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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

81 Questions

Can anyone choose to wear an Amama (turban) and Aba Qaba (robe) or is it only permissible for the religious scholars to wear it?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Wearing a turban (Amama) and Aba Qaba (Religious Robe) is recommended during performing Salah (Prayers). Wearing Amama in public now a days can mislead people that the person is a scholar then his behavior can be taken by lay people as a religious behavior, that is why it should be avoided unless the person is really a religious scholar or religious student.

Wassalam.
Why do Syed scholars wear black turbans and non-Syed scholars wear white turbans? What is the religious or historical basis for it?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

The black turban is the turban of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). This fact is mentioned in both Shia and Sunni books.
The Sayyed Ulama wear black turban which is the turban of their great grand father, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

Wassalam.
What is the difference between the Usooli and Akhbari approach in Shia Islam? Who were some of the prominent Akhbari scholars?
Abbas Di Palma

as salam alaikum

the Akhbari/Usuli discussion is mainly related to the realm of fiqh, specifically to the way of deduction of Islamic laws, although some implications may relate to other than jurisprudence. While Usuli scholars derive Islamic laws from Qur'an, Sunna, intellect and ijma', Akhbaris only accept Qur'an and Sunna as source for Islamic law. Some more radical Akhbaris rely only on the Sunna as per their saying that "the Qur'an should be interpreted exclusively through the Sunna of the Prophet and Ahl al-Bayt".

Practically, Akhbaris cannot overlook some sort of reasoning and Usulis do not discard the transmitted reports. Overall Usuli methodology is more strict on scrutinizing and authenticating the ahadith.

Some prominent Akhbari scholars were Mulla Amin Astarabadi, Mulla Muhammad Tahir Qummi  and Seyyed Hashim al-Bahrani.

With prayers for your success.
Where can I find a comprehensive list of the currently living Maraji' of Taqleed? What is the process that determines how they enter that list? Is there a council of scholars that identifies them or are there elections for their appointment?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

The Marja' of Taqleed does not come through election, selection nor appointment. He reaches to this status of knowledge by his own hard work and dedication and sincerity with the help of Allah (SWT). The scholars in the Hawza are the responsible persons to identify and recognize the level of knowledge of the Mujtahid scholar and whether he is entitled to be Marja' or not. Such high level of scholars give witness that this Mujtahid is a Marje' then people can do his Taqleed.

Wassalam.