Mohamed

http://twitter.com/remlectures Links to English-language lectures from around the world! Because we're all looking for powerful reminders of the sacrifice of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S.) on these Muharram nights.

Shukran!

Does anyone have his recitation of Du'a Kumayl available in MP3 or AAC format? It's available in a three-part series on YouTube (link) but I'm looking for the original (presumably higher quality) file. Thanks!

"Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition." (13:11)

What does that even mean? Any discussion of politics should be couched in real language, proofs, and incidents, not scary language meant to churn doubt in the minds of those looking to their brethren for understanding and answers. P.S. Govt of Shaytaan? Really? I hope you're not a citizen, lawful permanent resident, or ever hope to visit the United States.

Aside from Rumina, it's good to know ShiaChat is still heavily patronized by those foaming at the mouth at any opportunity to deny any American politician a chance. Way to go, guys.

Salaams, I won't be able to make it to a local mosque for many of the first 12 nights of Muharram this year and was wondering which centers/mosques out there will be broadcasting video English language lectures this year. I know many, many centers broadcast audio, but I'm looking for one with video. Thanks for any help...

Salaams, Thanks for the link, but unfortunately no reference to the story there.

Salaams all, So I was raised always hearing the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) and the fire of Nimrut (King Nimrod). Specifically, there was a frog that took water in its small mouth and doused it on the fire in an effort to help extinguish it. When the other frogs chided it for doing so, the frog replied that on the Day of Judgment, it would be able to claim that it at least performed its duty in trying to help the Prophet of Allah. Now, I always thought this story had a Qur'anic origin, but I don't know if that's correct... Can anyone help me find a conclusive source or textual basis for this story? Thank you! -Mohamed

I keep getting this error: Any idea what's up?

Salaam, I think it pertinent to quote the exact wording of Sheikh Sahlani's statement that has given rise to the "change":

No, not all Ja'fari Shi'as perform latmiyyah ("beat themselves"). It is a personal choice.

Is your MSA affiliated with MSA National (http://www.msa-natl.org/)? I'm sure they could provide some great ideas, if not templates for fundraising events, etc.

Wow, checking out their website for the first time since it was redesigned and I see this: That's just bad taste. If a Muslim group based in the U.S. is going to address anything on 9/11, it should be the attacks of 2001, especially on its fifth anniversary. We don't exist in a vacuum -- as an American Muslim I think it's important and relevant for us to mourn along with all other Americans for the loss of life on 9/11/2001. As I heard President Khatami remark on Friday, two crimes were committed on September 11 -- civilians were killed and it was done in the name of Islam. (Source: link)

Umm, different strokes for different folks, maybe? I guess the same could be said about the ISNA convention, which will be held 275 miles away (and which will feature a handful of Shi'a speakers this year).