1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

108 Questions

What is the status and importance of Al Quds and Al Aqsa for the Shi'a community?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Quds is the place where Baitul Maqdis Masjid is, and Baitul Maqdis is the first Qibla for Muslims.

In the narrations from the Ahlul Bayt (AS) we have a narration from Imam Mohammad al Baqir (AS) telling Abu Hamza al Thimali that the great Masjids are four: al Masjid al Haraam in Makkah, the Masjid of the Holy Prophet (SAWA) in Madinah, Masjid Baitul Maqdis in Quds and Masjid al Kufa. The Imam (AS) said : O Aba Hamza, performing obligatory Salaah in any of these Masjids equals performing full Hajj and performing recommended Salaah in any of these Masjids equals performing Umrah. This Hadith is narrated in the book of Man La Yahdharuhu Al Faqih by Al Sadooq , volume 1 page 163.

Also we have narrations mentioned in the same book of Al Faqih by Sheikh Al Sadooq  from Ameerul Mo"meneen Ali (AS) that Salaah in Bait Al Maqdis equal one thousand Salaah. Volume 1, page 167 .

A narration also from Ameerul Mo"meneen Ali (AS) that when Imam Al Mahdi (ATFS) comes back to the public life he will go to Bait Al Maqdis. This narration is in Mo"jam Ahaadith Al Imam Al Mahdi (ATFS) volume 4 page 175.

Wassalaam.
Can you please recommend some Shi'a Islamic movies that we can watch, both those that will appeal to adults and also some that will be at the level of children?
Mateen Charbonneau

There is a great movie in English about Sayeda Narjis (sa) called The Princess of Rome. 
I am new to Shi'a Islam and wish to learn more about it. Are there any introductory books that you would recommend?
Mahmood Abu Maryam

You can start by exploring this link, and the sub-sections from it, that will lead you to many relevant books and articles.

https://www.al-islam.org/explore/shia-and-sunni

If you are looking for short Fact Sheets on various topics related to Shi'a belief and practice, then check this out:

https://www.al-islam.org/nutshell/

If you would like to sample the words of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) when they speak of God, or address Him in supplications, then these two resources may be of interest:

https://www.al-islam.org/shiite-anthology-sayyid-muhammad-husayn-tabatabai

and

https://www.al-islam.org/sahifa-al-kamilah-al-sajjadiyya-imam-ali-zayn-al-abidin

Hope this helps!
Does Masjid Nimra have any particular importance for the Shi'a community?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Masjid Namirah is a well known Masjid in Arafat area. It is mentioned that this Masjid was built on the place were the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) gave his famous sermon in Arafah when he performed Hajj on the year 10 after Hijra which is called  Hajjatul Wadaa' (The Welfare Hajj).

Masjid Namirah is important for the followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) as it is one of the places where the Prophet (SAWA) visited and gave  a sermon.  The Prophet (SAWA) prayed Dhuhr and Asr prayers together. All Muslims admit and accept this fact. No one can claim the the Prophet prayed Asr before its time. It means hat he tme of As starts immediately after performing Dhuhr Prayer.

Till now, all Muslims pray Dhuhr and Asr together in Arafah. This Prophetic worship itself is another evidence that what Shi'a Muslims practice is completely authentic and it is from the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

Wassalam.