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Assalamu alaykum, everyone. Hope you're all having a great Ramadan; heavenly breezes your way. Before I ask my questions, allow me to recount my spiritual/religious journey in brief (or what I hope will be brief). I appreciate if you could patiently read before answering. I was born in Iran to a non-practicing Muslim family. When I was a child, my parents taught me that there is a God, and read to me stories about the prophets (my favourites were the story of Nuh, Yunus and Yusuf, alayhimussalam); but they didn’t practise any Islamic rituals. Fasting and praying was never part of their daily routine. The only precepts that they followed (and still follow, despite living in a Western country) is avoiding pork and alcohol. As a result, throughout my childhood and teenage years, I wouldn’t perform namaz or fast Ramadan. I still had a deep-seated belief in God, and would pray (dua) to Him, especially when things got difficult; e.g. when a teacher wanted to check our homework and I hadn’t done it, or when I had broken something and I didn’t want my parents to find out. When I was about 17, I left Iran to study in Malaysia. It was the first time I was living away from my family in a foreign land, and for whatever reason, a great transformation took place in my soul at that time. I fell in love with God. I began to pray the daily prayers regularly, to read the Quran often, to remember God often; I found in these such joy, such ecstasy, and at the same time, such peace, such solace, such serenity, the like of which I had never tasted before. At this same time, I began to associate with a group of Malaysian Sunni Muslims who had Sufi inclinations. I would often pray with them; and from what I remember, I would pray like them outwardly, with hands folded over chest. At that time (and to a certain extent, even now) I cared very little about Sunni-Shia differences. What mattered was God. The Remembrance of God is greater. (Quran 29:45) Greater than everything. Love God, worship God, with all your mind and soul. Give yourself to God; and leave all the rest. This was my philosophy, at least at that time. A couple of years later, I migrated along with my parents to Australia. My parents realised that I had profoundly changed; I would pray five times a day, recite the Quran, fast Ramadan. My parents, of course, thought that this was a transient phase and decided to completely ignore these changes in my life; they made no objects to me praying or fasting, but they themselves still didn’t pray or fast. They also weren’t interested in any conversation about religion. In the following years, I continued to deepen my understanding of faith; from time to time, I would read Islamic books or listen to lectures (mostly Sunni, but also Shia from time to time). Books that intrigued me the most at this stage were Sufi literature; books by Rumi, Attar, Sana’i, Ghazzali, etc. The greatness of these books was that they dealt with pure spirituality, not identity politics, sectarian polemics, etc.; and I had the pleasure of reading them in their original language, my mother tongue Persian. Now, let me come to the questions: While I find my relationship with God satisfying, I now know that Islam is meant to be practised communally, not just in solitude. For years, I had prayed alone, fasted alone, broken my fasts alone (even before Covid-19!) For someone like me, finding the right community and spiritual company was a challenge. One main question is: Which community is right for me? Should I join a Sunni OR a Shia congregation? and I hate to ask that question: Why should it be either/or? Why not both/and? Loving God is not Sunni or Shia. It is neither, or it is both. Same with sincerity, humility, kindness: none of these are exclusively Sunni or Shia qualities. But the fact on the ground is that, (for whatever reason), Sunnis and Shias don’t pray with each other anymore. Sunnis pray with Sunnis. Shias pray with Shias. Which congregation should I join? What I like most about the Shia tradition is the spirituality of Sahifa-Sajjadiya and some of the great sermons in Nahjul Balagha. I also returned to follow Shia fiqh in my wudhu and prayer. While I respect all fiqh traditions and consider them equally valid, this is the way I felt most comfortable praying and performing wudhu. I believe Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (regardless of whether he was an infallible imam) is definitely not a less credible expositor of fiqh than Imam Shafi’i, Abu Hanifah or Malik, radhi allahu anhum. On the other hand, my understanding of Islam was mainly shaped by Sunni-Sufi thought and sentiment. For example, while I deeply respect and love Imam Hussain ((عليه السلام)), I am more interested in what Imam Hussain taught, what he stood for, how he lived, than just crying endlessly for how tragically he was killed. To be completely frank, I never understood the concept of religious azadari. Azadari makes sense when you lose a loved one; but we haven’t lost the Prophet or the Imams. Their teachings, their spiritual presence and ultimately God (to whom they all pointed; and their whole mission was to lead us to God) are still with us, and will forever remain with us. So why should we mourn someone who is alive? More living than us. Other reasons for not wanting to be a Shia were practical: the Shia are in a minority. There are very few Shia mosques. The ones that exist are far away from where I live, often ethno-centric (frequented mostly by Iraqis or Pakistanis with lectures said in Arabic or Urdu, rather than English) or having political links/agendas. I felt more-or-less estranged from the Iranians in Australia as well. From my observation, the Iranian diaspora consists mostly either of non-Muslims (Christians, Bahai’s, etc.), cultural/nominal Muslims, or people who have turned against religion altogether, mostly as a reaction to what they see as aggression and injustice by the ‘Islamic’ government in Iran. Traditional, simple-minded, religious Iranians who aren't politically affiliated seem to be a tiny minority here. Incredibly hard to find. As for associating with Sunnis and calling myself a Sunni, the obvious advantage is there are many more mosques I could go to (more options!); but then the problem was that people would want to know whether/why I have changed my madhhab and become a Sunni; as Shia Islam is the madhhab of the majority of Iranians. I don’t want to give anyone the impression that I don’t like Shia Islam; because the truth is that I consider Shia Islam a valid perspective and a valid madhhab to follow; and by saying that I have changed my madhhab, I would give the impression that I find Shi'ism wrong (which isn't true). As you can see, because of my spiritual journey which isn’t as straightforward as most Muslims, I have ended up in a confused state. Alhamdulillah, I am not confused regarding my relationship with God, but in navigating my relationship with others. Non-Muslim Australians think that I am not one of them because I am Muslim. Sunni Muslims think that I am not one of them because I am Shia. Shia Muslims think that I am too Sunni to be a good Shia. Maybe you could help me out.

I have long been at a point with my AvPD (avoidant personality disorder) that I have not attended Jumah for months on end. I avoid praying in mosques at all costs unless I know I will literally miss the previous prayer time. For anyone that suffers from social anxiety, or just anxiety in general, how do you bring yourself to go to mosque? How do you manage to go out and not feel like a thousand eyes are burning into your skin? I can't even see myself going to Eid prayer. Any help would be appreciated.

What mosques do you like to go to, or keep special memories from. If possible, mosques we do not always read about.

Ali Shah Mousavi http://en.abna24.com/news/central-asia-subcontinent/at-least-25-martyred-in-bomb-gun-attack-on-shia-mosque-in-afghanistan-pics_904233.html He was one of Martyrs of attack on Shia mosque in Afghanistan Guantanamo Inmate Database: Ali Shah Mousavi McClatchy Newspapers by Tom Lasseter June 15, 2008 GARDEZ, Afghanistan — Sitting in front of a military tribunal at Guantanamo, Ali Shah Mousavi tried to make sense of it all. A former member of Afghanistan's interim loya jirga, the first democratic legislative body formed after the Taliban fell, Mousavi is a Shiite Muslim, a sect that the Taliban brutally oppressed and al Qaida often targeted for death as apostates. Yet the American officers before him were presenting a series of accusations that made him out to be a Taliban and al Qaida supporter. The Americans said that Mousavi had met with Taliban leaders in an effort to funnel cash to al Qaida in early 2002. They said he was a key Taliban leader's main representative in Iran. They said he'd taken about $150,000 from Iran to eastern Afghanistan to fund militants near his hometown of Gardez. Mousavi already had made his case — that he was innocent — with a narrative that wove in the intricacies of Shiite Islam and the history of the Afghan revolt against Soviet occupation in the 1980s. He explained that Afghan political and tribal infighting after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion often led to one side or the other peddling false information to the Americans in hopes that U.S. troops would kill or arrest a rival. http://humanrights.ucdavis.edu/projects/the-guantanamo-testimonials-project/testimonies/prisoner-testimonies/guantanamo-inmate-database-ali-shah-mousavi Ali Shah Mousavi is a 58- or 59-year-old citizen of Afghanistan. He was transferred to Afghanistan on Oct. 11, 2006. Note: These documents include some assertions that cannot be independently verified. Many allegations have been contested by detainees and their lawyers, and some have been undercut by other evidence. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/1154-ali-shah-mousavi https://books.google.com.ua/books?id=aRI5DgAAQBAJ&pg=PT21&lpg=PT21&dq=Ali+Shah+Mousovi%2Bbook&source=bl&ots=Q8na-KDxbQ&sig=eD2yDiP4QMW_LQWIsyl_iU4sLZM&hl=fa&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwinl-f3zNfcAhUB6qQKHSLTBq8Q6AEwCnoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=Ali Shah Mousovi%2Bbook&f=false https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jun/28/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview13 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/29/AR2006042900145.html??noredirect=on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahvish_Rukhsana_Khan https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1422349/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardez http://www.tisri.org/default-425.aspx (Farsi diary)

MashaAllah, I am glad to announce that we have got a new Shia Islamic Center, Al-Murtaza at Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is a small community with 50-60 people in and around Greenville, SC. They have a website with phone number and contact details. They are looking for land and building very aggressively. https://al-murtaza.com The nearest center is Al Zahra Islamic Center of Charlotte, NC which is around 70 - 80 miles. The website for this center is http://azicc.org. They have there own iphone and android app as well. MashaAllah, Shia community is increasing day by day in NC and SC. PixelGenies is blessed for being associated with these communities for its technology needs. May Allah give us all guidance to be on right path and keep doing what is best for the community. PixelGenies Solutions

Myanmar closes mosque in further crackdown on Muslims (AhlulBayt News Agency) - The Myanmar regime has closed a mosque and a seminary in the country’s commercial region of Yangon in further crackdown on Muslims in the Buddhist majority nation. A local newspaper the Voice Daily claimed that three buildings were chained shut on Wednesday, after it was found that they were being used as a mosque and seminary, without official permission, at Kywe Pone Lay village in Okkan Township, about 100 kilometres north of Yangon. Township administrator Myo Lwin claimed that the closure was to prevent problems in Okkan area which had seen an anti-Muslim riot in 2013. The riot had begun after a Muslim woman accidentally bumped into a monk, breaking his begging bowl in Okkan town. Hundreds of rampaging Buddhists armed with bricks stormed into Muslim villages, calling the accident an assault. A Muslim man was killed in the attack. Also, two mosques and 150 houses and shops owned by Muslims were destroyed by the mob. The incident in Yangon comes amidst an ongoing brutal crackdown and persecution of ethnic Rohingya Muslims in the country’s Rakhine state. The United Nations has established a fact-finding mission to investigate crimes against humanity committed by Myanmar's military during renewed brutal crackdown against Muslims which started last October. The country’s de-facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1991, has been criticized by more than a dozen fellow laureates for the armed response. They wrote an open letter to the UN Security Council warning of a tragedy “amounting to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity” in Rakhine state. Rakhine State in west Myanmar has seen the most serious violence perpetrated against Muslims in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar since the military began to end its decades of strict rule. Reports indicate that thousands of Rohingya Muslims killed and hundreds of thousands displaced there in attacks by government forces and extremists Buddhists since in 2012 in a deliberate state-backed policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide. According to the UN, the Rohingya Muslims are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. http://en.abna24.com/news/east-asia/myanmar-closes-mosque-in-further-crackdown-on-muslims_845973.html

Salaam brothers and sisters! I opened a thread some months ago, but in case not everybody knows I converted to Shia islam about a year ago! I'm currently living in Barcelona, Spain, and here the Shia community is pretty small... I made some research and I could find a Shia Islamic Center in Barcelona, but it is about 40 minutes from where I live. Close to my house (less than 5 min) they opened a new Mosque, with new materials, modern setting-up, and looking pretty beautiful. Buuuut, it is a Sunni mosque (since the majority of muslims here in Spain are Sunni). I of course can drive or go to the Shia one sometimes, but for a 'daily' visit, would it be a problem maybe going to the Sunni mosque? Would Sunni brothers take it as an offence? To make a different wu'du, prayers, usage of turbah, etc..? Thanks for reading and your attention!

Hello everyone, have you guys seen this majid? According to many people in mosque a guy spent $23+ million dollars on this mosque and on inauguration he spent $350K on fireworks only. On friday everyone was talking about this and how this guy brought us (shias) in limelight and how everyone is talking about this shia mosque blah blah. Don't you think it's an israaf?

Dear Shia Chat Community, Salaam We are blessed to be hosting two crowdfunding campaigns managed by AIM Islam and ICIS, each fundraising for the Shia Muslim community in Trinidad and Tobago as well as Ivory Coast. We would like to invite you all to take a look and pledge any amounts you can for the development of our communities in those countries: https://www.tahafunder.com/ivorycoastschool https://www.tahafunder.com/campaign/149/muslim-community-of-trinadad-and-tobago Spreading the word of mouth on Social media could massively help them. May Allah reward us all for our intentions and efforts inshallah. Kind Regards and Peace, Taha Funder Team

1. The Prophet saww closed all the doors opening in the mosques except that of Imam Ali AS. The following hadith describe this closing of doors: Zaid b. Arqam narrates – Some companions had a path through the mosques one day the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said – Close all the doors except that of Ali. Zaid says that people [the companions whom we are told would accept any order of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)] started speaking (against the order). Thus, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stood up and praised Allah and said – I have ordered to close all the doors except the door of Ali, by Allah! I have not closed anything nor opened but I have been ordered to do so and I obeyed. i. Musnad-o-Ahmad vol. 4, p. 329, tradition 19,502 – Imam Ahmed b. Hanbal is one of the four Sunni Imams of jurisprudence ii. Sunan-e-Kubra of Nesaai one of the authors of Sihah-e-Sittah (vol. 7, p. 422, tradition 8,369 & later edition vol. 5, p. 118, tradition 8,423) iii. Al Bedaya wa al-Nehaya of Ibn Kathir, vol. 5 p. 456 – he was a student of Ibn Taymiyyah who has rejected this tradition as a Shiite fabrication iv. Haakim in Mustadrak alaa al-Sahihain (vol. 3, p. 125, tradition 4,688) records that this report is with correct chain of narrators (Sahih al-sanad). v. Zahabi in his Talkhees al-Mustadrak records that the report is Sahih vi. Fadhail al-Sahaabah vol. 2 p. 618-620/985 vii. Majma al-Zawaaid vol. 9 p. 114 tradition 14,671 viii. Riyaaz al-Nazarah vol. 4 p.136 2- The hadith in sunni books mention Imam Ali as ordinary person, The detailed analysis on the subject in the light of verses of Quran and hadiths of the prophet saww reveal that such hadith are fabricated by Ummayad and their followers just to degrade the image and status of Imam Ali AS and Ahl al bayat AS. The detail can be seen at the given link: 4. The verses of quran and hadith indicate that Imam Ali is Sideeq Akbar. The confirmation of the fact comes by the sayings of the prophet Muhammad saw by the following hadith: In: "Sun'an Ibn Maj'ah (سنن ابن ماجة)", By: Muhammad bin Yaz'eed Al-Qazwini Abu abdullah Bin Maj'ah (محمد بن يزيد القزويني أبو عبد الله ابن ماجة), Investigated by: Muhammad Fo'a'ad Ab'd Al-Baqi (محمد فؤاد عبد الباقي): Association: Da'ar I'h'ya Al-Kutub Al-I,miyah (دار إحياء الكتب العربية), volume #1, Page# 44, Narration# 120: حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ الرَّازِيُّ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُوسَى قَالَ: أَنْبَأَنَا الْعَلَاءُ بْنُ صَالِحٍ، عَنِ الْمِنْهَالِ، عَنْ عَبَّادِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ: قَالَ عَلِيٌّ: «أَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَأَخُو رَسُولِهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، وَأَنَا الصِّدِّيقُ الْأَكْبَرُ، لَا يَقُولُهَا بَعْدِي إِلَّا كَذَّابٌ، صَلَّيْتُ قَبْلَ النَّاسِ لِسَبْعِ سِنِينَ Told us Muhammad bin Isma'ail Al-Razi, said: told us Ubaidullah bin Musa said: informed us Al-Ala'a bin Sal'eh, from Al-Munhil, from Ab'ad bin Abdullah said: Said Ali (a.s): "I am the servant of Allah and the brother of his Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and I am the greatest truthful (righteous) (Sideeq Al-Akbar), and no one says it after me, except a liar. I preformed Salat before the people for seven years." في الزوائد هذا الإسناد صحيح. رجاله ثقات. رواه الحاكم في المستدرك عن المنهال وقال صحيح على شرط الشيخين. In Al-Zawa'id, this is an Authentic (Sahih) Isn'aad/chain, and its men are trustworthy (thiqa'at). Narrated it Al-Hakim in his Mustadrak from Al-Mun'haal, and said: Authentic on the guidelines of Bukhari And Muslim. Thus confirming no one is Sideeq Akbar except Imam Ali AS. The following link describes the details based on the verses of Quran and hadith. 5.The reasons for the door of Imam Ali kept open in the mosque and other doors were closed are enforced by the hadith of the prophet saww as given below: a) The Prophet said, "The verse of purification was revealed concerning five people: myself, ALI, Hassan, Hussein, and Fatima." (Is'af Al-Raghibeen, p. 116; Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada'il Al-Sahaba) b) The Prophet said, “The carrier of my flag in this life and the Hereafter is ALI.” (Kanz Al-Umal, 6/122; Al-Tabari, 2/201; Al-Khawarizmi, 250; Al-Fada’il of Ahmad, 253; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 42/200) c) The Prophet said, “Every prophet has an executor and inheritor, and my executor and inheritor is ALI.” (Kanz Al-Umal, 6/158; Tarikh Baghdad of Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdadi, 11/173; Shawahid Al-Tanzil, 2/223; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 94) a) The Prophet said, “We were created from the same tree, I and ALI .” (Al-Tirmidhi, 13/178; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 122; Asad Al-Ghaba, 4/26; Al-Riyadh Al-Nudhra, 2/216) b) The Prophet said, “The most knowledgeable person in my nation after me is ALI .” (Manaqib Al-Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib of Ibn Al-Maghazeli Al-Shafi'i.) c) The Prophet said, “The first of you to reach the Pond is the first of you who accepted Islam: ALI.” (Kenz Al-Omal, 6/154; Al-Tabarani, 5/32; Al-Riyadh Al-Nudhra, 1/165; Dhaka’ir Al-'Aqil, 65; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 230) d) The Prophet said, “No one is permitted on the Bridge except by the sainthood of ALI .” (Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 15; Al-Isti'ab, 2/457) e) The Prophet said, “There is a tree in Paradise called Tuba. Its roots are in the house of ALI, and its branches are ALI .” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori, 3/109; Musnad Ahmad, 4/370; Al-Khasa’is of Al-Nisa’i, 25; Al-Tirmidhi; Al-Tabarani.) f) The Prophet said, “ALI is the distinguisher between truth and falsehood.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori, 3/132; Musnad Ahmad, 1/331; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 92) g) The Prophet said, “The most righteous one is ALI .” (Al-Bayhaqi, 4/35; Kenz Al-Omal, 7/176; Al-Jami' of Al-Suyuti, 2/276; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 93) h) The Prophet said, “The hand of ALI and my hand are equal in justice.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori, 3/14; Al-Tabari, 2/272; Al-Tirmidhi, 2/299; Ibn Al-Maghazali) i) The Prophet said, “ALI is my brother in this life and the Hereafter.” (Al-Khasa’is of Al-Nisa’i, 5; Al- Tirmidhi; Yanabi^ Al-Mawda, 61; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 37; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 57) j) The Prophet said, “ALI is to me what Harun was to Musa.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al- Nisabori, 3/137; Ibn Al-Maghazali, 65, 104; Al-Tabarani; HAliyat Al-Awliya’, 1/63; Akhtab Khawarizm, 229) k) The Prophet said, “ALI holds a right over this nation like the right of a father over his son.” (Muslim, 2/361; Al-Tirmidhi, 2/299; Al-Hakim, 3/130; Musnad Ahmad, 3/198; Al-Nisa’i, 7; Asad Al-Ghaba, 3/40) l) The Prophet said, “ALI is with the Qur’an, and the Qur’an is with Ali.” (Al-Bukhari, 5/19; Muslim, 2/360; Al-Tirmidhi, 5/304; Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori, 3/109; Ibn Majah, 1/28; Musnad Ahmad, 3/328) m) The Prophet said, “Love for ALI is faith, and hatred for Ali is hypocrisy.” (Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 67; Al-Khawarizmi, 236; Fara’id Al-Samateen; Yanabi' Al-Mawda) n) The Prophet said, “The position of ALI amongst the people is like Surat Ikhlas in the Qur’an.” (Muslim, 1/48; Al-Tirmidhi, 2/299; Al-Nisa’i, 27; Musnad Ahmad, 6/299; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 191) o) The Prophet said, “ALI is the beloved between two friends, myself and Ibrahim.” (Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 88; Fara’id Al-Samatin; Al-Abrar; Moniq Ibn Ahmad Al-Khawarizmi) p) The Prophet said, “Whoever splits with ALI has split with me, and whoever splits with me has split with God.” (Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 45; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 181) q) The Prophet said, “ALI is from me and I am from him, and he is the protector of every true believer after me.” (Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 69; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 125) r) The Prophet said, “ALI is the most beloved of God and His Prophet in all of creation.” (Kanz Al-Umal, 5/33; Al-Riyadh Al-Nudhra, 2/211; Ibn Al-Maghazali, 219) s) The Prophet said, “Mentioning ALI is a form of worship, and looking upon him is a form of worship.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisapuri, 3/123; Kenz Al-Omal, 6/156; Al-Tabarani; Ibn Al-Maghazeli, 240, 278; Al-Khawarizmi, 62) t) The Prophet said, “ALI stands in relation to me as my head to my body.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori, 3/141; Al-Jami^ of Al-Suyuti, 1/583; Tarikh Baghdad of Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdadi, 1/51; Hiliyat Al-Awliya’, 1/182; Al-Riyadh Al-Nudhra, 2/219) 6- The Prophet said, “ALI is the door of servitude, and whoever passes through that door is a true believer.” (Mustadrak Al-Sahihain of Al-Hakim Al-Nisabori; Kanz Al-Umal, 6/156; Al-Dilmi) 7- The Prophet said, “ALI is the door of my knowledge, and the one who will clarifies for my nation that which I was sent with.” (Tafsir Al-Tabari, 3/171; Shawahid Al-Tanzil, 2/356; Al-Darr Al-Manthour, 6/379; Yanabi' Al-Mawda, 61) Thus it is well proven that the Prophet saww never closed the Door leading to him. It also confirms that all the doors were closed except the Door of Imam Ali AS to the mosque.

I've read that their is a Shia sect in Turkey called the Alevis' and that they account for 15-25% of the population of Turkey. I have read that they don't worship in a mosque. Although, they are considered twelver Shia, I've heard that they have unique practices. I am very curious why they don't pray in a mosque?

I converted to Islam not to long ago and am learning to pray, but I have a hard time finding Shia Mosques in my area, could someone help me? I live in the Tampa area, preferably near St.Petersburg, but I will travel if I have to.

Salaam alaykum everyone! I went to a Shia mosque for the first time recently and I have some questions about something in it. I have no idea what to call it, but there was an area of the mosque with multiple structures. These things each had a green cloth draped over some kind of understructure, and on top was a metal sheet with writing. I can't read Arabic calligraphy well, but I think they may have each had one of the masumeen on them. One woman went by and made some reverential gestures. Another put food in the front of this area and after the service we ate it. So...what is the name of this area with the names of the masumeen? What are the customs in relation to it? During the service I moved to sit with my legs in front of me and I was scolded for it. I didn't want to talk over the service though so I didn't ask. I had been seated facing somewhat towards the area with the names of the masumeen. I heard once for a non-Muslim culture that it was considered rude to point your feet at anyone...is this true for Shia Muslims (i.e., is there a specific rule against it?)? Or is it something that comes from certain cultures? Also when I was there they did a "ziyarah." Now, I've heard of ziyarah before (from many many YouTube lectures....my only window into the Shia community before I was able to visit the mosque), but it was always in relation to physically visiting shrines/graves. And when I try to look it up now I still can't find anything except that ziyarah is physically visiting shrines. What kind of this was this in the mosque? Lastly I'd be happy with any links any of you might have to this kind of general information of customs/practices/culture. Almost all information I find about Shia Islam is either for born-Shias who want advanced information, or young Shias who may not have a strong knowledge basis, but who are expected to at least culturally have absorbed some things. For instance, I only learned after I went to a Shia mosque for the first time on Eid al Adha about Eid al Ghadir. This is apparently one of the most important holidays? But I never once heard mention of it after studying Shia Islam alone since last October, though I had heard huge volumes about the event of Ghadir. I can only assume this lack is because it was thought to be too obvious for mention...that everyone reading would have grown up in an environment where the fact of its existence is unavoidable. So if anyone has any good resources that tells you these kinds of things...culture, practices, etc, I'd be really grateful. The mosque is too far away for me to go regularly to ask these kinds of things. Jazakallah khair in advance.

Assalamualaikum everyone. I am travelling to Liverpool next tuesday and gonna be there for few days and wondering if there are any shia community in form of mosques or hussainiah?

could you all place down below the shia mosques you attend to that are in sydney, Im starting a new job which requires traveling and id like to go to the closest mosque i can on jummah

Assalam aleikum brothers and sisters, I am a revert sister who wants to take the shahdah but I'm having trouble finding the right mosque. I looking for a place that is accommodating to sisters and offers classes inshallah. I'm at university in Chester so I could travel anywhere in the North West, especially Manchester or Liverpool. And my home is in Derby so I can go to anywhere surrounding that area. Thank you for your time.

I am creating an online directory of shia mosque and imambada in India. I want your help in increasing data of directory. If you can spare some time for this noble cause. And send me complete address of shia mosque or imambada in your city. Website www.shias.in

Does anyone go to this masjid or know anything about it? I've just emailed them about taking my shahadah inshallah. Amy

Yemen suicide bombing in Sanaa mosque 'kills 25' http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34344648

SWK Any one can tell me where is shia masjid in bangalore as m new in the town or provide me link of bangalore anjuman's so that I can know the timig of namaz plz help me as it is very urgent

Salaam brothers and sisters! I recently heard something alarming, and hopefully false. My friend's husband said that Sunnis cannot attend Shiite mosques because their prayers will be invalidated. What? Is this even true? Her husband is Salafi, so I am assuming this is a Salafi belief and not off the respect Sunni schools. Please help clear up this issue. My assumption, which hopefully is false, is that they believe they cannot pray in our mosques because they don't believe we are Muslim estagfurillah. Salaam (:

S.a. I was wondering if we have a shia community based in Aberdeen, UK?

IMAM MEHDI (A.S) in a Dream. Salam my dear shia brothers and sisters. Im not claiming to be anything but a slave of Allah and a follower of Ahlulbayt. Please dont be rude and ignorant, but down to earth individuals whom helps each other :). Date: 23rd November 2013 Time: 6am – 7am Morning after Fajr Namaz Place: Home Story: Let’s start with some background story then to the actual dream; few days back I was in class teaching people about Islam e.g. the Ahlulbayt way. I also revealed to my mates some references from their books (Sunni books), (Bible) and the holy Qur’an about the Ahlulbayt – specially based on Imam Ali (A.S) and his leadership e.g. why he was chosen caliph by Allah. Nevertheless, I taught my mates not to smoke or commit any sins as its haram. They treat me with respect and one stated that I should become an Imam (teacher or Mullah). i told my mates how everything about Ahlulbayt getting rubbed of their books and that Imam Mehdi (A.S) will come with Prophet Isa (A.S) and make the world one religion ‘ISLAM’ and make in every country, groups shouting La Illaha Illallah. When I came home yesterday 22nd November 2013 I got ready for prayer and prayed. Prayed the night as well, and off to bed I went. Woke up in the morning, thinking to myself ah I’m so tried, I should pray tomorrow. However, I remembered it’s the Shaytan making me think these awful thoughts so I got up quick and took a ghosul as it was only 30 min before Fajr azaan and I needed to pray Namaz eh Shab 11 rekat (recommend in the Quran and Imams). When I prayed Namaz a Shab I felt relieved and waited for Fajr Namaz. Eventually, when I finished my Fajr Namaz, I also prayed 2 rekat for I’m Hussein and 2 for Imam Mehdi (A.S)’s zahoor. I felt victorious and light when I overcame Shaytan and accomplished prayers. Went back to bed - It was 6:05; recited Ayatul Qursi 3 times and Nad Eh Ali 1 time and slept on my right hand side. My dream started by me being emotional sad as I had an argument with my mother. I think I left the house and dreams change events as everyone knows. I was going to a mosque an underground kind, where it started by stairs and in to the actual mosque I think I was wearing full white. I met my cousin there, he was wearing some red flowers around his neck, I think it was to resemble something, he asked “have you got one”. I replied “I have love for Allah and Ahlulbayt in my heart” meaning I don’t need one. I entered the mosque, I remember people in white or black clothes - hearing someone upfront announcing that doing something and you get an award. I sat down next to my cousin but leaving space as I was leaning on the wall. Lights were off and a poetic person was reciting Noha. I started thinking why not cry for multiple things; killings of Imams and my sins. I started to cry and cry while my hand placed on my face. We all stood up to do Matam and I was once again leaning on the wall but standing this time, crying and crying, although everyone had stopped crying. I remember someone saying “He looks different” to my cousin, (I think meaning from the family of Imams maybe) because my uncle once said I look different, like from the family of Ahlulbayt. I kept crying and thinking to myself “Why don’t you come O Imam Mehdi (A.S), I want to meet you”. Everyone was walking up the stairs and out of the mosque, I did so to. I was still crying; as I approached half way of the stairs, I see a man in old brown clothes walking down the stairs past me to the mosque although everyone was getting out. I said Imam Mehdi, my cousin said don’t let him go, so I grabbed his hand (the way people shake hands) he held my hand the way Mullahs do. He put his other hand finger to his mouth and said shhh. I didn’t say a word. I looked at his face which was half covered by the brown cloth. He looked young around my age but at the same time he felt old enough and had the mentality of a very wise man. His arm was very long, around 2 and a half of mine. However, he felt short to me, maybe because his was on fewer steps lower than me. He face looked very familiar, I can’t really explain in words to be honest. Someone I’ve possibly seen in the mosque or Jalous before. I let go of his hand as he wasn’t for sure letting go because he had the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Imam Ali (A.S) Said: When the Prophet shakes someone’s hand. I never see him let go first. I got out and my cousin said did you record the events in the mosque e.g. the people reciting Noha. I said no and got up from my dream. This dream was really weird, not all of it but the Imams physical characteristics e.g. very long hand and face due to the fact that I couldn’t take it in properly. I may not have been Imam Mehdi (A.S) but why would I randomly shout Imam Mehdi (A.S)? Why would he wear old brown clothes? Why would he shhh me? He probably didn’t want everyone to know that he’s there or something. Has anyone got a shia scholar's email, who can interpret dreams? I love you all, YA ALI MADAD a.s W.Salam

Is it not haram to sleep in a mosque? I was praying in my unis prayer room, which is Sunni run and there were people taking turns sleeping and snoring on pillows. I thought sleeping was haram in a mosque and I told the guy sleeping but he doubted me. Is sleeping in a mosque not haram? because you can have a wet dream when asleep or fart, so if in a mosque... It is also a place of worship.