On March 5, 2021, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, enters Iraq for a historic visit. As he embarks on a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq, the birthplace of Abraham, the Pope first stops in the holy city of Najaf to meet with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani.In this timely and authoritative work, the authors (Hassan al-Hakeem and Jalal Moughania) provide insight into the significance of Shiʿa Islam’s Marjiʿiyyah, led today by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani, as a voice of peace, tolerance, and moderation in today’s world. With a foreword by Ayatollah Sayyid Muneer al-Khabbaz, a leading professor in the Islamic Seminary and a student of Grand Ayatollah Sistani, this original work provides a comprehensive background to this historic visit and an insider’s introduction to Shiʿa Islam and its worldview.------------"The scholarly value of this book – which The Mainstay Foundation has worked diligently to accomplish –is evident in its discussion of the foundational pillars of the structure of the Jaʿfari school of thought (Shiʿism). Their approach is academic and keeps pace with contemporary scientific methods.... For all this and more, this is a valuable book that deserves the reader’s keen attention." - Ayatollah Sayyid Muneer Al-Khabbaz, Professor of the Islamic Seminary of the Holy City of Najaf and student of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani. ------------"I am delighted to recommend this excellent work by Hasan al-Hakeem and Jalal Moughania, two bright young scholars of Islam. They both have skillfully provided a valuable context of the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani in March 2021. Building on this analysis, the book presents a concise and accessible introduction to Shi’a Islam and its primary teachings. The book not only offers an enriching perspective about the philosophy and ideals of Islam but thoughtfully examines the role of traditions and institutions, especially the seminary in Najaf, that helped Shia Muslims survive through many challenges across the fourteen centuries of Islamic history. A detailed take on importance of religious education and relevance of Muslim identity formation today adds great value to the work. It is a highly recommended reading for both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences interested in having a deep dive into core Islamic principles as well as theological intricacies that define Islam today. The insights this book offers are so critical for our understanding of Islamic diversity as well as Islam’s constructive potential to offer solutions to global challenges today."-Dr. Hassan Abbas, a scholar and professor of international relations teaching in Washington D.C is author of The Prophet’s Heir: The Life of Ali ibn Abi Talib (Yale University Press, March 2021). Read more

Are you looking for the perfect book for your kids for Ramadan? Look no further—this book is the best choice!Featuring 30 heartwarming stories suitable for children aged 5 years and above, this book is the perfect way to instill Islamic values in your child during Ramadan.Each day of Ramadan, your child will discover a new story that imparts valuable lessons and timeless values, fostering character development and personal growth in young minds.From stories highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity to those illustrating the power of kindness and compassion, this book covers a wide range of themes that will help your child become a better, more thoughtful individual.With no images or colors, this book relies solely on the power of storytelling to captivate young minds. And with its unique approach to education, it's sure to become a favorite among parents and teachers alike. Read more

In this gripping narrative history, Lesley Hazleton tells the tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, a rift that dominates the news now more than ever.Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, sparking a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Soon, Islam was embroiled in civil war, pitting its founder's controversial wife, Aisha, against his son-in-law, Ali, and shattering Muhammad's ideal of unity.Combining meticulous research with compelling storytelling, After the Prophet explores the volatile intersections of religion and politics, psychology and culture, and history and current events. It is an indispensable guide to the depth and power of the Shia-Sunni split. Read more

The Greatest Journey is a concise yet comprehensive guide compiled by the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County. It covers essential Islamic laws related to Hajj and Umrah, the significance and method of Ziyarah of the Prophet, his family, and companions, as well as important supplications. Additionally, it provides insights into the historical and religious significance of the sacred sites in Makkah, Medina, and surrounding areas.This book highlights the most crucial aspects of Hajj, Umrah, and Ziyarah to help pilgrims navigate their life-changing journey. The included Ziyarah and supplications are presented in both Arabic and English. Texts that are to be recited in Arabic—the niyyah and Talbiyah—are also provided in transliteration, in addition to Arabic and English, to support ease of recitation. For a deeper understanding, readers are encouraged to supplement their knowledge by consulting Islamic law books, religious guides, and attending pre-Hajj seminars. Read more

Imam Sajjad's beautiful Du'a Abu Hamza al-Thumali invites listeners to a deeper understanding of God, themselves, and their relationship with the divine. In God Centered Spirituality: A Commentary on Dua Abu Hamza al-Thumali, listeners can embark on a transformative journey through this powerful supplication.Through insightful commentary, this book illuminates the ways in which this prayer can help readers see religion in a new light, leading to a more profound understanding of Tawḥīd, the oneness and unity of God. By opening one's heart to the words of Imam Sajjad, listeners can experience a powerful shift in their spiritual journey, gaining clarity and insight into many aspects of religion that may have previously eluded them.This book is a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Islamic spirituality and the transformative power of prayer. Whether you are a devout Muslim seeking to enrich your spiritual practice or a curious listener interested in exploring new spiritual horizons, God Centered Spirituality offers a profound and insightful commentary on one of the most beautiful prayers in Islamic tradition. Let this book be your guide to a deeper understanding of God and yourself, and experience the transformative power of Tawhid in your own life. Read more

At this turn of the century, the terms Shia and Shia Islam are becoming increasingly known. What does Shia stand for? What is the difference between Shias and other Muslims? What is their perspective on humanity, the world, and other Muslims?What did occur by the time of the Prophet Mohammad's death, and why did things turn out the way they did? Who was Imam Ali, and why do Shias consider him the successor of the Prophet?For what cause do they uphold mourning ceremonies? Who is it they mourn, and why? And why do they march out dressed in black?Who is Imam Mahdi and why do they await him?Genuine questions asked by many, including Shias, but left unresolved.Is it not time to look for answers? Read more

In 680 C.E., a small band of the Prophet Muhammads family and their followers, led by his grandson, Husain, rose up in a rebellion against the ruling caliph, Yazid. The family and its supporters, hopelessly outnumbered, were massacred at Karbala, in modern-day Iraq. The story of Karbala is the cornerstone of institutionalized devotion and mourning for millions of Shii Muslims. Apart from its appeal to the Shii community, invocations of Karbala have also come to govern mystical and reformist discourses in the larger Muslim world. Indeed, Karbala even serves as the archetypal resistance and devotional symbol for many non-Muslims. Until now, though, little scholarly attention has been given to the widespread and varied employment of the Karbala event. In Reliving Karbala, Syed Akbar Hyder examines the myriad ways that the Karbala symbol has provided inspiration in South Asia, home to the worlds largest Muslim population. Rather than a unified reading of Islam, Hyder reveals multiple, sometimes conflicting, understandings of the meaning of Islamic religious symbols like Karbala. He ventures beyond traditional, scriptural interpretations to discuss the ways in which millions of very human adherents express and practice their beliefs. By using a panoramic array of sources, including musical performances, interviews, nationalist drama, and other literary forms, Hyder traces the evolution of this story from its earliest historical origins to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Today, Karbala serves as a celebration of martyrdom, a source of personal and communal identity, and even a tool for political protest and struggle. Hyder explores how issues related to gender, genre, popular culture, class, and migrancy bear on the cultivation of religious symbols. He assesses the manner in which religious language and identities are negotiated across contexts and continents. At a time when words like martyrdom, jihad, and Shiism are being used and misused for political reasons, this book provides much-needed scholarly redress. Through his multifaceted examination of this seminal event in Islamic history, Hyder offers an original, complex, and nuanced view of religious symbols. Read more

The mind often wonders, ‘what is the meaning of life?’ The Holy Quran answers, “He, who created death and life that He may test you [to see] which of you is best in conduct. And He is the Almighty, the All-forgiving.” Life was created so that the community of man may strive to achieve excellence. And it is through the triumph of justice over oppression and of virtue over vice that such excellence can be attained.Because this is the overarching purpose of creation, God has given mankind the means to usher in this triumph of justice and virtue – “Certainly We sent Our apostles with manifest proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that mankind may maintain justice.” God has given us our honored prophets, our holy scriptures, and our revered Immaculate Leaders as means of guidance as we strive towards that goal. And one day, by God’s grace, we will achieve that goal and fulfill God’s promise that “Certainly We wrote in the Psalms after the Torah: Indeed Our righteous servants shall inherit the earth.”This book is about the man who is chosen to usher in this promise of justice and virtue – our Twelfth Immaculate Leader, the Awaited Savior – the Mahdi. Read more

In his book Hussain’s Revolution, Ayatollah Chamseddine provides a historical analysis of the events leading up to and following the Tragedy of Karbala. From the events following the passing of the Prophet Muhammad and up to the succession of Yazid I to the Umayyad throne, Ayatollah Chamseddine draws a portrait of the social and political undercurrents that lead to Imam Hussain’s Revolution. He goes on to show how the massacre that ensued would change the course of history within the Muslim nation. Read more

This is the English only version of the 6th (5th revised) Edition of this translation. The Qur’ān is, in its own words, “light,” which means that it is self-manifesting, with no need of an external source of illumination; other things need light to become visible and manifest. With it God guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace, and brings them out from darkness into light by His will, and guides them to a straight path (5:16).Of course, the Qur’ān is not an exception among revealed scriptures in that it is a source of light and guidance. According to the Qur’an, so were the Torah and the Gospel, scriptures given to Moses and Jesus. All scriptures of Divine origin are a source of light and guidance.Nothing is more important for man than the knowledge of the very Source of reality. Any knowledge that is not informed with this awareness is just a kind of ignorance. All effort that does not derive from this knowledge is ultimately fated to end in futility and failure. The Qur’ān claims to be the most reliable source of this knowledge and the best guide for human endeavour. It teaches that the Source of being is also the chief Source of guidance.Expert Opinions About This Translation:This is a wonderful translation. It is both faithful and fluent. [The translator has] struck a nice balance here. It is a real improvement over existing translations.—Dr Muhammad LegenhausenWhat Qarai has accomplished… is a revival of the art of translation as an adjunct to the understanding of the original, skillfully adapted to the needs of the English-speaking student of the Qur’an… He has opted always for the maximum degree of closeness to the Arabic compatible with comprehensibility, thereby coordinating translation with original in the most substantial of ways.Although Qarai envisions his translation as a paraphrase of the Qur’anic meanings, as a tool for gaining access to the original, it must be stressed that his translation reads extremely well even if regular cross-reference to the Arabic not be the purpose of the reader.The language Qarai has chosen is clear, chaste, straightforward and dignified, distant from both the archaisms and the modernisms that have been affected by other English translators of the Qur’an.… It is plain, indeed, that a serious and profound appreciation of the Qur’anic message has animated the whole of Qarai’s successful labours. We warmly recommend his translation to all with a serious interest in the Qur’an.—Prof. Hamid AlgarAs a person who was part of a team that worked on a translation, I was often asked during this process what translation I recommend.... What I want to do in this video is first talk about two translations that I do recommend and I have often recommended, which are those by A. J. Arberry and the one by Ali Quli Qarai.... I really found this (Ali Quli Qarai’s) translation to be quite excellent, and I was really surprised when I came upon it, because hardly anybody has spoken about it. One of the great things about this translation for somebody who is learning Arabic is that the translation has Arabic right next it, but it has it phrase by phrase—not just the whole verse, but the exact phraseis next to the exact Arabic. So if you are studying Arabic, you can use this very well to identify the exact translation and the Arabic.. . . [I]t is more accurate and more consistent than almost any other translation and more accurate than Arberry, in fact. I dont’t think I found any passage where I could say that Ali Quli Qarai made an egregious mistake.—Prof. Joseph Lombard (member of the team of translators of The Study Qur'an, in a video talk)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsyGOaWEBw Read more

Whether A person should follow one of the four schools or not is an issue that has created much confusion amongst Muslims today. It is hoped this short treatise will serve to dispel much of the misinformation found about this issue and furnish the details for why the Four schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i and Hanbali) have such a central role in Sunni Islam.Some key additions have been made to this second edition of the book. Several clear statements establishing Ijma (consensus) of the Umma upon the taqlīd of the four Imams have been now included. Similarly, a word has been added about our responsibility in the UK as ambassadors of Islam. Another addition is the appraisal of some of the texts often cited to argue against taqlīd. Read more

Little is known in the West about the division of the Islamic world into Shiites and Sunnites and even less about the stratification of these two groups, with most of the attention going to the Sunnites. Moosa's comprehensive study of the origins and cultural aspects of the different extremist, or Ghulat, Shiite sects in the Middle East is a ground-breaking work. These sects whose 'extremism' is essentially religious are generally a peaceful people and, except for the Nusayris of Syria, are not political activists. Read more

Among the religious traditions of humanity the Imami Shi'ah tradition within Islam is unmatched in its rich corpus of devotional texts (du'a and ziyarah literature) handed down from the original leaders of the faith, the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams of his family, the Ahl al-Bayt.The Mafatih al-Jinan is the most popular manual of Islamic devotional observances and prayer-texts by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, which draws its contents from well-known, reliable sources. As a manual of devotional literature, the Mafatih al-Jinan follows a long tradition established by the Misbah al-Mutahajjid of Shaykh Tusi (d. 460/1067) and followed up in the works of Sayyid Ibn Tawus (d. 664/1265), Kaf'ami (d. 905/1499) and others. Most of the contents of the Mafatih are drawn from these earlier works. Since its publication, the Mafatih has enjoyed an uncontested popularity among Farsi-speaking Muslims, and its Arabic and Urdu versions are widely used by the devout in the Arab world and the Indian subcontinent. Read more

From Africa to Asia, there are areas that are home to minority and, in some cases, majority groups of Twelver Shia. Geography and history place Iran at the center of these Shia worlds, but to what extent can we speak of an "Iranian model" that these groups follow?This essential work explores the tenuous relations between these groups and Iran while shedding light on understudied communities, such as those in the Gulf, Turkey, Afghanistan, central Asia, and Senegal.Sabrina Mervin is a senior researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the co-director of the IISMM (Institut d'études de l'Islam et des sociétés du monde musulman). Read more

This biography of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, a prominent figure in Islamic history, presents a comprehensive and insightful exploration of his life and legacy. Beyond his contributions to Islam, Ali's virtues and actions have resonated with people of all faiths. The author delves into Ali's religious, political, and social views, providing a detailed account of his life events. While no single work can fully capture the complexity of Ali's character and the historical context he inhabited, this biography offers a valuable perspective on a man often considered second only to the Prophet Muhammad. Read more

Al-Kafi, Volume 1 of 8 (Usul al-Kafi) - Compiled by Thiqatu al-Islam, Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Ya’qub al-Kulayni; English Translation by Shaykh Muhammad Sarwar. Al-Kafi - The first and foremost comprehensive book of Hadith of the Holy Prophet, with his Ahl al-Bayt as narrators, dealing with issues of theology and ethics, practical laws such as laws of taharat (cleanliness), laws of worship (prayer, zakat, fasting, hajj and jihad), laws of business, laws of family and social relations, and judicial laws. Read more

IMAM JA`FAR AL-SADIQThe sixth Imam in the line of the Twelve Imams descended from the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ja`far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (702-765 C.E. or 17th Rabi` al-Awwal 83 AH - 15th Shawwal 148 AH) was the founder of the Ja`fari School of Islamic Law and a renowned scholar of his age. His father was the Imam Muhammad al-Baqir and his mother, Farwa, was a great-granddaughter of Abu Bakr. He lived in Arabia in the eighth century. He devoted his attention to interpreting divine utterances and applied himself to such controversial subjects as iraadah (free will) and qadr (the power to direct one's own actions). He is regarded as one of the greatest of the imams and is also revered by the Naqshbandi Sunni Sufi chain.THE LANTERN OF THE PATHThe Lantern of The Path comprises ninety-nine chapters. Each one is a threshold to the next, guiding the reader through the broad spectrum of ageless wisdom, like a lantern along the path of reality. The author illuminates the inner meanings of outer practices which range from practical everyday acts of behavior, to the practices of worship, morals and ethics, and the pillars of religion.Practical and profound, this concise volume is a useful guide for those who wish to cultivate their inner being. accompanying commentary, students and adepts alike can now gain a profounder understanding of these timeless teachings from the wellspring of the heart of Islam. Read more

After the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslims were divided regarding whom they should follow as their political and religious leader. The Sunnis followed the Prophet’s companions whilst the Shias followed the 12 Holy Imams chosen by God. The Shia Imams were from the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from his only surviving daughter, Lady Fatimah (SA). Successive Shia Imams lived amongst the Muslims for generations and guided them to the true Islamic teachings of the Prophet. All of the Shia Imams were respected by the Muslims for their spirituality, divine knowledge, and being the progeny of the Prophet. The Imams were a symbol of resistance against the injustice and oppression of the Umayyads and the Abbasids. As a result, the Imams endured many calamities and hardships. They were harassed, imprisoned, and martyred by the Umayyad and the Abbasid caliphs. This book reviews the lives of these 12 Holy Imams and provides an overview of their religious, social, and political achievements. Please visit our website at www.12shiaimams.com to find more about the Shia Imams including our recent videos. Read more

The author gathered in these issues what no other works have compiled. Whoever contemplates them will find in them subtle points, insights, rare findings, precise explanations, answers to doubts, clarification of ambiguities, removal of deceptions and fallacies, refutation of the well-known falsifications and distortions, and the invalidation of the falsehoods that have appeared in some of the books. It also awakens the heedless to some of the widespread beliefs that contradict the recurrent narrations. This cannot be found in any other books. Read more

Lady Fatima lived during the most crucial years of Muslim history. She was raised by her father during the era in which his early community of followers faced persistent persecution before migration. Fatima would marry the champion of the Muslims, Ali ibn Abi Talib, at the peak of Islam's rise during the Prophet's lifetime. From that marriage would come the Prophet's descendants - Hasan and Husayn - a lineage that has survived to the present day.This historical narrative is written with the hopes of captivating the reader to learn about Lady Fatima's life and the attributes of her legendary personality. She was giving, selfless, and far beyond her years. She was the "Mother of her Father." How a small girl could care for her father, physically tending to his wounds and emotionally cradling him in her little arms - while he was the greatest man to walk God's earth - is fathomable only because she was... Fatima.Fatima witnessed her father's death that inevitably came with a new era of power in the newly founded Muslim nation - the Caliphate. After an attack on her own home in the Caliphate's struggle to quell any opposition to its new reign, Fatima would die only a few short months after her father the Prophet.Death tells us a lot about life. Wisdom dictates that we do not ignore it. Tales of death should not be swept under the rug, especially the deaths of history's most notable figures. Lady Fatima is indeed on top of that list. Regardless of what the reader does with this story after reading it, at the very least, reflect on it. Embrace Fatima - the Flower of Life - and allow her the chance to open your eyes to the universe with-in you. Let her story be your guide as you journey toward the Heavens. Read more