Code of Conduct
Guided by authentic Shia beliefs, unity, respect, and adherence to German laws.
Our Community Values
Full Code of Conduct
We, the members of the Shia community in Berlin, acknowledge the significant progress our community has made in recent years. With the recent growth and development of the South Asian Shia community in Berlin, we recognize the urgent need for a standard Code of Conduct to guide our actions, interactions, and religious practices.
This Code of Conduct is designed to serve as the underlying framework for all individuals and groups within the community, ensuring that every member, whether organizing or participating in religious events, adheres to the values that preserve the integrity and sanctity of Shia practices.
This Code's first and foremost objective is to safeguard the Shia Ithna-Asheri aqaaid (beliefs) and our Shia identity, protecting them from corruption or misrepresentation.
This Code of Conduct is designed to serve as the underlying framework for all individuals and groups within the community, ensuring that every member, whether organizing or participating in religious events, adheres to the values that preserve the integrity and sanctity of Shia practices.
This Code's first and foremost objective is to safeguard the Shia Ithna-Asheri aqaaid (beliefs) and our Shia identity, protecting them from corruption or misrepresentation.
All religious practices, sermons, and activities within the community must align with the authentic teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS), as interpreted and guided by the Maraje Uzaam (highest-ranking scholars) and Mujtahideen (qualified jurists).
● Individuals who attempt to spread false or deviant beliefs (Aqaaid) under the guise of Shia practices will be strongly discouraged. Corrective measures, including education and guidance, will be taken.
● Speaker Selection: Only recognized scholars, trained in the established Hozahaye-Ilmiya (Islamic seminaries) and aligned with mainstream Shia thought, are permitted to speak at community events.
● Individuals who attempt to spread false or deviant beliefs (Aqaaid) under the guise of Shia practices will be strongly discouraged. Corrective measures, including education and guidance, will be taken.
● Speaker Selection: Only recognized scholars, trained in the established Hozahaye-Ilmiya (Islamic seminaries) and aligned with mainstream Shia thought, are permitted to speak at community events.
All members of the South Asian Shia Community in Berlin must adhere to and abide by Germany's prevailing laws and regulations. This includes abiding by the aforementioned within and outside community premises/events.
● Unity among the Shia community is paramount. Any efforts to create division, sectarianism, or discord within the community will not be tolerated.
● The Quran advises: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge..." (Quran 6:108)
● The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "Oh people, no servant [of God] will be considered a Muslim unless the people are safe from their hands and tongue."
● Imam Ali (AS) also said: "Whatever you like for yourself, also like for others, and whatever you dislike for yourself, also dislike for others."
● No personal allegations, defamation, or character attacks—especially those targeting a person's beliefs (aqaaid) or moral character—will be tolerated without clear and substantial proof.
● The Quran advises: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge..." (Quran 6:108)
● The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: "Oh people, no servant [of God] will be considered a Muslim unless the people are safe from their hands and tongue."
● Imam Ali (AS) also said: "Whatever you like for yourself, also like for others, and whatever you dislike for yourself, also dislike for others."
● No personal allegations, defamation, or character attacks—especially those targeting a person's beliefs (aqaaid) or moral character—will be tolerated without clear and substantial proof.
During Majalis, Milaad, Juloos, and all other religious gatherings, attendees must maintain respectful behavior:
● Respectful Behavior: Disruptive actions, verbal or physical confrontations are strictly prohibited.
● Dress Code: Modest attire, per Islamic principles, must be observed at all times.
● Speech and Actions: Participants should refrain from hateful language, sectarian statements, or inflammatory actions.
● Organizers' Responsibility: Organizers must immediately confront miscreants and remove individuals from the event if necessary.
● Parental Responsibility: Parents must take full responsibility for their children's behavior during religious gatherings.
● Respectful Behavior: Disruptive actions, verbal or physical confrontations are strictly prohibited.
● Dress Code: Modest attire, per Islamic principles, must be observed at all times.
● Speech and Actions: Participants should refrain from hateful language, sectarian statements, or inflammatory actions.
● Organizers' Responsibility: Organizers must immediately confront miscreants and remove individuals from the event if necessary.
● Parental Responsibility: Parents must take full responsibility for their children's behavior during religious gatherings.
Members must refrain from supporting, criticizing, or mentioning any banned organizations, whether domestic or international. This is to ensure that the community remains compliant with legal standards and maintains its focus on religious and community activities.
● Opposition to Sectarianism: Any efforts to create division within the Shia community or between Shia and other Muslim sects will not be tolerated.
● Takfir (Accusations of Infidelity): Making unfounded claims of kufr (disbelief) or labeling fellow Muslims as infidels is strictly prohibited.
● Condemnation of Extremism: Any form of extremism, whether ideological, political, or otherwise, will not be tolerated.
● Interfaith Respect: The Shia community in Berlin will engage in respectful dialogue with all Muslim sects and other faith communities.
● Takfir (Accusations of Infidelity): Making unfounded claims of kufr (disbelief) or labeling fellow Muslims as infidels is strictly prohibited.
● Condemnation of Extremism: Any form of extremism, whether ideological, political, or otherwise, will not be tolerated.
● Interfaith Respect: The Shia community in Berlin will engage in respectful dialogue with all Muslim sects and other faith communities.
● Event Planning: Organizers must ensure all events are planned in alignment with this Code of Conduct.
● Speaker Vetting: All speakers must be thoroughly vetted to ensure they uphold core principles of Shia Islam.
● Monitoring Conduct: Organizers are responsible for maintaining decorum and ensuring events proceed smoothly.
● Conflict Resolution: Organizers should work to resolve disputes fairly and constructively.
● Speaker Vetting: All speakers must be thoroughly vetted to ensure they uphold core principles of Shia Islam.
● Monitoring Conduct: Organizers are responsible for maintaining decorum and ensuring events proceed smoothly.
● Conflict Resolution: Organizers should work to resolve disputes fairly and constructively.
● Grievance Mechanism: A transparent and accessible grievance mechanism will be established, allowing members to confidentially report violations.
● Disciplinary Actions: Violations may result in verbal/written warnings, suspension, or permanent ban from community participation.
● Restorative Measures: For those open to reform, educational programs and counseling will be available.
● Community Oversight: A committee will be formed to oversee grievances and determine appropriate actions.
● Disciplinary Actions: Violations may result in verbal/written warnings, suspension, or permanent ban from community participation.
● Restorative Measures: For those open to reform, educational programs and counseling will be available.
● Community Oversight: A committee will be formed to oversee grievances and determine appropriate actions.
All members must uphold the dignity and honor of the Shia community of Berlin in both public and private spheres.
Members should approach all personal and social interactions with kindness, generosity, and a spirit of respect.
By adhering to this Code of Conduct, the Shia community in Berlin will continue to grow in unity, spirituality, and respect for our shared beliefs.