There are those who claim that Tabarra must be avoided and advance one pretext or another as justification.
Such an attitude towards tabarra is at odds with the categorical verses of the Holy Quran and traditions. Referring to the two weighty things (Quran and Ahle Bait (a.s.)) makes it abundantly clear that tabarra is not an optional part of religion, on the contrary abandoning tabarra has serious consequences.
Consider the Quranic verse:
‘Say: Indeed, there came to you apostles before me with clear arguments and with that which you demand; why then did you kill them if you are truthful?’ (Surah Ale Imran (3): 183)
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) informed – And the ones from later generations said – We did not kill them (Prophets) nor did we witness their killing.
They were told to distance themselves (baraat) from the actual killers.
But they refused. (So the Quran considers them a party in the murder of Prophets).
- Tafseer al-Ayyashi v 1 p 209 under Surah Ale Imran (3): 183
- Wasail al-Shia v 16 p 141, v 16 p 268
Likewise, those who avoid cursing the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) are also subjected to the same treatment as his killers.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) warned:
May Allah curse those who killed Husain (a.s.), his lovers and his helpers, and those who are silent and (in this way) refrain from cursing the killers and maintain silence while not in taqayya.
- Behar al-Anwar v 44 p 304
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) likewise curses those who are sceptical about tabarra:
One who finds fault in cursing the one who is cursed by Allah then upon him is the curse of Allah.
- Rijaal al-Kashi p 529
- Awalim al-Layalee v 23 p 589
- Behar al-Anwar v 25 p 319
Clearly, tabarra is an important element of faith and counts as worship like prayers and fasting. One who avoids tabarra will end up in the same party as the oppressors who are targeted with tabarra by Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.).