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Follow 633.8K Followers Anwar Hadid's Instagram post shows young Muslims are reclaiming their religion in powerful ways Opinion by Noor Noman • 22h • 5 min read Actor and producer Anwar Hadid, younger brother of supermodels Bella and Gigi, posted photos on Instagram recently of him performing Umrah, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s one of the most sacred acts for a Muslim, and it holds particular significance during the holy month of Ramzan (or Ramadan, depending on where you’re from). Hadid's series of pictures included Sudanese-Canadian artist and musician Mustafa Ahmed, who goes by Mustafa, and content creator Sharky, among other young, Muslim cultural tastemakers. Ad The post now has close to a quarter million likes — something unusual for Hadid who, although he has 7.1 million followers, tends to garner likes that hover in the thousands or so. The comments section is flooded with messages (and emoji) of support. When I first saw the image, it was arresting. Seeing a pop cultural figure so explicitly celebrate their Muslim faith, reclaiming it as their own in the process, always feels surprising and unfamiliar, in a beautiful way — all the more so as we navigate a time that feels “reminiscent of post 9/11 Islamophobia,” as NBC News put it. From Left, Mustafa Ahmed (Mustafa the Poet), Anwae Hadid, Sharmarke Mohamud (Sharky). (Anwar Hadid's Instagram)© Provided by MSNBC The overwhelmingly positive response to Hadid’s post reflects a larger and palpable shift in pop culture around Islam in the U.S. and the Global North, particularly among younger demographics. The reasons are multifarious: a shifting zeitgeist that has more tolerance, appetite or curiosity for minority experiences, including those of Muslims; or, more recently, the swell of pro-Palestinian support that has engendered solidarity for Muslims, particularly among a younger subset of the population here in the U.S. and across the world. But a large part of this shift can also be attributed to how younger Muslims, especially those in the spotlight, are reclaiming the religion on their own terms. This is something I’ve been particularly moved by as someone who found their way back to Islam in recent years. I grew up culturally Muslim and Christian as a mixed-race kid and spent part of my childhood in Pakistan, which has drastically changed in the decades since. For significant swaths of Pakistan’s population (depending on locale, ethnicity and/or class, for example), it was a relaxed and in many ways socially liberal environment. The religious fundamentalists we hear about so much today existed on the periphery rather than in the mainstream, and they promote a version of Islam that has never felt like home to me. In the intervening decades, the political landscape became increasingly hijacked by religious extremists, coinciding with places like Saudi Arabia effectively exporting regressive and oppressive interpretations of the religion, such as Wahhabism, which subscribes to a literal and draconian interpretation of the Quran. As a queer, trans Muslim, therefore, it took me time to reclaim the religion as my own. As an adult, I subscribe to Sufisim, a mystical branch of Islam which is itself inherently queer in its roots — from the beloved’s ambiguous gender in centuries-old Sufi poetry to same-sex relationships between early Sufi poets. The visual subversiveness of Hadid’s post reflects this larger trend among young Muslims — and notably Muslim popular cultural figures — seeking to reclaim more expansive interpretations of the religion. Those with conservative and/or literal interpretations of the Quran, for instance, would contend that tattoos are haram (or sinful). Yet Hadid shows himself shirtless at Mecca, displaying tattoos on his chest, with hand tattoos visible in other photos. His post visually subverts the cultural logic of a mainstreamed, more conservative interpretation of Islam. The subtexts of the images cut both ways: Most of the men in Hadid’s post donned jalabiyas, long tunics often worn by men across the Muslim world, and typical for Umrah. In this way, his post visually subverts a Western cultural logic, too, through the celebration of an aesthetic that in the U.S., for example, can make you a prime target for a hate crime. For many of us who grew up Muslim in the West — whether culturally, practicing or simply looking like we might be — we spent a lot of our life concealing or whitewashing our identity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, and of course especially after 9/11. I remember scrubbing my hands until they were raw after being ridiculed in middle school for having henna dyed on my hands after my cousin’s wedding — a tradition in Pakistani weddings. My brother was compelled to shave his beard anytime he traveled because of the incessant racial profiling. So seeing Islam being woven into popular culture so beautifully and the swell of solidarity offsetting this climate of Islamophobia is encouraging, to say the least. In his latest single, “Imaan” (which translates to “belief” or “faith”), Mustafa entwines Egyptian and Sudanese instruments into a song which otherwise sounds like American folk music. The different sounds are at once jarring and complimentary. “‘Imaan’ is a love song between two people in search of God and purpose,” Mustafa told “Complex UK.” “It’s about longing for all that we don’t have evidence of, two Muslims journeying through their love of borderless Western ideology and how it contradicts with the modesty and devotion in which they were raised. ‘Imaan’ sonically represents this tussle too; the Sudanese strings and Egyptian oud woven into the bed [of] American folk chords and drums. This tapestry, this collision is the song, is the romance, is the person Mustafa is. How it’s never enough, or too much.” Mustafa's reference to this ideological tension within Islam summarizes exactly what so many of us younger Muslims must navigate. Images such as Hadid’s — and the associated narratives — are important. To anyone scrolling through Instagram, they offer a counternarrative, albeit bite-sized, to many of the tropes associated with Islam. They signify a growing number of young people reclaiming their religious identities on their own terms. The most important thing we can do as Muslims is reclaim the religion both from oppressive ideologues and from being hijacked by xenophobia outside the religion. Yes, in many ways, it’s just an Instagram post. But it’s also part of a wider movement to usher in a version of Islam that is more inclusive and, in my opinion, more authentic. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com

Salam, I'm a 30 year old man, unmarried. Not sure if I will marry though. I got a chance but I rejected it because I don't believe in arranged marriage, I believe if I don't love her I will not be full filling all my duties toward her. Even though I will be married but I will be empty inside, I have seen a lot of married man talking and looking with lust at other women . My IMAN will still incomplete And there might come a time that I do fall in love someone. Someone else shouldn't suffer in my account. It's been more than 15 years since my adulthood. And so far I'm virgin. I'm proud of that, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) helped me ofcourse. Otherwise temptation would have gotten the better of me. Looks or personality is not my problem, but I have always been a deep thinker and saw things more factually. For a decade after my adulthood I didn't pray because I couldn't understand the philosophy behind it. Because most of the mullas were saying mixed up things and my inside voice was telling me otherwise. I did a bit if my own study And I turned to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) and I was bestowed with bounties beyond my expectations. To the point that I witnessed miracles. Literally. So now I pray kazah after every namaz to make up for that. This was last year, I have came abroad in search of a job, I am an engineer. It won't be long that I get a decent job but this is what I'm struggling with., My testosterone levels are quite high from the start and I have been indulging in sin because of that. But that didn't stoped me for wajibat. All my prayers were on time and I got to mosque almost everyday 2-3 time. Sometimes I pray fajar without mosque. But now its getting worse day by day. To the point that it is coming in the way of my wajibat. My namaz is getting kaza once again and now it's different because at first I didn't knew the thing that I know now. A blind and a a person with aight cannot be the same. And so will be there judgement. I believe if that wasn't a part of me I would become a better muslim, hopefully a momin. Every single time that I indulge in sin my soul is getting blacken because of that and my nufs scold me for that but I just can't stop. So I am thinking about vasectomy. I cannot do this anymore. I have to get rid of this. I don't see any other way. Allah(سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) is Raheem and Kareem. Surely I will be forgiven for such act. This is something I want to get out of my chest.

The Struggle of Faith and Challenges in Modern Society - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi | Shahadat of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel June 28th, 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ZifVkh0gE - Verse 15 of Surah al-Ḥujarāt defines the characteristics of a mu’min (believer) as someone who believes in Allah and His Messenger without any doubt and struggles in Allah's path with their wealth and themselves. - The term "struggle" refers to jihad, which includes both minor and major jihad. - The major jihad is the spiritual struggle against desires that are contrary to Divine teachings. - The modern challenge lies in society's inclination to follow sinful desires - This challenge is not limited to adults but is also impacting children who are being exposed to various agendas - The essence of imān (faith) is to cultivate a sense of servitude (‘ubudiyyah) towards Allah. - Hazrat Muslim bin ‘Aqil's example is mentioned as a good servant of Allah who achieved this status through obedience to Allah, the Prophet, Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husayn. - The challenges faced by Hazrat Muslim bin ‘Aqil in Kufa, including the dwindling support and eventual abandonment by the people. - This eventually ended with Muslim bin ‘Aqil being left alone after the prayer, with no one remaining to support him.

, inshAllah for the sake of this month of Muharram, I will be sharing lectures I enjoyed watching many many years ago. I am sure there are people looking for lectures to watch on God, Islam, and Faith. I will try my best to post one every single day. Yes I love old lectures of Hassanain Rajabali. They are timeless and will always renergize and resonate with me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJyoJjpm1UY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8H-ZjbnC4U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO4zF0PNdTo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRtpPOpHwDU

https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 PREVIOUS SLIDE NEXT SLIDE Cell No.14 AMIN PUBLICATIONS Regular price£18.00 Default Title Quantity ADD TO CART This autobiography covers the first half of the life of the leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyid Ali Khamenei, from his early childhood all the way to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the monarchical regime to an end in Iran. It provides a gripping account of a life full of struggle and fighting for justice and establishing an Islamic order in his country. It is a remarkable saga of a young cleric blessed with an indomitable spirit who fights a dictatorial regime with his sermons and speeches as well as with his organisational abilities. He never loses hope despite being sent to prison and exile, and finally emerged victorious against all odds. This book serves as a source of inspiration to all activists around the globe who are trying to bring about social and political change. This book contains beautiful illustrations depicting different stages in the life of Ayatollah Khamenei. https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Islamic Governance £12.99 GBP ADD TO CART Shining Sun £15.00 GBP ADD TO CART Kitab Al-Irshad: The Book of Guidance £25.99 GBP ADD TO CART Prophetic Traditions in Islam £14.99 GBP ADD TO CART Spiritual Psychology: The Fourth Intellectual Journey in Transcendant Philosophy £35.99 GBP ADD TO CART The Faith of Shia Islam £4.99 GBP ADD TO CART An Altar of Roses £15.99 GBP ADD TO CART Islamuna - Our Islam £9.00 GBP ADD TO CART https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14 Powered by Simile.ai Delivery Information Refund Policy Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact us Join our mailing list SUBSCRIBE Facebook Instagram © 2021, House of Taha, Brought to you by AIM https://www.houseoftaha.com/products/cell-no-14

Allah has never left the earth, the habitation of earth and humanity without a leader. Everywhere, where their was a survival of human beings (a human society) of any kind, a Leader has come into place. A leader by every aspects needed according to the time. Here, comes the hierarchy of prophethood. How prophets are ranked? According to how big the responsibility is on their shoulders, size of community they have to deal with and other complex parameters. Other than prophets, even men are granted leadership. For example, Hazrat Zulqarnain. Even great men have played the role of a guide, for example, Ashab e Kahf. The most convenient example can be the leaders of our time and recent periods. Basically, we always have a leader who leads us to justice. This system where people are not left without a leader is called Nizaam e Wilayat (System of Leadership). Wali means leader. Here, I'm talking about Waliullah (Leader appointed by Allah). Now, what is this hierarchy? First of all, our absolute leader is Allah — 'Qul hu wallahu Ahad'. Only he. But in order to reveal his leadership, guidance, kindness, help etc. we need a system. This is why we need Nizaam e Wilaayat. Allah appoints prophets and Imams as our divine guides. These are those entities which bring the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) in the society. And because they are immune from error, they are irrefutable. Because they are irrefutable, they must be followed undisputedly. When they are followed undisputedly, it brings harmony and order in the social system like the system of military and defence. How disciplined they are! Because they have to follow the commandments in which there is no question and hence, no chaos. So, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) and then his divine guides chosen from among people should be followed in a similar manner. After that there are other people too who are given this responsibility as an obligation or they achieve it through their hard work. Such leaders are refutable most of the times. Their work is only to pass the divine law, values and conjuctions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) in the right way. They don't have to say anything from their own side. They are coordinators or minor leaders. For example, the scholars, the imam e Juma, Imams of mosques, parents. Their role is to spread the message. Pass it to impose the divine will. All the leaders should be obeyed. In order to obey Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) we need to obey his Wali irrespective of there ranks. But as per the nature of hierarchy, one supercedes the other. The ones refutable should connect their orders to the irrefutable ones (Ambiya/Aimmah). If they don't do so, respect them but don't obey them because here their order can be replaced by the order of ones above them. So, moving in a bottom to top order of leadership — Parents hold the first right to leadership, then Imam of the mosque, then Imam e Juma, then an appointee of your region — for example if someone holds the authority of wilaayat for a country or state. Then, the appointees closest to the wali e Asr or irrefutable Wali of your time. Then, the prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Then, Allah. Thus, this is the system of wilayat from the perspective of history and also from the perspective of region. Now, question comes up about woman? Question is genuine and begs an answer. Woman don't hold the position of leadership. They hold the role or responsibility but not the position on a larger level. Here, I'm talking about physical leadership. As an opinion, the female gender naturally seems to be a superior gender. It holds a lot of other major gigantic roles which can never be taken by men. Now, in a team, if the person who is extremely valuable and has a lots of roles to carry. Does it ever happens that such a person should also be burdened by this role of leadership? No. Secondly, men are by nature more stronger physically and because of their role in the society only, they are also more discrete and straight forward in thinking. Women are greatly attached to many things very closely. 'Lam yalid wa lamyulad' — Allah the absolute leader who is free from all attachments, would also like to give wilaayat to someone who is less prone to bending towards attachments. Now, I'm not saying that woman cannot hold this position. They certainly play this role but they are not given this position because of the other burdens on them. Women are leaders and this is undisputable. They are leaders ideologically, in a symbolic way and in the matters purely related to them. Like Mawla Ali (عليه السلام) is a man in portrayal. He will not teach or explain the roles solely related to woman. So, a woman needs a symbolic leader whose footsteps she can follow. A leader of heart who she can see as an example. A woman cannot step her foot in Imam Ali's (عليه السلام) shoe. She needs a woman for that. Who will tell her how to treat people? Who will make her aware about her own identity? Answer is : The ones who are the leaders of woman and the ones who have taken their legacy ahead. The one who can be called Sayyadatun Nisa il Alamin. It is Fatima tul Kubra, Khadija tul Gharra, Maryam e Muqaddas and all those who have carried their legacy ahead. These are the symbolic and ideological leaders of a woman. Take the concept of leader I said before and combine it with these leaders. Bibi Fatima (SA) is the leader of woman. A Woman should follow her until she becomes like her. Women have to say what she ordered them to say. Stand where she says 'Stand!'. Sit where she says 'sit!'. Her order is irrefutable. In order to become a perfect woman, a woman has to follow her. She should be an example and role model for woman. Now, how to follow her? Study about her. Find her traces in history. Try to understand why a woman who just lived so less (18 or 28) has become eternal in history. Don't we want such eternity. But for that women should struggle. They should struggle to get closer to her character. She is Imam of every woman. Though, only women are not bound to follow her but rather every human being but she is more important and specific for a woman. We should not only love her, but drive ourselves on her path. It is so bad that woman don't take her as there leader. They don't do hijab but lament for Hazrat Zainab. All this love is useless. In conclusion, It is crucial to study about Bibi Fatima (عليه السلام), Bibi Zainab (عليه السلام) and women in history similar to them. If women don't follow them, they have not attended completely to the message of Ghadeer. Traditional woman was submissive to oppression. Today's woman is herself an oppressor, heedless, worthless; who adores the fake beauty but can't perceive the character. Has no sense of self-sacrifice. A follower of Bibi Fatima is not actually like that. She has the ability to conquer the world but sacrifices herself to the duties given by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى). She like Bibi Fatima (عليه السلام) uses her outer beauty, exploits it as a useful tool, sacrifices it with the sword of time and space, and burns it in the afflictions of this world. Why? To defend her inside. To bring her inner character. To shine her inner beauty. She kills her outside body in honor of the inside character and as a gift or sadaqah to create an ideal Islamic society. Such a woman is the Shia of Fatima (عليه السلام), Maryam, Hajra and all the noble names. Ghadeer for a woman (and muslims in general) is not only the acceptance of Mawla Ali (عليه السلام) as there Leader but also the acceptance and recognition of Hazrat Fatima (عليه السلام), the pure. Ghadeer is the only place which not only connects Imamate with nabuwwat but also resembles Islam as a political religion. Shame on us that we have accepted tyrants as leaders. We respect this worthless system of tyranny and are heedless about Nizaam e Wilaayat. If we really understand the message of ghadeer, we can never accept 'Taghut' to rule upon us. But we accept oppression. We are corrupt, top to bottom. The one who says that religion is separate from politics is neither aware of Religion, nor politics. Politics is bad because good people don't pay attention to it. Islam covers every dimension of life. But we don't follow Islam. We follow mawla Ali (عليه السلام) like Hindus follow Ram or Christians follow Jesus. We don't accept them as our leaders but rather as some holy figures who had a legacy. What is the use of wasting time on such personalities when we don't have to do anything with their character and leadership? Our leaders are our leaders in all aspects of life. And yes only these pure ones. You know the impact of ghadeer in politics? The banner of palestine is kept strongly by Shias only. Palestinians are Sunnis and so they asked help from their pretend leaders only. But they were duped, betrayed. They felt leaderless and forgotten many times. Because they didn't had a wise leader. Sometimes they even were deviated from there path. Muslims establish empires that caused bloodshed, were unjust and based on the old baseless system of monarchy like Ottomans, the Seljuks, Ghaznavis, Mughals etc. We as muslims feel insulted that these empires were muslim empires. If muslims had remembered Ghadir and accepted Nizaam e Wilaayat. All the administrations would have been called 'Islamic' Empires, not 'Muslim' Empires. People, irrespective of there faith, would have loved to take pride in such empires and rulers of Nizam e Wilaayat. Today, Iran is Iran because of Nizam e Wilaayat. In Lebanon, there is a Shia organisation, even some jews have supported it. A jewish scholar said, "They show courage, they show disciple." Where does this disciple come from. It comes from Nizam e Wilaayat (Leadership). Mawla Ali (عليه السلام) loved Bibi Fatima (عليه السلام). Respected daughters a lot. Our leaders were those who gave women opportunity, wings, a freedom to speak, to express but yes were strict in order to direct them in the right direction and in order to point them out. Just like a person having love for someone does. What we have done to this? In what way have we followed are leaders? Does leadership means celebrating a day for them, reciting poetries, eating delicious food? Do good to people this day. And say if someone asks, "My Leader Imam Ali, Imam Hussain. My leader Wali e Asr has taught me this. I am helping you as a tribute to my leader." Our leaders dealt with woman in a compassionate way. They loved them. Mawla Ali (عليه السلام) grieved and was in pain for what bibi Fatima (عليه السلام) had to endure. It is a matter of shame that we have never realised the honor of woman in such a manner. Even when they strictly commanded them or got angry, such treatment was in love because they wanted to direct them in a right direction.

Salam everyone. Please read this, any kind words will help, I promise you. I know it’s very long but there is soo much emotions going through my head at the moment 4 years ago, I found someone perfect for marriage. We told our parents 1 month after. I’m Iraqi & he is Lebanese. We knew it would be an issue but we are both Shia and we just knew this is the right choice for each other. when I told my dad, I was crying. I told him he’s a great man & a great family. He has so much deen in him, has a great character and very family oriented. My dads problem was only the nationality & our generation talk about us. Which aren’t valid for him to reject it. 3 1/2 years later, he allowed for him to come over and he absolutely loved him. He said as soon as I laid my eyes on him, I knew he was a very innocent good guy. Which is great right? It’s been 1 month since they came over twice and my dad is making this his last priority! He wants to go overseas, and my mum keeps telling him to go after I get married but it seems he gets annoyed when my mum talks to him about it. He will talk about my brother getting married but not me. So again, my mum would said stop talking about our son when our daughter is more than ready to get married, his family is waiting to hear from us. this situation in my life has broken me soo many times. I have cried over it way too many times, I will act like I’m not hurt infront of anyone, as I’m driving off crying my eyes out in the car. Everytime I smile I’m dying inside. I feel so drained, this is not far.. 4 years is way too long to wait when I was ready so early on. It’s not fair to me or him or his family. I don’t know why my dad isn’t making this his priority. I know what sabr is and I am, I mean 4 whole years of sabr but it’s sooo hard. I’m still doing my duties of being the perfect daughter, I help my dad out in any way possible but it’s gone to the point where I will be dropping him of somewhere and I’m literally tearing up driving while he’s in the passenger seat. Doesn’t he know that this is killing me? I have already finished 3 degrees because there’s nothing else to do, I’m ready for marriage, I’m ready for kids, I’m ready to do the duties of a wife. Why from all people, my dad is stopping me. I Don’t know what to do anymore. My sisters and friends will tell me “omg I would’ve lost my calm if I was you” “how are you so patience” or others will say “just be patience” & it’s starting to make me angry because I’ve been patient for 4 years, Don’t tell me “there’s no need to rush”. I honestly feel numb. Please someone say something just to make me step back & fall back on wallah. Sometimes I think to myself, why isn’t Allah helping me.. he knows the pain that I’m going through. Waiting to hear from you all, thank you for reading this. Btw I’m 24 now.

Salam, A jurisdiction would set a law Forcing women to wear hijab. Another jurisdiction would set a law Banning hijab in schools/universities/workplace etc Aren't they both extremes? Aren't they both wrong? As far as the Qur'an teaches us, there cannot be compulsion or forcing in Deen, ﷽ لا إِكراهَ فِي الدّينِ La Ikrah Fil Deen There is no Compulsion in Religion. (2-256) Isn't forcing women to wear hijab counter intuitive? Wouldn't such a law push people away people from the faith simply because they're being forced to adhere to it? Just as some western jurisdictions' banning of the hijab had created a backlash of Muslims holding onto it even more. Your thoughts? Please also take a second to answer the poll to gauge the views.

Personally I think there are so many problems with being a believer. When you say “I believe” you are fundamentally saying, “I am unwilling to admit that I do not know”. The seeker is willing to admit he doesn’t know! The believer is unwilling to make this admission. He draws conclusions about what is not yet within his experience. A believer may make assumptions about the day of the judgement! Further, the moment you believe something, you are in conflict with the opposing belief. You can postpone it with moderate talk. But conflict is inevitable. Isn't it that Abu Darda reported: Did Imam Ali (عليه السلام) not affirm in his last will, I do not see how one can attain ultimate bliss by believing in something that they do not know, by not having the courage nor commitment to seek what is true and just by wanting to assume something. The fundamental human nature is to seek, isn't it how we grow? But then why have faith in something? Well, personally, belief is a big no-no to me but faith is a big yes-yes! It is because faith is something that happens along the spiritual path. It is not something that is forced upon your mind. Belief is brainwashing; faith is a realization through experience. Faith is about recognizing that there is an intelligence in the universe that is beyond our limited logic, and seeking ways to access that. But right now, unfortunately, faith has been misunderstood to mean rigid dogma. How is Belief different from Faith? Even further, the word mistranslated into English as believer has the roots, hamza-meem-nun, meaning to have faith. Of course, "belief" is a synonym to "faith" in English, but languages like Arabic are fundamentally different from languages like English. Arabic is a language where a single word is capable of a multitude of meanings while English is a language where different words can have an exact same meaning! It must be understood that Classical Arabic is too accurately grammatized and too literal. However, the language was still very young at the time the Qur'an Sharif was written. The language of the sacred text carries no such smartness or cleverness as its Classical form because its propounder, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), was himself just too simple. That being said, with very less grammar and much sense of colloquialism there were naturally many different meanings of a single word but even so, inter-related. It is only the gift of the so-called 19th century western philosophers and translators that the essence of spiritual processes were corrupted. Now, I understand why Benjamin Franklin had said, "Give me twenty-six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world." Indeed, Edward Bulwer-Lytton agreed that "The pen is mightier than the sword." Today, along with the so called religious scholars of their own religion, the English translators since 17th century have harmed much of the philosophies of the world. English is a widespread language that has emerged out of the need to communicate and it has the least vocabulary to become a translated target-language. It lacks the vast memory and moods found in languages like Arabic. English is a language for materialistic purposes only! What Qur'an has to say about Islam? Qur'an itself refers to Islam as Din - While the word "religion" would again connect Islam with a certain form of theism, Din is an Arabic word with its root being d-y-n, meaning ‘to dissolve.’ Thus, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) himself is telling that Islam has nothing to do with any belief-system, rather it is about submission to the whole of the creation and becoming one with it and obviously it needs faith to walk such a truthful path and dissolve. This is why Allah has the name Al-Ahad - The Unifier. For me, Islam is not a Religion but a Way of Life and a Spiritual Quest and I am not a believer but indeed faithful to Islam. What are your views?

Salaam Alaykum all, may this message find you well. I am a Shia female that belongs to a very respectful family alhamdullilah. However during my journey at University I came across a Sunni male. We want to get married. We are aware of the challenges this may pose and have in fact spoken about it before because we do not want any problems to arise after marriage especially with our kids. It will take a lot of compromises though but most aspects of Shiaism are not a problem for him. As you have figured from the title, I have already approached my parents and all I have received is a no. I was expecting this, however I do think persistence may pay off. Do not get me wrong, I do not want to engage in anything haram nor do I want to compromise with my Aqidah. I have discussed with the man I wish to marry that I strongly believe Ali should have come first and I have immense love for the ahlulbayt. my parents do not see it that way and are afraid of what the community will think and think my faith will fade and I will divert to the wrong path. I do not want to make my parents unhappy or do the wrong thing but I am willing to learn about both sides for my own sake so that my faith is not merely inherited. Although from what I do know I am convinced I am on the right path but I do acknowledge that we are all muslims at the end of the day and the ummah really needs to unite at this point in time. Also, when my father refused I asked for him to do an Istikhara for my own reassurance and he refused because as my wali he does not accept the person I wish to marry. Is it true that the wali is the one that should take an istikhara or can I do it myself? Also, do you think I should? Finally, I am an Agha Sistani follower who says that if there's a chance of being misled, marrying a Sunni is not permissible. However as I mentioned earlier most things we can agree to and I will continuously be practising my Shia faith. In conclusion I would like some advice on how to approach my parents and get the to agree. Also if you are aware of the ways and ruling on istikhara. Please let me know. Thank you Jazakallah

Most followers of religion have inherited their faith from their parents. Faith is unfortunately more like a culture one grew up in rather than Solid Aqeeda. The danger in inherited faith is that it's foundations are so weak, the slightest breeze can crumble it all together. How many can say that they have researched into their faith vs other faiths and reached conclusions based on research and findings?

I wish to share my thoughts on the concept of Unity. To do that, I have a perspective which is a cumulation of all the experiences of my life put together. My perspective may have a bias since it is a combination of the realities that I have lived and observed at different points in time. In order to explain my thoughts, I am compelled to make the best use of my language skills. I believe the English Language is one of the most, if not THE most spoken languages in contemporary times. I start off by introducing myself to the reader. I like to think of myself as a being that is subject to constant evolution. Evolution in the form of mind, body, brain, soul, spirit, etc. So in order to understand me, the reader should have a basic understanding of the concept of Unity, Duality, Multiplicity, and Infinity. Since only certain things can be explained at any one point in time (because time is relative), my goal here is to explain the concept of Unity. In Arabic (the language of the Arab people), Unity is analogous to the concept of 'Tawhid'. But in order to continue in English, I will have to proceed and due to my limitations to explain this concept, and the readers' limitations to understand this concept, I will have to improvise. Understanding Unity via Duality can be done in countless ways. The way I wish to do so is through the relativity of time. Basically, in order to explain Unity to you, I will keep time as a constant for a short period of time. It is at my discretion (at present) to pick a point in time to explain to you the concept as I am the speaker and you are the listener (presumably). The point of time that I pick is one from history. I have picked it because of its significance in countless ways, depending on the observer of time. The date I've picked is the 10th of October 680 C.E (Common Era). Since I am explaining Unity through Duality, I would now like to divide the recording of time in history via two methods already used. The Gregorian Calendar (the 12 months commonly used today, supposed to have marked the beginning of the Common Era, following the birth of Jesus Christ) and The Hijri Calendar (the 12 months commonly used by the Muslim population of the world, following the migration of Muhammad to Mecca). 10th of October in the Gregorian Calendar coincides with the 10th of Muharram in the Hijri Calendar. More specifically, 10th October 680 C.E = 10th Muharram 61 A.H. Since we are now keeping 'time' a 'constant', we have limited 'space' to keep making progress. So, in a few words, Unity explained via Duality means that at it's most basic, yet Absolute, Unity means two things (keeping in mind that time is NOT a constant). As we understand, Unity exists via space relative to time. I repeat, Duality of Unity is known in contemporary times as the Space-Time continuum. Do we understand the Space-Time continuum? Maybe, maybe not. I'd prefer to think that we do understand this continuum. You, me, we, all of us understand it in a different way. Coming back to time. To conclude this, on the 10th of October 680 C.E. (10th of Muharram 61 A.H.), an event took place. ONE event, best explained to be a combination of Infinite events, held at the same point in time for Existence to comprehend the Infinite potential of mankind in the form of Duality. The Duality of Right vs. Wrong. The Duality of Truth vs. Falsehood. The Duality of Being a Creation Vs. The Creator. As long as we can compel ourselves to observe all of history via the concept of Unity and applying Duality at it constantly, it will only be by a miracle that we don't/can't SEE the truth, HEAR the truth, FEEL the truth. Anything and Everything else is just pure coincidence. The End.

Salam alakum, Alhamdilalah I am a practicing Muslima with faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى). I experience real moments of connection with Allah on a day to day basis and during ibadah and understand from a rational/ logical perspective that He knows what's best for me with regards to putting me through hardship, making me wait to meet a partner and reach my career goals etc etc. However, I feel like my heart does not fully believe this because why am I anxious about the future, uncertain and unsatisfied with my current situation? I'd like to know if you struggle with this with too and whether you have any recommendations for 3amal/ duaas prayers, for reading or general lifestyle tips. I hope this makes sense- I know the question is a little bizarre. Thanks in advance.

***** Al-’Abbas in Arabic Referring to the linguistic meaning of the Arabic al-’Abbas, Ibn-Manzhour5 in his al-Ayn, writes down: Al-’Abbas - the lion that other lions fear and escape6 https://www.al-islam.org/al-abbas-badr-shahin/birth-and-early-life#al-’abbas-arabic Epithets Epithet is a word or phrase that expresses a quality or attribute which is considered to be a characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.1 Epithets then reflect one’s characteristics, whether good or bad. To al-’Abbas a number of lofty epithets expressing his kind mentality and high moral standards have been ascribed: https://www.al-islam.org/al-abbas-badr-shahin/epithets#bab-ul-husayn Al-’Abbas in the Imams’ Sight https://www.al-islam.org/al-abbas-badr-shahin/al-abbas-imams-sight ***** Hamil ul-Liwaa The holding of standards in wars is the most significant position in armies. Standards are given exclusively to the soldiers who enjoy special military abilities. During the battle of at-Taff, the standard was in the hand of Abu’l-Fadhl al-’Abbas who preserved and held it from the beginning of the tragic journey from Medina to up until the last spark of his life. Al-’Abbas protected that standard so bravely and uniquely that he embraced it to his chest when his two hands were severed. In more than one situation, al-’Abbas asked his brother Imam al-Husayn for permission for fighting, but the Imam used to say to him, “You are the standard-bearer of my army. If you are martyred, my troops will separate”. It is also well known that standard-bearers are chosen according to special qualifications: The standard-bearer must be accepted by everybody and must bear qualities such as courage, chivalry, and honor. The standard-bearers must also exert all efforts to keep the standard high. For this reason, al-’Abbas exerted unique efforts for keeping the standard high. When his right hand was severed, he held the standard in the left. And when this one was also severed, he embraced the standard to his chest and held onto it until the last breath of his life. Historians have also recorded that when the Umayyad army raided at the camp of Imam al-Husayn after his martyrdom - they robbed everything including the standard borne by al-’Abbas. In Syria, when Yazid’s sight fell on that standard, he was amazed. He noticed that it was completely stabbed at all places except at the place of its handle, where it was held. He asked about the bearer of that standard and was told that it was al-’Abbas ibn ‘Ali. Astonished by the courage of al-’Abbas, Yazid turned his face to the attendants and said: “Look at this standard! It is stabbed in every place except its handle. This clearly means that its bearer was so courageous and chivalrous that he faced all stabs and strokes without letting that standard fall from his hand. This is the true loyalty to a brother!!” Hence, al-’Abbas was called ‘Hamil ul-Liwaa’, the standard- bearer. https://www.al-islam.org/al-abbas-badr-shahin/epithets#hamil-ul-liwaa In the special ziyara of al-’Abbas that Abu-Hamza ath-Themali narrated, Imam as-Sadiq (a) says: “Salaam be upon you, the righteous servant!”

Salam and hello everyone, I apologize from the get go if this sounds like a Tumblr post but I genuinely want to hear from other Shiachat lurkers regarding the titular question. Over the past few years I've had the opportunity to meet people from a multitude of backgrounds and diverse schools of thought and I was shocked by how fragile the structural integrity of my beliefs was. Everything that I've ever known was challenged, and I started to question the very nature of my existence. Now of course one could blame it on my upbringing, maybe I didn't attend enough lectures or didn't pray hard enough. It's possible, but I urge you to approach this topic pragmatically and with an open mind. Have you ever considered that there is no God and we're really the consequence of...coincidence? A magnificent one on a celestial scale, but a coincidence nonetheless? There way as well may be infinite multiverse a out there, is it really that special to have life spring up on the tiniest of planets in the tiniest of solar systems in some so and so galaxy? And if we're to put aside the sheer awesomeness of the world for a minute, what really is there to compel a belief in a God? Many of us claim that God has a destiny for us, and there's a grand plan. Things have a way of working out in the end, don't they? But what if that's all just the human mind trying to rationalize the unexplainable, or attempting to live with the fact that ultimately nothing is under its control? Haven't there been countless events in history where powerful folk used religion for political agendas such as conquer and control? Hell, some religions were born from purely those motives. Gods all around the world have similar attributes and godly stories similar themes, and I feel like the differences in belief systems only reflect the differences in circumstances, geography, history etc. The Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia believed in Gilgamesh's Epic (origins of Noah's Ark story, some say) because their livelihood depends so deeply on the rise and recede of the Tigris and Euphrates. The Roman Empire eventually adopted Christianity because it was better suited for its imperialistic needs. The point is, each society in history had molded the concepts of a higher deity(ies) as was needed by the people of its time. Too many times I've seen Muslims poking fun at say, Hindus, for having one too many gods, but I'm a little tired of my brethren walking around like it's their birthright to walk straight into Heaven. Why should you be any more proud to be a Muslim than if you're proud to be tall or have ten fingers? The only reason I haven't completely abandoned the idea of a God is because I don't understand death. It certainly makes it easier to fathom my inevitable doom by thinking that we have a purpose. I want to, nay, I need to believe in a grand scheme if I'm to live my life not in a state of a constant existential crisis. Who's to say anyone of us is right?

Why every time I that I mention Jesus and my love for him, the Muslim person I am speaking with goes into this script, (I feel like it is a script because diverse people have used the same words verbatim), of how they love Jesus too. They say, "One cannot be Muslim unless he believes in Jesus, I love Jesus, I love Jesus more than you" Honestly, this shows a great misunderstanding in the Muslim's person understanding. Do Muslim people realize that Christians do not love Jesus like as a prophet, we do not love him a religious duty. We surely do not love him in the context of a person from the Islamic faith would love him. We do not relate nor believe in him as someone from the Islamic faith. They might as well be two completely different people. (They have different life stories, deaths, resurrection, and prophecies told in the Koran and the Bible). Do Muslim people understand that when a Christian expresses their love for Jesus, they are referring to a love deeper than that of a mother, a child, or a husband/wife? This is a love of "savior", meaning: I was dead and he gave me life. I was poor and he gave me riches. I had ashes, he gave me beauty. He not only gave me life, but a blessed, abundant beautiful. I owe him my life. To me, this type of response to a Christian who talks about their love for Jesus reveals a wide gap of understanding from the Muslim person. Do you owe Jesus your life, did he stay with all night when you were alone and no one was there, did he sing to you songs and comfort and fill your heart with life, truth, and love? If not, then please don't tell me you love him, because you don't know him to love him. How do you love what you do not know? Maybe you love the idea of him, but not him. For example, a weak analogy would be you sharing about the birth of your son, and how much your son means to you and he is your life and your joy and your pride. The person you speak with who has never seen your son, nor knows him, says, "I love him too, more than you, I love him so much". He then says, "What's his name, I forgot" and goes his life without ever spending any time with or buying anything for your son. You would say, "Do not tell me you love my son, your words are just lip service, and flattery". Lip service and words are increasingly meaningless in this world when they have no action behind them. Does this frustration make sense, I always remind myself, the Muslim person has the best intention to make good relations with me, but they just do not understand as they should.

Is it bad or disrespectful or haram to get Allahs name tattooed,I wanna get bismallah,or bismallah el rehman el rahim,in Arabic,I dunno if I spelt it right.its a prayer correct,I feel it would b a nice tattoo because I wanna proudly express my faith,can someone explain the content in which that prayer is used,to my knowledge I say it when scared before I eat,if I'm amazed at somthing beautiful like nature,before I do anything I'm nervous about.correct or no?in the name of god saying it comforts me so I want it written on me to always remember to b faithful n do good.good or bad idea?

@Abdulaziz mirza dear readers, i just want to discuss something important, i have been facing and challenging for quiet a while, and maybe a lot of people are secretly fighting this... I once had very strong faith in Allah and was very pious and religious, i had goals and still do want to be a sheikh and i would make Allah's name beautiful, i would make people know what's haram and halal, i offer prayers at the time and i always go to the masjid and fast not obligatory fasting and i pray more than i should and do a lot of good things ,But everyone has a flaw and a failure and mine was masturbation and i kept killing me and my faith slowly, and everytime i want to repent i repeat the same mistake. Till one time Allah completely forgave me and i was so happy and proud that i always thought that Allah forgave me so there's no point in praying in time and i lost in touch with Allah and the quran and my prayers and fasts. And i lied and sometimes cursed, my faith was become weaker and weaker everytime, it was shaytan who tricked me, it's like he put a veil between my mind and my religion or he blocked my conscious. Till i sinned again and i repented and again and then repented till know that i know my faith is so weak that its hard , but i asked Allah to renew my faith so if i can try to strengthen it again. And i am suffering, because if you would meet me when i was religious and meet me when i lost my faith, you would look at 2 different people and it's so depressing if you would experience this. Are there any tips if any of you would give me. And thank you.

al-islam

If anyone wants to donate its a great cause. 2nd Chance Books for Prisoners Program "Some of the many benefits of this program are changing prisoners bad habits into good ones; achieving social reform by teaching the morals and ethics of the Holy Prophet and his Holy Household (pbut), molding leaders; producing better citizens who will be active in helping their communities upon their release, promoting awareness of the true teachings of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad (s) and his Holy Household (as) and to remove misinformation and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims from the peoples minds." "You can get involved by helping in any of these ways: donation of $25 can sponsor to send a prisoner a package of six books, donating new or used books, donating prayer rugs, tasbih, turbah or simply spreading the word with your family and friends who may be able to help this cause." " This program will provide the proper tools for change; Free Islamic books on belief, ethics, morality and family structure in Islam. They can use these books as a tool for self-development and to reform themselves and also their friends, loved ones and communities upon their release. " https://www.2ndchancebooks.org/ http://www.yasinpublications.com/

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu I used to follow Sistani, then Sadiq Shirazi. My question is, who is the strictest majra? Ya Ali Madad Haqq

I’m writing this while I'm crying. I'm so tired.. I have always been this hopeful person, that always saw the good things in people, in situations, in everything, all that because of my faith. I believed that I had a strong faith, making always due, prays, doing my thing. Lately I’m just tired of everthing and everyone. I feel like im lost and doesn’t know what to do. Everything is just, blank.. The problems that I prayed for before (last years and the years before) aren’t gone. Things are just the same and even worse. I’m afraid of myself.. Afraid of losing my faith. Afraid of losing hope.. Feel like I don't have any hope anymore in life.. I'm hating myself for thinking like that. I feel guilty.. I shouldn’t think like that. But then I think about my life and my timeline, and wallah, I’m trying very hard to think about good things that happened in my life (for my family, sisters, brother, school, friends).. NOTHING! seriously nothing.. Is this life? Should it be like that, when every Islam always talks about happiness. Wallah I'm trying to be content with all the problems, and everything.. But.. I even tried to speak to the local sheikh here, but he wasn't of much help.. I hate the "why me", but always wondering, why is life so hard on me. And I know some of you will blame me and tell me to be patient. I've been patient since I was 13 years old, and now I'm 25 years old.. It’s so hard.

Salaamu alaykum everyone, This is the start of a series in which I am trying to distill the most important spiritual truths which I have realized in studying and participating in this deen. It is extremely relevant to Shiachatters especially as unfortunately many in this community have taken the deen to be a series of propositions which one assents to with the mind instead of a series of realities that have been integrated into the soul through the heart. What I have shared here has really changed my life. http://themuslimtheist.com/the-aql-is-not-reason-its-consciousness/

Salamu 3laykum, I am interested in finding the top, best Shia books about anything but I mainly want books about Imam Al-Mahdi ( AATFS), Allah SWT, how women should be in Islam, the roles of a believer, and many more. Any help would be appreciated. I want to explore the roles and responsibilities that Allah is ordered for us to follow and know.

Your comments please. Thank you.