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Salaam everyone, I found an old post about the Bektashis in the Balkans/Turkey. While the article was well written, it seems the person who wrote it was banned and from what I found, was very toxic. I'd like to try to clear some things up and bridge the gap that Bektashis find themselves in. The following is a comment that was posted in reply to the post: Here is my reply: I would like to put my 2 cents in. My father is a convert, who was first very Salafi, after going to school in Pakistan for 6 months to learn Islam. When he traveled to the Balkans he found a more meaningful Islam, and gave his Bay'ah to Sheikh Nazim. He learned more about the Bektashis and became interested in their thought. He took me when I was just becoming a man to Turkey, then met with a Bektashi Baba to become initiated into the order. He is soon to be the Baba of the American chapter. Now my mom's family is very Salafi, and I am very close to them, which in turn led me down a Salafi path. When my father really started teaching and showing me Sufism, I felt awakened in a sense. I learned that nearly all Tariqas trace their spiritual lineage to Imam Ali (as), and I had veneration for my namesake but still considered myself Sunni, following the Hanafi school, the one followed by the Ottomans. I was reading a book written by the founder of the Bektashi Tekke in America, and in it he mentioned constantly the Twelve Imams, so I looked into it more. This eventually led to me calling myself a Shia (although I don't think I've earned that title yet iA). Being around Bektashis and learning about the Tariqa, I can say with no doubt they are Muslim. They profess in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). Bektashis DO NOT dismiss the Salat, or Sawm, or Hajj. They simply do not have them as high on the priority list as others may have them. The belief in personal meditation and Zikr is emphasized much more for Bektashis. I cannot say that they are or are not Shi'a, as I am still an infant in the Jafari Madhhab, and do not know enough about Bektashism. I can say that they are Muslim, and they call themselves Muslim. I can say they have complete love for Rasullulah and the Qur'an. I can say that they believe in the Tawhid of Allah. Final note: the Ismailis should not be ostracized, they have contributed greatly to Islamic thought and theology, and the claims against them are usually baseless and refuted. Please refer to https://ismailignosis.com for a better understanding. Salam brothers and sisters.

Alsalamu alaykum إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَاللَّـهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ. Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [The Quran, 9:60] As for where Zakat money must be spent, the Grand Ayatullahs have said: “Zakat can be spent for the following eight purposes: a) It may be given to poor person, who does not possess actual or potential means to meet his own expenses, as well as that of his family for a period of one year. However, a person who has an industry or possesses property or capital to meet his expenses, is not classified as poor. b) It may be paid to a miskin (a destitute person) who leads a harder life than a Faqir (a poor person). c) It can be given to a person who is a Wakil of the Holy Imam (A.S.) or his representative to collect Zakat, to keep it in safe custody, to maintain its accounts and to deliver it to the Imam or his representative or to the poor. d) It can be given to those non-Muslims who may, as a result, be inclined to Islam, or may assist the Muslims with the Zakat for fighting against the enemies. e) It can be spent to purchase slaves to set them free. f) It can be given to an indebted person who is unable to repay his debt. g) It may be spent in the way of Allah for things which have common benefit to the Muslims in any way. h) It may be given to a stranded traveler.” On this basis, Islam has introduced those purposes for which the Zakat can be disposed for; the poor and the destitute being some of them. Another one of the groups that the money can be spent on are the non-Muslims who will find an incline towards Islam if they are granted from it. Regarding paying non-Muslims of this money, Islamic scholars have said: “Paying Zakat to non-Muslims who will be inclined towards Islam or will help the Muslims in the case of possible wars is permissible.” For more info visit: http://islamportal.net/node/29350 http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa6609

Alsalamu Alaykum Salat is the best among all acts of worship. The rank of its importance in Islam is vivid, but the following tradition comes as an example to prove that; قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ (ص): أَوَّلُ مَا افْتَرَضَ اللٌّهُ عَلى أُمَّتِي الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ وَ أَوَّلُ مَا يُرفَعُ مِنْ أَعْمَالِهِمْ الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ وَ أَوَّلُ مَا يُسْأَلُونَ عَـنْهُ الصَّلَوَاتُ الخمس. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “The first thing that Allah made obligatory upon my Ummah was the five prayers; and the first thing from their acts of worship that shall be taken up will be the five prayers; and the first thing that they will be questioned about will be the five prayers.” [Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18859] At the glance, it is clear to realize that the case of Salat, which includes special parts & conditions, as one of obligatory acts of worship is exclusively for Muslims. It means its performing is useless effort for those who do not believe to Allah (swt) and the comprehensive religion that He has chosen for servants. Because in this way they do not receive and comprehend Salat’s advantages & its positive effects in their life. As it is understandable from the holy Quran 29:45, to restrain from indecent and wrongful conduct are as the influences of performing Salat by all of its parts and conditions. Therefore, to believe Allah (swt) and Islam are as fundamental expedients to receive positive effects of Salat on man’s heart.

Salam alaykum! I hope you all are doing well. A hindu friend is preparing a meal for us tonight. This food contains chicken bought from a halal place, but she is touching the food with wet hands (before being cooked). Am I allowed to eat this food as a shia muslim? Since she is going to boil the food later, doesn't that remove the effect of being touched by a kafir? I honestly do not know the way out; I can't think of any excuse to prevent myself from eating her food. Since she is really looking forward to this, I might hurt her sentiments. I would really appreciate a prompt response. Jazakallah

Salamualaykum, my marja is Ayatollah Sistani. About the permanent marriage with a Christian girl, he says that as an obligatory precaution a Muslim should not take them in permanent marriage: 2406. A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim, and a male Muslim also cannot marry a non-Muslim woman who are not Ahlul Kitab. However, there is no harm in contracting temporary marriage with Jewish and Christians women, but the obligatory precaution is that a Muslim should not take them in permanent marriage. There are certain sects like Khawarij, Ghulat and Nawasib who claim to be Muslims, but are classified as non-Muslims. Muslim men and women cannot contract permanent or temporary marriage with them. My question is, if it is possible to follow in that particular issue another marja, because there are some who allow it, or do I have to change my marja????? It is very important for me to know that, so can someone help me please. Thank you so much in advance!!!!

Dr. Rebecca Masterton embarks on a journey to discover the legend of Imam Hussain (pbuh) through the eyes of academia.

Salaam everyone, I have recently been approached by a non-Muslim (an acquaintence of an acquaintence). This gentleman tried to debate Islam's potrayal as a barbaric and violent belief with me and got quite antagonistic about it. I managed to clear up several misconceptions (I hope) but am now struggling to give an eloquent and strong response to his latest point. Hoping to get some assistance from those who are more well spoken and knowledgable than me :D He put forward LOADS of verses from the Qur'an as "violent and extreme" - how do I explain this? I understand context plays a big part but can someone please help me draft some form of an answer? I've listed the verses he's mentioned below. If I copied and pasted his email to me it would take way too long to read. Quran (8:39, 8:57-60, 8:65-69), Quran (9:5, 14, 20, 29, 30 and 38-41) Quran (9:73, 88, 111, 123), Quran (17:16), Quran (18:65-81), Quran (18:65-81), Quran (25:52), Quran (33:60-62), Quran (47:3-4), Quran (47:35), Quran (48:17), Quran (48:29), Quran (61:4), Quran (61:10-12), Quran (66:9) Many thanks in advance to any help offered! I really want to make a strong point here :(

Question: Can a Muslim marry a non-Muslim in any circumstances? Answer: The legal rulings aside, the purpose of marriage is to get closer to Allah. Therefore, we should try to find a spouse who is religious and who will lead us closer to Him, not one who will bring us further away. Therefore, even IF permissible, one should not marry a non-Muslim. Sayyid Sistani... Full Answer: http://www.14publications.com/question-and-answer/can-i-marry-a-non-muslim/

As'Salaamu Alaikum, First of all, this if my first time posting on ShiaChat, so forgive me if I do/say something wrong. I'm actually a college student, and a student journalist. I also write for my school newspaper. This semester, I started a column sin which I address some of the misconceptions people have about Islam. Students email me questions/comments and I respond via my column. I'm finding that I often have the "correct" answer, but those commenting are not willing to accept it. They are not convinced. My question is for any revert who is willing to answer. It is not a big surprise that Islam is not seen well in the West. there are often misconceptions attatched to Islamic practicies that are further spread due to the ignorance of the media. When you first converted, I'm assuming you also knew about these misconceptions/stigmas. Can you explain what some of these misconceptions were and what you were told or what you read that made you think twice. I think it'll help me if I get an answer from someone who has been in the situation my readers are in to help me better explain my point to them. I would like to add that I'm not necessarily trying to convert them to Islam, but just to promote a better understanding of the religion. Thanks in advance

Salaam, Few days ago one of my friends asked me this question and I just couldn't come up with an answer :( Q: If a man's dead body is found on the street, we can check whether he was a muslim or a non-muslim (because of circumcision i guessed..there maybe some other reason as well, though). How would you find out the same thing about a woman's dead body? Is there a way to find out whether she was a Muslima or not? :donno: