Q: We would like Your Eminence to give us your opinion with regard to the attached copy of a book entitled, "Hirz Al-Jawshan", especially regarding the following points:1. Does this book have any origin in the major books?2. Did Ja`far Al-Sadiq, Amir Al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Believers) `Aly ibn Abu Talib, and his son Al-Hasan relate it or was it composed by some other people?3. What if I read it without considering it as a protection against evil, for the Names and Attributes of Allah (Exalted be He) included therein?4. Will I be a sinner if I keep or burn this book?Please advise us. May Allah reward you with the best!

A: It is not permissible to own, believe, or act upon the book of "Hirz Al-Jawshan", for three reasons: First, this book does not have a well-known Sanad (chain of narrators) and was not reported by any of the scholars (Part No. 24; Page No. 240) of Hadith or ascribed to any of them. Second, this book contains a great deal of falsehood. For example, it states that anyone who reads or carries this book when leaving the house in the morning or at night, are favored with the best deeds as if they have read the Tawrah (Torah), the Injil (Gospel), and the Qur'an. He likens reciting the Books revealed by Allah (Exalted be He) to reciting this book (page. 1). This is evident falsehood as there is nothing comparable to the Books revealed by Allah (Exalted be He). He also adds that anyone who reads a letter of this book, Allah (Exalted be He) will grant him two wives from the Al-Hur Al-`In (women of Paradise with wide black eyes), build a castle for him in Paradise, and give him the reward of four prophets (Ibrahim, Musa, `Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). This is falsehood as no one will attain the reward of the prophets.Furthermore, it states that anyone who reads this book, Allah (Exalted be He) will grant him the reward of the male and female believers from the Jinn and mankind from the day of their creation to the Day of Resurrection. Allah (Exalted be He) will also grant him the reward of nine hundred thousands martyrs (page 2). This is in addition to other lies. Third, it also states that this Du`a' helps to bring about love, acceptance, eloquence of speech, power when meeting rulers, princes, and Sultans and to protect him from metal and bullets, and meeting all needs, and so on. (Page. 5). This books is apparently written by the Shi`ah to keep people away from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. (Part No. 24; Page No. 241) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.