Search the Community

I apologize for my frantic tone, I am extremely stressed out by this. Hello, good members of Shiachat. I have a question for you regarding how to study Islam, I simply have no idea how to approach the matter. With languages, I'd get a beginners book, then intermediate, then advanced; but Islam is the most and complicated subject in the world, there's 80 different beginners, all completely different, and I have no idea what the first step is. I was recommended two great sources of information, https://www.al-islam.org and http://www.shiavault.com. But I am paralyzed with the lack of structure and direction. I have no issue with reading every book featured, but I need to know what order to read the books in, and in what order to tackle the broad subjects. I don't want to flounder in one subject because I didn't study its prerequisite. It would be like starting Calculus before Algebra. And I also would like to understand another matter. Whenever I come here I am absolutely stunned by the rainman-esque level of knowledge, specifically when it comes to citation. A question is posed and somebody would rattle off citation after citation like a wizard. "You're wrong because of Hadiths X:x,X;d, X;a, X;r, X;d, X;s, X:q, X:t, X:23, X:33, X:32, X:34, X:65,X:12". Then the other guy says, "Well, if you'd check Hadith X, specifically 3:55, 6:33, 5:12, 6:98, 9:09, 2:34, you'll see blah blah blah....". "Hmmmmm well, yes, but, I must say that Hadith 3:55, which you've mentioned, is tha3eef because the 15th chain down from the primary source was known to be a habitual liar, and his goldfish and cat were kaffirs. How on earth do you do this? Knowing all these Hadiths, the history behind them ( and anything they'd throw at you), and then somehow keeping it all in your brain. Again, I apologize for my anxiety, but my ignorance is killing me and I am desperate. I eagerly await your advice, and thank you in advance.

As salamu aleikoum, As a law student, I would like to know if there is any hadith (shia if possible) about acquiring secular knowledge. I know there are a lot of hadiths about acquiring knowledge but I wonder if these hadiths only speak about religious knowledge. I recall a mollah talking about one of our Imams (as) giving a long chemistry lesson to someone though. Also, I heard that one is not considered a true shia if there is anyone better/more successful in their village. Again, I don't know what exactly this hadith means. The mollah stressed that as a muslim/shia you should be the best at everything you do, although he didn't mention any narration about that (starting from 7:30).

Alsalamu alaykum , My brother is thinking about contiunuing his studies in Canada, as he might receive the funds to study a subject he is really interested in. But he is rather hesitant as it will be his fist time travelling and living on his own.But we talked and I convinced him that choosing an area where there is a strong involved shia community might ease the transition (my brother is really involved in our local community but hates change). So which area would you suggest? جزاكم الله كل خير

Salaam brothers/sisters, I would really appreciate it if i could get some perspective and unbiased opinions about the path I am about to take. I am 22 years old living in the U.K. and have recently graduated and currently undergoing a placement year as part of my development before I undertake my masters. I am at a stage in my life where I am more concerned with the state of my akirah rather than the dunya. Having said that it hasn't always been like this and I'm very much early on in my journey. I feel a sense of conflict in myself and my beliefs. I question at times what we've been taught and how authentic our views are not shia in particular but the entire Ummah.I want to search for the truth by studying Islam throughly but as any young Muslim my age, the world doesn't work like that. I'm afraid of not being able to support my mother and father, if I leave to study I may be gone for a very long time and all that time they may struggle. I also feel as if it may be unjust for me to rush something like this and jump in head first but I've come to realise if I follow through with my career 100% I could provide for my family and live a very normal life but I would never reach fufillment and fall into a deeper depression, my heart would forever be searching for answers. I want to make a difference, I want to help spread truth and bring people together. So I wanted some opinions and a discussion as to what you would advise me to do if you've had a similar experience, where do I start?

Assalamu alaikum, I was planning on going to study in a hawza in Iran Inshalla, I know some are Farsi and some are Arabic. Which one might be better for someone who grew up in the west, yet has an Iraqi background. Is there a difference in the quality of the education? If anyone had some specific information i would appreciate if they shared it.

Assalaymu alaykom brothers and sisters. Does anyone know of someone who has filled out the application to the Hawza of al mustafa university? I was filling it out, but am confused with some of questions. Jazaak Allah khair.

Dear SC members, Asalaam Alaykum everyone. How is it going? Does any of you have advices about how to not get distracted from studies during engagement period? I know this may sound stupid, but I really need your advice. I am recently engaged and this worries me alot. Please no stupid comments, sarcasm or making fun. Thank you. Sara

Selam guys I made these two sites (Quran section only on IslamAwakened) so everyone can study the Quran in detail. Enjoy the vid. PLEASE SHARE: Organised Quran http://www.OrganisedQuran.com Islam Awakened http://www.islamawakened.com/index.php/qur-an

Via radio and then searching the net, there is a book on the study of video games as, I describe it, a positive force. How Games Move Us, by Kathrine Isbister Reviews seen: MIT Press; PBS' "Science Friday" which has a 2.3 minute video. Interesting. Not in the "video games are a subversive force" genre.

Selam Guys, I have been working on unique ways to educate the masses. ------------------- THE HUMAN BODY MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!physicalbody/c1hz2 Select your body part and every mention of your selection in Quran The selection choices are: Head; which includes Hair, Forehead, Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth, Cheeks and Chin Neck, Body, Arms, Hands, Genitalia, Legs, Feet or Miscellaneous to the right ------------------- PROPHET STUDY TOOL http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!prophet-study-tool/csl2 What I've done is taken every reference and life of each prophet and put it together. So rather than having to read through every Surah to find the prophet's account, its all filtered ready to be studied I also added colour (for example disbelievers are red, message from Allah green, the selected prophet is yellow) so the reader can easily identify the speaker. ------------------- NON PROPHET STUDY TOOL http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!non-prophets/c6k4 Same as prophet study tool but includes characters mentioned by name in the Quran who aren't prophets ------------------- EVERY NUMBER MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!numbers/cfqj ------------------- EVERY PLANT MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!plants/cjax ------------------- EVERY ANIMAL MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!animals/ce0i ------------------- EVERY BIRD MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!birds/c22uv ------------------- EVERY INSECT MENTIONED IN QURAN http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!insects/c1cq ------------------- QURAN SPREADSHEET It contains a concordance maker in a macro for all those who want it (what that means is every Ayat that contains your selected filtered word will be displayed in Arabic, transliteration and English) WATCH VIDEO FOR HELP http://www.OrganisedQuran.com/#!quran-spreadsheet/c3jo ------------------- MY OTHER SITE If you want a complete Quran with the concordance within it the please refer to br Waleeds Quran site which I am in charge of his Quran section. Got to www.islamawakened.com/index.php/qur-an Select your Ayat. Select the tab "word for word" (Each word has an audio to hear it's pronunciation) Under each word are Arabic hyperlinked letters, these letters are called root letters. When selected every instance of the words ROOTS is displayed. In Arabic, Transliteration and English. ROOT LETTERS IS THE MOST ADVANCED WAY OF STUDYING THE QURAN. IT SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCES HUMAN ERROR OF THE TRANSLATION What is root letters? If you speak a European language, the root system of Arabic may be an unfamiliar concept. Arabic words are made from a few component letters, commonly called a "root". A root usually consists of three letters (sometimes 2 or 4), which convey a basic idea. By adding various vowels (i.e. changing pronunciation) as affixes*, associated meanings can be derived. For example, the Arabic letters: Siin–Lam–Miim س ل م ( remembering Arabic words go from right to left, unlike English) are the root for the following words: salaam (peace), islam (submission/compliance/conformance/surrender), muslim (one who submits/complies/conforms/surrenders). In all these words, you will see the root (component letters) are the same, and in the same order. In a root language, words mean what they mean because they are built from other words; these base words are called roots. Now, while most languages are concept languages, there are some words that can be likened to the root system, e.g: if you learn what the word "act" means, you should have no problem when you hear the word "actor" or "action" - you use the root to understand the word built from the root. Classical Arabic as one of the most primitive Semitic languages is primarily a root language. Almost every word gets its meaning from the roots it is built from rather than by associating a concept with the word. This gives Arabic an almost crystal clear aspect to it; there is little ambiguity or confusion in a classical Arabic sentence. The language is one of clarity, directness, and certainty - qualities that are hard to achieve in other languages. I have also added Laleh Bakhtiar short concordance and for every word Iand show a dictionary meaning from Hans Wehr. Insha'Allah this helps you all in your studies.

Salam to bros/sis, 1. I now have quite ample time until end-Ramadhan to recite/study the Quran. I only read English translations. 2. I neither can afford to enroll in an institution nor engage in a study group. So on personal effort, how do I approach the Quran? Should I read the translation and then find some taafseer (sunni/shia, watever) to buffer my understanding? 3. I understand that the Quran is easy to read but I am more concern on how to approach it in a more productive way that open up my horizon, if there is a recommended methodology or something along those line.

Hello brothers and sisters, Im having 3 tests in 2 days and I really need a dua to help me before and after the staying for my tests Please help me,

Salam, Since I joined this forum I started to get interested in learning more about Islam, but there's a problem. There is too much to learn :mellow:! As in I don't know where to start and what to focus on. Like what is the obligatory knowledge that I have to have? So ill be studying or reading something then another topic within that topic comes up and I'm like :blink:. So then I go to research that topic without finishing the one I was on and find another topic in that topic... overwhelming :no:. I need to make a list of things and go down the list over time but I don't know what to choose :huh:. So if people would give me some topics to learn about and maybe a way to structure what I research it will be very helpful :D. Also if people can recommend any books, websites, YouTube channels, lectures and speakers would be great too.

salam. ive seriously been thinking for the past 2 years about my future. i have absolutely no idea what i want to do with my life. however, ever since i started listening to speakers such as sr. tayyaba khanum, br. hussein al muhaisen, and br. ammar nakshawani, ive been wondering-- should i go to iran to study our religion more thoroughly, and quite possibly become a speaker? i havent seriously spoken to my family yet. their responses would be something along the lines of "you're a girl" and "you dont perform basic wajib acts, what would you do in iran?" we have spoken about iran, and ive been told that iranis are hostile towards pakistanis sometimes (im pakistani), and that i may be uncomfortable. i can overlook that, as im not going there to socialize. and, its not as though the entire country hates pakistanis. im not terribly religious, but maybe i can change by going there? i have no idea what to do. its really easy to say "go for it" or something, but to act upon that is easier said than done. so yeah, just looking for some guidance, and if anyone has studied in iran, can you give me some insight? id really appreciate it :)

Salamalaikum, YAM, All praise is to Allah swt who helped me get through this excruciating examination session. I thank Him for giving me the strength and endurance to get through it all. Introduction and whom this is for Alhamdolillah i finished a very stressful session of engineering exams last week, which was arguably the most stressful time of my life. Since I've been working very hard for the last couple of months, I thought I will share my revision techniques with fellow momineen/mominaat on SC. I am an Engineering student and this guide is aimed at players only, who are aiming to bang out a minimum of 10+ hours everyday. However having said that, it doesnt mean that you cant cast down this guide into something less intensive.Since Iam an engineer (and i hate writing essays) and if your reading this you've got exams (i.e less time to spare), I shall endeavour to bulletpoint as much as I can in order to share my experience. Before I begin, may I remind everyone that revision is a lifestyle, not a regime!! 1) Focussing and staying positive * Engineering is one of those courses where there is truck loads to study in very little time. It can be daunting at times as to where to start and there is always a feeling that says I cant do this. The first steps of this guide is to murder that feeling! Seriously!Dont waste time by procrastinating i.e thinking about studying but not studying at all! You can do it and you will do it! If others can then so can you! * Start your day in the name of Allah swt, the Panjetan e Paaak a.s and then remind your innerself of the the above^^ (i dont mean the woman!) It is imperative that psychologically and mentally you beginin a happy state. * Work in groups! When you are banging out 9-15 hours a day revising, there will be times where the most simplest of things look very complicated. This is where it helps to have more than a pair of eyes looking at something as different people think differently. * In addition to above, you might save time by splitting a module into components. For e.g Adam does oscillators, I study operational amplifiers and George studies BJTs. Then after an hour you teach each other which collectively saves time and resources. * Another important thing is your approach. Usually in engineering, it helps a lot to simplify problems for e.g converting something very complicated into equivalent circuits, sketching graphs, making assumptions etc. This helps you to a) break down the problem B) look at it from a different point of view. I always start from bottom to top. From this is mean approach the problem from a very low level of analysis and then apply more complicated techniques. Usually big problems are solved with simple low level thinking. 2) Time table * I didnt have one, solely because i start procrastinating and hence adds to my stress levels. The most obvious thing to do is start early! More on this in the end * Also what i found really helped was to juggle between different subjects. So for e.g i would study nanotechnology in the morning and finish the day with electromagnetics. The reason why I did it this way is because last year i planned out a week/two for each subjects and when it got close to the exams, I couldnt remember anything! * What i did use was this for other minor things : https://play.google....su.astrid&hl=en I am sure there is an iphone equivalent somewhere! 3)Sleep more by sleeping less *Yep. I found this very very efficient. Sleep for 6 hours at night followed by 2, 30 minute power naps during the day. They both work as revision breaks + help u catch up with sleep (duh!) *However the above could be easier said than done as it takes time to train your body to this new lifestyle. Apparently this is how our ulema study as well by sleeping less at night but taking power naps during the day. * Also when you lie down on your bed, before you doze off try and recollect everything you learnt. Just picture all the equations/theories/proofs as it helps you think about them involuntarily - which they say is much better than normal thinking. 4) Study space and people * The study space should be well lit and adequately spaced. I love to spread all my files and folders around the room lol! * Work with like minded people. They help you and you help them. Simple as that! * Because of the above, I didnt bother with libraries as due to the complexity of my course, it is impossible for a person to get a 1st class by studying solely on his own. Hence the emphasis on group study. So we found a lecture theatre that wasnt in use and that was our study space! 5)Allah and the Ahlulbayt a,s Yes your revising hard....but that doesnt mean you have an excuse not to pray! Also say YAM all the time! All halal knowledge comes from the Ahlulbayt so dont forget them. * There are plenty of duas you can find on duas.org with regards to exams and that. 6) Facebook, SC and other distractions *Ok it is very hard to not to distract. So to get around it, we had setup a facebook group which had every1 from our year group. Here we would ask each other q's and discuss solutions. So when i went on fb, i would mainly use it to see wagwan in the group AND also see what others are up to. * As for SC and other websites, this is where the group that you work in helps. They motivate you and you motivate them. They stop you from slipping and vice versa. 7) Nutrition and exercise *It is very very very important that you eat healthy, clean and nutritious food. Your mind and body is working extremely hard and it is very important that you fuel it accordingly. Please dont bother with kfc, subway etc etc. They will make you feel sleepy, tired and will make you fat! (think about what your potential wifey would say!!) * If your are following 3), after my 30 minute nap, I would get up and do some pushups to feel lively. It is very important that you exercise adequately to compensate for all the time your sitting down on your bottom revising. 8) Backup your work * I have a lot of files on my computer which i just cannot afford to loose. Hence i got a dropbox (free one) and synced all the important files every few hours. * Also bought an external hard drive (just in case!) * If you've got essays and other text files, use google docs. 9)Thoughts and if i could go back then... * Although i started revising early, my proper revision 10+ hours started 3 months before the exams and it still wasnt enough near the end! So i would start much earlier! * An obvious thing which you probably hear all the time but seriuosly i learnt it the hard way. Keep up to date with what is going on in your course everyday! * Buy a mac and not a pc :D ! Still regret buying a windows machine! * Eat healthy! Cant emphasise on 7) enough. I was kfcing near the end of my exams as i couldnt be bothered to pack any lunch and i ended up with an upset tummy near the last week of exams! * Do more past papers *Smart revision - only revise what you need to. Getting a 1st is all about exam technique i.e knowing what to revise and how to do so. Talk to the people in the years above who have done the same exams as you last year. They might have some revision 'tips'. * Manage your time efficiently. As in dont cut off completely with family and friends but then at the same time dont socialise too much either. As i said before, I am an engineering student and I'm more comfortable with maths than words. Hence apologies if I've made any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes (and also it is past midnight here!). Hope it helps and yea feel free to ask about anything which i havent covered! Good luck and i shall finish this post with 1) i.e you can do it!! BULB!