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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

114 Questions

If my married friend decides to embrace Islam, would she be required to divorce her non-Muslim husband?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

If she becomes Muslim, her marriage is automatically be nullified, should her husband not convert as well. She will need to observe 'iddah as well.  

Of course, this is a serious decision that she needs to deeply think about, as leaving her husband might not be an easy thing to do.

And Allah knows best
As a Shia convert, is talking to Sufis considered breaking the third Shahadah? Will it lead to apostasy from Shia Islam? Can I still identify as Shia if I had contacts with Sufi orders?
Amina Inloes

You do not become an apostate or break the third shahadah by speaking with someone who has a different belief or by being present at their gatherings, unless you have the intention of apostasy. (This is true whether they are Sufi, Christian, atheist, or any other group.) 

However, sometimes, when we are solidifying our religious identity, especially after a recent conversion, it is helpful to stay within the confines of our religious group and avoid contact with others. But this is a psychological or spiritual matter, not anything relating to apostasy. 

You are a Shi'i if you wholeheartedly accept the authority and spiritual status of Imam Ali (a), without any competitors, and identify as Shi'i. 

If you had any belief which is incompatible with Shi'ism, you may reject that belief and remain Shi'i. Similarly, if you gave bay'ah to someone other than Imam al-Mahdi (A) (for Twelver Shi'a), you can declare your ultimate bay'ah to Imam al-Mahdi (A). If you acknowledged the authority or lineage of someone (living or deceased) who is incompatible with your allegiance to Imam 'Ali (A) and Imam al-Mahdi (A), you may choose to reject that authority.

Sufis differ from one another, and some are closer to Shi'ism than others. 
I am interested in converting to the Shia point of view. Where can I find comprehensive knowledge to help me with this transition?
Amina Inloes

This website (al-islam.org) has an in-depth library, and you can find materials which are both introductory and advanced. So, I recommend starting here!

You could also look online for taught classes, since sometimes it is useful to have a human teacher. 

Beyond that, there is also ample material on YouTube - as a hint, if you want to find a discussion of a subject, search for Muharram majlis followed by your subject, and those are almost guaranteed to be presented by Twelver Shi'a. 

Best wishes!
I am a new Muslim. I had married twin sisters when I was an atheist, which I now know is disallowed. Both sisters converted to Islam and are soon-to-be mothers. I love them deeply and don't want to divorce. What is the best course of action?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

As a Muslim, you are not allowed to marry or keep real sisters together as your wives, because Allah prevented that in Quran (Sura An-Nisaa' , verse 23.

'You have no choice but to leave one of them immediately but nicely.

Wassalam.