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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

7 Questions

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

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.
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

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
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

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.
What are the Islamic guidelines for Muslim women seeking leadership roles in their community?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

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.