In the name of God, the Most Exalted

To,

His Eminence, Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Jawad Fazel Lankarani (may Allah grant him long life)

Once again, we extend our condolences to you on the sad demise of the great religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani (may his soul rest in peace).

Respectfully, we may state that recently it has been rumoured in Kerman and some other provinces that his eminence, late grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani had advised (mentioned in his will) his followers not to remain in Taqlid of him. We are not sure about the veracity of the statement. Kindly, guide us in this regard.

May Allah grant you long life

A group of the followers of
Late Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani (may his soul rest in peace)

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In the name of Allah, and Praise belongs to Him

Salamun alaikum and thanks for the kind message of the momeneen and the faithful (may Allah reward them). Hereby we announce that the jurisprudential views of that great religious authority are available in his manual of Islamic Laws (Tauzihul Masail). His Eminence states therein that it is permissible to stay in Taqlid of a deceased Mujtahid in all issues and if a Mujtahid is a'alam (most learned), it is obligatory to remain in taqlid of him. Obviously, in view of this verdict, it would be invalid to advise his followers not to remain in Taqlid of him. Therefore, all his followers (muqallideen) can still follow him and if they have any questions, they should contact his offices. May Allah keep us all under the blessed attention of Baqiyatullah (may Allah hasten his reappearance) for the sake of Muhammad and his household.

Wassalam
30 Oct. 2007