What's New

  • Verse of Purification in the Light of Quran & Hadith

    At a time when our religion is being attacked from all sides, sectarian division appearing so often, here comes a booklet that underlines the fact that in many instances both Sunni and Shi'a sources agree regarding the history and events that took place at the time of our Prophet (S). One of such examples is the revelation of the Verse of Purification of which this booklet offers extensive information.
  • The Verdict about Intoxicants in Islam

    We always hear about the fact that alcohol is prohibited in Islam but many know not the reasons behind this prohibition. This booklet gives details regarding the bodily processes that occur while a person consumes such intoxicants and explains why this prohibition is for the benefit of man and mankind alike.
  • Fasting in Ramadhan: A Simple Guide To Ritual, Social & Spiritual Dimensions

    A collection of articles written & speeches given by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi on the various dimensions and significance of the Holy month of Ramadhan.
  • Building of Tombs In the Light of Qur’an & Hadith

    There are many issues that have divided the Muslim ummah. One of these issues is the building of tombs.This book presents and explains a series of ahadith, both in favour and against the building of tombs in order to unify the Muslims wherever they may be.
  • Al-Khisal, A Numeric Classification of Traditions on Characteristics

    Translation of Al-Khisal. A first book of its kind, Al-Khisal is a collection of religious and moral precepts from reliable works on the subject compiled by Sheikh Sadooq. The present work demonstrates the importance of numbers in the traditions. This has led to a valuable collection of traditions that is very interesting to study. Each part of this book contains several traditions on various issues. His main theme in this book in on ethics, manners and good characteristics. This book covers numbered characteristics starting with one and ends at one million. The traditions are presented with a complete record of transmission. As Sheikh Sadooq mentions himself that the reason for the compilation of such a book was when he saw that none has been written on numbers and good and bad characteristics. Al-Khisal is a great encyclopedia on Islamic knowledge, the forbidden and the allowed acts, historical topics, interpretations on the Holy Quran, philosophical points and political issues. It
  • 82 Questions

    This text attempts to answer modern challenges to Islamic positions; it begins with an exposition of the five Usool-e-deen (roots of religion) and continues by giving answers from the Islamic tradition to a number of miscellaneous questions on theology, fiqh and social issues.
  • Ramadhan Lectures [Mohammad Ali Shomali] [Ramadhan 1426 / Oct-Nov 2005]

    Lecture series in Ramadhan 2005 by Dr. Shomali on the topic Riyadha (Spiritual Practice).
  • Timing and Clothing for Prayer

    Timing and Clothing for Prayer Mohammad Ali Shomali International Institute for Islamic Studies, Qum Spiritual Quest, Summer and Autumn 2012. Vol. 2. No. 2 ****** One of the important aspects of prayer is to observe its correct timing. One is free to pray or speak to God at any time one wishes. However, ritual prayers have defined timings. Regarding this, Qur'an states, فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنْتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ ۚ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَوْقُوتًاWhen you have finished the prayers, remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying down, and when you feel secure, perform the [complete] prayers, for the prayer is indeed a timed prescription for the faithful.According to some hadiths, mawqutan means necessary, which is compatible with its literal meaning which has been stated above. (4:103) The requirement to perform prayers at set times is not a
  • Social Relations In Islam

    In what way does Islam shape the social relationships? How does it limit them and why? This present book compares Islam with the western civilization and with various schools of thought. There are a lot of differences but the most striking are the fact that Islam bases its teachings on the search of truth while the other bases their teachings on the opinion of the majority; and the fact that Islam does not believe in geographical and racial frontiers which separate human beings into small communities and nations. The writer believes the frontier is belief, a fact which makes possible a universal community.
  • Morals in the Light of Islam

    Living in a world that is under the continuous torrent of corruption, it is very easy to lose sight of the important things. This text ponders on the importance of following the Islamic Code of laws that purges the mind, purifies the soul and refines the human nature. it also gives examples of the major group of immoralities and why standing on the moral ground and behaving accordingly to the code of law (not fighting, explaining things in a peaceful and polite manner, seeking knowledge, use rational proofs, etc.) could benefit us and our counterparts.
  • The Last Journey, A Translation Of Manazil Al-Akhirah

    This text presents a clear account of the stages awaiting every soul after death, beginning with the moment of departure from this world and the separation of the spirit from the body. It describes the final illness, the presence of the Angel of Death, and the initial journey of the soul. The questioning in the grave, the conditions of the life in Barzakh, and the experiences of comfort or punishment are explained in detail. It outlines the events of the resurrection, the great gathering, and the weighing of deeds on the Day of Judgement. The scenes of the Bridge of Sirat, the intercession of the Prophet and the Ahl Al-Bayt, and the crossing to safety or falling into the Fire are described with clarity. The realities of Hell and its punishments, the levels of Paradise, and the everlasting rewards for the faithful are set out according to the teachings of the Qur’an and the Ahl Al-Bayt. By outlining these realities and the acts that bring ease in those moments, it serves as
  • Islamic Unity and Happiness

    The text consists in two sections. In Section One the writer discusses the contribution of scholar Amini in his book "Al-Ghadir" towards Islamic unity and its urgent need in the world of today. In Section Two the writer discusses about happiness and analyses the issue from a religious and philosophical point of view.
  • Forgiveness in Islam

    Forgiveness in Islam refers more often to restraining anger and punishment when you are able, have power, to administer punishment. In this text you will find brief statements from religious leaders regarding forgiveness and examples of situations and incidents in which the Prophet (S) and the Imams (as) put in practice this concept of forgiveness.
  • The life of Imam ‘Ali Bin Musa al-Ridha’

    This is an inquiry into the life of Imam ‘Ali b. Musa’ al-Ridha’, the eighth Imam from the Household of the Prophet. The text includes a biography, a detailed history of his life and death, a throughout research of his works, debated and discussions, and his doctrinal researches, a collection of his wise sayings and lastly the Ziyarat of the Imam with a brief description of the benefits of its recitation.
  • The Bright Lights of Guidance

    The present book is a collection of sermons delivered by the well known religious scholar Mr Hajj Sayyid Muhammad Ali ibn al-Ridha Khansary. The lectures include important issues like: the intellect, knowledge, the oneness of God, the need for the existence of the divine proofs (the prophets and the imams), the common and special prophets, the need for the existence of the imam of our time (atfs), the miraculous aspects of the Quran, the resurrection, ethics and giving advice, the benefits of a mosque, the supplications, asking for forgiveness and gratitude, the servitude if God, the Lord's recommendations to the Prophet (s), four important recommendations of the Prophet (s), honesty and spreading justice. All of the above mentioned sermons have been delivered in accordance with the Holy Quran and the hadith of the Ahlul Bayt (as).
  • Islamic Medical Wisdom, The Tibb al-A'imma

    Islamic Medical Wisdom is the first English translation of a text in the Twelver Shi'i medical tradition. As such it will prove of both interest and importance to specialists and non-specialists alike. The former include those pursuing study of various aspects of Islamic history and civilization in general and especially students of the history of Islamic medicine. The latter include both those wishing greater awareness of the Twelver Shi'i faith and heritage in general and those desirous of greater familiarity with practical dimensions of the faith in particular.
  • Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Allegiance

    Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) and Allegiance By: Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi (r.a.) ********* Studying the Islamic history has proven that after the Prophet's demise, an entire discretionary campaign started. This campaign lasted for approximately 150 years. The aim of it was to discredit Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and praise the Bani Umaaya. This article will provide three arguments against the opinion that Imam Ali (as) pledged allegiance to the three caliphs that ruled after the demise of our beloved Prophet (S). ********* Introduction The foremost books on Islamic history “Al-Maghaazi” of Ibn Is’haaq and its summary “Seerah al-Nabi (S)” of Ibn Hisham were written in the second and third centuries AH. These were followed by “Tarikh at-Tabari” by Muhammad Ibn Jareer (or Jurair) al-Tabari also in 3rd Century AH. It should be borne in mind that these original books on Islamic history were considered a part of Islamic traditions and like the traditions they even had a
  • House of Sorrows, The life of Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra and her grief

    House of Sorrows is the first ever book in English to detail the last six months of the life of the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad, Fatimah az-Zahra. This book focuses on the status of Lady Fatimah from Qur’anic verses and traditions and delves into the events immediately preceding the death of Prophet Muhammad. There are a number of events discussed in this text such as saqifah, the taking of Fadak, and then, in vivid words, goes through the last months of her life. Be prepared to shed tears as you read the heart-wrenching events of what happened to az-Zahra as recounted and narrated in the major books of the Ahlul Sunnah and the Shi’a.
  • Mysterious Seyyid And His Students

    Mysterious Seyyid And His Students: Inspirational Stories For Those Who Wish To Taste Righteousness This text is a collection of stories for character building and ethical guidance for young readers. The main theme in these stories is to present human role models that perform righteous actions for the worship and pleasure of God.
  • Let’s talk about: Screaming

    This booklet aims to teach children all about screaming and the effect that this may have on the people around them. By using pictures and examples it also shows them what the alternative to screaming is.