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FAQ
Islamic Cultural Propagation Office.
Our aim is to introduce Islam to all those who are interested and bring them to a
higher level of understanding of Shi'a. We are Shi'a muslems and in this FAQ we
have intended to give you an outlook of our views. It is almost impossible and
incorrect to discuss all the aspects of Islam and Shi'a religion in an FAQ. What we
have tried to compile is only an outline for those frequently asked questions and we
have tried to give references as much as possible.
We receive a high number of questions via e-mail on a daily basis. To answer each
one on an individual basis, is a time consuming process and in an inappropriate
approach. In this FAQ we hope to give you some insight and references to Islam, so
that you can come to a conclusion yourself, rather than having to verify each of your
actions with us.
While we regret that we cannot answer individual questions and problems, we
welcome questions and topics which maybe of general interest and use to other fellow
muslems around the world.
How to become a Muslem
You should contact someone who is trusted and aware of Islamic issues, and then start
to learn principles of Islam and the fundamental Islamic points of view and get to
know the ways of prayers. You have to get religious and moral books and study and
act according to them. I think you can easily have access to Qur'an through public
libraries. If this is not possible for you, please e-mail us your exact postal address and
we will send you an English copy of Qur'an.
Table Of Contents:
1. Shi'a vs Sunni in Islam.
a)
General differences
Two)
How to become a Shi'a
Three) About Shi'a religion
2. General Questions regarding Islam.
a)
What is meant by Ismat? How can you prove Ismat from Qur'an and
Hadith?
b) Shaking Hands in Islam (between members of opposite sex).
c)
Is hiding your Islamic identity permitted?
d)
Halal & Haram. Food.
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e)
Halal & Haram Other issues.
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Six)
Seven)
What is halal food?
Are all types of gelatin halal or haram?
Fish covered with scales is halal.
Playing with gambling instruments.
Is disobeying your parents haram?
Gossip (Backbiting).
Mourning during Moharam for Hazrat Hossein (AS).
3. The essence of Life.
a)
Why do most religions reject each other, while most of them are based on
the same thing? And why does man need a religion?
4. Women in Islam.
a) The status of women in Islam? And the difference between man & women in
Islam?
b)
Do women have to obey the Islamic dress code?
c)
Marriage between Sunni, Shi'a and Christians.

A Marriage between a Shi'a male and Sunni female

Marriage of Muslim men with Christian woman
d)
Can a husband force you to have sex if he is ill?
e)
Questions about ritual bath
5. Punishment in Islam
a)
Punishment and Violence.
b)
Punishment of children.
6. Marriage in Islam.
a)
Purpose of marriage.
b)
Second marriage.
7. Helping the poor, Khoms & Zakat.
a)
Should I pay Khoms on borrowed money?
8. Praying and rituals in Islam & Shi'a.
a)
Prays (Namaz) as done by Shi'a.
b)
Mass Prayer (Namaz jama'at).
c)
Mass Prayer, with a Sunni leader.
d)
Namaz & Wozo in Shi'a Islam.
e)
The necessity of Haj
9. Clothes in Islam.
a)
Men.
b)
Women.
10. Music in Islam.
11. Subjects of Interest:
a)
Salman Rushdie.
b)
How was Qur'an gathered and compiled?
c)
Mehdi & Qiyamat "The Judgment day"
d)
Sighting of the moon.
e)
Mourning for Imam Hossein
Answers:
1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Shi'a vs Sonni in Islam.
There are thousands of books written about Imamate, some of them have more than hundred volumes.
But, for the purpose of going ahead progressively, I would like to introduce several single volume
books for the moment:
Asl-alshia and principles (osool-ha), by Allameh Mohammad Hossein Kashef-al-gheta.
Shi'a in Islam by Allameh Tabatabaie.
Bright Faces in Tathir by Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani (This book has been translated into Ordu).
Tashrih and Mohakemeh (Description and Judgment) in History of Mohammad’s Dynasty by
Bahlool Behjat Afandi (An Allim from Sunnis).
Two precious Jewels (translation of Saqalain Hadith) by Ghavom el din Vishnoie Komareie
Principles of Faith in Islam by sayed Mojtaba Mossavi lari.
Nahjul - Hagh by Allameh Helli.
Ghayat-al Marram by Sayed Hashem Bohrani.
Some of these books can be purchased from us, please let us know in what languages they will be
useful for you , and send us your exact mailing address.
One)
General differences
 The basic difference between Shi'a and Sunni is that Shi'a believes after the demise of the
Holy prophet (AS), Allah the exalted, has chosen through the prophet an innocent person
who is Amir-ol-Momenin Ali (AS) and eleven descendants of him who are also
mentioned in Sunni sources. But Sunnis believe that after the Holy prophet (SAW),
people chose his successor as Caliph. We ask: is it not necessary that the successor of the
prophet should be fully aware of Qur'an? Is it not necessary for him be innocent
(Massom). Shi'a as the followers of Ali (AS) believe that the prophet has clearly
appointed Ali (AS) as successor by telling “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its
gateway.” Because he knew that Ali (AS) was more knowledgeable than any one else
and he was innocent. Therefore, there is a difference between Sunni and Shi'a regarding
Imammat (Leadership). Shi'a believe that a person who is innocent and pure and fully
aware of Qur'an should be Imam at all times but the Sunnis are ready to obey an unaware
governor. From this point of difference, some other religious orders and secondary points,
including differences in prayer and Wozo and fasting have emerged. The reason for
majority of Sunnis has roots in historical points and it has not resulted form righteousness.
After the Holy prophet it happened that most of governments were formed by Sunnis and
therefore they are the majority of Moslems to-date. For the same points you may refer to
Al-ghadeer book by the late Alameh Amini or the English translation of Al-morajeat
(Titled The Right Path) by Sharafedin.
 Celebrating such occasions as birthdays in Shi'a Islam is permissible if no forbidden
action is committed. In Shi'a Jurisprudence there is a title for creating joy in the hearts of
believers and those kind of celebrations may come under this title.
Two)
Three)
How to become a Shi'a
 To obtain information please refer to Al-Ghadir authored by the late Ayatollah Amini.
Other books can be also useful, for instance Al-Muraji`at (References), Kefayeh-ol
Mowahedin (Sufficient for Unitarians), Haq-ul Yaqin (Reaching Absolute Certainty) by
Shebr. For questions on religious law (fiqh) or general religious matters there are books
by Shiite sources of emulation (Marja` Taqlid) known as "Solutions to Problems"
(Towzih ol-Masa`il). There you can look up answers to some of your questions.
About Shi'a religion
 In order to make the issue more clear, please note the description of this word (Shia):
 The word Shia means follower and helper and friend in dictionaries, As it is recorded by
the learned men of letters: "Shiatol Rejal Awanaho and Ansarah" which means " Shia of a
man consists of his friends and followers." Ragheb Isfahani (an Iranian scholar) has
mentioned in his book (Mofradat): "Shia as a word means spreading and strengthening
and Shias are those who cause a person to become powerful."
 The late Tabarsi in his famous book which is called "Majma-al Bayan" has mentioned
following remarks regarding interpretation of Ayat 69 of Mariam Surah: "Shia refers to a
group of people who help each other in a cause". These meaning are consistent because
people help each other as the result of following each other and therefore a person may
get powerful through such assistance and following.
 In the customary usage of Muslims, this word has been used to convey different concepts
according to existing criteria as standards: 1 It has been used to describe people who love
Hazrat Ali (AS) and his progeny because they are part of the Holy prophet's (ASW) Ahlul
bait (Household) according to the Ayat "Ghol La Asallokom Aliah Ajran Ellal Moveddah
fil Ghorbi" Therefore, they consider all Muslim, except than those who show enemity
towards Ahul-bait of the Holy Prophet (Nasebis), as Shia and they praise in their
supplications (Dua) for the Ahul-bait of the Holy Prophet (ASW). Imam Shafei has a
poem in this regard which is a follows:
 "ya Ahul-bait Rasool Allah Hobokom Farz Men Allah FiAl Qur'an Anzalah Kafafakom
Men Azim-al shaan Anakom Man lam yasel Alaydom La Salatah lah" (The poem means
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altogether: the Ahul-bait or the Prophet's (ASW) household should be loved according to
the commandment of Allah in the Holy Qur'an and whoever does not praise them, his
prayer is not in order."
It used to refer to those who considered Hazrat Ali (AS) as superior to othoman or other
khalifas (Calijs) but at the same time consider him as the fourth Calif. According to this
view, Motazelah of Baghdad and a group of Ahul-Hadith are also called Shia.
It is used to refer to those who follow Hazrat Ali (AS) and believe that he and his
innocent sons are successors of the Holy prophet (ASW) and they are Imams (leaders)
after him. The Holy Prophet (ASW) has appointed them as such in accordance with
Allah's commandments and has mentioned their names and particulars and it is a fact
which can be proved by reason because all Islamic sects recognize that Nabowat
(prophethood) is terminated with the Holy Prophet of Islam (ASW) and no other prophet
will be appointed by Allah, the Almighty. But, on the other hand this religion (Islam) will
remain until the end of present universe and therefore it would not be possible to follow
the Hekmat (wisdom) of Allah, the Almighty, without presence of the Innocent Imams
who guide people after the passing away of the Holy Prophet (ASW) and interpret divine
rules. The completeness of Islam and its universality and eternality require that the
successors of the Holy Prophet (ASW) must be worthy of such positions and the latter's
should have all divine particulars of the Holy Prophet ( ASW) except than his
prophethood which is terminated. This fact was so serious in the eyes of the Holy Prophet
(ASW) that he spoke to people about it, right from the beginning of his Resalat
(Prophethood) until the end of his life. He determined the criteria and standards of his
successors. He has also introduces Hazrat Ali as his successor in all cases. There are
numerous and undeniable texts in narrative books of Shia and Sunni in this regard, some
of which are as follows: Hadith Alanzar, Hadith Manzalet, Hadith Saghlain, Hadith
safineh, Hadith Ghadir Khom and Hadith Isna Ashari Alaykhom Alsalam and so on.
This fact is also evidenced by Ayats of Holy Qur'an regarding Velayat (Guardianship) and
the Holy Prophet (ASW) successorship and various narratives regarding interpretation
and analysis of Shane Nozool (the reason for revelation or descendance). It is clearly
recorded in Shia and Sunni interpretations, for instance regarding an Ayat of "Surah
Maedeh" which is" Alyon Akmalto Lakom Dinokom…" This Ayat was descended
according to all interpreters in Hajjatol veda" (the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet (ASW)).
Numerous narratives regarding the reason for its revelation (descendance) which are at
hand show that it refer to Prophet (ASW) successorship.
The Holy Prophet in return from last trip to Mecca (Hajjatol veda ) in a place called
"Ghadire Khom" gathered all pilgrims (Hojaj) and spoke to them in length. In his
sermons he introduced Hazrat Ali (AS) to people and said "Man konton Mollah Fahaza
Ali Mollah" which means "whoever follows me should follow Ali Afterwards." In this
way the Holy Prophet (ASW) revealed the divine commandment to people and ordered
people to obey Ali (as) as the "Amiral Momenin" ( Leader of Believers) and later in the
place, all those who were Present made "Bay'at" (swearing in an allegiance) with Hazrat
Ali(AS). The second khalif congradulated him and said: "you are my Mulla (master) and
Mulla of all men and women Muslims". In a narrative which is recorded by numerous
great learned men of Sunnis, it is said that Abubakr and Omar stood up and asked the
Holy Prophet (ASW) of Allah, the Almighty: Is this welayat (guardian ship) for Ali(AS)
exclusively? And the Holy Prophet (ASW) answered: It is exclusive for Ali [AS] and my
Osia (successors) until the Day of Judgement. They asked again: Who are you
successors? And the Holy Prophet answered: "Ali Akhi va Vaziri va Varesi Va Vasiey va
Khalifati Fi Omati Va Vliya Kolleh Momen Men Baadi, somma Abnial Hassan Somma
Abnial Hossein, Somma Tesat Men Walade Abnial Hossein Wahedan badeh wahed,
Alghoran Maahom, va hom Maahal Ghoran La yofareghonah, va La yofareghehem Hata
yordo Ala Hooz." Which means: Ali [AS], is my brother, minister, inheritor
administrator, and successor among people of my farth and master (walli) of any Muslim
after me and after him, my son Hassan and after him, my son Hossein and after him, I
persons from his descendants one by one will be my successor and Qur'an is with them
and they are with Qur'an and Qur'an is not separated from them and they are not separated
from Qur'an until they return to join me near the river in paradise." Some ulama of Sunnis
who do not wish to accept this fact, It's the immediate guardianship (Welayat) and
successorship of Hazrat Ali (AS), tend to interpret those words (Welayat and Wesayat) as
referring to friendship and love, but it is very clear that friendship or love of Ahulbait of
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the Holy Prophet (ASW) is not limited to the era after his demise and it can be practiced
in any time including the era which the Holy Prophet (ASW) was alive. In the above said
narrative and other similar narratives the words." Men baadi" clearly refers to
successorship and khelaphat (Caliphate).
Also, when the Ayat: "ya Ayohal lazina Amenoo Atiollah va Atiolrasool va Olaoul
Amereh Menkom" (Surah Nesa, Ayat 59) was revealed and introduced "Oloul Amr"
(Men of authority in Islam) as those who must be obeyed absoultely, jaberibn Abdullah
Ansari asked the Holy Prophet (ASW): "who are these Oloul Amr that their command
carries equal weight as you commandments? The Holy Prophet (ASW) answered: "Hom
Kholafai ya Jaber va Aemmat Al Moslemin Men baadi, Awalohom Ali Ibn Abi Talib,
Sommal Hassan sommal Hossein, somma Ali Ibn Ali Al Hossein, somma Mohammad Ibn
Ali Almaroof fil toorah Bel Bagher, Mostdreh ya Jaber Fa Iza Alghayta Falghcah Menni
Assalam, Somma Al sadegh Jaffar Ibn Mohammad, Somma Mossa Ibn Jaffar, Somma Ali
Ibn Mossa, Somma Mohammad ibn Ali, Somma Ali ibn Mohammad, Somma Hossan Ibn
Ali, Somma Samiei va kayeni Hojjatollah fi Arzeh va baghey atollah fi Ebadeh Ibn
Alhassan bn Ali" Which means" Oh Jaber, They are my successors and Muslim's Imams
after me. The first of them is Ali Ibn Talib (AS), then comes Hassan and then Hossein,
then Ali Ibn Al Hossein, then Mohammad Ibn Ali who is mentioned in Torat as Bagher
and you will come to know him soon, and convey my regards to him, after him is Sadegh
Jaffer Ibn Mohammad, then Mossa ibn Jaffar, then Ali Ibn Mossa, then Mohammad Ibn
Ali, then Ali Ibn Mohammad and then Hassan ibn Ali and then the person who carries my
name and nickname, Allah's Imam in earth and the continuation of Allah's will among
people the son of Hossan ibn Ali, who will be my Wassy (successor and ministrator.)"
There are other narratives in Shia and Sunni books and any intelligent and impartial
person can understand the facts with little study and concentration and such a person will
undoubtedly accept that following Ali (AS) and his eleven innocent descendants is
compatible with the divine orders and continuation of the Holy Prophet (ASW) mission
and completion of religion and leadership which is made obligatory by Allah for Muslims
and the Holy Prophet (ASW) has righty conveyed the message of Allah to people in his
last days and has put great emphasize on it.
He had said repeatedly that he had left two great sources among people which were the
Holy Qur'an and his household. The Holy Prophet (ASW) has explained the meaning of
those words for people in various occasions and it is well recorded in reliable books of
Sunnins.
Therefor, you dear sisters and all those who think like you must note that Shia of Ali (AS)
is not a sect separated from Islam so that is rebuked and suspected of sectarian acts, but
they are the righteous followers of the Holy Prophet's (ASW) orders and they were known
as people who seek justice in the era of the Holy Prophet (ASW) and they were
introduced by the Holy Prophet (ASW) personally as patterns of virtue to people. Ibn
Hajar in his book called" Savaeghe Mahrameh" has recorded that the Holy Prophet
(ASW) told Ali (AS): "ya Ali Ina Allah Ghafar Lake va Lazdareka va valadek va la Hkek
val Shiatek…"
Which means "Oh Ali, Allah has given his blessings to you and your descendants and
your followers." In another case, he had said "Ya Ali Anta va Ashabeka fil Jananateh
Anta Va Shiateka fil Janah" , which means: "Oh Ali, you and your companions are in
paradise, and your followers are in paradise."
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Therefore, taking into consideration what the Holy Prophet (ASW) said about Ali
(AS) and he used the word "Shia" in reference to his followers as righteous Muslims, it
may be stated that: The first Shias were Mohajers (immigrants) and Ansar who helped
and followed the Holy Prophet (ASW) and they did not change the way of leadership
during the era of the Holy Prophet (ASW) and after his demise. At the end, it must be
mentioned that this problem is attributable to four Islamic sects which were created after
the demise of the Holy Prophet (ASW) and each of them has a leader or founder who is
famous and none of them is among Ahulbait of the Holy Prophet (ASW) and they were
not approved by the Prophet (ASW) personally. But the leader of Shia is fully confirmed
by him and Shia is word taken from the Qur'an and traditions of Islam. You dear sisters
who seek reality, must know that we proceed in the path to Islamic unity and avoid
controversial discussions which cause separation and disparity, in spite of the fact that
there are many points to state. For further information's you may refer to books written by
Tijani, including the one called "Somma Ahaditt" (Then I was guided).
2.
General Questions regarding Islam.
One)
What is meant by Ismat? How can you prove Ismat from Qur'an
and Hadith?
 Generally speaking, Ismat (infallibility) is that quality which Allah (tabarak wa ta`ala) has
bestowed upon lofty individuals such as prophets (saw) and their progeny. They reach
such a degree in faith and understanding that though they are fully able to commit sin, yet
they never find the will to engage in sinful acts and they are sheltered from committing
mistakes. Just as normal individuals might never find the will to engage in certain acts,
Ismat is a degree the highest of which is bestowed upon prophets and their progeny.
Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani has written a book on this subject which has been translated
into Arabic. There he has explained the concept of Ismat based on Qur`an and ahadith.
Two)
Three)
Shaking Hands in Islam (between members of opposite sex).
 Respect for religious rulings and principles is far more important than any kind of respect
we might hold for individuals, for by obeying these rules we actually pay respect to Allah
and His orders. This reality is beyond debate. It would be necessary for you to explain
your position and beliefs to others in that by refraining from shaking hands you do not
mean to insult them and that you are in fact obeying the rules of your religion. In case of
emergency, you could use gloves. We cannot be flexible in respecting the rules of Allah,
for otherwise, over time, these principles might be damaged altogether. In certain cultures
kissing might also be a form of paying respect, and refraining to do so might be construed
as an insult, yet as Muslims we can not allow ourselves to come into any kind of physical
contact with members of the opposite sex.
Is hiding your Islamic identity permitted?
 Taqieh in Shi'a means concealing your belief in anticipation of damage or injury and it is
not only permitted but also it is sometimes obligatory.
Four)
Five)
Six)
Halal & Haram. Food.
 What is halal food? According to Shi'a jurisprudence, the animals which are slaughtered
with Christian standards, lack the required criteria of religious slaughtering and they are
considered as dead meat and their consumption is duly prohibited by the explicit text of
the Holy Qur'an, in surah (chapter) Anam (The cattle), 121 Ayeh, and other religious
orders, not all of which is understandable with our reasoning, but they are required
according to the orders the Almighty God and his holy prophets. The most complete form
of Allah's orders which has reached us is the Holy religion of Islam. Therefore, if the
slaughtering is not done according to the Islamic view, then its consumption is not
permissible, because there is no logic above the absolute order of Allah which is
mentioned in the Holy Qur'an.
 Are all types of gelatin halal or haram? If gelatin is obtained from pork or any other
animal that is not slaughtered according to religious laws (zibh), then it would be haram.
 Fish covered with scales is halal, and the way to find out is to ask experts in the field.
Halal & Haram Other issues.
 Playing with gambling instruments; even though one might not be actually gambling, is
absolutely haram.
 Is disobeying your parents haram? No, unless your disapproval is any way harmful or
insulting to your parents.
Gossip (Backbiting).
 "Gossiping" in its Islamic definition means that the faults and defects of a Moslem
believer is discussed while he is not present and knowing that if he becomes aware of this
issue, he will definitely be annoyed. For example, if you know that your friend drinks
wine in secret, and you disclose this issue in presence of other friends, while the
concerned person is not there, you are then committing "gossiping". Or as another
example, if some one is stammering in his/her speech and you tell this issue to others
while he is not present, then you are "gossiping". Gossiping is an inappropriate act and
not accepted in Islam.
g) Mourning during Moharam for Hazrat Hossein (AS)
 The most important and fundamental point which I have to mention is that Hazrat Hossein
(AS) sayyed Al-shohada (head of all martyurs) has done a great service to all humanity
and particularly Islamic civilization. The impact of his revolution is even undeniable for
non-Islamic societies. The existing civilization owes in a way to righteousness and
freedom fighting of Hazrat Imam Hossein (AS) Imam Hossein (AS) has a right in a way
over all human beings who have lived after his era until the end of history and all
humanity and civilizations after him. If Imam Hossein (AS) was not there, then there
would not be any "Ashora", and if "Ashora" did not happen, then nothing remained of
Islam, and if Islam did not remain, the Islamic civilization did not appear to become the
basis and roots of later civilizations and progresses and appearance of Renaissance in the
west and eventually the present civilization did not exist in the present day. It should be
asked: was it possible to save Islam with cruel civilizations and unbeliever regimes such
as yazid's government who were followers of Jaheliyat (the era of Ignorance or the era
before Islam) and they denied the origins of divine rulings and prophethood of Hazrat
Mohammad (ASW) was it possible for Islam under those circumstances to reach the
fourth and fifth century (A.H.) and achieve the high level of all sciences, culture,
literature, ethics, law, medicine, chemistry, physics, mathematics and technology? All
these branches of science and technology were later transferred to the west and formed
the basis of their present civilization and led them to Renaissance, and freed them from
ignorance and backwardness of the Middle Ages.
 Therefore, mourning for Imam Hossein (AS) is in fact a kind of commemorating the great
acts and noble steps taken by a magnificent personality who sacrificed himself in the
cause of Islam and Imam Hossein (AS) should be kept alive permanently in memories of
all peoples and they should cry for his heroic actions to awaken their own soul and absorb
a ray of his great soul and defend actively from Islam and humanity and freedom,
righteousness and honesty. For the same instructive reasons and other points related to
this uprising, the Holy prophet of Islam (ASW) has put great emphasize over mourning
for the sad demise of sayyed Al-Shohada (AS).
 Of course it is obligatory to avoid using instruments of Ghena (music and singing with
purpose of enjoyment alone) and saying untrue stories. Mourning and commemorating
ceremonies for Hazrat Imam Hossein (AS), should reflect his basic aims and original
causes such as sovereignty of divine religion (Islam), defending the oppressed, diavowal
of oppressors, persuasion of virtues and reformation of society. Preachers and mass
leaders should explain the real situations and refer to history of religions and history of
Islam to get better results. Shia learned ones (Ulama) have always emphasized on
avoidance of saying exaggerated and untrue stories and baseless materials in Islamic mass
gatherings.
 If the mourning ceremonies are made compatible with aims of Hazrat Imam Hossein (AS)
then it can be said that a mobile university is created which helps human beings to build
themselves.
 Nohas (religious poems) and poems which are offered in mounring ceremonies for the
sake of commemorating Hazrat Imam Hossein (AS) will expedite spreading of the
Message of Ashora, provided they are compatible with Islamic aims and reflect the
message of martyrs and they are not in contradiction to rules of Islam, and they are
offered in a correct way.
3.
The essence of Life.
 It is mentioned in the Holye Qur'an, "Allazi khalagha Almoot va All hayat Leyablookom
Aykom Ahssan Amalan", Surah Mulk (The Kingdom) Ayeh 2. ( who created death and
life that he may try you - which of you is best in deeds.) Also it is mentioned in Surah
Zariat (The scatterers) Ayeh 56: "Va Ma Khalaghta Al gen val Ens Ella le yabodoon"
(And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should serve Me).
According to these holy Ayehs, the purpose of creation in the first instance is knowing the
Almighty God who is above everything and there is nothing more complete than him. He
is the final stage of completion and ultimate knowledge. He has all perfect characteristics
and getting to know him is the highest value which results in perfection of human beings.
At the later stage, the purpose of creation is the trying of Allah's obedience in the path of
knowing Allah.
One)
Why do most religions reject each other, while most of them are
based on the same thing? And why does man need a religion?
 All religious rulings seek to transcend individuals and at the end, preserve the social
system; and in short, they are designed to guarantee man’s happiness in this world and
hereafter.
 We believe that Islam is the most complete and well-founded religion in the world and
that it has successfully addressed the myriad aspects of human life.
 Islam prohibits any kind of insult to other human beings.
 Respect for religious rulings and principles is far more important than any kind of respect
we might hold for individuals, for by obeying these rules we actually pay respect to Allah
and His orders. This reality is beyond debate.
 Need of religion and the similarity between religions are two distinct and different issues.
There are many books that have addressed the question of man's quest for religion: Sharhi Tajrid (Explaining the Unseen), Haq-ul Yaqin (Reaching Absolute Certainty) by Shebr,
Kalam-ul Tayyeb (Immaculate Word),… Similarity of religions or debating the existence
of a perfect religion that would meet man's needs in a comprehensive and thorough
manner are logical undertakings that should be welcomed by wisemen. Qur'an even
encourages such debates. (Wa Jadilhom Billati Hay Ahsan).
4.
Women in Islam.
One)
The status of women in Islam? And the difference between man &
women in Islam?
 The differences existing between men and women in Islam are only legal differences.
Legal difference is not the same as value difference. Manager of a factory is different
from its workers from legal point of view and they have different responsibilities and
facilities. But they are both human beings in value and they are both at same level from
humanity point of view. Women are equal to men in value and they are both in the same
level from humanistic point of view. But they are different from legal aspect. What is
mentioned in the statements of Hazrat Ali (AS) refers to legal aspects and he has declared
them about Aisha and other women who claimed to be the supreme leader. In other
words, women are not equal to men from legal aspects and they are not free to take part in
all affairs.
 The origins of present conflicts between the rights of men and women goes back to the
current western culture. In Islamic culture there is no complication. Every human being is
responsible toward Allah (Swt) according to whatever possibilities provided to him or her
in this world and he or she must make use of God given favors in the best possible way
and follow the path introduced by the Holy prophets to bliss and if he or she does not use
these opportunities in the proper way will be held responsible. This point is quiet clear
from the distinction that Islam has made between the poor and the rich. Therefore, the
legal distinction between men and women is similar to the distinction between the poor
and the rich. This is a sort of examination, and it has nothing to do with their
characteristic difference.
Seven)
Do women have to obey the Islamic dress code?
 If someone is able to run her life without that particular job, life style or …; then she
should not give up Islamic code of dress, otherwise it is permitted.
Eight)
Marriage between Sunni, Shi'a and Christians.
 A Marriage between a Shi'a male and Sunni female is permissible from religious
jurisprudence view. However, those who are engaged in such a marriage should agree on
the freedom for performing religious acts and rituals according to their belief, in addition
to agreeing on other issues which are raised in any matrimonial affair. However a Shi'a
woman is not permitted to marry a Sunni man, since she will have to obey her husband's
religion and thus turn away from Shi'a.
 Marriage of Muslim men with Christian woman; it should be noted that only
temporary marriage is permissible and permanent marriage is not accepted. The reason for
this point is very clear. The reason for rejection of the marriage of Muslim women with
non-Muslim men is that men have customarily more important rights than women and
Islam does not permit this, because when the husband is non-Muslim and wife is Muslim,
it will lead to degradation and humiliation of Muslim women. In other words, Islam does
not permit the subjection of a Muslim to a non-Muslim in any way. When the marriage
takes place, the wife is under obligation to accept the desires of her husband and the
experience shows that wives are usually dominated by the religion of their husbands, or
they choose their husband's religion. Islam is determined to reject this situation by not
allowing the marriage of Muslim women with Christian men.
Nine)
Ten)
Can a husband force you to have sex if he is ill?
 If the husband’s illness is contagious and deadly (in a way as to endanger wife's life) or
even if the illness causes a serious and unbearable sickness in his wife, then he should not
and can not order her to have intercourse with him.
Questions about ritual bath
 In case a question arises, women can wait until they are clean and then perform ghusl-aljanabah - for the purpose of doing prayers. Women are permitted not to perform ghusl - al
janabah during haidth.
 It is permissible to perform one ghusl, with the intention (Niyat) of several ghusls.
5.
Punishment in Islam
One)
Punishment and violence.
 Beating and any kind of degrading and insulting and disgracing is not permissible and
they are contrary to our religion and will have negative results, and in some cases it may
require the payment of a fine (Diyeh).
Two)
Punishment of children.
 Avoid all kinds of violence, calling bad names and abusive language. Read moral books
and avoid acts which are contrary to your faith.
6.
Marriage in Islam.
One)
Purpose of marriage.
 The main purpose of marriage is to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for two
people so that they follow the path to human perfection. Along this aim, there are other
important secondary aims for marriage such as continuation of human generation and
avoidance of committing sins.
Two)
Second marriage.
 Generally speaking, from a religious perspective, the second marriage does not require the
permission of the first spouse. Yet, from an emotional and psychological viewpoint, it
would be advisable to persuade the first wife and reassure her that the second marriage
would in no way jeopardize her position. In case you feel that your second marriage might
cause you to be partial in favor of one of your wives, then it would be best not to marry
the second wife.
7.
Helping the poor, Khoms & Zakat.
One)
Should I pay Khoms on borrowed money?
 If you pay back the debt out of your own earnings and the borrowed money remains or
becomes part of your capital, you have to pay Khoms (one fifth). But if the borrowed
money has been spent for your living, there is no Khoms for it.
8.
Praying and rituals in Islam & Shi'a.
One)
Praying (Namaz) as done by Shi'a.
 For the purpose of performing prayer (Namaz), one should stand facing Mecca (Guiblah),
and after making decision (Niyat or intention of Namaz) and saying takbirat-al-Ehram,
he/she must recite Surah All-Hamd, and then a complete Surah of the Holy Qur'an, except
than four Surahs which require a compulsory prostaration, strating from " Bismillahir Rahmanir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah (SWT), the Beneficent, the Merciful) up to the
end of Surah. It must be mentioned that saying "Amen" at the end of Surat-al-Hamd is not
permissible and it will invalidate the Salat, also putting two hands over each other
(Takatoof) is also a cause of invalidation of Salat. After the reciting of Surah is finished,
one should bend so that his/her hands reach his/her knees and in this position, he/she must
say "Sobhan-Allah) three times and one time he/she should say "Sobhana-Rabi Al-Azim
va Behamdeh", and then he/she should stand up and then perform the act of prostration,
putting his forehead over soil, stone and similar things and repeat three times "SobhanAllah", and one time "Sobhan-Rabi-AlAla Va Behamdeh" and raise his/her head and
repeat the act of prostration. After this stage (which is the completion of one Rekat or
part) he/she should recite another Rekat and after its completion, two prostrations and one
tashahood which is as follow: "Ashad-o-An La-ellah-Ellah-Allah, vahdohoo La sharika
lah va Ashhado-Anna Muhmmadan Absoho and Rasoloh, Allahom Saleh Alla Muhmmad
va Aleh Muhmmad". After that he/ she should perform salam which is as follows:
"Assalam - o -Aliyka Ayohal nabi va Rahmatollah va Barakatoh, Assalamo-Allykom va
Rahmatollah va Barakatoh" va Barakatoh". In three refat salat (Namaz which consists of
three parts or Rekats), he/she after reciting Tashahood (As per mentioned before) and
before salam (again as mentioned eariler), must stand and repeat three times "Sobhan
Allah va Al-hamdo-le-llah va la ellah ell-Allah va lah-o Akbar" and then recite Surat-olHamd once and then go to Ruku (bending down on knees) and two times of prostration
and then recite tashahood and Salam. In Four Rekat Salat (prayer of Namaz), after the
completion of two prostrations in the third Rekat, another Rekat just like the one before
that is recited and acted and later Tashahood and Salam are performed.
Two)
Mass Prayer (Namaz jama'at).
 Indubitably it is recommended that prayers be performed in jama`at (assembly). It must

Three)
be noted that initially Muslims used to pray in assembly ( jama`at); actually that is how
they got to know and understand salat or namaz. Prophet (p) was the first Imam-i jama`at
in the Al-Haram Mosque and Imam Ali (p) and Hathrat Khadijah were the first two
Muslims who stood in salat behind him. Therefore it can be deduced that the principle is
for Muslims to pray in jama`at and permission for furada (individual) salat was, in a way
out, of indulgence (for making life easier for Muslims who for one reason or another
could not attend jama`at. None of the Shi`a ulama has said that it is preferable to perform
furada salat (numerous sources can be cited on this subject).
According to Shi'a, performing prayers in five times is permissible and at the same time it
is not compulsory to perform all of them in mass. The Holy Prophet (AS) and Holy
Imams (AS) according to some reliable narratives used to pray sometimes in mass,
although there was no necessity or fear.
Mass Prayer, with a Sunni leader.
 Participation in mass prayers and Sallataljomaa of Sunnis is not only permissible but
preferable, and it is compulsory that all muslims should strengthen gatherings which are
aimed at Islamic unity in the present circumstances that infidels' world is determined to
uproot and destroy Islam.
Four)
Namaz & Wozo in Shi'a Islam.
 According to the clear text of Qur'an and reliable narratives, washing head and feet for
Wuzu is not enough, and Massh (anointing) is necessary. Narratives which are
contradictory to Qur'an, are not valid. Washing mouth with a little water before Wuzu is
only recommendatory.
 Namaz, as it is performed by Shi'a is compatible with the Holy Prophet’s way of prayer. It
has been relayed by the Innocents (SAW) to us. The way they put the hands was the
tradition which was made customary by some people after the demise of the Holy prophet
and it was not really customary in the Prophet’s (AS) era. However, among the Sunnis
(Shafeieh), this is customary and they regard it as mandatory. For the sake of arguments
please refer to the concerned sources. You may refer to Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani
argument’s book (Tafsil-al- shariah Fi Sharhe Tahrir Al-Vasileh) which has a complete
review of reasoning in Figeh (Islamic jurisprudence). You may also ask those who are
familiar with this kind of books to help you.
Five)
The necessity of Haj
 The necessity of Haj is depended on total ability to perform the duty, other- wise there is
not any obligation for Haj. If you go to Haj under the above said conditions, it will be
only a recommendatory act (istihbab) and inshalloh it will be accepted and you will enjoy
heavenly rewards.
9.
One)
Clothes in Islam.
Men.
 Short Sleeve shirts and short trousers are not haram for men, though it would be better not
to wear them if women are attracted.
 Silken Neck-tie and handkerchief are Haram as a precautionary obligation. But as far as
the philosophy and real reason of this prohibitions is concerned , I shall say that it is not
revealed for us. We have to obey the rule only, according to what has reached us through
the Holy Qur'an and Ahadith (traditions) of Ahl-ol-Bait. Of course the prohibition of
silken clothes may have resulted from:
 Silk clothes are specially soft and decorative and they should be left to women. Men
should not wear them to avoid attracting attention.
 2. It is very much probable that silken clothes have some kind of negative impact upon
the body of men.
 Of course, these are only educated guesses and God knows the best. He is the owner of
absolute knowledge and he has made them Haram. So we shall obey.
Two)
Women. This section has been answered in someways in part 4.c.
However more information will be made available later.
10.
Music in Islam.
11.
Subjects of Interest:
One)
Two)
 If music causes excitement and is played so as to incite sensual pleasure (for instance in
parties) then it is haram; otherwise music is permitted. In that same context, singing
would also be haram.
Salman Rushdie.
 The Salman Rushdie issue is a very calculated plot by the British government. As he has
confessed personally in his biography and in description of his life in hiding, all of titles
of his book were chosen by the British government.
 Expressing of belief and criticizing is free but contempt and insolence is not free in any
school of thought. Is it acceptable for us that our Holy Prophet (AS) who is seen from
Moslem's eyes as the highest of all creatures and the first source of intellect and the
highest divine prophet, to be subject of contempt and insolence?
 You are well aware that a corrupt person in a society can bring corruption to many other
people. He is as rotten fruit which should be thrown away.
How was Qur'an gathered and compiled?
 The collection of Holy Qur'an refers to its compilation in the era of Rasolallah (AS) or the
Holy prophet of Islam. He had personally ordered to put a certain Ayeh in certain Sorah.
The priority of Sorahs and Ayehs and designation of each part as Sorah was done
according to the Holy Prophet's order, because the Holy Qur'an was considered as a
miracle from the beginning of its appearance and it was not possible that the collection
was ordered by any one other than the Holy Prophet (AS). But the collection of Qur'an in
another meaning refers to collection in papers or collection of Muslim's points of view
for united reading after raising difference in reading among them, and in these senses the
collection is related to other people who lived after the Holy Prophet (AS). Collection of
Qur'an by Abubakr and Osman is in the context of recent meanings. The priority of Ali's
(AS) Qur'an is due to its full coverage of all interpretations and from this point of view it
is different from others. The present Qur'an is the same as Osman Qur'an that all Muslims
agreed about its united reading, and this does not in any way imply that Osman had any
role in compilation of the Holy Qur'an. If you wish to have more information's this field
please refer to page 263 and after that in the book called Madkhal _Al_ Tafsir.
Three)
Mehdi & Qiyamat "The Judgment day"
 All Islamic scholars have consensus that before the coming of the "Day of Judgment",
Hazrat Imam Mehdi A.H.(AS) May Allah expedite his holy appearance, would establish
justice and equality all over the world. Even his holy name is registered in Masjid Al-nabi
(Holy Prophet's Mosque) (AS) in the Holy Media along with other leaders of Islam and
successors of the Holy Prophet (AS) and according to numerous and repeated narratives,
the Holy Imam (AS) is born and alive, but the Sunnis believe that he will be born later In this field, you may refer to Mahdi Mooud, book translated from vol.13 of Behar AlAnwar, and Niabie-al-Modeh and Montakhab Al-Asar and other similar books. The
essence of this issue is reflected in a Persian poem which by and large means: The God
who keeps this world running, is definitely able to keep his sign alive
Four)
Sighting of the moon.
 Sightings of the moon, by means of calculations are not religious criteria for
determination of moon's starting day. The criterion for such determination is sighting with
unassisted eyes, even if the place is determined by modern equipment.
Five)
Mourning for Imam Hossein (AS)
 Mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS) should follow the customary line and
it should not in any way cause debility for religion. All actions which are uncustomary
and a weakness for religion should be avoided.