Community

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Why do Shias begin Ramadan a day later than Sunnis? What is the reasoning behind this difference? If someone lives in a predominantly Sunni community, is there any issue with starting Ramadan when they do?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 11 months ago

There isn't a fixed difference between Sunnis and Shi'is for determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan. However, many Sunnis follow the announcement from Saudi Arabia for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, sometimes, Saudia Arabia announces the sighting of the moon at a time when it is astronomically impossible to see it. (One can verify this using astronomical software)

Most Shi'is follow local moonsighting (or via a shared horizon; either via the naked eye, as per Ayatollah Sistani, or with the help of an optical aid, such as Ayatollah Khamene'i). Some Sunnis do this also.

Where one is in the world also affects differences in determining the beginning of the month. (You can visit moonsighting.com to see graphs of where the moon is visible and when.)

Anyway it is fine to fast on the last day or days of the month of Sha'ban, but counting the days of the month of Ramadan is useful for observing laylat al-qadr.

186021

Sunni . Girl . Marriage . Community . Marriage

What should I do if I am marrying a Sunni girl who respects and understands the Ahlul Bait, and her Sunni community is requesting their own Alim to officiate the Nikah?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 1 year ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Although the Nikah could be valid, if the correct standards for Islamic marriage contract is observed, it is not a good sign if they "insist" on having their own 'Alim to do it.

If you choose to marry someone outside of your Madhhab, it is very important to have strong ability to manage things. You must be strong enough to have to deal with the issues that arise, regarding your Shi'i beliefs, your rituals, how the house is managed, and the future children.

There are good examples of a Shi'i marrying a Sunni, and both observe the highest level for each other's beliefs. That is how it should be.

However, there are many bad examples and bitter experiences, which is why one must be extra cautious, and not just think about accepting their 'Alim to officiate the Nikah, but also what level of involvement, interference, influence, or intimidation they will have.

Marrying someone from another madhhab is permissible only if one has assurance they will not be influenced, for them and the children as well.

And Allah knows best

Sunni . Girl . Marriage . Community . Marriage

What should I do if I am marrying a Sunni girl who respects and understands the Ahlul Bait, and her Sunni community is requesting their own Alim to officiate the Nikah?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 1 year ago

Sunni Shaikh can recite the Nikah because it is after all a Nikah contract recited by either Shia or Sunni or any one who knows Arabic properly.

The main point is to be sure that she will remain in the future respecting Ahlul Bayt (AS) and will teach your children the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS). You are responsible about the future if your children.

Wassalam.

183655

Woman . Leadership . Community

What are the Islamic guidelines for Muslim women seeking leadership roles in their community?

1, The intention of leading others should be sincerely to serve for the sake of Allah and never for the sake of worldly gains like name or fame.

2. Hijab must be observed all the time when there are non Mahram men.

3, Islamic basic knowledge must be gained in a continuous way which protects from doing wrong or ignoring an obligatory act for any reason.

4. Humble attitude is must with every one especially the weak and needy persons.

5. Respecting the elders and those who have knowledge and avoiding unnecessary issues which can create misunderstanding among people.

6. Taking the advice from the pious scholars and experts in every field.

7. Never asking or even hoping to get any benefit from people and always focusing on the reward from Allah (SWT).

Wassalam.

148066

Community . Scholars

As an 18-year-old, I am conflicted between becoming an Aalim-e-Deen and a premier civil servant. In both cases, I am driven by the desire to improve the lives of the Muslim community. Can you help me decide?

Bismihi ta'ala

I would recommend you watch my series on deciding to study Hawzah, and what direction to take. In shaa Allah it will benefit you.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHj5BjXrLabhQLdu2jlHcWM6OAtLCEvVh

132231

Community . Ahl al-Bayt . Sunni-Shi'a

I have followed the Ahlul Bayt since 2009. However, I took my Shahadah in a Salaf community in 2006. Is it recommended that I reaffirm my Shahadah declaring Ali (a) as the rightful Imam?

When you believed in the fact that Ahlul Bayt (AS) are the real divine leaders of Islam after the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and followed them, you don't need to declare that in the form of Shahada. You should be already doing that in Azan أذان and Iqama إقامه.

It is good to say that again if you wish but it is not a condition for being a follower of Ahlul Bayt (AS) as far as you believe in it.

Wassalam.

56433

Masjid . Community . Shi'a . Masjid Nimra

Does Masjid Nimra have any particular importance for the Shi'a community?

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.