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What when someone is a sinner, but still defends the wright? What when someone is a sinner, but still behaves right? What when someone is a sinner, but still has great manners? What when someone is a sinner, but he knows he is doing wrong? What when someone is a sinner, but he is still a great friend? What when someone is a sinner, but still is kind to other people? What when someone is a sinner, but ... What when someone is a sinner, but ... All´of us have two sides. There is the side where we are good and do right things. And there is the side where we do sins and go against the good deeds we did. Aren`t we all somehow sinners in our own way? A friend told me about the rule of attraction. Depending on what you think and feel, you will get it. You are in a bad state of mind, you get bad things. You are in a good state of mind, you get good things. Now, I thought about this rule of attraction in society. When trying to stop someone to commit sins, we should focus on what he or she is doing right. Negative energy creates negative energy, positive energy creates? Positive energy of course. Bringing out the good in people might lead to the person who commits sins to think more about the bad things he or she is doing. There is a bigger contrast in his doings. Imagine you have a glass of water and it is half filled with black ink and half filled with water. How can you get the black ink out? By concentrating on it? Or by filling in more water, so the ink will be gone after a while? Putting more good things to already existing good things. Sometimes I think about how to stop doing my sins. And I think about when I commit them. I noticed that I am doing sins when I am in a surrounding where people have a negative energy and live like there is no god. But when I am with people who are positive and who know there is a god, my sins are fading away. If you put a person who is interested in stopping his sins in an environment that stimulates his good and not his weaknesses (that all of us have) then he will be able to change himself. We are all surrounded by negative things all day. When you look around your city, at the advertisement, the way people treat you. When you watch the news and TV shows. When you read newspapers and magazines. Aren`t they all negative? Just look closely and you will see. Peoples weaknesses are stimulated, people’s minds are trashed by useless and negative things. That of course makes them commit sins. There is no stimulation for their good. Now, think of a different situation. Walk through a forest, at the beach or anywhere you feel good. Why do you feel good? And how come we think about what we are doing when we are away from our regular situation? Because there is simply good energy and something that stimulates us in a different way. So now when we increase peoples positive characteristics we eventually help them to not commit sins anymore. All of you know the echo that comes when you raise your voice in the mountains. The mind works the same way. Everything that enters will come back as echo in the person’s behaviour. When you stop raising you voice, the echo will leave after a while. As I know from my own experience, the society of today is formed to bring out productive, functional and mind dead people. I have to say, the system works great. The school system isn’t there to bring out the pupils intellect and make them think for themselves. It simply teaches what it wants to teach. Later when you’re an adult it goes on. You might be interested in what’s happening in the world, so you watch news. But again, they are teaching you things. They tell you what they want you to be and what you have to think. It is a constant stimulation to go the wrong way. So I think we, who know that there is a god, that there is more than just this life, we should make the difference. Just try to stimulate the other people’s good characteristics. I am not trying to excuse doing sins, but I am trying to find an explanation.

To the city of the prophet I will depart mashallah! CAN'T WAIT! it's been over two years now thought: I think my first son's name is AWESOME! now all I have to do is actually have a baby! :P

Men really shouldn't shave. It does them no favours in the looks department and they need all the favours they can get.

Guys, I believe both have told their sides of the story. Let the matter end here, before someone with a mod-stick intervenes. There's no point going on about this as it has now turned into a mudslinging match. Ceasefire, s'il vous plaît.

(bismillah) (salam) Brothers and sisters, I have made some mistakes and fear that My Master (SWT) may not forgive me or accept my repentance. I sincerely ask you to please make dua for my forgiveness, and may Allah (SWT) thus forgive all of you.

Love is when you would literally die than see the other person hurt (like jump in front of a train for someone)......and there are different types of love. The purest form of love is the love between a parent and a child

u cant define love

I have to agree with you about the inter-faith threads, some of the best akhlaq on here is by ppl who identify themselves as non-muslim.

I just ate some honey too..

First, there is no such thing in the Quran. Second, it is all based on hadith, which, as we know, can be dubious, primarily because even the most immaculate hadith grading system are prone to error. The Quran teaches us to marry our equals, which can't include a child of, say, 3. Besides there is a strong emphasis on consent, which, I admit, is indirectly upheld in the hadith you mention. But this isn't enough to actually allow a so called guardian (wali) to marry off their babies. There is no practical utility of marrying off young kids if ultimately they are to decide, upon reaching balugh, whether or not they want to go ahead with the marriage. As for the prophet marrying Ayesha before she was Islamically baligh, this can be disputed with available historical records and other corroborative hadiths. There was an entire thread, many pages long, discussing this issue, in particular Ayatullah Khomeini's fatwa, in which, in addition to marrying babies, he even goes as far as to allow husbands to derive pleasure by inserting their members between their baby-brides' thighs. There was an important caveat though: Men shouldn't actually perform intercourse until the girl begins to menstruate. The thread was called "infamous baby marriage fatwa" or something like that. Please search it if you like to read. There are really good, handy religious ways to make paedophilia halal, I must say. Or so it seems.

Why would you hate your fellow Shia' brother? :o

+100000000000000 :lol: SC just helps me procrastinate :cry:

Thoughts: Must. Revise. Must. Stay. Away. From. Shiachat.

Who said I don't care for the innocent people who died in Syria? I am not falling for simple propaganda like you, I am not pointing the finger only towards Assad. Same thing on Libya, almost the majority of Shias were happy for Gaddafi's fall because of the case of Imam Musa Sadr. But, for me the women and children who died by the hands of armed gangs were as important as Imam Musa Sadr. And siding with NATO and forming a puppet government in exile was another thing which discredit the gangs in Libya. Same thing in this case, your sectarian creeds blinded you to see every single crime as done by Assad and his government whom you call (Alawites killer, Iranian agents) while every action done by Takfiri Zionist puppet is considered a good revolutionary act in your eyes (who God forbid cannot commit crimes). Any bad thing happens by the Syrian government or any government is condemned, but you cannot escape the reality that majority of killings and bombings and kidnappings are done by criminal armed groups in Syria. The government has no INTEREST, no NEED to kill women and children or kidnap people and get inhuman blames while ruling a country. They are the ones who announce hatreds and speeches like these videos, not Syrian government.

Pulao it was, nothing beats a good yakhni pulao with raita.

Well I never looked into it...I don't have a beard alhamdullah ROFL

i got bored after reading the first question.....go make me a sandwich..

(salam) brothers and sisters, SC really needs an application for apple and android products. Why? Because I know so many people who would use SC a lot more often if they had easy access to it. The mobile version of SC on the web browser is not good at all and crashes a lot. Not to mention the fact that I miss so many features I would normally have on the full version. Thank you.

In The Name of Allah ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. I just wanted this post to be, like many previous ones by others who are much more better than me in Akhlaq and more entitled to talk about this than me, be a reminder that we are supposed to stay moral, intellectual and within our limits and manners while on the forum. We must not be offensive, insulting or be intimidating to others just because it is a shia forum and we are Shias; we should not be thinking that since this is a Shia forum, we are the "dons" here and no one can oppose us. After all, the names of the respective forums are "debate","discussion" and like so in a debate, obviously, we should expect some opposition to our beliefs but this does not mean we should start getting angry at the other person. I would greatly commend those who are active in the "Philosophy, Atheism/Theism & Other Interfaith Dialogue" section which, in my view, is the most respectful, clean and all welcoming forum that I have found in the whole of Shiachat. Of course, this is just my view and you may disagree. One very good example is when KingPomba who is an atheist and not a Shia, saying "in this forum, we" which shows he considers the forum his own! This is the type of spirit we should be having when debating or discussing. We all know that theological and religious discussions are sensitive and we may be hurt but we must try to keep ourselves in control and let our anger get over us. Moving to a recent problem, I believe that this "mutah crew" vs. feminists (I don't mean to offend any of the people but I am just using it because that is how people recognise others or else I am very much against these classification and stuff) is getting WAY OUT OF HAND. I think we need to stop about that. For one thing, most of those some call the "mutah crew" like Haydar Husayn and Dawud have, most probably, never even done it in their lives. All they are trying to do is to support what they believe is the right interpretation of Islam so I really don't think it is wise to be calling people "Mutah man" or other names in an insulting manner or trying to portray them as immoral or indecent people. If they were, they would be doing so everyday and, if they even did, this was what they thought right (I am NOT saying that it is; neither do I support them nor the "feminists - I am not giving any views on this topic) and, surely, the line of immodesty for them is getting into an unmarried relationship so, ACCORDING TO THEM, they are not being indecent so if you think it is wrong try to change their views by discussions and NOT insults or trying to say they are "indecent". As for the "feminists", I think we must understand that they do NOT say that Mutah is haraam; all they say is that we must not use it too frequently and only as an extreme alternative. I won't comment on who is, in my view (if I have a view on this topic), right or wrong but all I am trying to say is that: 1. We must not misunderstand each other or, intentionally, misrepresent the views of those we disagree with. 2. We must not hurl insults at the others (something both sides are guilty of). 3. If we don't agree, try to explain in an intellectual manner and if they don't understand, leave them to their condition. There is absolutely no need for you to sin yourself - through insults - in trying to do Amar bil Ma'aroof and Nahi anil Munkar (Enjoinment of the Good and forbidding the evil). I don't see much use in trying to correct others while accumulating sins on your own self. I am NOT saying any one is acquiring sins but I am just tryign to give a general advice. There is, clearly, a difference in interpretation between the two parties and there is NO problem with that but why are we getting either offensive or insulting? Why can't we treat this conflict like all other conflicts on which there is a difference of opinion - The concept of Taqleed, The concept of Wilayatul Faqih, Shia and Sunni disputes and many others - whereby we don't get so angry by the differences on these topics so why should this conflict be any different? I am, by no means, trying to say that this topic is unimportant - I agree that the right interpretation of mutah is needed as it is a moral issue and if we are on the wrong side of the coin, we would not be following the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all) correctly - but is the debate between Shias and Sunni, for example, more important? After all, the differences between Shias and Sunnis comprises a lot more than just one issue and even if you are wrong on mutah, you are only wrong for one belief but when it comes to the issues of Shias and Sunnis, there is so much more - including mutah - such that if we get those wrong, we may be of the dwellers of the Hell. If we don't get so hostile on these important issues, why should this topic call for so much conflict amongst the Shias themselves? INSHALLAH, I have been helpful and have NOT hurt anyone. :) If I have, I am extremely sorry and ask them to forgive me. May Allah (SWT) bless us all, our families and loved ones, guide us all to The Straight Path with His Perfect Guidance, grant us all patience, increase our imaan and may He, The Forgiver of Sins and The Oft-Forgiving, forgive all our sins for, indeed, there is neither any refuge nor any respite for the sinners except in Allah ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì.

Well, for his troubles, the OP has come one step closer to being suspended/banned. Good thing no-one else made supportive posts, otherwise they would have been in trouble as well. This thread is now locked.

I hate exams, they almost 'Kill' your whole holidays. :(

Salaams, you may want to take a look at this thread: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/index.php?/topic/234974987-nowruz/

I am a Proud Shi'a Muslimah who tries her best to obey Allah and His Prophet! Feminist? No!

Frustration.

thoughts: i woke up early for no reason ):

Salam, if anyone can be kind to make a dua for me and my family, especially for my ill brother. JazakumAllah regardless. Salam

[Edited - Admins note: Please refrain from posting such videos and do not use defamatory language against the 3 caliphs as it is against the rules of this forum. Warn log updated.]

Thoughts: Woke up early today :D

Salam, I spoke to a Shia friend of mine a few minutes ago and we began talking about Islam and he told me about the Ahlul Bayt, I'm a Sunni just for clarification not that it should matter anyway. My knowledge in Islam is very limited. I have quite a few questions regarding the importance of Ahlul Bayt. I was told that the importance of the Ahlul Bayt is very important in terms of the belief in Islam. However I do not understand if it was important then why wasn't it mentioned in the beginning chapters in the Quran? Also how do we truly know that the way we pray is the right way then? As its not stated in the Quran how to pray and Shias and Sunnis and other segments of Islam have different methods to a certain extent (In terms of how to bow down, also Shias have a item in the middle of the prayer mat). Also where is the best place to seek guidance on the "right" way to pray for examples? Are there any other resources such as the Quran which have been approved? Also could anyone shed some more light on the Ahlul Bayt and their importance for someone that has come across them for the first time? I was also told that there is some link between the Ahlul Bayt along with why the universe was created? (I hope that I stated everything correctly and apologise for any inconvenience or anything that I may have miss-understood). Thanks ever so much for all the replies in advance.

MASHALLAH, brilliant post! And, NO, you are NOT someone who is not knowledgeable. In fact, you are very, very knowledgeable! :D Brother Dawud1UK, you may as well refer to The Book of the virtues of the companions of Sahih al Muslim where you will find many of the praises and merits of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all). I will provide the following link for you to see the various parts of this bab where Muslim records the greatness of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all): CHAPTER: THE MERITS OF 'ALI B. ABI TALIB (ALLAAH BE PLEASED WITH HIM)- http://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/smm/sahihmuslim.cfm?scn=dspchaptersfull&BookID=31&ChapterID=1002 CHAPTER: THEE MERITS OF THE FAMILY OF THE PROPHET (SALLALLAAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM)- http://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/smm/sahihmuslim.cfm?scn=dspchaptersfull&BookID=31&ChapterID=1007 . This quotes the hadith about Verse of Purification (33:33) that brother Shia Debater mentioned in his post. CHAPTER: THE MERITS OF FATIMA, DAUGHTER OF ALLAAH'S APOSTLE (SALLALLAAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM)- http://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/smm/sahihmuslim.cfm?scn=dspchaptersfull&BookID=31&ChapterID=1013 CHAPTER: THE MERITS OF HASAN AND HUSAIN (ALLAAH BE PLEASED WITH BOTH OF THEM)- http://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/smm/sahihmuslim.cfm?scn=dspchaptersfull&BookID=31&ChapterID=1006 Through all these links, you may see the great stature that the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all) had. In regards to how we may be sure that the way we pray is right if it has not been mentioned in the Quran is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny). However the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) used to pray his Salah, then we must also do the same. Now, you may find that there are two groups - the Shia and the Sunnis - who both claim to follow the right way of the salah as the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) used to do it. Since there is a contradiction, you need to carry out your research and find the truth as to which side is truthful. But, I will quote a very interesting hadith in regard to your question about " where is the best place to seek guidance on the "right" way to pray for examples?" Sahih al Muslim, The Book Pertaining to the Merits of the Companions (Allah Be Pleased With Them) of the Holy Prophet (May Peace BE Upon HIm) (Kitab Al-Fadail Al-Sahabah), Hadith 5920 - 5923: "... One day Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) stood up to deliver sermon at a watering place known as Khumm situated between Mecca and Medina. He praised Allaah, extolled Him and delivered the sermon and. exhorted (us) and said: Now to our purpose. O people, I am a human being. I am about to receive a messenger (the angel of death) from my Lord and I, in response to Allaah's call, (would bid good-bye to you), but I am leaving among you two weighty things: the one being the Book of Allaah in which there is right guidance and light, so hold fast to the Book of Allaah and adhere to it. He exhorted (us) (to hold fast) to the Book of Allaah and then said: The second are the members of my household I remind you (of your duties) to the members of my family. He (Husain) said to Zaid: Who are the members of his household? Aren't his wives the members of his family? Thereupon he said: His wives are the members of his family (but here) the members of his family are those for whom acceptance of Zakat is forbidden. And he said: Who are they? Thereupon he said: 'Ali and the offspring of 'Ali, 'Aqil and the offspring of 'Aqil and the offspring of Ja'far and the offspring of 'Abbas. Husain said: These are those for whom the acceptance of Zakat is forbidden. Zaid said: Yes." You may find this hadith from the first link I have given - CHAPTER: THE MERITS OF 'ALI B. ABI TALIB (ALLAAH BE PLEASED WITH HIM). This clearly states that apart from the Quran, the ONLY "place to seek guidance on the "right" way to pray for examples" and the ONLY " resources such as the Quran which have been approved" and approved by the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) for that matter are the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all). None other than the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all). Therefore, if you want to find out the best way of praying, then refer to how the Ahlulbayt used to pray and it has been clearly narrated in our books that the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all) used to pray with their hands open and since the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) has asked us to follow them and hold to them tightly, then we must follow them in the way they used to pray. Also, I would like to take a more serious look at the verse of Mubahilah which Brother Shia had referred to. فَمَنْ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءنَا وَأَبْنَاءكُمْ وَنِسَاءنَا وَنِسَاءكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وأَنفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَةُ اللّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ "And whoever dispute with you concerning him, after what has come to you of knowledge, say: 'Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and our selves and your selves, then let us invoke in earnest and lay the curse of Allah upon the liars." (Surah Ale Imran, Verse 61) In this Surah, Allah is telling the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) to tell those who dispute regrading him (referring to Jesus (peace be upon him) as established from the context), to call their sons and women and their selves and the Muslims would call their sons, women and selves. Now, if you notice, even when referring to the Muslims (our in the verse), we find that the plural tense had been used (i.e. sons, women and selves). But, when we look at history, all sects, INCLUDING SUNNIS, agree that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) only brought Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) and Imam Hussain (as) (as the sons), Lady Fatima (as) (as the women) and Imam Ali (as) (as the selves). Of course, the Quran does use the sort of language often when Allah is only referring to one person but uses plural form but here it may be interesting to note that only Lady Fatima (peace be upon her) is coming as the women. Why? This shows that she represents all the women of Islam and is, therefore, superior to all Muslim women as she represents them all. Likewise, Imam Hassan (peace be upon him) and Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) represent the sons of the Ummah and are, therefore, superior to all Muslims. The most interesting part is where Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is brought for the anfoosana (our selves). This shows that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is the nafs/self of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his progeny) himself! Therefore, just as Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him and his progeny) is greater than all Prophets (peace be upon them all), so should his nafs be greater than all Prophets (peace be upon them all). This clearly shows that Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is greater than all other Prophets (peace be upon them all) because he is the self of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and the self of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) is higher than the selves of all other Prophets (peace be upon them all)! This clearly shows the great status of Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them all).

He has the beard and doesnt allow music in his kingdom....who knew http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAWITVGtdsc&feature=related

Before Iraq- American army = invincible. After Iraq- American army = not invincible.

It is because you were asking if satan was trying to escape from the bottom of your leg when you have leg cramps while saying ya hussain. It just screamed troll.

Salaam alaikum sister, Thank you for asking these questions, some of which have the potential to lead to very deep discussions and the sharing of useful knowledge. Many of the questions you have asked are commonly floating around in the minds of different people, so it is very good to study them together and increase our own understanding. One thing I would like to comment on from your original introduction, is your statement that you wish the conversation to be conducted between sisters without the interference of brothers. In general I agree it could be beneficial to have any number of serious discussions focusing in on the view point of sisters. However, since brothers are able to read this topic, if they view something which is wrong and no one else is standing up and correcting the wrong statement, then they have a duty Islamically to address the wrong being stated. In this case they would not be allowed Islamically to avoid interference in a sister’s only topic. Inshallah I will try to answer some of your questions today and I will come back to answer others at a later time. 1. Do you believe Islam is a patriarchal religion? If so, do you have any trouble reconciling this? No, I believe that God is Just and He loves all of His creatures with a love that is so strong, it is unimaginable to us. And for this reason, He wants to guide all of His creatures towards true happiness and has provided every tool necessary at their disposal for them to reach this happiness, including a set of laws that are perfect, which provide the greatest benefit for all creatures. If God preferred one creature over another for a reason that this creature had absolutely no control over, would this be fair? No, it would not be fair. So it would not be fair for God to prefer one creature just because it was of a particular gender, or race, or possessed a particular level of wealth, or beauty or it is a human rather than an animal, etc. These are all uncontrollable factors. Therefore the body of laws that God provides His creatures with, must lead to all of the creatures obtaining their true happiness without favoritism for any particular group, otherwise God would not be Just. And it is logically impossible for God to be unjust, if He were unjust I would no longer believe He is truly the original cause of all causes. To understand why God must logically be Just is one of the basic pillars of a Muslim’s fundamentals. The fundamentals of the religion are the most important topic in the religion, that every Muslim needs to comprehend at the highest level possible. So inshallah if anyone wants me to further explain why God must logically be Just, please let me know and inshallah in the future I will elaborate on my own understanding. 2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? If so, how do you define 'feminism'? If not, why not? No, I define myself as a creature of God and as a Muslim (one who submits to Gods will, which is in the ability of every creature to do so). As God loves all His creatures and provides for all of them, I must also strive for the rights of all the creatures to be implemented (as this is the just thing to do). Regardless of the creature’s gender, age, race/nationality, religion or species, I must fight for their rights equally without allowing any group to oppress the rights of another. If the definition of a feminist is one who strives for the rights of women to be implemented, then I could be deemed a feminist (and striving for the rights of women) by others, if commitment to this cause would not exclude commitment to the fight for the rights of every other group within God’s creation. For example I would also have to be considered by others as a fighter for animal rights, male rights, children’s’ rights, adult’s rights, elderly rights, the racial and religious minorities rights and the rights of the religious and racial majority, and the list would continue until it encompasses the rights of every group in the creation. To need to define every sector of the creation for whom I fight for, would not be practical. So it is better to be classified under a name which defines me as a striver for the rights of all. Furthermore, I would not define myself separately under the names of each different group because I believe that the whole of creation should be looked upon as a whole whenever possible, to avoid the creation of barriers between us. The reason we should try to define ourselves as being part of one big group, is that God wants the whole of creation to work together in co-operation to achieve the greatest happiness for all, and all our actions should be aimed at achieving this goal. In order to achieve this goal, defining difference between groups of creatures is necessary only for obtaining the understanding of what each individuals role should be for the greatest benefit of the collective (different creatures will have different strengths and weaknesses, and therefore will provide greater benefit working in the areas of their strengths). But when deciding which group we as an individual should work to obtain the greatest benefits for, we should always make our priority the group as a whole (prioritize obtaining the rights of all of creation). If we prioritize achieving benefits and what we deem as ‘rights’ for just one or a few groups, we may overlook the rights of other groups and oppress them. So we need to consider the rights of all groups in the group as a whole, and try to apply equilibrium by following God’s laws. One of the biggest diseases faced by the human is the disease of prioritizing the self at the expense of others. We have to understand that we are created to co-exist in a system that will only function efficiently if there is harmony between every creature. We have to understand that for our self to achieve our greatest benefit, the whole has to achieve the greatest benefit. This is because, if every creature wanted for others the good that they want for their self, then logically no creature would harm another. Feminism combined with the ignorance of the rights of other groups, is another expression of the disease of the self. It is about prioritizing one’s self or one’s own group, in order to try to obtain the greatest benefits for this group. It is no different to racism, nationalism (believing ones nationality is superior), believing one’s religious group to be more important than others and believing adults are superior to children, etc. The desire to obtain benefits for one’s own group above others always comes back to the selfishness of wanting to obtain the greatest benefit for one’s self. And this is harmful if obtaining self benefits, is at the expense of the rights of others. However, being selfish is not necessarily a bad thing. It is necessary to want the greatest benefit for your self, it is a basic instinct God has placed inside all of us. God has placed inside us the desire to obtain the greatest benefit for our self and to avoid harm as much as possible. He has done this so that we will for strive to find the truth of what will really provide the greatest benefit for our self and for us to apply this in our life. If we study reality and discover what the truth really is, we will see that God is Just so He made achieving the greatest benefit for each individual creature directly tied to achieving the greatest benefit for all of the rest of creation. He did this so that there would be the maximum chance for all to receive the greatest benefit. And once we understand that our greatest benefit is achieved by obtaining the greatest benefit for all, then we will fight for justice for all and not just for imagined ‘benefits’ for our self and our own groups, at the expense of oppressing the rights of others. Bad selfishness, is wanting the greatest benefit for one’s self but not truly understanding what that is, and thereby oppressing others to obtain their rights (in the belief that you are gaining more benefit for your self), when truly you are harming the whole of creation (and thereby truly harming your own self). The only way to make your self and the rest of creation happy, is to know what truly are your own rights and what are the rights of the rest of the creation, and then by working to have these rights implemented in every situation we face in everyday life. You can only find out what the true harms and benefits are by finding out what are the true laws that the Just Creator has provided for us. Truly only the One who is Just and has knowledge of all things, can be the only true expert on what laws will provide the greatest benefit for all of His own creation. And that is why we must submit to His laws, for the happiness of our self and all creation, in this life and in the next.

(bismillah) (salam) Just make your own duas, Just speak with Allah ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì. Start with 'In the name Of Allah ,The Most Beneficent The most Merciful.' Then as usual Duas, praise Allah (SWT) and ask him for what you want and never give up hope in him. The important thing is not to lose hope and keep asking. Surely, Allah loves those who (put their) trust (in Him). (3:159). In terms of socialising, jut be yourself; as you don't want people to get a false impression of who you really are. But in terms of making friends and meeting new people why don't you get out of your comfort zone, do different things, new activities, go to different places in your school and try to get known. It's all about confidence. If you have the confidence to stand up and say something at first people may chuckle but then they wont say anything, If anything they'll probably be a bit jealous. That was just an example but if you want to get into a group see what you have in common with them and just try talking to them. Just be yourself, friendly and at first like terminator has mentioned above, it may be a little awkward and you'll have nothing to talk about but just go with the flow, try not to over impress and before you know it, you wont be able to stop talking to them. Also why not try going to extra curriculum activities never know it could be fun and a great way of getting to know people. Maybe at first you wont know anyone but after a while you'll of had to start talking to some people. (wasalam)

As salaam Wa alaykum Maybe you should get this if you already havn't: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0940368420/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1879402343&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=19MV8KY2SCGQAP0MWEA1 Its Nahjul Balagha but idk if you already have it... Maybe do :P but I'm a revert to Islam only a few months ago so I wasn't sure if I should celebrate Christmas with my family or not but a few brothers said in my case and to make my parents happy I should celebrate with them... But it almost turned to disaster when we all had a HUGE family argument about religion and all of a sudden we get the bible scholars and rabbi's in my pop up and tell me how it is -_- and think they know the bible inside and out.. My uncle is telling everyone all these "stupid stories" from the bible trying to say how the Christians are wrong and the bible is 'bs' and I'm sitting there thinking "can't wait till he brings up the Quran, cause I'll rip his argument to pieces.." haha Then he starts going on about Science is SOOO far ahead of religion.... Ect I'm like dude! Religion is 2 steps ahead of science! Always has been always will be. Have you not looked in the Quran? My book teaches Science!! And it was especially awkward because I had only seen my cousins and aunty and uncle 1 or 2 times since converting to Islam so mum decided to give them the news as they walked in the front :/ Well that's my Christmas lunch. Sorry about ranting on :S But back to your gift card. I got my mum to buy me Nahjul Balagha as a present :P but I live in Australia so I bought it from a different on shop. So I'm really excited to get it. But if you have not bought it yet or have a copy, I recommend getting it. Wasalaam :)

mashallah bro. do not forget azadari.

Shiachat just gets better, what a thread.. How about you find out the answer on your own, unless you know the reasoning and daleel but are just here to 'have' fun'

Thank you. There's something you must understand. Don't ever let the subjectivity of a people, whoever they may be, permeate through your mind and force you to believe or behave in a certain manner. The fact is that you live alone, die alone and will be judged alone. You are the pilot of your own life. You fly that plane and guide it wherever you want without crashing it. Trust me, I speak from experience. Place AhlulBayt (as) in the centre of your life and learn from their intellect and ways of virtuosity. Since you elaborated on why you're outspoken, it is definitely a positive trait. Imam al Hussein (a) created an epic revolution and is loved for his stance against tyranny and wrongdoing because he was outspoken. If Sayyida Zeinab (a) wasnt outspoken, her powerful speech that shook the foundations of the palace wouldn't have reached us today. Outspoken people make a difference in the world, as long as its done in the right way and for the right cause. Challenge the status quo. Your father has been brought up in an environment where women are slightly subjugated and are perceived to be a certain way, according to that cultural notion. This is how you solve this. Explain to your father the advantages if being outspoken and how it is embedded in the very fabric of this faith. If he chooses not to listen, it doesn't matter. Respect your father, but take wisdom as your guide and as your role model. I hope what I have said is beneficial for your life.

If she's outspoken and opinionated about Islam and what is halal/haram and right/wrong, then that is a very good trait.. If her opinions are of pure Islam and not cultural.

It depends.....if she were a virgin and still dependent on us I would discourage it and make her understand that her engaging in that could potentially ruin her if the wrong people were to find out, that she could possibly end up heart broken because it is not permanent, and she might even end up getting pregnant and alone without a husband since there is no fool proof way to prevent pregnancy. Young women and girls only see the love and romance part but don't see all of the negative repercussions that could possibly follow. Of course some of these things could happen even in a permanent marriage, but it is less likely. If she is divorced or a widow I wouldn't interfere and I wouldn't have the right to interfere in that case, I could only be thankful that she isn't just sleeping around out of wedlock. My husband on the other hand would probably explode, breath fire, grow horns, and kill everyone in his path......he has a very bad temper.

Having several permanent wives is just that...permanent.....and there is a sense of responsibility, care, and family (children etc.) that goes with it. I think what she was referring to is men who walk around and are like "oh yeah....she's hot...I can't control myself.....MUST HAVE WOMAN!" When he could just lower his gaze....walk away, and remember he has a wife or wives waiting for him any time of day.

(salam), In the hadith a man comes to Imam Ja'far asking why Sayyida Fatima (as) was buried at night, and Imam Ja'far (as) himself opts to tell him the entire story. This shows how absurd it is to say that this a part of history we'd not like to talk about, since it gets no where near harming the status of any of the Infallibles (as). Imam Ja'far tells the man that once a liar came to Sayyida Fatimah (a) and gossiped and lied to her about Imam Ali (a) marrying Abu Jahl's daughter. Sayyida Fatimah (a) would not believe him and repeatedly asked him if he was saying the truth, and he kept saying he did. So then she took Imam Hasan Úáíå ÇáÓáÇã, Imam Hussain (a) and her daughter Kulthoom (a) with her and went to the Prophet (pbuh) where he was praying. She was worried and troubled. So the Prophet (pbuh) took Fatima (a) with him to where Ali (a) was and asked Ali (a) to call Talha, Abu Bakr and Umar and reminded them all that whoever hurts his daughter, hurts him and whoever hurts him, hurts Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) then asked him why Ali (a) had did what he did, and Imam Ali (a) replied that the news which has reached Fatima (a) is wrong and he can not even contemplate of such a thing. The Prophet (pbuh) said Ali (a) has spoken the truth (which shows he already knew, and it wasn't really Imam Ali (a) standing in some kind of a court, being questioned, as some people like to portray it as!!), and Fatima (a) smiled so broadly that her teeth were shown! Umar and Abu Bakr secretly said to each other after this event that they were puzzled at why they were called there. Imam Ja'far then goes on to tell the man about the after-events of the Prophet's (pbuh) death; of Fatima (a) refusing to talk to them. He tells the man that at one point she reminded both Abu Bakr and Umar of this incident where the Prophet (pbuh) explicitly said whoever hurts her, hurts him and whoever hurts him, hurts Allah so that people can bear witness that they were present when this was said to them. Nowhere in the hadith is it said that Fatima (a) believed in what the man said. She was saddened and worried by what she had been informed of - yes. But it wasn't because she believed the Imam had proposed to Abu Jahl's daughter. It was because her husband, the future Caliph and Imam of the Muslims had really ugly rumors flying around about him! Isn't it completely normal for a woman to get worried, when her husband gets trash-talked? Also, Abu Bakr and Umar were completely right to be puzzled about being called in the middle of the night for something that was between Ali and Fatima. But it wasn't something that was between Ali and Fatima! The Prophet (pbuh) wanted to make use of the opportunity (of a sad and worried Fatima (a) ) to send a message to them both of the consequences of hurting her. It's funny how people use this story in a way completely opposite to what it is meant for. wa (salam)

http://eyeraki.blogs...e-triangle.html He's a strong supporter of the state of 'Israel', blames Iran for the Iran-Iraq war. Can't believe that 'AhlulBayt TV' would stoop so low, as to invite someone such as him.

Maybe 'celebrating' is wrong to assume. If your family is not muslim then certain things are expected of you that dont necessarily oppose the Islamic customs. Speaking for myself, this time of year is a time spent with family and reflection. Yes, gifts are exchanged and most others are trying to encourage jollity, but you can be polite, kind and thoughtful and not 'celebrate'.

GEO beshumar

KOVU! :wub: Though er, he's technically a lion.. not a prince... :Hijabi:

Bismehe Ta3ala, Assalam Alikum. Birds chirping, walking out in the sun, my husband's smile (my heart melts, when he smiles at me), my parents smile, my twins when I go chasing them around to put them to bed (they both go the opposite directions, when I catch one and put him to bed, and try to get the other one, the one in bed gets out and hides, and the chase starts all over again) hearing converts stories (I cry too) so many things Alhamd'Allah. Remembering Allah swt and what He has given me in life, so many blessings Alhamd'Allah. I could go on and on...Sub7an'Allah. Always be thankful for what Allah has given you. You never know when He decides to take it away from you. M3 Salamah, FE AMIN Allah