going to tell you that you basically can't because of whatever reason. So choose wisely ;)

I was referring to Yassir al-Landani. Maraji' don't condemn each other!

Maybe not, but they have other ways of picking at each other.

[Wizdom]

(wasalam)

http://en.wikipedia...._current_Maraji

We can only advise you on whom to choose, but if you choose a marji based on the advise given here, you may regret it in the future. And then when you have chosen and want to change, people are going to tell you that you basically can't because of whatever reason. So choose wisely ;)

That's not true, you can change at any time. I changed from Syed Ali al-Sistani to Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoobi a few years ago, when I identified al-Yaqoobi as being more knowledgable.

[Al-Hassan]

....PurifiedTruth is clueless...

Trust me brother. After two years of researching and analyzing the majority of the maraje', I am convinced that the version of Irfanic teachings, methodologies and political views of these particular scholars you are promoting do not reflect accordingly to the Sunnah of the Ahlulbayt(as) as much as the ones that the Scholars I mentioned do. Nothing personal, but these are the conclusions that I have reached for now based on my understanding. And surely Allah(swt) is just and does not misguide a sincere truth seeker.

Edited May 14, 2013 by PurifiedTruth

[Wizdom]

Trust me brother. After two years of researching and analyzing the majority of the maraje', I am convinced that the version of Irfanic teachings, methodologies and political views of these particular scholars you are promoting do not reflect accordingly to the Sunnah of the Ahlulbayt(as) as much as the ones that the Scholars I mentioned do. Nothing personal, but these are the conclusions that I have reached for now based on my understanding. And surely Allah(swt) is just and does not misguide a sincere truth seeker.

What is two years in comparison to lifetimes?

Anyhow, I was not referring to those views - there are valid differences with regards to political standpoints and gnostic teachings. I was referring specifically to your adoption of Yassir al-Landani's teachings.

[Al-Hassan]

What is two years in comparison to lifetimes?

I didn't say I stopped my research though, if you meant that in indirect way. I just stated that based on those two years, I came to where i am right now and that most likely will not change despite my continuous and ongoing research

[Najib]

That's not true, you can change at any time. I changed from Syed Ali al-Sistani to Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoobi a few years ago, when I identified al-Yaqoobi as being more knowledgable.

Yes you should be able to switch. However, someone told me that her brother wanted to switch from Sistani to Shirazi (please don't ask which one) a few years ago. However, the latter said he can't because Sistani is too knowledgeable, so he didn't let him. Anyway, I switched myself as well for now, but I'll be researching further for myself.

[Al-Hussayni]

^^

Who told him that? You can change marjas whenever you want..it's all down to the individual himself..a sheikh or anyone can't make someone follow a particular person. We ask them for advice yes, but it comes down to the person him/herself. I myself switched from Sayed Sistani to Sayed Sadiq recently after some contemplation & it's no problems.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Labbayk

[IbnSohan]

Practical Guidance to Islamic Laws

1- http://www.al-islam.org/laws/al-khui/'>http://www.al-islam.org/laws/al-khui/

2- http://www.al-islam.org/laws/

3- http://www.al-islam.org/hawza/fiqh/RisalaShirazi.pdf

4- http://www.islamology.com/InDepth/Fiqh/PracticalLaws/h-estefta-e.htm

5- http://www.islam-laws.com/books/codeofpracticeforwest/index.htm

6- http://www.islamic-laws.com/taqlid.htm

Learn before asking, the more you know, the more precise your question will be and the more likely that you will ask the right person and get the right answer.

[Wizdom]

I didn't say I stopped my research though, if you meant that in indirect way. I just stated that based on those two years, I came to where i am right now and that most likely will not change despite my continuous and ongoing research

That is not what I meant. What I meant is that to come to such conclusions after two years is ridiculous, when you have scholars who have studied for decades. Furthermore, many members of this site have 'researched' for far more than two years.

Anyways, let us not derail the thread. We have both given our opinions, and Allah (SWT) will guide the OP.

[King]

Khamanie if you want to marry a WF brainwashed sista or any fly hijabi from the al-asr trips.

Sistani if you want to expand your pool of fly hijabi prospects and just be meh about all things in life.

Yaqoobi if you want to be cool and have a different topic of conversation with a hijabi than most other bland shia men.

Shirazi if Blade trinity was your favorite movie and you dared weaklings to punch your gut in your high school days to impress hijabis.

Your mother if your life depends on her cooking.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Mutah_King

[BaqiyatullahY]

(salam)

I am learning about Islam more and more, and alhumdullilah my knowledge is expanding. My sister tells me that I as a Shia Muslim need to pick a Marja to follow. I am wondering who is the best Marja to follow and why? What is everyone's Marja they follow? How do I know which one is the best to pick? Is there a list of Marjas?

Jazak Allah Khair

(wasalam)

(bismillah)

(salam) Dear Brother,

Glad you asked these questions but some of them remain unsolved. You should find the answers here: http://www.sistani.org/index.php?p=251364&id=48&pid=2116

Feel free to post further questions, we will try to help you, inshallah :)

By the way, my marja is Ayatullah Sistani (the most followed marja in the world).

I hope this will help.

[Al-Hassan]

That is not what I meant. What I meant is that to come to such conclusions after two years is ridiculous, when you have scholars who have studied for decades. Furthermore, many members of this site have 'researched' for far more than two years.

I don't think that your argument is valid. I could argue the same way and say the same thing about you and how you chose Yaqoobi.

Nevertheless, Allah(swt) knows best so leave it for him.

[Al-Hussayni]

Everyone has their own opinions on these issues..just because someone studies for long it doesn't make them right as someone with equal amount of study could hold a different view.

Anyways, enough debating on marjas..insha Allah, the OP will choose whom he thinks is best for him.

[Najib]

^^

Who told him that?

The office of the Ayatollah whom he wanted to switch to..

[Yabnul_Taha]

Oo yes..they are all mI5 agents I forgot working for Israel :o

Why else do they preach hatred against Iran and Lebanon (Hezbollah)? It's obvious that they hate the only 2 countries that fight Israel, therefore they must love Israel.

[kim.tinkerbell]

I suggest you follow sayad sistaini his the best and must knowledgable. Khio was good to but his dead, Allah erahama.

Nasrallah( Allah rerahama) is the most laid back marja but from my understanding you can only pick a sayed thats alive but if you followed the marjia before he died you can stay with him.

[awaiting_for_the.12th]

Quit confusing the brother.

1) Aya. Khamenei (Leader of Muslim Ummah)

2) Aya. Sistani

3) Aya. Amoli

4) Aya. Mesbah Yazdi

5) Aya. Khorasani

[Wizdom]

I suggest you follow sayad sistaini his the best and must knowledgable. Khio was good to but his dead, Allah erahama.

Nasrallah( Allah rerahama) is the most laid back marja but from my understanding you can only pick a sayed thats alive but if you followed the marjia before he died you can stay with him.

I think you mean Syed FadhlAllah :)

But I disagree, he wasn't laid back at all. Quite the contrary, he was far more hard-working than most other Maraji', hence his expansive advances in Islamic research.

Quit confusing the brother.

1) Aya. Khamenei (Leader of Muslim Ummah)

2) Aya. Sistani

3) Aya. Amoli

4) Aya. Mesbah Yazdi

5) Aya. Khorasani

-_-

[kim.tinkerbell]

I think you mean Syed FadhlAllah :)

But I disagree, he wasn't laid back at all. Quite the contrary, he was far more hard-working than most other Maraji', hence his expansive advances in Islamic research.

Lol, yeah I meant him sayad fadhallah, I keep thinking about nasrallah lol.

What I meant by laid back is his rulings are easy to follow and dont get me wrong I like him and respect him and yes he is knowledgable but not as knowledagable as sayid sistani hafthahu Allah.

Shukran for the correction.

[Wizdom]

Lol, yeah I meant him sayad fadhallah, I keep thinking about nasrallah lol.

What I meant by laid back is his rulings are easy to follow and dont get me wrong I like him and respect him and yes he is knowledgable but not as knowledagable as sayid sistani hafthahu Allah.

Shukran for the correction.

Ah, I understand what you mean. But I still disagree - Syed FadhlAllah was far more knowledgable than Syed al-Sistani is.

Anyways, this is a discussion for another thread.

[Abu Izrael]

(salam)

I am learning about Islam more and more, and alhumdullilah my knowledge is expanding. My sister tells me that I as a Shia Muslim need to pick a Marja to follow. I am wondering who is the best Marja to follow and why? What is everyone's Marja they follow? How do I know which one is the best to pick? Is there a list of Marjas?

Jazak Allah Khair

(wasalam)

Salam OP. The most reliable way to go about this is NOT to come here and get biased answers and stir up a debate which will only confuse you more. The most recognized and efficient way of identifying a marja' is to go to a scholar you trust, and simply ask him about the matter, ask him who you should follow.

***Here comes my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt since I'm not a scholar***

I've personally heard from a scholar that the following three maraja' are the most knowledgeable;

1. Sayed Ali Al Sistani (a mujtahid in my area testifies to his knowledge as well)

2. Sayed Sadiq al Shirazi

3. Sheikh Wahid al Khorasani (the same mujtahid graduated under him, he has taught many great scholars)

(1) and (2) have english resalas, so you might find it easier with them. However with (1) you will always get a clear answer, he has a very expansive network of representatives and a solid organization, usually considered the most credible and moderate amongst the shias

Quit confusing the brother.

1) Aya. Khamenei (Leader of Muslim Ummah)

2) Aya. Sistani

3) Aya. Amoli

4) Aya. Mesbah Yazdi

5) Aya. Khorasani

Salam bro, that guy is not a marja'

[kim.tinkerbell]

Ah, I understand what you mean. But I still disagree - Syed FadhlAllah was far more knowledgable than Syed al-Sistani is.

Anyways, this is a discussion for another thread.

Utter joke seriously, sistani is far farr farr farr more knowldgable.

Yeah its best to leave it because it might turn into a fight.

[Wizdom]

Utter joke seriously, sistani is far farr farr farr more knowldgable.

Yeah its best to leave it because it might turn into a fight.

[Ali_Hussain]

If you are just choosing a marja for fiqh, as it should be, it shouldn't really be an issue, if you only speak english go for one of the more accessible ones; there are only 2 or 3 living ones to choose from.

At the end of the day, there isn't a whole lot of difference in the fiqh ruling of the various maraji.