Salaamun Alaykum,

There is a group which has formed in Iran which is performing controversial practices. We need to be aware of this, and thus more details are required.

Iltimase dua,
Zuhair.

Salaamun Alaykum,

Here is the link:
http://www.world-federation.org/Secretariat/Articles/Details_WF_Presidents_meeting_Ayatullah_al_Uzma_Syed_Sistani_other_Maraje.htm

This is a very important point I liked from it which talks abt the on going Majidi controversy:

2. Irfan (Islamic Mysticism)

Agha was briefed on the growing trend of our community students who travel to the Hawza and focus their studies towards Irfan. Upon their return they seem to possess some distinct appearances, behaviours and attitudes. The community at large is not used to this and feel concerned about the development of these students.

* Agha devoted a significant amount of time to this question and it was an area he was clearly concerned about.

* Agha confirmed that he was aware of the variety of trends and practices that exist in Qum. He knew that Mysticism is sometimes studied over and above the traditional Hawza subjects. Agha stated that he was not against the study of supplementary subjects in the Hawza, including Mysticism, but stressed the importance of learning the numerous critiques of mystical approaches as well, as this would give a balanced view of the realities of Islam.

* Agha summarised three approaches to the presentation of the education in Qum:

* The rational approach which does not delve into mystical principles, for example the approach of Ayatullah Ja’far Subhani
* The approach where a number of disciplines, for example Fiqh, Philosophy, Mysticism, Hadith, Tafsir etc. are fused together, for example the approach of Ayatullah Jawadi Amoli
* The Mystical approach where the ‘hidden’ (Batin) elements are over-emphasised

Agha concluded that the first two approaches are acceptable in his view. The third approach however was where Agha advised caution and described them as ‘deviated’. He mentioned his observations of some Sufi orders that eventually deviated from the core fundamentals of Islam. He warned that an over-emphasis on mystical principles may lead to multiple pathways and incorrect interpretations within Islam and such a result is not in line with the teachings of the Ahlal-Bayt (as).

* Agha urged a closer connection with his offices and trustworthy Ulama in Qum so that the students of our community do not become misguided with questionable teachers and practices.

* Agha concluded that aspects of spirituality, as taught by the Ahl al-Bayt (as), are adequate for the refinement of the soul and he felt there is no need to introduce Mysticism as a separate subject to other Islamic disciplines.

* Agha also mentioned that Khums should not be utilised for support of any extreme or deviant Mystical practices.

http://www.world-federation.org/Secretariat/Articles/Details_WF_Presidents_meeting_Ayatullah_al_Uzma_Syed_Sistani_other_Maraje.htm