labaikYaZahra

(wasalam)
Allah (s.w.t) gave this 'right' to only those who can treat their wives completely equally. It's funny how everyone always forgets that part  Especially as a lot of people can't handle one spouse these days with the emotional drama, financial burdens, in laws etc.
 
And rather than a right I would call it a responsibility. This wasn't ordained for everybody to marry four young girls and make merry otherwise there would not have been conditions but contextually in a time when widowers and orphans who were dependent on others did not have the opportunity to marry so that they may marry too. There are many issues surrounding this that as you have pointed out have been discussed and will resurface with a quick search on your part. 
 
Ahsant
 
(wasalam)

More than fourteen hundred years have passed since the age of ignorance and yet in this new century I still ask myself the same question as the women of that time must have asked. Why was I born a female? Is it a fault if I am born a female? It’s not like I chose to be born this way. Why is it that after so many years of advancement in science and technology as well as psychology and philosophy we still have women wondering what the defect in being born “NOT Man”.

When will man truly learn to respect woman? When will he give her the rights she has rather than ONLY talk about her rights? I’ve seen tons of men talk about rights of women and especially the rights Islam has given to women. I hear them talk and then I see them insult their own wives. Mothers gave them birth so they have to be respected… sharing blood and milk with sibling sisters makes them feel a certain way towards their sisters. Why is it that the role of a wife lacks the same respect and gratitude? When will men open their eyes and appreciate the hard work their wives do? These women who left their family, their fathers’ peaceful abode to take on the duties of taking care of him and his children along with his family are yet are foreigners in some shape or form. Do husbands think a marriage contract means that now they own these women? They are the protectors of their wives but they do not own them. Wives have to live a certain way, as liked by her husband and in-laws. They are expected to give up their own identity so that they may merge into the identity of their husbands. Yes, it is a good thing to do for it is the house is a home because of her. To what extent must this happen and what about her unique identity?

She is continuously ignored. Once married, how many times do husbands remember to bring flowers without any occasion? Or say simple gestures like “thank you” and “I appreciate it” and “I love you” and more importantly show with their actions that they actually mean all that they say! How easy it is to say those sweet things that are but words that never take form of an action.

No offence to men who are exceptions to the rule but in general this is the case. Man of the house has to have everything his way and he forgets to see the needs of the so-called ‘queen’ of the house. Queen! That’s right… If you want to learn sweet talk that melts the heart of a foolish woman learn it from a man of course. Somehow they don’t fail at it and always know how to make her feel better… Two kind words, simple gestures that say I care and that melts the heart of a wife who truly loves him. What next? She is walked all over like a doormat… At the end of the day a wife is like a doormat but of course no one will admit to it. Men will talk about how the husbands should treat their wives but they will fail to see how they treat their own wives. Yes, there are cases when the wife is clever enough to know how to twist her husband’s arm without him feeling the pain or knowing about it. At least that woman does not suffocate and is not a prisoner at home. Though I don’t agree with that form of marriage either.

Whatever happened to men and women being complementary to each other? If man is given the right to lead the house there is a reason for it but that does not imply he can misuse his powers. Oh! But, even if he does, it is not till the after life that he will be questioned and perhaps his wife will forgive him and he will make it clear? That is what is thought of traditional eastern women. That they should suffer, tolerate and be patient through everything because Allah will be happy with them. The husbands on the other hand will somehow get away with whatever they do coz they are the husband, THE MAN!

Allah gave both man and woman rights. A wife has rights over her husband and a husband has rights over his wife. It is not just that the husband has rights. BUT, he being a man and the world being a man’s world and the Sheikh being a man somehow forget that the women have rights too or take those rights away! Why isn’t the bride told before her Nikkah that she can place the right to ask for divorce in her marriage contract? Why does anyone not tell her that? Why does the groom not like that condition? Why do the elders not like to hear of it? Why is it taken for granted that the women MUST clean and cook and do housework? When by Islam she does not have to do all that. Indeed, it is only a privilege she bestows upon her husband by doing all that while it is his duty to make sure she is fed and clothed and has a place to live! How many men actually think about it like that! And why not??? WHY NOT! I will not just blame men this time. I also put the burden on women! Sorry to say, but it is the women, mothers or grandmothers who were raised being told that this was why they were born. So, they teach the same to their daughters. They will say that daughters are born for the kitchen and the house and bringing up of kids and taking care of the men of the house. Men are responsible for the outside duties and don’t have to do any housework.

You can question me “Isn’t it true?” Yes, it is true that in the long run that is the responsibility of the female. What you have to understand is that I am not against women being housewives and I am not against women taking on their responsibilities of the house. I am against women being taken for granted when they take on the role of a wife. I am against the fact that they are not appreciated for the housework they do which is not their ultimate duty but a favor on her husband. She was not born to do housework rather she is doing a favor if she does the housework. Do you see a difference? Yes it is her utmost duty to bring up well-mannered children but is it not true that she can ask her husband to pay her for the feeding of his children. How many mothers actually ask the father of their children to pay them or refuse to feed their own babies? There will be some but the majority will feed their kids. Again! Husbands and others assume that this is the wife/mother’s duty. It is not appreciated rather taken for granted. But, let’s look at the husband who comes home tired from work and wants a hot home cooked meal, and then he seeks a set of nice washed clothes ready to wear. Maybe, he is so tired that he asks for a message? He wants this and that because he spent a hard day at work and is tired. He can’t go out and the wife understands that her husband is tired. Men will always in some way show and make clear that they have been working hard and do all this work outside and are tired. Yes, it is his wife who can and should make him feel better and relaxed when he comes home. I am not against that nor do I disagree to that. My point is only that a man will never let it go unnoticed that he does hard work and gets tired and should be appreciated for the bringing home of money. The woman on the other hand will mostly be ignored of her work at home.

It is a trend, not a rule. It is the general case, not the way it is supposed to be. A woman can make her house a home and a heaven for her husband and children but she cannot do so if she is not given the credit and motivation for doing so. She does not ask for much but attention, love, respect and understanding from the one for who she left everything to form a home with. If she wore a new dress, she wants him to notice her. If she made a nice dish, she wants him to appreciate it. If she is having a tough day she will be cheered up by a simple gesture. If she has been worn out and tired yet not said so, she will feel better if he simply admits having noticed that she has been working hard and is tired. When was the last time you, a husband, told your wife that you loved her? That you appreciated all that she has done for you? That you are thankful that she stood by you? When was the last time you made her smile? When was the last time you knew she was smiling from within her soul and not for showing on her face only? Look back to the years you have known each other, how many of those days did you keep her happy compared to the days you made her sad? Yes, the same applies to the wife as well. My point is that no matter how long you have been married for, it is never too late to appreciate one another. Never too late to bring happiness in the life of your spouse and make her feel thankful that she has you for a husband. Never to late to think about what if tomorrow the other was no longer there. Especially, to make sure that your wife is not asking herself the same question over and over again… that why was she born a female?

(bismillah)
 
The Ahlulbayt (as) did not suffer for mere succession. 
God says that He himself will take care of his message,
and what better way than through the grandson 
of his Messenger (pbuh).
On that day,
Hussain.. brought with him the Qu'ran.
With the verses ingested within his soul,
he planted a seed,
that was his life. 
Watered with his own blood 
and that of his family and friends,
he ensured purity in the germination
of the reviving of Islam itself. 
To this day, we lament that the Qu'ran
was saved from the hands of tyranny.
And our tears fall,
in remembrance of his pain. 
 
M.A.H.

(bismillah) 
 
 
Imam Al-Zaman says; “If you remember me, then I will remember you. If you pray for my reappearance, then I will pray for your wellbeing. If you think of me, then I will be thinking of you.”
 

Eltemas e Doa 

Clinging to his legs, with a cry on her lips, 
the little girl hugged him, with a withering grip, 
she implored him to stay, through her innocent tears, 
her dear father leaving, was amongst her worst fears. 
When Abbas went to Heaven, she needn't shed tears, 
for she always sought comfort, in her father dear, 
but who would hug her, who would kiss this girl's cheeks, 
and wipe off her tears; rivuleting in streaks, 
when her baba was leaving, to never return; 
when his body would wither, beneath the sun's burn? 
Who would she scream to, when they tore up her ears? 
How could she live, seeing his head on a spear? 

The horse wept with her, for he too loved Hussain, 
He too couldn't bear, seeing his master be slain. 
"Please, my dear horse, I must meet destiny, 
allow me to greet, the fate waiting for me." 
It was then that the horse, turned its head to the ground; 
as Hussain gazed below, his Sakina he found. 
Flung on the hooves, of his loyal, sweet horse, 
Blocking his path, with every bit of her force. 
The Mazloom, pained Imam began crying at this, 
and he lifted his daughter, giving her kiss after kiss. 

This child was the answer, to Hussain's every prayer, 
He had raised her with deepest affection and care, 
He asked his young blossom, to allow him to go, 
And she agreed, between tears, though how, one can't know. 

She asked of her father, just one final request; 
To lay one last time, upon Hussain's chest. 
He agreed and laid down, on the flaming hot ground; 
the silence of the land, was shattered and drowned, 
by the sobs of the father, and his daughter who knew, 
that their time in this world, together was through. 

Then the battle cry roared, of the enemy ranks, 
drowning the roar of Furaat's angry banks. 
Hussain knew it was time, for him to depart, 
and he bade his goodbye, to the light of his heart. 
She choked a small sob, and raised her hand in farewell, 
The horse reluctantly moved, as his master impelled. 
Hussain shot a last look, of his undying love, 
To his dearest Sakina, then to the Heavens above, 
He said "O my Almighty Lord, bear witness that I, 
Have given all for Thy cause, and am prepared now to die." 

The horse's sad eyes, were filled with hot tears, 
For his master was dying, to whom he had adhered, 
From his earlier years, 'til the cruel fate of this day, 
On which no living creature, could withold its dismay! 

He was faithful, obedient, and loyal; this horse, 
His master had willed it, so he moved on of course, 
This horse who had carried, Hussain as a youth, 
Was now allegiant charger, in the battle for truth. 

The horse was there watching, and receiving wounds, too, 
The horse also suffered, what his master went through, 
In the dark battlefield, where death knew no bounds; 
Where bodies and blood, were strewn all over the grounds. 
The horse was right there, when his master was killed, 
And stood right by his side, 'til his duty fulfilled. 

He then left alone, to go back to the tent; 
Eyes clouded with tears; head shamefully bent. 

He saw Lady Zainab, waiting for him, 
Her eyes dark and filled, with tears to the brim 
He trudged sadly to her, his bleeding head hung, 
She cried out to him, as on him she flung, 
"Oh my dear brother's horse, have you forgotten Hussain? 
Why did you leave him, in a time of such pain?" 
The sky and the ground, the river banks, too, 
Echoed her cries, and her wailing anew, 
As she saw Hussain's head, mounted up on a spear, 
He seemed to call out to her, "My Zainab, I am here!" 

(bismillah) 
(salam) 
 
 
Remember Me When You Drink Water
Imam Hussain (as) told Bibi Zainab (as) before he died to remind the people when they drink water to remember their thirst.
 
"Oh my followers! Whenever you drink refreshing water, remember me. And whenever you hear about a martyred or a lonely person, weep for me. I am the son of the Prophet who was martyred cruelly. They crushed me intentionally under the hoofs of their horses. I wish you all were present on the day of Ashoora to see how I asked them for water for my infant son, but they refused to give"
 
According to abu-Dawood al-Raqy. “ I was in Imam al-Sadiq’s (a.s) place when he asked for a drink. When he started drinking, he began shedding tears and his eyes were bathed with it. He then said to me: ‘ O, Dawood! May Allah’s curse be upon the one who murdered al-Hussain (a.s); I have never drank cold water but remembered al-Hussain (a.s); no man drinks water and remembers al-Hussain (a.s) and his household and curses his murderers but a hundred thousand righteous deeds are reckoned to his credit and a hundred thousand bad deeds are dropped from his credit; and his rank will be raised by a hundred thousand and he is given the credit of freeing a hundred thousand men, and Allah will gather him delighted with al-Hussain (a.s).”
 
 
- (Reference: Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
 
 
 
So whenever you are thirsty and you drink water, remember Imam,his family and his companions.If possible from the depth of your heart and tears in your eyes please recite:
 
Allaahumal An Qatalatal Husayn Wa Awlaadihee Wa Ashaabihee” .
 
"Allah condemn and lay a curse upon the killers of Husayn (as),his family and friends".
 
 

 
It means: “Blessings of Allah be on Imam Hussain (as), his family and his friends.  May Allah curse those who killed him and opposed him.”  Grandfather lovingly explained.
 
May Allah raise us amongst the Helpers of AL QAIM (ATFS). 
 
 
 

(bismillah) 
 
dear beloved brothers/sisters
 
Take a moment to watch this refreshing video clip. The truth is truly beautiful. 
 

 
Eltemas Doa 

It's free for viewing for a week:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/02/genetic-roulette.aspx

Says it all.
 
 
Btw most of my old Senior management bosses, took home over 250k a year. Guess what? they wore jeans and fancy shirts too work. Anyways, ammar could have been out on a stroll ( on his day off ), and happened to pass by that graffiti and some invisible guy took a picture. Heck even if he came in PJ's and gave lectures, it would not matter. Its all about the words.
 
I just changed into my suit to use the W.C. I showed my intellect to all the germs, and they all approved. Now my life is complete.

I think the OP kinda meant like .. imagine if you see your grand Ayatollah with a hoodie standing near the bus station ?.
 
Personally, my spirituality wouldnt feel comfortable doing this, but each of his own. No one should be judged according to what they wear or how they look like.  The love of Allah is inside the heart .

He isn't doing anything wrong.......what's the big deal?

carry a pepper spray.

"Take this as a warning. Don't ever sit next to me again. I suffer from war problems."

I have never spent so much time dissecting three sentences in my life. Not even in my advanced placement English classes. 

This was what the man at the public library said to me earlier this week. I was sitting at one of the computers working on an assignment when he leaned in, looked me straight in the eye and whispered in a voice so low that only I could hear it:

"Take this as a warning. Don't ever sit next to me again. I suffer from war problems."

Then he left. 

In print it seems harmless. The same stupid, ignorant, racist things that I have grown accustomed to brushing off over the years. The only difference between this man and other people who have made rude comments is that he looked like he wanted to hurt me. I've never seen anyone look at me with so much hatred.

My feelings weren't hurt, but I was scared. I thought he might be outside standing by my car waiting to attack me - crazy as it sounds, that is how scared I was. I sat there digesting what had just happened and then it hit me - that was a threat, wasn't it? I just got threatened by some psycho racist nutcase. 

I ran to the nearest librarian and told him what happened. He ran out to see if the man was outside, but he was gone. When he came back in, I told him which computer the man had been using. He told the library manager. She came to talk to me, apologized for what had happened and asked me to write down a description. I asked her if they could look him up in the records. She said they couldn't do that without a court order and advised me to go the cops.

I drove down the block to the police department and met with an officer who had me write down a statement of what had happened. I remembered exactly what time and the exact words he had said to me, which I would spend the next twenty four hours thinking about. The officer told me he would go to the library and see if they could track him and ban him from coming there ever again. Two hour later I was in class waiting for the call. When I got it, they hadn't been able to find him, but I took solace in the idea that they knew who he was and it was on record that I had been threatened.

But I kept thinking about those words for the rest of the day, trying to figure out what exactly he had meant. Even though it was a blatantly racist and hateful remark, it was such a bizarre and vague thing to say to someone. I kept wondering if he had gone to war in the Middle East and he suffered from PTSD and that was what he was referring to when he said "I suffer from war problems." Was he warning me that he would just snap if I ever sat next to him again? "Take this as a warning." A warning against what? That you'll hurt me if you ever see me again? Do you suffer from a victim complex and think I am harming you just by sitting next to you? Or by wearing a piece of fabric over my head? "Don't ever sit next to me again." Only that part was clear.

But I realized today that none of those questions matter. I had tried to understand him even after reporting him to the police, whereas he had not tried to understand me at all. He saw me for a moment, judged me, then acted upon that judgment. I guess I must have represented something, someone, an idea, or a specific group of people that he hated. Or maybe he really was a war veteran and suffered from PTSD and was just seeing things that weren't real. 

It doesn't matter. But here is what does matter: in my opinion, I live in a society where people, overall, are tolerant of one another. No one has ever really given me a hard time because of the way I dress or because of my religion (if you don't count stupid kids in elementary school picking on other kids just to get attention). But then you have your delusional, ignorant, racist nut jobs who will make threats like this. I will grudgingly admit that people have a right to their own opinion (as stupid, prejudice and ill-informed as their opinions may be) but NO ONE has the right to make you feel uncomfortable, scared, or threatened ANYWHERE, much less in a public library where you can sit wherever you damn well please. 

I don't care if you have a problem with my faith, which I wear outwardly with my hijab. I wear it to guard my modesty, not to invite threats. I am free to wear whatever I want and believe in whatever I want to believe, just like YOU are free to believe in whatever hateful things you want to. I don't care. You DO NOT have the right to threaten me or anyone in a public setting, or anywhere else. If you suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and you're going to snap at any minute, YOU can get up and sit somewhere else. Or if you're just a psycho racist that feels justified in threatening people you just don't like the looks of, then YOU shouldn't be allowed anywhere where you can hurt innocent people who have done NOTHING wrong except sit in a public chair. "Take this as a warning?" Screw you! I am warning YOU that if you ever come near me again, I will call the police. And they already know who you are. If anything happens to me, they will know who to look for. Stay away from me. 

This is meant specifically for my sisters in faith but I also extend this message to everyone else - if you ever encounter someone like this, go to the cops. People might tell you that you are overreacting, but you need to do whatever you need to do to ensure that you are safe. I acted to protect myself, and I believe I acted justly. At least now there are other people who know about this if I ever see that lunatic again. I go to the public library a lot, so I'm really hoping this won't be the case. You should be able to sit at a public library computer and do your work without feeling like your safety is being threatened. So don't be afraid to put the crazies under the authority's thumb. Stand up for yourself, and most importantly, ALWAYS protect yourself.

Peace.

- Aqua.

(salam)
I think one of the most important qualities in a good spouse would have to be that the person is a practicing Shia. It also depends on the person and how openminded they are about Shia beliefs as well as how important them being a Shia is to you. I think there are some qualities that can be compromised on but I wouldn't recommend this unless there was an imminent need such as the person being in danger of committing sin and there was no alternative. 
 
A few reasons for this are:
 
-There will be problems when you raise your children. Even if eventually the couple agree on how to raise the children ie what version of the adhaan to teach them, how they should pray, whether to teach them about the caliphs, the Imams (a.s) or both and what masjid to take them, the children will be confused. Their faith may not be firm as they will be taught contradictions from a young age and so they will have many questions yet unfortunately they will not gain full acceptance in either community. 
 
-Being unmarried is not the end of the world. No one should have to settle for something less than they deserve and on the whole, being unmarried is better than being trapped in an unhappy marriage. 
 
-How well do you know this man? Are you sure he is open-minded enough to accept your Shia beliefs after marriage especially in the current climate when so many Sunni's are jumping on the bandwagon to criticize Shias. Or will it be a constant struggle and awkward every time you take out the turbah or every time his family instigates you for your beliefs. Even if you think you can manage at first, this will take its toll and you need to prepare yourself for this. 
 
-A beautiful thing about marriage is having a partner who encourages your faith; Someone who you attend Muharram lectures with and discuss the lecture with on the way back. The kind of person who you can be open with about important matters such as religion. If you marry this man, you need to come to terms with that you are closing the doors for a Shia suitor. 
 
Of course, at the end of the day you have to make the decision that you feel you can best live with. I wish you all the best, InshAllah. 

(bismillah)
 
(salam)
 
Insha'Allah this will be helpful.
 

 

 

 

 
Any questions?
 
(wasalam)

السلام عليكم

I would like to write to you what went on in my mind as I was investigating Islam and what led me to the Shia path. Im not sure if anyone is interested, but I like to write this down for me as well :)

So: I was born to a fundamental christian family, and because of all the stories I heard about Islam, like Allah(swt) being a moongod and other things such as that, I decided to have an open mind and investigate it.
I started reading the Quran and I was quickly convinced of its message, no problems so far, I didnt know Islam had sects as this point. My mind set was: Quran is true in what it says, I want to be a muslim.
 
Then I kept on researching more, the Sunnah so to speak, the Hadeeths, and what i found was shocking.
I found narrations for example that claim the Prophet(saw) was bewitched.   Coming from a fundamentalist christian background, this was an instant turn off for me, how can the prophet of God be cursed by some mystic???
So, disappointed of this,  I kind of stopped researching for a few months, then my interest re-ignited as I heard a salafi preacher i wont name for political reasons lol(dont wanna get banned) preach about the authentic teachings of Islam, and following the Salaf, well again I did my research and I found that the companions of the Prophet(saw) had MANY arguments with each other, to a point where they would KILL each other.
Again... Another disappointment, i read about Aisha breastfeeding adult males... etc etc.
I still keep searching, I decide to disregard all that, and I start learning the Salah, (memorizing what to say, memorizing few Surahs for my coming conversion), well now I encounter ANOTHER disappointment. The Madhabs, instant confusion, I start googling about them, I end up on forums where people are calling followers of the Maliki madhab names for praying with hands on the side, (Sadl) instead of folding the arms.
The Hanafi said there is no need for Wali (guardian) in marriage, the shaafi said circumcision is fard, hanafi and maliki said its not.... just total confusion.
The funny part was, ALL OF THEM are said to be correct, how can all be correct???
 
So: Again I stop searching and researching for a while and just decide eeh I'll let it be.
Then one day I went to my youtube account, and the Suggestions section showed a Shii'te preacher whom I wont name either for again political reasons (dont know if its allowed in these forums).

I watched the video, and my first contact to Shia Islam was established. 
And from then on, it was all happinesss and smiles. Alhamdulillah.
 
The Imamah clicked with me instantly, because again coming from a christian background: Prophets and the successors are chosen by GOD, not voted for by a democratic assembly.
 
I noticed the Hadeeths of the Ahlul-Bayt(as) did not contradict each other, Finally, i had found home, there is only the Quran and one Sunnah :)

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari narrates the Prophet(saw) to have said: "The People of my Household are for you like the Ark of Nuh (Noah). Whoever embarks on it will be saved and whoever turns away from it will be drowned."

 At this point: I was convinced, I was ready to take my Shahadah and revert to the true Islam. :)
 
- So thats it, how my mind was working during this time of searching, sorry if its repetetive and boring. but I decided to write it anyway.
For all the people who are searching NOW, and may come accross this topic I encourage you to look at things from a critical and scientific point of view, and you will get to the same conclusion as me and many others have :)
The issue here in the west is that Shia Islam is basically unheard of, so we must work hard to make Da'wah and bring hope to the people :)
 
Peace :)
 

Simple answer yes there will be many non muslims that will go to Heaven.

God is mercy, God doesnt call himself ar-rahman ar-raheem for nothing. Furthermore and more importantnly why do you think we deserve to go to Heaven? we dont sin? are we chosen? i.e the chosen people? jus because we know the name Muhammad are we free from sin? are we better then them?

I tell you there is tons of non muslims who are more fit for heave then the current muslims, the current muslims are hard headed, arrogant, delusional, and think tht because they utter words in their mind or on their tounge that they are saved

Yes we are lucky to know Islam alhamdulilah for that, but this luck must be worked upon, and the only advantage we have is that we can start sooner and reach higher levels, but our current status quo is no different to theirs, we have some good traits and some bad traits, but they(non muslims) have also good traits which we dont possess and have bad traits which we dont possess

If every persow as to be judged based on their deeds in weight, in retrospect every person is equal(except the ones that are extremely good and ones that are extremely bad)

We are not "the chosen people" like the Jews think because we know some history and some names and believe in some people, we are all in the same boat as everyone else world wide

SO dont think like the Jews think and be closed minded and blind, God created them and guided them where He wanted to guide them, and dont think because they have more then you in life whether beauty/money/position that you are entitled to heaven and they are entitiled to hell

If the world was run by Muslims today, i think the world would be a bloodbath, between ourselves we cannot agree, and if we had power we would divide on petty rubbish even further then we are divided today

Just lok here how much arguing goes on about islamic issues that shouldnt effect people to such an extent where they condemn and curse each other, but yet it does, they take everythig with passionate arrogance and become blind to justice and truth due to it.

And thats just about beng right, imagine if we controlled teh armies and money of the world, there would be a tyranny in every group , and there would be tons of groups everywhere.

Your fragrance smell more sweeter than fresh air.
Your eloquent smile brings me to hope that someone cares.
 
Your sway when you walk keep me enchanted by you.
Your voice so kind makes me go crazy with love for you.
 
Your hands so swift as you grab the sword to defend us.
Your justice to the oppressed has me standing up against my nafs.
 
If only they all could see what beauty hide inside thee.
The ummah would not be shaken with selling our belief for a fee.
 
The people wouldn't trade any part of the hereafter.
You would not hear shaytan's laughter.
 
What a sad price they took when the earth shook that day in pain.
The day they sold Imam Hussain's blood for a small gain.
 
 

He did actually provide the letter in a later post.
By finding out which one has the most study in each area. Some Mujtahids are known to be more learned in a certain area and some are known to be more learned in other areas.

Yes you can brother...

Can I ask you a question? What is the point of all these semantics and loopholes? This is why I take some issue with the field of Taqleed... It is a very strange thing that something can be haram on my that can be halal on my brother if we follow different alims.
 
There is 1 Islam... Not 66.

I don't need to ask others in my mosque or some Imam... Maybe you feel the need to always seek others' opinions before doing something, but I try to consult the a'qal that Allah has given me.
 
Many great people from the Shia world admire FadhlAllah and so do I.
 
He was a great man and I will decide what is logical to me and what is not. He makes the most sense.

I would launch an obligatory clean your own damn garbage in front of your freakin house day. Every iraqi househould will clean up the zbala in front of their house, clean up their garden, plant some trees (and for the lovers of gardening there will be seeds available for various vegetables/fruits/flowers). 
 
People will be so happy about the fact they live in a clean street that has trees and flowers, they'll stop killing eachother. No need for drastic measurements for security anymore. 

I went through this when I was younger. You'll get past it as you get older and gain experience. A lot of people will give you advice but it will be your own experiences and realizations that will get you to be more confident. First of all, you will come to realize that the most elegant and truly beautiful women in gatherings are not the ones wearing a lot of make up (even though they physically look pretty) but the most modest and women who are close to Allah. There is a beauty to these girl that make them look beautiful without make up or even in niqab mashallah ^_^ there is some noor in their faces. Second, dont worry about your body. Your body doesnt stop growing until you are about 21 (I'm not talking about height), and I know a few girls who got a growth sprout in their 20s, but even if that doesnt happen, it doesnt matter. You want a man to marry you for your personality and deen. Of course you both have to be attracted to each other but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in the end everyone gets old anyway.
 
For confidence, act confidence and people will think you are confident and then youll actually feel confident. What I mean is when you sit and talk to people, look at your body language. Dont cross your arms nor slump. Sit up tall, arms not crossed (maybe put one on the table), smile,  and lean in a little bit when speaking/talking to the other person. Keep eye contact (dont stare but dont try to avoid their gaze or keep looking away). This will make you come off as confident when you speak and nice :) Body language is important because if you sit leaning away, arms crossed, and avoid the other person's gaze, they will respond subconsciously with body language that also is closed off and not very engaged and you will pick up on that and feel worse. 
 
Intelligence is the easiest thing to work on. Go read! Tons of books on al-islam. read tafsir, read history, read fatwas of your marja, read and memorize Quran! DO it for the sake of Allah inshallah it'll be easy for you :)
And of course, remember to be thankful for what you have already because why should Allah give you more if you cant be thankful for what you have already? He can give you more and you might still be ungreatful, so work on be content and realizing what this society wants you to focus is only a distraction from your true purpose in life: To worship Allah ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì. If you be a good and thankful muslim, He will give you a good husband also iA :)
 
Also this is general advice, keep in mind you should try to be modest and shy with brothers.
 
Oh and go to the gym! Or do pilates or something or running! When youre fit it will boost your confidence. And I dont mean just starve and be skinny. Eat well and exercise because when youre truly fit and healthy, you feel good and confident.
Lastly: pick up a hobby and get good at it. ie reading Quran well or learn to play tennis well or archery or drawing etc. Being good at something always gives you more self esteem but dont get arrogant.

Hello and As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu Everyone.
My name is Rick and I am a Convert to Islam (about 4 years now), living in Miami, Florida, and will plan on attending the local Shia Islamic Center for my first Ashura this year.
I have converted to Islam along with my wife, father, and friends and under the Kalimah/Shahada of "ā ʾilāha ʾillā l-Lāh, Muḥammadur rasūlu l-Lāh" the entire Quran, and influence of some of the hadiths that are reported to be said by Muhammad (SAW) and his Family/Companions (PBUT).
The closest masjid to our home are all Sunni Masjids and the majority of friends I have are Sunnis or a small group of "Quran Aloners/Reformists"... but you can say I have grown up in a sunni majority enviornment, though I do not consider myself Sunni, Salafi, Wahabi, Quranist, etc. Right now my limited knowledge has only allowed me to be simply "Muslim", however I hope to inshallah increase my knowldge to become a true Mu'min one day.
This last Ramadan I really wanted to expand my very limited knowledge of Islam and wanted to develope more friendships with Muslims. I was reading about Iman Khomeini (ra) "We muslims are busy bickering over whether to fold or unfold our arms during prayer, while the enemy is devising ways of cutting them off" and thought this was a very interesting quote. So, Durring Ramandan I attended a couple Jumma's and Lectures at the local Shia mosque for the first time.
WOW!! All of the brothers there that I met were very very friendly and helpful. They had all introduced themesleves to me and had told me that I could always ask them anything. As I was doing Wudu (the best I could) one of the brothers had seen it was challeneging for me and had taught me the proper way to do Wudu. This was something I had never encountered and was very apperciative. I prayed on the Turba, shook hands and ate curry soup with everyone, and made Dua for some of the ill brothers/sisters.
Now, I plan on comming back to the mosque to attend the Shab-e-Ashur, and also Ashua day. This is something I have never experienced before because in the sunni Masjids I have attened so far, Ashura is something that is not given much attention to. At the Shia Mosque I hear there will be a lecture, a speech, a prayer, and also a Blood Donation Bus for those who wish to dontate blood to for a good cause. I dont know much of what to expect but I have heard that it is best to wear black so my wife and I will do so.
If there are any brothers/sisters out there (Converts/Born Muslims) Do you remember your first Ashura Day and what was your expereince like. Describe how you felt and why it is important to you. Inshallah when I return I hope to describe my first.
Thank you,
As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu.