Chapter 2 - On Lot-Casting

Imam Kazim (a.s): “Is it permissible for me to greet and pray for a Christian doctor to whom I go for a visit whenever I need him?” Imam Kazim (a.s) replied: “Yes, but your prayers are of no use for him.”

Fuzayl ibn Yasar told Imam Sadiq (a.s): “A child is born who has no sign of being a boy or a girl.” Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “The Imam should cast a lot by writing Abdullah (a boy's name meaning servant of God) on one piece of paper and Umatullah (a girl's name) on another piece of paper and say: “O' Lord! There is no god but You. You are aware of what is clear and what is hidden. You will judge between your servants on Resurrection Day regarding their differences. Please clarify the condition of this child for us so that we may know what share of inheritance that You have made obligatory in Your Book to give it.” Then the Imam should place these two pieces of paper among various other names. Then they should cast lot and give the child's inheritance according to the gender of whichever name that is drawn.”