Grand Shia Cleric: Ashura should not be used as a platform for political campaigns

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Muslim cleric bewared against turning Ashura ceremonies as a ground for political campaigns.“Some people try to exploit the religious ceremony held in Muharram for election campaign, for this reason Muslims should be more cognizant and refrain from such abuse,” the Islamic Jurisprudent, Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, said. “Those who run religious ceremony should not prevent division among participants," said the cleric, while stressing the need for strengthening Muslim unity.” “Sermons and those who give a speech in these ceremonies should avoid from retelling unauthentic quotations on behalf of the household of prophet Mohammad,“ the ayatollah added. The senior cleric also denounced some extremist Muslims who "hit themselves with machetes," to simulate the agonies and pains suffered by Muslims loyal to Imam Hussein (AS). Qom Seminary instructor also called on organizers supervising the ceremonies to shed light on the school of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and the philosophy of Ashura.” Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi also underscored, “Participants should abide by the traditions and do not follow some western style.”/129