A specific area of focus of His Eminence Sheikh al-Habib relates to the necessity to be vocal in this day and age about the oppression that occurred to the Prophet and his family (peace be upon them all). While specifically mentioning the named individuals who have carried out this oppression. The Sheikh calls for believers not to shy away from being transparent and vocal, even though this may offend some who disagree with the Shi’a narrative. If one is to pay attention, the Sheikh does not call for the intentional offence of others for the sake of offence but rather teaches that is it a natural product for others to become offended when views are not aligned. One can find a parable during the era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) when he repeatedly proclaimed publically: “There is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah”; a short and powerful statement that shook the Arabian peninsula. But also, a short and powerful statement that caused significant offence to the pagans in that region, to a point where they attacked, tortured and killed Muslims. Yet the Prophet stood firm, because the truth is the truth, and distributing this truth is a duty upon us.

In essence, Sheikh al-Habib refuses for the killers of Prophet Muhammad, Lady Fatima, and other members of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (peace be upon them) to remain honoured, respected, and loved across the globe. Primarily from the angle that this honour and respect is in itself is disrespectful and hurtful towards these holy personalities and God Almighty himself. From another point of view, following these individuals, even if the majority who do so are not aware of the truth, leads to the bloodthirsty ISIS-like ideology continuing to exist, being reborn in every era under a new name and new banner. The Sheikh preaches that people are not to be forced to change their view under any circumstances, but what is upon the believers who are aware of these truths, is to take a bold and brave stance in vocalising these facts, and educate the masses with clarity and sincerity.

La metodología Rafida que Su Eminencia ha revivido en nuestra era moderna, como ha elaborado en detalle en muchos de sus programas de investigación y lecciones, no es un asunto recién inventado.

Sino que se deriva de las enseñanzas de Ahl-ul-Bait (la paz sea con ellos), los Profetas de antaño, y de los compañeros justos. The term Rafida, literally translated to rejectors of falsehood, and in context can be applied explicitly to the rejection of the head culprits against Islam, such as Abu Bakr, Umar, and A’isha. It is a title that the Shi’a of the Prophet and his family (peace be upon them all) pridefully claim due to its divine appointment by Allah:

Está narrado en al-Mahasin, por Maḥasin de Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad Barqi, que murió en el año 888 CE, con la autoridad de Zaid al-Shaham, con la autoridad de Abu al-Jaroud que dijo:

A man came to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq saying that someone had warned him against becoming a Rafida. Imam Ja’far replied: “By Allah, this name which Allah has granted you is excellent, as long as you follow our teaching and do not attribute lies to us.” Muhammad al-Baqir also mentioned an instance when he pointed at himself, stating “I am one of the Rafida.”

También encontramos Bihar Al-Anwar, de Allamah Al-Majlisi, v. 65, p. 97, no. 3, que con la autoridad de Abu Basir, quien dijo:

“Le dije a mi amo, Abu Jafar Al-Baqir, es decir, al Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (la paz sea con él): “Maestro, nos llaman un nombre – un nombre con el que los que están en el poder han hecho lícito derramar nuestra sangre, usurpar nuestras riquezas y oprimirnos.” El Imam respondió, “¿Y cuál es ese nombre?” Yo (es decir, el narrador) dije, “Nos llaman el Rafida”. Entonces el Imam (la paz sea con él) responde: “Setenta hombres del ejército del Faraón rechazaron al Faraón y se unieron al Profeta Moisés (la paz sea con él). Y en la nación de Moisés, no había un grupo más conocedor, temeroso de Dios y piadoso, que tuviera más amor hacia el Profeta Aarón (la paz sea con él) que estos setenta hombres. Fue por esta razón que la nación de Moisés se llamó a sí misma la Rafida, y Allah le reveló a Moisés diciendo: “Afirma este nombre en el Tawrat (Tora), porque yo (es decir, Allah) lo he elegido para tu nación”. El Imam (la paz sea con él) continúa diciendo: “Y este nombre, oh Abu Basir, también ha sido dado para ti (es decir, el Shi’a).”