Leaderboard

As Salam Aleykum Hello everyone I am an Australian Christian who two years ago wanted to learn more about Islam because of the climate of terrorism which unfortunately we have a problem with still today. I have read the Qur'an and as I read more of it I believed it to be the words of god. I researched the prophet's life, his teachings and courage all inspired me to believe that his characteristics were that of a true prophet. When I met some Sunni Muslims and asked about Ali and Karbala a event that frequently popped in my research. I was told Shi'a were pagans that believed Ali was a god which these people were my friends so initially I believed them until I researched myself. I found an Islam after the prophet's death that had already strayed off the path of islam. The Arab elites quickly established themselves on top, contradicting the Qur'an with racism and greed. I saw a man named Ali who fought this until he was assassinated and his sons Hussain, Hassan and Abbas had continued to do the same which led me to conclude that Ali and Ahlulbayt were the true successors to the prophet. Now that you know my story I would like to know what steps an individual has to take to convert and confirm his belief in Islam. Thanks you for reading my story, I look forward to your answers.

WS, They are Fudayl b. Yassaar and Mu`alla b. Khunays.

Wow, congrats on your path to Haq . May God always bless you. I would say to recite the Shahada, and then perhaps go to a Shia mosque and let him know that you wish to become Muslim. I believe the Shahada is done in front of witnesses. Then, I would suggest to incorporate Islam (like praying) into your life slowly, without overwhelming yourself. Start by praying Fajr for a certain period of time, then, when you’re ready, pray zhuhr. And repeat this until you feel comfortable and ready to pray the five daily prayers in one day. Always remember that people are here for you, and take it slow.

Assalaamualeykum, I was going through the quotes of all the great leaders who had praise the goal and aim of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), then I stumble upon the quote of Mahatma (Great Soul) Gandhi, this made me eager to dig more about the authenticity of his quote. I was searching for his saying on Imam Hussain from any book or letter source, unfortunately all that was available online was mere a quote not a reference was mentioned, this made me more curious to find out whether all his saying are legit or are they all forged. Then I happened to find the website https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org/ , which have authentic letters of Mahatma Gandhi in a Book form, which is named as 'The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi' and it is in 100 Volumes. It is on their website which says, "A one-time authentic documentation of Gandhiji’s available writings was carried out meticulously, and conscientiously under the CWMG project of the Government of India in 1956." And after going through this book, I have collected some authentic sayings of Mahatma Gandhi regarding Imam Hussain (عليه السلام). And I was amazed how well this Hindu leader adopts his life by following the footsteps of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام). Saying #1: Imam Hasan and Hussein refused to acknowledge the authority of Yazid, for it would have been wrong to do so. For this reason, that is, in order to preserve their honour, they became martyrs. Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 7, Letter #89, Pg 122-123. Scan Page: Pg 122: http://oi63.tinypic.com/2lldci8.jpg Pg 123: http://oi64.tinypic.com/9kr18z.jpg Saying #2: Mr. Shahji Saheb, after referring to what Hazrat Imam Hussein had suffered, said that what had happened to Ram Sundar Pundit might also happen to a Muslim priest. Unable to bear this thought, he had forced himself to be prepared to follow the Pundit to gaol. Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 7, Pg 418. Scan Page: Pg 418: http://oi65.tinypic.com/2mw8qxw.jpg Saying #3: Imam Hassan and Hussain were merely two boys. They felt that an injustice had been done to them. When called upon to surrender, they refused. They knew at the time that this would mean death for them. If, however, they were to submit to injustice, they woud disgrace their manhood and betray their religion. In these circumstances, they yielded to the embrace of death. The heads of these fine young men rolled on the battlefield. In my view, Islam did not attain its greatness by the power of the sword but entirely through the self-immolation of its fakirs (saints). Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 13, Letter #395, Pg 518. Scan Page: Pg 518: http://oi65.tinypic.com/2mfllol.jpg Saying #4: Muslim students have before them the example of Imam Hasan and Husain. Islam has not been kept alive by the sword, but by the many great fakirs (saints) with a high sense of honour whom it has produced. Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 19, Letter #36, Pg 48-49. Scan Page: Pg 48: http://oi67.tinypic.com/11tolz4.jpg Pg 49: http://oi63.tinypic.com/2hrl5zo.jpg Saying #5: The marks of a Kshatriya spirit are not cruelty and hard-heartedness; it consists, rather, in forbearance, readiness to forgive, compassion, nobility, apalayanam (Not running away from battle in fear) and the strength to stand unshaken and fearless even under a shower of bullets. The true Kshatriya does not kill but receives blows on himself. Imam Hussen and Hassan were Kshatriyas. Their oppressor was a tyrant. Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 20, Letter #60, Pg 52. Scan Page: Pg 52: http://oi64.tinypic.com/2qiprmb.jpg Note: Kshatriya (from Sanskrit kśatra, "rule, authority") is one of the four varna (social orders) of the Hindu society. The Sanskrit term kśatriya is used in the context of Vedic society wherein members organised themselves into four classes: kshatriya, brahmin, vaishya and shudra. Traditionally, the kshatriya constituted the ruling and military elite. Their role was to protect society by fighting in wartime and governing in peacetime. Saying #6: In this connection, it would be well to ponder over the lives and examples of Harishchandra, Prahlad, Ramachandra, Imam Hasan and Imam Husain, the Christian saints, etc. How beautitful it would be if all of us, young and old, men and women, meditated, till next week, on these thoughts at all hours of the day, whetther working, eating, drinking or playing, and were rewarded with innocent sleep? Source: The Collected Works Of Mahatma Gandhi, Vol 44, Pg 41. Scan Page: Pg 41: http://oi63.tinypic.com/2nuomkz.jpg

Karbala would be like a door to the highest place in heaven hence my vote. Its certainly not an easy choice if considering for real but we all have to die one day and what better place and time than with Imam Hussain (as) and the Ahl al Bayt (as)? I think one can not choose this honor rather it chooses you if you are so worthy. Jamal was just sad for Imam Ali (as). Not many people may know this but the Imam cried the night before battle. Since he was not easy at all with the idea of there being the only option of sending to hell misguided people in the conflict and fighting the first muslim civil war in history. Its sad if we think about it. Lifetimes of sacrifice, devotion, education, selfless service, care and all the feats of humanity for a nation and it all gets wasted on so many of them.

Pray. Contemplate. Serve others while expecting nothing in return. Pray some more. Repent of your sins and omissions. Be in nature. Do good deeds. Pray some more.

Tip 1 Join a student society. The primary objective isn't to make friends it's to engage in whatever the focus of the society happens to be, whether it is making robots or inviting speakers to the university. But you'll likely find that as part of the process of doing these things you get to know other people outside the study context and have a basis for having an interesting shared interest. That interest will also mean that you don't have to worry about small talk. Tip 2 Not exactly a solution to loneliness but a chance for a good laugh. If you are at a western university, it's likely that some members of the local evangelical Christian student chapter will find you out in your loneliness. Of course, it will initially seem as if they are out to care for you, but really it's just a scam to sell you Jesus (a.s.). Might be fun to play along with them, you know the same way that some people play along with Nigerian scammers. Tip 3 On the topic of Nigerian scammers, I hope the following technical paper from Microsoft cheers you up. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/why-do-nigerian-scammers-say-they-are-from-nigeria/

I will try not to angry my parents. Insha-Allah.

I'm sorry to hear of your situation, sounds very messy. I will make duas for you iA and I hope your situation improves!

Trust that fancy talky direction thing in my daughter's new car that put me in the middle of a cow pasture.

The whole world disproves of the kurdish independence referendum except for the state of israel which not only does not disprove of it but also encourages it and supports it. Why on earth would the state of israel care at all about the kurds and their faith? Out of the kindness of the governments heart? Please. Following that, you see people in kurdistan waving israeli flags around. Brother please, its time to put our religion before our nationalities. When a source of prime dhulm on earth like the government of the state of israel is supporting your actions, then its time to question oneself.

سبحان الله Salam Alaikum oh sister in Islam, May the honor has been granted to me, For surely, Helping the Mu’mineen is honourable. http://www.duas.org/death.htm

Yes, Imam Zayn ul Abideen is also known as Imam Sajjad, the imam of prostration in prayer. His life was one of the most tragic imaginable, but he maintained piety, strength, compassion, and dignity through it all.

^ May you be comforted in sorrow....is this the gentleman with whom my grandson shares a name?

Conflicts on such scale are not solved by dialogue when one of the parts completely disobeys the other. Not only over the dispute of Kirkuk, but also over the Referendun to begin with. Forcing a Referendum under such pressure and starting an unilateral secession resisted by regional troops, attacking the federal government, is not will to dialogue. It is the type of behaviour that should be answered firmly and directly, especially when cockroaches such as the zionists are behind it. May God bless all those fighters and their families and protect them from all evil as they are giving their lives to protect the people and integrity of Iraq.

Yes it can be revived: Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى says: Discussion of knowledge between my slaves is among that which enlivens the dead hearts if it leads them [to submit] to my command. al-Kafi: 1/40 Start follow what Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى commands, do prayers in time, stop disobeying and sinning and pray to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى to give you mercy and to revive your heart, and seek knowledge and act upon it and seek repentance everyday.

This means you follow your parents or fore fathers rather in a blind manner,. but does the Quran not mention to avoid following fore fathers?

سبحان الله Nationalism is poison for the mind, Equal to the desires of music, May the victory lays upon the Party of Ali, And may the city of Kirkuk be liberated, The Land of Warmth.

I want to fight the future wars!

Salam, what country do you live in? Are the inheritance laws secular or Islamic? Even though this is a tough time, you need to bring to issue to your father whilst he is still alive, he has to make a will in order to clear this up. Ignore your sister, this is amateur manipulation, you know that she isn't suicidal. I feel sorry for the kids in these situations as the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Wa alaikum as salam wwb After reading your quest for Haq- I am unable to say much. You can become a muslim simply by reciting Shahada i.e. testimony for Oneness of Allah, Prophethood of Mohammad saww and Wilayat of Ameerul momeneen Ali ibn Abitalib as. After reciting shahadah, you will be a muslim and you need to follow and tread the path of Islam as reported by Prophet and his Ahlulbayt.

Condolences on the martyrdom of Imam Sajjad AS.

Today marks the day when the people who put Islam first clearly differentiate from the people who put their sense of false pride first (see nationalism). See how the peshmerga twitter page are turning the conflict into "shia vs kurds" or "iran vs kurds" at the same time they keep pleading to israel and the US to help them. I hope they suffer utter defeat, I hope that will be the fate of every lap dog of israel and the US. https://twitter.com/KURDISTAN_ARMY?ref_src=twsrc^tfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rt.com%2Fnews%2F406773-iraq-kirkuk-operation-peshmerga%2F https://www.rt.com/news/406773-iraq-kirkuk-operation-peshmerga/ Its funny, the general kurdish sentiment towards shias are turning so sour that even the other day one of my kurdish child hood friends who told me to not say Ya Hussein(as) because its shirk, that saddam(la) was actually good for the kurds... Man are peoples brains developing backwards nowadays?

Never do again? Join the Army.

Art supply store

Ever since the forums existed until today there have been hundreds of people who were converts from Sunni to Shia, just go through the old topics/posts and you'll find them. If you mean how many of them are still active on this forum, there are many, but I don't want to name any names. This is one of many threads:

@everyone Good answers!

I'm young, so Jamal is a win/win for me. Inshallah I have enough years left to fight in Karbala afterwards. If not I will be Shaheed, and who can complain about that?

(salam) (bismillah) It is narrated that Imaam Mohammad al-Baqer (as): Imaam Sajjad (as) was supporting 100 poor families in Madinah. He liked the orphans, the needy, the long-time sick, and the poor who had no supporters, to be present at his feasts. He, himself, used to deliver food among them. Glimpses of the Lives of the Messenger Mohammad (pbuh) and His Household al-Balagh Foundation Page 176

May all the people be safe and damage to property minimized. I don't know if it's related, but hurricane and tropical storm events in UK and Europe was predicted as one of the results of global warming a long time ago, before anyone outside of the scientific community every heard of global warming. It's not unprecedented, but it's rare.

I don't understand why this is something dislikeable, many would have died from both of sides.

NIce info bro. Thanks for Sharing.

Also, Al-Islam.org is best website for resources for religious education. http://islamicmobility.com/ are best site for english readers....

Your sister is a manipulator. She knows all the buttons to push to make you tick. your first step is not to fight or argue with her. You have to learn to play with manipulators. Yes, you may have to sacrifice being nice, but it is no different then being a leader of a group, nation, people. Art of dealing with many mind sets is a skill that one either has or learns it. https://www.drgeorgesimon.com/covert-aggressives-manipulative-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing/ Read his book too. Also forget what she or others say, you need to consider things in terms of law. Where do you stand in that, so far it seems you are in the right. Stop trying to help her, there is no need and neither are you obliged too. focus on what is important, considering you are wasting emotions in too many avenues is making you burn out, which then allows you to be manipulated even further.

Salam, Brother. Welcome to Islam! Allah bless you.

Hamza Yusuf @ 14:50 Alvin Plantinga @ 1hr 25:20

Of course the Shia from Karbala, but the thing is, WHY do we carve his name? I have a turba from Karbala and the name of Allah SWT is carved on it.

If you had the choice of buying two pieces of turba (clay tablet for praying) would you want the one that was made by a Shia company and had a sprinkling of the dust of Karbala embedded in it OR would you want the one made by a Sunni business that was just a regular clay tablet?

here are loads of duas https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=000673913639495249759%3Asqobbsx_ijk&cof=FORID%3A0&q=job&siteurl=www.duas.org%2Fmuharram.desktop.index.htm&ref=duas.org%2F&ss=192j19584j3#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=job&gsc.page=1

why do you believe that you need to give him an answer?. If that person believes it, let him do so. let me him entertain his own mind with that little pleasure of his. He could be right, considering, he was silly enough to erase his own memory in the first place. I'd say he was once a mental health patient in the world of God's. The theories to rebut can be as comical as the theories of existence too. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandiose_delusions Just one many complexes.

You did not say which battle you voted for.

Nationalism is disease, it makes even Muslims to kill other Muslims because of it.

To choose between participating in the Battle of Jamal or Karbala, I suppose it was a biased question to be polling during the Holy Month of Muharram, but it made us think about some important things. I would bandage the wounded, take care of the ill, and comfort the children. Ya Allah, may Your blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad SA and his Ahlul Bayt AS.

I selected the first option for the reason that if the majority of Muslims remained loyal to Imam Ali a.s, there is a case of the event of Karbala never occurring (despite being foretold).

My answer will always be Karbala. I think every Imam expressed a desire or regret at not being able to be in Karbala to help Syeddus Shohada (as).

Salaam, The reason for the lack of 'sahih' books amongst the Shia, as I understand it is that Bihar al-Anwar and other books of hadith are compilations of narrations many of which are considered strong/weak depending on the view of the mujtahid/scholar approaching the aforementioned books. Nobody claims to have the 'full' truth in order to create a 'sahih' and in the scholarly realm, each scholar uses his own methods of determining what is considered sahih/otherwise, and this is why there is a difference of views and a difference of outcomes with regards to fiqh etc. It is not considered a 'good thing' to have a 'sahih' when approaching narrations and history, the only one who can make such a claim is a ma'soom (infallible) and anyone other than an infallible is able to error and so all the narrations should be out there as is so that they can be constantly analyzed and so that we can to the best of our abilities try to ascertain truth and so that we can always keep the door open to correcting ourselves and our views. The only untampered and infallible text we have that is considered 'Sahih' is the Holy Quran, history and historical narrations are not and are always subject to review.

There are books written where they only pick out the sahih narrations of certain books. And there are books which grade the hadiths in other books. Like Mir'at Al-Uqool by Al-Majlisi, when it comes to grading Al-Kafi.

Salams, First, his excuse that it is halal for him is invalid. The sharia is the same for everyone and even the Prophet (except for the condition of having four permenant wives) and Imams were not exempt from any part of the Sharia and they followed it more closely than anyone. There is no marjaa or even any semi-knowledgeable scholar that would say that what he is doing is in any way halal. It is haram, and clearly haram and I would challenge anyone on this point and if he wants to bring his arguments based on Quran and reliable ahadith and Sunnat of our Prophet or Imams(a.s), I would be glad to hear them but I don't think he has any. As for the point regarding masturbation, see my pinned topic on Islam and Masturbation, that should be enough evidence for a reasonable person. As for looking at pornography, there is very much evidence from Quran and ahadith that this is nothing but strengthening your low desires so that Shaitan can gain mastery over you and eventually destroy your Iman and taqwa. He is under the false belief that this 'habit' can be contained to a certain time and place in his life and that it will not affect other areas, like his Iman, Wajibat, Taqwa, work, reputation, and marriage. He is already ignoring evidence to the contrary, since you made it clear that it was affecting your marriage. Just because this is a very common 'habit' nowdays due to the proliferation of the Internet and other technologies doesn't make it any less haram or less severe in affecting a man and his Islam. I don't believe in things like putting filters on his computer, getting rid of the Internet, (unless he specifically asks you to do this). It doesn't work and he will always find ways around this. All the stuff that you can get on a PC with a wired internet connection, you can get on an iPhone or Smartphone with web access enabled. So there is no technological solution to this, not anymore. The solution, and the only solution, is for him to rededicate himself to taqwa, and realize this is haram and fear Allah(s.w.a) and the consequences of this. I have been reading a book about ahadith from Imam Sadiq(a.s), and he has alot of hadith that may be relevant to this issue. First, he has many ahadith that say that a believer must live his life between fear and hope. He must fear the punishment of Allah(s.w.a) for his wrong actions as if he is standing before the hellfire and about to be thrown into it, and simultaneously he must hope for the reward of Allah(s.w.a) as if he is standing at the gate of Paradise. If he goes too far toward the fear side, he will lose all hope of the Rahma of Allah(s.w.a) and this is called Yas (despair) in the traditions and is considered amoung the worst spiritual diseases. At the same time (and I think this is his problem), he should not forget about the punishment of Allah(s.w.a). He should not imagine that Allah(s.w.a) will not punish him for his disobedience. The punishment of Allah(s.w.a) is always a possibility for anyone, and there are many ahadith about this. He may continue in his error to the point that Allah(s.w.a) might decide that he will not forgive him after this because he has given him every chance and he has refused to reform himself. Everyone should die of fear at that point, because there is not hope for him then, and for sure the fire is after that. Noone, including himself knows when or if that point will come, but he should do everything he can to avoid this by doing what Allah(s.w.a) likes and refraining from everything that Allah(s.w.a) hates. The haram are the most hated things by Allah(s.w.a) and those things that will risk Him(s.w.a) becoming angry. We seek refuge in Allah(s.w.a) from earning his anger and displeasure and we know that we cannot bear this. It is taqwa that reforms people, and nothing else. Salams,

(bismillah) (salam) Imam Sajjad (as): The Secret Helper of the Poor People The view common people have towards one who isolates himself from society and devotes his life solely to performing his religious rituals, such as praying, ablution (Wudu’), supplicating, Hajj, etc, is a stranger to the society. Such a person cares nothing about his materialistic and social life, and spends his life in worship. The life of Imam ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn, Sajjad (as) however, contradicts this view. Despite his long unique prayers and supplications, Imam Sajjad (as) was never ignorant of his society, its needs, and the realities of the time. In fact, in regards to interactions with society, he was a role model in the social and moral duties. Muhammad Ishaq narrates: “Many of the poor citizens of Madinah had experienced the generosity and kindness of Imam ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn. Yet, they never found out it was the Imam as he would visit them during the nights, until ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn (as) passed away, and that anonymous man never came to them any more. It was then that they found out that that anonymous helper was Imam Zayn al-‘Abedin (as).” [1] Abu Hamzah ath-Thumali also narrates: “During the night, Imam Zayn al-’Abedin (as) would carry food on his shoulders for the poor and needy people. He would say, ‘Giving charity in secret will subside the anger of God.’” [2] ibn Sa’d, who died around 200 AH, has narrated: “There were many poor people who would come to the Imam for help, and before they even asked for anything, the Imam would give them what they wanted. Imam Sajjad (as) would then say, ‘Giving charity is received by God before it is received by the poor.’” [3] It was from the examples mentioned above that when the Imam was martyred, and some were helping in washing his body (giving him ghusl), they noticed the wounds on his shoulder and back. They asked about it, and found out that the wounds were the result of carrying the food for the poor. [4] (Taken from the book “Imam as-Sajjad (as) the Beauty of Worshipers,” by Ahmad Torabi) Reference: 1- Kashf al-Ghummah, volume 2, page 266 2- Aghani volume 14, page 74; Helyat al-Awliya volume 3, page 135; Kashf al-Ghummah, volume 2, page 266; A’yan as-Shi’ah volume 1, page 633 3-Tabaqat ibn Sa’d volume 5, page 160 4- Aghani volume 14, p. 74; Helyat al-Awliya volume 3, page 135; Kashf al-Ghummah, volume 2 page 266; A’yan as-Shi’ah volume 1, page 633 Martyrdom of Imam Sajjad (as) Imam ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn (as) the fourth Shi’ah Holy Imam and the eldest son of Imam Husayn (as) famous as Zayn al-‘Abedin and Sayyed as-Sajjad was martyred by poisoning on 25th Muharram in the year 95 AH at Madinat al-Munawwarah and is buried at Jannat al-Baqi’ cemetery near his uncle Imam Hasan (as). Imam Zayn al-‘Abedin (as) after the tragic martyrdom of his holy father Imam Husayn (as) propagated the message of the “Husayni Revolution” by his historical sermons and speeches delivered in Iraq, Syria and Hejaz. The Du’as (Supplications) taught by Imam Sajjad (as) is recorded in the sacred book, generally known as “Sahifat as-Sajjadiyah” and “Sahifat al-Kamelah.”