1. What's New
  2. What's New

What's New

  • Diseases of the Soul: Prejudice (asabiyyah)

    A short article that discusses the types of prejudice (asabiyyah), the evil effects of sinful prejudice, and ways to cure it. Prejudice (`asabiyyah) O people! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the best in conduct…(Qur'an, 49:13) Imam Ja’far al‑Sadiq (a) reported from the Prophet (s) who said: "Whoso­ever possesses in his heart 'asabiyyah (prejudice in any of its forms such as tribalism, racism, nationalism) even to the extent of a mustard seed, God will raise him on the Day of Resurrection with the (pagan) Bedouins of the Jahiliyyah (the pre‑Islamic era).” [Al‑Kulayni, al‑Kafi, vol. 2, bab al ‘asabiyah, p. 308, hadith # 3] `Asabiyyah is an inner psychic trait that is manifested in patronizing or defending one's kindred or those with whom one has some kind of affinity or relation, whether it be creed and religious ideology, soil or home, language or colour

  • Merits of the Soul: Patience (Sabr)

    A short article discussing the types of patience (sabr) and its merits, its relation to divine gnosis, and ways of attaining it. Patience (Sabr) ...And be patient and persevering, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. ( Holy Qur'an, 8: 46) Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) said: “Verily, Sabr is to faith what the head is to the body. The body perishes with­out the head, and so also when Sabr goes, faith also disappears.”[Al-Kulayni, al‑Kafi, vol. 2, bab al‑Sabr, p. 128, hadith # 2] When Imam ‘Ali (a) was asked about faith (iman), he replied: “The structure of faith is supported by four pillars: Patience (Sabr), Conviction (yaqin), Justice (`adl) and Struggle (jihad). Then he explained further: ‘Patience comprises of four attributes: Eagerness, fear, piety and anticipation (of death). So, whoever is eager for Paradise will ignore evil temptations; whoever fears the fire of Hell will abstain from sins; whoever practices piety will easily bear the difficulties and

  • Diseases of the Soul: Hypocrisy (Nifaq)

    A short article that discusses the sin of hypocrisy (nifaq), its various types and effects, and presents a treatment for it. Hypocrisy (Nifaq) When the hypocrites come unto thee (O Muhammad), they say: We bear witness that thou art indeed Allah's messenger. And Allah knows that you are indeed His messenger, and Allah bears witness that the Hypocrites are speaking falsely. (Qur'an, 63: 1) Imam Ja’far al‑Sadiq (a) said: "One who meets Muslims with a double face and a double tongue, on the Day of Judgement he will come with two tongues of fire." [Al‑Kulayni, al‑Kafi (Akhundi), vol. 2, p. 343] Hypocrisy or double‑facedness is the evil characteristic of the person who assumes an outward appearance and simulates a behaviour that is contrary to his inner state. For instance, one may give an impression of friendship and affection and pretend to be sincere and sympathetic, or show to apparently follow a faith or creed, while in his heart he harbours an opposite feeling. Such

  • Laws and Practices: How to Perform Wudhu and Tayammum

    A handy, simplified guide to how to perform ablution (wudhu) or tayammum. How to Perform Wudhu and Tayammum “O Believers! When you prepare for prayers, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads, and your feet to the ankles … and [if you] do not find water then betake yourselves to clean earth and wipe your faces and your hands with it.” (Holy Qur'an: Chapter 5, Verse 6 Prior to performing the daily prayers, and as a recommended or obligatory prerequisite to other acts of worship, Muslims must purify themselves – this is usually done with water. The minor form of this purification with water is called Wudhu, while the major form is called Ghusl. If water is not available, the purification can be performed with clean earth or soil, and is called Tayammum. When to Perform Wudhu Every Muslim must be in a state of spiritual purification before performing the daily obligatory prayers. The same state of purification must also be achieved

  • Laws and Practices: How to Perform the Daily Prayers

    A handy, simplified guide to learn how to pray. How to Perform the Daily Prayers “…but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.”(Holy Qur'an: Chapter 4, Verse 103) It is obligatory to perform the following five prayers every day during the prescribed times: • Salat al-Fajr (Dawn prayer), which consist of two units (each unit of prayer is called a rak`ah) • Salat al-Zuhr (Midday prayer) consisting of four units • Salat al-`Asr (Afternoon prayer) consisting of four units • Salat al-Maghrib (Dusk prayer) which consist of three units • Salat al-`Isha (Night prayer) consisting of four units. Performing the Daily Prayers according to the Shi’ah Ja’fari school of law involves taking prescribed steps in order (tartib) and in regular succession without undue delay between them (muwalat). The person must first perform preliminary purification (ghusl, if necessary, or wudhu) and fulfil

  • Diseases of the Soul: Envy (Hasad)

    A short article that discusses the sin of envy (hasad), its causes and effects, and presents a cure for it. Envy (Hasad) …Or do they envy [other] people because of what Allah has given them of His bounty?(Qur'an, chapter 4, verse 54) Abu `Abd Allah (al‑Imam al‑Sadiq) (a) said that the Apostle of God (s) said that God Almighty addressed Musa ibn `Imran (a) as follows: "O son of `Imran, never be envious of people concerning the favours I have conferred on them by My grace; do not glower at them, and do not succumb to your (envious) self. Indeed, the envious man is indignant at the bestowal of My favour, and contests My apportioning of gifts among My creatures. Whoever is such, he neither belongs to Me nor do I belong to him." [Al-Kulayni, Usul al‑Kafi,vol. 2, p. 307, Bab al-Hasad, hadith no. 6] Hasad or malicious envy is a psychological state in which a person wishes for the deprivation of a blessing, talent, or merit possessed by another person (the mahsud).

  • Beliefs: Do the Shi'ah Believe in a Different Quran

    A refutation of the spurious claim that the Shi'ah believe in a different Qur'an than Sunnis do. Do the Shi'ah Believe in a Different Qur’an? Surely We have revealed the Reminder (Holy Qur’an) and We most surely are its Guardian. (Holy Qur’an: Chapter 15, Verse 9) The Shi'ah are frequently accused of belief in Tahrif in Holy Qur’an which means believing that the Holy Qur’an has been tampered with and is not the same as the one revealed to the Prophet (s). THIS IS NOT true !!! All great Twelver Shi’ah scholars from the earliest period to the present century have believed in the complete preservation of the Holy Qur’an. Some famous early Shi’ah scholars who have clearly stated this belief in their books include: • Shaykh al-Saduq (d. 381 AH), Kitabu’l-Itiqadat, (Tehran, 1370) p. 63. • Shaykh al-Mufid (d. 413 AH), Awa’ilu l-Maqalat, pp. 55-6; • Sharif al-Murtada (d. 436 AH), Bahru ‘l-Fawa’id (Tehran, 1314) p. 69; • Shaykh at-Tusi (d. 460 AH),

  • Beliefs: Did the Prophet (s) Appoint a Successor

    This tract presents a summary of the sources relating to the event of Ghadir Khumm demonstrating that the Prophet did indeed appoint a successor in his lifetime. Did the Prophet (s) Appoint a Successor?   O Messenger, Proclaim what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and if you don’t do it, you have not delivered His Message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the people (Holy Qur’an: Chapter 5, Verse 67)   The Shi’ah believe that the proclamation mentioned by the Qur’anic verse was fulfilled by the Prophet (s) when he appointed Imam ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (a) as his successor on the day of Ghadir Khumm.   What happened on the day of Ghadir Khumm?   Ghadir Khumm is a location some miles from Makkah on the road to Madinah. When the Prophet (s) was passing by this place on 18 Dhu’l Hijja (10 March 632) on his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage, the verse “O Messenger, Proclaim what has been sent down...” was revealed. He therefore stopped to make an

  • Diseases of the Soul: Backbiting (Gheebah)

    A short article that discusses the great sin of backbiting (gheebah), and suggests a cure for it. Backbiting (gheebah) ... Nor backbite one another; would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it. (Qur'an 49:12) Prophet Muhammad (s) once said to Imam ‘Ali (‘a): “O ‘Ali! When someone hears the backbiting of his Muslim brother committed in his presence, yet he does not rally to his assistance despite being capable of doing so, God shall humiliate him in the world and in the Hereafter.”[Al-Hurr al-`Amili, Wasa'il al-Shi`ah, vol. 8, hadith no. 16336] Abu Dharr (r) once asked the Prophet Muhammad (s): “O Messenger of Allah, what is gheebah?” He replied: “It is to mention about your brother that which he detests.” Abu Dharr (r) said: “O Messenger of Allah, what if that which is mentioned of him should actually be in him?” He (s) replied: “Know that when you mention that which is in him, you have committed his gheebah, and when you

  • Personalities: A Sermon Without Dots

    The English translation and brief commentary of the famous sermon of Imam Ali (as) whose text does not contain a single letter with a dot. A Sermon Without Dots The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: I am the house of wisdom and ‘Ali is its door (Sahih al-Tirmidhi, (Cairo edition), Kitab al-Manaqib, vol. 5, p. 637, hadith number 3723) The knowledge, wisdom and eloquence of Imam ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (a) is well known among Muslims of all schools of thought. One such example of his mastery over the Arabic language manifested itself in this extempore sermon which, in its written form, is devoid of any dots !! All praise be to Allah: the praised King, the affectionate Owner, the Fashioner of all who are born, the Recourse for every downtrodden, the Outstretcher of lands, the Establisher of firm mountains, the Sender of rain, the Alleviator of difficulties, the Knower and Perceiver of secrets, the Destroyer of kingdoms and Perisher of possessions, the Renewer of eras and their

  • A Muslim in Society

    A concise introductory text about the appropriate behaviour of Muslims and their conduct with others in society.

  • The Characteristics of a Muslim

    Simple accounts of good morals and behavior, God's love, parents, and how to be a good Muslim.

  • Prophet Muhammad (s), A Brief Biography

    A simple account of the life of the final Messenger (S).

  • Imam Hasan bin Ali

    Biography and character of the 2nd Imam (a).

  • Freedom, The Unstated Facts and Points

    In this text, Ayatullah Muhammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi explains the different kinds of freedom in great detail. He dwells on the understanding of Freedom in its different forms that exist before us today.

  • Fraternity and Cooperation in Islam

    The importance of brotherhood in Islam.

  • Rays of the Sun, 83 Stories from the Life of Imam Khomeini (ra)

    Stories from the personal and public life of the great scholar and leader of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Includes stories about Imam Khomeini's home life, his relationship with family members and with the public, his knowledge, his worship and his last days. Also includes an account of meeting Imam from the Western journalist Robin Woodsworth Carlsen.

  • Diseases of the Soul: Anger

    A short article discussing the nature and reality of anger, and suggesting ways to control it. ***** Anger (ghadhab) …Those who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain their anger and pardon men; And Allah loves those who do good. (Qur'an, 3: 134) Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) said: "Anger is the key (that opens the door) to all kinds of vices." [Al‑Kulayni, al‑Kafi, vol. 2, p. 303, hadith # 3] It is narrated from Imam al‑Sadiq (a) that he heard his father Imam al‑Baqir (a), as saying: "A bedouin came to the Prophet (s) and said: `I live in the desert. Teach me the essence of wisdom.' Thereupon the Prophet (s) said to him: `I command you not to get angry'. After repeating his question thrice (and hearing the same reply from the Prophet every time) the bedouin said to himself: `After this I will not ask any question, since the Apostle of God (s) does not command anything but good'." Imam al‑Sadiq (a) says: "My father used to say, `Is there any­

  • The Living Miracle

    Foreword The Glorious Qur'an is a Book whose verses are firmly arranged then distinguished from the All-wise, the All-aware. (Qur'an, 11 :1) Almighty Allah has revealed to His servant and messenger (peace be upon him and his progeny) that he may be a warner to the worlds. A Book We have sent down to thee that thou mayest lead men out from the darkness into the light, by their Lord's permission, to the way of the All-mighty, the All-laudable. (Qur'an, 14:11) The Glorious Qur'an is Allah's eternal message, His clear testimony, final argument, undeniable proof and His eternal living miracle which He has given to the last of His messengers and the Best of His creatures - Muhammad ibn `Abdillah (peace be upon him and his progeny) -as an evidence verifying his prophethood, a proof of his apostleship and a light guiding mankind to the firm religion of Allah and a guide leading towards the right path. If you be in doubt about what We have sent down to Our servant (

  • A Code Of Ethics For Muslim Men And Women

    A Code of Ethics for Muslim Men and Women According to the Fatawa (Verdicts) of Eight Marja’ Taqlid of the Shi’a World