Brotherhood
And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.
(3:103 / Sahih International)
Why were we all created different from each other?
Some of us have good eyesight and some are blind, some short and some tall, some (physically) beautiful some not, some knowledgeable and some ignorant, some wealthy and some poor, some with defective bodies and [...]
Why Imam Hassan (as) “reconciled” with Mu’awiyah.
Some question the infallibility and decision making of the second Imam (as). This ignorance and doubt shows their likeness with Umar bin Khattab. […]
Why Imam Ali (as) was named Abu Turab
Abu Turab means Father/Owner of Soil/Dirt/Dust. Imam Ali (as) is affectionately known as Abu Turab both by Shia and non-Shia Muslims. However, the reason why he was given this epithet by the Messenger of Allah [...]
What is a Believer?
‘I heard Al-Sadiq Ja’far Bin Muhammad (as) saying: ‘The Believer is an Alawite because he is high (A’la) in the understanding; and the Believer is a Hashimite because he shatters (Hasham) the straying; and the [...]
The Tree of Ahlulbayt (as)
Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ “Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like [...]
The Believer’s Mutual Brotherhood
There is a phenomenal bond between the true believers, be it sisters or brothers – that comes under the banner of Brotherhood – so much so that they are created from the same clay, feel [...]
Prophet Ibrahim (as) – The epitome of Disassociation (Bara’a)
In many instances in the Qur'an, Prophet Ibrahim (as) showed the best forms of bara'ah (disassociation). It goes to the extent that Allah (swt) says that there is a "good example" in what Ibrahim (as) [...]
Praying for dead non-Muslims?
Many Muslims remain confused on if we can/should pray upon those non-Muslims who have passed away. Should we ask for Allah’s mercy upon them? Should we ask Allah (swt) to Punish them? We take a [...]
How to deal with Slander and Backbiting?
In a world that thrives off backbiting and slander, we often find ourselves on the receiving end of it. At times it might distress us or lead us into a sorrow state, and question why [...]
Eloquence under Taqiyyah – The Imams (as) hidden insults
Often words of the infallible Imams (as) are taken out of context or misunderstood. During a time where severe taqiyyah (righteous dissimulation) was required and practiced by the infallibles, they found it necessary for certain [...]
Dealing with others less religious than you
Often we are very ready to condemn people because they do not have as much knowledge as us, or do not pray as much as us. We do not take into consideration their environment, upbringing, [...]
Breaking recommended fasts when invited?
While observing recommended fasts, we often face the dilemma of being invited to eat along with our fellow brothers or sisters. How should one deal with this situation? Is it better to keep fasting or [...]
Believers are Noor, and their Mothers are the Mercy
I asked Abu Abdullah (a): "Allah may make me your sacrifice. What is the meaning of the saying that I have heard from you?" The Imam (a) asked: "Which one?" I said: "(It is your [...]
Abu Bakr & the Cave (Part 3)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 Continuing on the analysis of Ayah 40 of Surat al-Bara'ah: إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ثَانِيَ اثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِي الْغَارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ [...]
Abu Bakr & the Cave (Part 2)
Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4 We now look at the critical ayah found in Surat al-Bara'ah: إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ثَانِيَ اثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِي الْغَارِ إِذْ [...]
“..Every Believing woman is a beautiful Hourie, and every believing man is a truthful one..”
A phenomenal hadith attributed to Imam Al-Sadiq (as) describing how the Shia should treat their Brothers & Sisters, their merits, and their station in the hereafter. […]