dragonxx

Indeed, I was hoping for the OP to answer though =P. But I suppose my follow-up question was, does chest beating fall under religious practice? i.e. is it something professed as a part of Islam?

Makes sense, I suppose this is why I haven't come across any actual explanations besides buzzwords. But... Would this mean that while it's not yet proven, it has yet to be disproven? Does Jupiter also affect climate, by extension, on Earth for instance? Why shouldn't changes in movement and speed also lead to tectonic shifts through inertia? This is all new to me so excuse my simplistic questions. Tbh overall still sounds like astrology to me more than anything, i.e. lucky guess. But I'd rather not exclude a possibility of interplanetary effects if it's not yet something disproven.

what is the definition of bidha?

very nice, reminds me of the quote "you presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire Universe" - attributed to Imam Ali ((عليه السلام))

Continuous prayers to our brethren suffering through these times. The images and videos are genuinely heart-wrenching. I had never come across "critical planet geometry" until I came across this gentleman on twitter. He apparently gained over 800k followers over 24h from his relatively accurate prediction. For muslims, this should be relevant because it brings up something I think may be islamically important - astrology. Of course, from this gentleman's perspective, there are theories that gravitational or electromagnetic forces may be responsible for earthquakes on Earth based off the spacial orientation of other planets in our solar system, thus potentially (classical) scientific based predictions - that's fine. But what I was wondering, is this just simply coincidental and not a legitimate concept, and he is unknowingly practicing astrology, in which case his predictions should be completely ignored? Anyone have an understanding of what 'critical planet geometry' really is? Explanations that I've come across are vague.

Salam everyone. Leaving aside what inspired this post, I figured it may be of benefit I share my thoughts regarding this. I am hoping, at least, there will be increased self-awareness and foresight for those who choose to partake in these seemingly innocent celebrations. I will try to be concise. Best to start with this video link (arabic only): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXIJiiGS46c, which in summary explains that apparently the opinion of Sayed Sistani is that ultimately it's halal to celebrate Valentine's Day so long as forbidden acts are not involved. Couldn't really find any other sources of fatwas. I don't disagree with this premise on a fundamental level, however not all halal acts are necessarily advisable (by 'acts' here, I'm more referring to excitement, planning, decorating, celebrating, i.e. making it a thing of significance, as opposed to a minor playful interactions). I will highlight only 3 reasons for brevity why muslims should avoid V-day acts: 1. V-day is religious in its origin and anti-Islamic in (popular) practice It's apparently a non-islamic religious celebration at its root. That alone should be sufficient enough that it should not be prioritized in an Islamic household. But to explain further, propagating religious (and Western culture) celebrations, which in common day is often associated with impermissible expressions of love and establishment of forbidden-type relationships is problematic in my view. 2. Don't underestimate what I call generational dilution These types of practices are what lead to the dilution and even alteration of one's religion in generations to come, which you may have to answer for on Judgement day. An example of this can be highlighted by visiting parts of Syria for instance (my prayers with all muslim brothers/sisters suffering from the earthquakes); there exist families with Shia names and roots directly from Ahlulbayt ((عليه السلام)) yet they are the most staunch of Salafis. Why? Schools are teaching one thing, and families are planning Valentine's Day --> generational dilution (and eventual loss) of Shia knowledge, practices, beliefs. I highlight generational above to illustrate this takes time to happen. You may not appreciate that, right now, there is any ill effect towards your religion, let alone your children from celebrating Valentine's Day under the guise of love. But understand your foresight and self-awareness are limited. As V-day celebration is engrained in you, it imprints onto your children, and by the time they're old they may be taking up Christmas/other non-Islamic holidays. Perhaps a century later the great grand-children are visiting churches, singing Christmas carols, or getting baptized. Think that's extreme? Ask the Salafi named AbdulHussein son of AbdulHassan. 3. Islam is a way of life, so let us get that sorted first Still halal though, right? Can't tell your family to not be excited, planning weeks and weeks ahead to celebrate something halal. Well, at this point, let us discuss more reasons about why not Valentine's Day celebrations AFTER we are knowledgeable and whole-heartedly practicing Islamic celebrations first. Not just Eid el-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but also Eid al-Mubahila and Eid al-Ghadeer. Also the birth of each of the illustrious members of Ahlulbayt ((عليه السلام)) who have suffered endlessly for us to live in free expression of the true Islamic faith. The day Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)) and Sayeda Fatemia ((عليه السلام)) were married (there's your Shianetine day). Educational activities for children (and adults...). Baked goods. Flowers. Expressions of love. Remembrance. Once excitement for our religion and culture is imprinted into the family structure, then let us "get excited" and discuss partaking in celebrations that come from other religions and certain cultures that in modern day practice are contrary to the spirit of Islam. The leader of a household has a duty to ensure true Islam propagates for decades to come, not just selfishly think about oneself and immediate family. Re: Imam Hussein ((عليه السلام)). If despite this, for some of you Valentine's Day is a 'sentimental' or 'family' tradition "necessary" to enjoy, beware the slippery slope so you may at least educate those who come after you regarding actually important celebrations, like the unparalleled significance of Eid al-Ghadeer for instance.

If you do go with the sunni choice, stipulate in the marriage contract the children adopt shia beliefs, and that should he decide to dishonour this agreement later on, then you have the right of divorce and keeping the children or something to that effect make sure you are protected. a man of principle will have no issue with you making certain stipulations in the marriage contract. but then again i doubt a sunni man of principle would marry a shia. thus i encourage your patience to seek a shia partner

Circular argument - a guide who misguides, more "relatable" or not, is inexcusable coming from God. God's authority on Earth: "Whoops, sorry, I realized I didn't know how to divide inheritance between you 6 brothers and 3 sisters, my bad. Sucks for you sisters, I gave the brothers extra portions which they've already spent. But hey, at least you can feel more relatable to me as you wallow in poverty!=)" Jokes aside, here is an example - it's the same type of expression a Christian would use in defence when saying God came in the form of Jesus to share and take our pain/sins, be relatable, etc. Yeah sure... except you don't have God anymore, you have a limited entity who even engages in human behaviour including excretory functions...

No because that would contradict the prerequisite I mentioned that God is perfect. Perfection precludes mistakes. Going along with 313_Waiter's theme, what kind of God sends a guide who misguides? =P In a more relatable way, would you pour acid on your eyes? No because it's easy for you to perceive the potential harm and torment that would result. Likewise, when you're a Prophet of God, or God's chosen one, or God's chosen guide, you perceive even the most minor sins in the same way. Imam Ali ibn Hussein ((عليه السلام)) used to shake every time he performed wudhu in fear of standing before Allah. It's all about the insight. Contrast the toddler exploring the dangers of a fire to the adult who has experienced its effects.

For me it was logic. Humans are fools. God is perfect. God sent Islam to guide us fools. The Guide can't be a fool or it'll be a fool guiding fools (look at history's world leaders both in Muslim majority and muslim minority countries) Thus the Guide must be perfect After the Prophet (pbuhf), Ali ibn Abi Talib ((عليه السلام)) historically is the only human who meets this criteria of being perfect and selected by God through His Prophet (pbuhf) Quran and Hadith confirmed this to me. So this is why.

Maybe... haha. I read it a long time ago. Could've even been a sunni source so not totally sure =P, but I really wouldn't be surprised. I'll look to see if we have a source and post anything i find.

Takeover of this will probably be the prelude to the destruction of the Kaaba which we know is going to happen.

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/50/E1923 https://twitter.com/CMAJ?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author trash. but not surprising. many people in powerful positions despite clearly harbouring and exercising obscene bias against other human beings. someone needs to publish how western culture promoting their daughters wives mothers to pursue pornographic and other sexual careers is the real fuel to rape-culture. maybe then they'll retract the above article.

not surprising, not the first time and nor the last unfortunately.

Just some highlights I wanted to really echo, unfortunate it will bounce off the skull of some

Full access and understanding of the teachings? If that's true, then what do you need a leader for as I said above? So yeah, definitely a correct analogy, you're just completely missing the point. I cannot show you. See how easy it is to give a direct answer? What proof is it that you're looking for in regards to P1? Where do you derive these prerequisites from, for instance, Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)) by your criteria seems to have been unsuccessful in teaching matters of Halal/Haram for many years. Is that his fault? Or is that because people weren't interested to be taught? "Ask me before you lose me" Tell me, does the Prophet lead Friday prayer for people on a different continent? Would he have been able to teach you matters of halal/haram directly while you're on a different continent? I really don't understand your point. Perhaps I am not understanding something very basic, if so, enlighten me. Indeed a serious matter, and I have laid out logical arguments which you have circumvented, instead choosing to focus on technical arguments that posters above have already answered. Therefore it appears we have reached an impasse as neither my approach nor the approach of others have lead to fruition dear brother!

This is a separate discussion because Sayed Sistani isn't the Imam. We are talking about the Imam of the people. Indeed, along with additional matters. All of which require complete/perfect knowledge of Quran/Ahlulbayt. When the Sun is hidden behind the clouds, it is the deficiency of the perceiver that he disbelieves in the Sun's existence. Nonetheless, even conceding to your point, people choosing an Imam to follow is inconsistent with Quran in and of itself as I keep explaining repeatedly, thus you would also be wrong in your ways. Well I guess me, you, and every convert who lived in Europe 1400 years ago are in the same boat, aren't we! Except our school is not nihilistic about it. The idea is to struggle throughout one's life and purify oneself progressively with what we have available to us. It's not supposed to be easy. Deep down you are frustrated nobody is feeding you the easy answers and so you turn to an illusion to fulfill yourself. Like I said, had you been living a muslim somewhere overseas like in the New World 1400 years ago, you'd probably have said the Prophet (pbuhf) or Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)) are unavailable to tell you directly whether the third testimony is correct or incorrect, and so you'd have turned your back as a result, the same way you are now.

@Zaidism my dear brother, I whole-heartedly disagree with you. You are not recognizing my calls to the fault in your logic and I will demonstrate this again: You claim that the Imam is only to be obeyed if he is consistent with Quran and Sunnah. You claim that the people should be the judge of this such that if the Imam fails to conduct himself appropriately, the people should not follow him (i.e. the people determine the leader which you embarrassingly try to circumvent repeatedly). The issue here is that the Imam should be the one holding the people accountable, not the other way around. In other words, the people are generally incapable of consistently and non-erroneously making correct judgements according to Quran and Sunnah of Rasoolallah. It is not in their capacity, with their limited understanding of the Quran/Sunnah, to select an Imam with complete knowledge of Quran/Sunnah to lead them. Rather, it is the Imam who illuminates the people with his complete knowledge. Therefore Allah, His Prophet (pbuhf) and subsequently Imams of Ahlul-Bayt ((عليه السلام)) select the Imam of the people. By this logic, there can only be one individual, and that is our Imam who is in a form of occultation just like how Jesus ((عليه السلام)) and Khidr ((عليه السلام)) were in occultation. I fail to understand your difficulty in understanding this concept. This statement demonstrates to me brother that you are unfortunately very haughty, and over-estimating yourself. It is almost as if you are claiming you and others in your school have complete knowledge of Islam such that you are able to select an Imam according to your "complete" understanding of Quran/Sunnah, and hold the Imam accountable. In which case, you and your likes might as well all be leaders given your complete assessment of Quran/Sunnah, and flawless implementation of said assessments. How is it that an individual with incomplete knowledge is able to appreciate and correctly appoint the leadership of someone with superior, complete knowledge?

So BASICALLY what you're saying is that the people determine who the individual is with the aforementioned qualities... lol. If you don't see the problem in that... you evidently haven't reflected on history, where 100s of instances exist when a group of people "searched" for someone "qualified" only to have a hitler lead them. People are unreliable. They can't identify who has such qualities. They can't tell the difference between a male and female, and you expect them to "search" successfully for someone who meets Professor Zaidism's interpretation of what the correct qualities are, assuming everyone can accept your interpretation in the first place! Meanwhile more than half the human race is walking, if not posting pictures of themselves, with their bare bums showing like donkeys! Do you still not see the problem with letting the people "decide" "search" "determine" or whatever gymnastic word you want to use in an effort to save face? You claim its "different" How are the two examples here any different? Anyone can rise up and claim to be an Imam. Anyone can portray the Prof Zaidism qualities with enough support, ESPECIALLY in modern age. In effect, anyone can select anyone. That's even WITH assuming everyone subscribes to your interpretation of Islam, as opposed to the interpretations and commands provided by Ahlul-Bayt ((عليه السلام)). Allah selected His leader on this Earth every single time, from the start until now. In what world do you think that your genius Prof interpretations of the people "searching" and determining the Imam will supersede this fact?

Dear brother, instead of typing all this, a few words would have sufficed to address my question, without a need to shift any goalpost anywhere. Regardless, my question is highly relevant to the occultation; it's all about Imam selection in any era, including ours Who determines that he truly carries the aforementioned qualities? The people? or someone specific? Himself? Who? It'll take only 1-3 words max to answer this simple question...

You're not answering the question brother. Who makes the determination? Is it the people as you later say? Surely you can give me a straight answer. Is it the people who choose (based on the criteria you posted) or not?

Unfortunately after reading this thread I have not seen something that directly addresses some of the points of my last post. I do see some clear contradictions in what you're saying though, such as "the people don't choose their imams" while simultaneously saying "the one who is most fit deserves to be the leader". What is the difference between that; you're effectively saying you have to be convinced about the most fit, i.e. you and smarties like you choose the leader lol. If what I said isn't true, you need to elaborate how you would deem who is most fit, because last I checked the only ones capable of doing that are the God's chosen ones.Otherwise we end up with Trumps and Muawiyahs =)

I don't entirely agree. Disagree part: he was khalifa at the time, won the battle, and could have razed any opposition down and ripped her and any leftover supporters into pieces, re-written history, etc. just like Bani Ummaya l.a did. Agree part: however because he is honourable, he would never be cunning, and therefore in this sense, sure. Possibly he was protecting his shia from what could happen in the future. I don't buy this explanation though unless we have some sort of hadith that alludes to this in the correct context

There are more than the two options you presented. I'll leave that to you to figure out.

Salam bro. Doesn't matter, there are other wives in the history of Islam who had the title "wife of the Prophet of God" and they are promised hellfire. So I disagree with this point. Context is everything. In the context of Aisha, this is not an honour, all it means is nobody can marry her after the Prophet. In the context of Sayeda Khadija ((عليه السلام)), it means more than that with all she has given to Islam and emphasized to use through ahadith; I know you know all of this He hasn't really protected her honour; he protected his only by conducting himself in the highest of moral standards in spite of being capable to act otherwise and as most others would act. Define honour: "high respect; great esteem." Nobody respects/honours people who fought Allah, His Prophet (pbuhf) and Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)). Simple. Make no mistake, all the honour in those acts belong to Imam Ali ((عليه السلام)), and none of it bestows honour to Aisha; on the contrary, it's shameful that she had to be forcibly taken down from her camel in the midst of 1000s of men, carried away by her brother by force, and ordered back home with escorts, again forcibly. Where is the honouring in any of that?