This study is the first of three series discussing controversial issues and concepts created by the radicals to divide the Muslim community, to vilify certain Muslim sects or schools of thought, especially the Shias, and provoke hatred and violence against them, leading to terrorism, genocidal wars and crimes of ethnic cleansing. In this work, the author compares Shia beliefs with the beliefs of the self-proclaimed adversaries of the Shias, stating facts from the Qur'an, ahadith of the Prophet and history, for general knowledge and information of the public. Read more

This study is the third of three series discussing controversial issues and concepts created by the radicals to divide the Muslim community, to vilify certain Muslim sects or schools of thought, especially the Shias, and provoke hatred and violence against them, leading to terrorism, genocidal wars and crimes of ethnic cleansing. In this work, the author compares Shia beliefs with the beliefs of the self-proclaimed adversaries of the Shias, stating facts from the Qur'an, ahadith of the Prophet and history, for general knowledge and information of the public. Read more

This study is the second of three series discussing controversial issues and concepts created by the radicals to divide the Muslim community, to vilify certain Muslim sects or schools of thought, especially the Shias, and provoke hatred and violence against them, leading to terrorism, genocidal wars and crimes of ethnic cleansing. In this work, the author compares Shia beliefs with the beliefs of the self-proclaimed adversaries of the Shias, stating facts from the Qur'an, ahadith of the Prophet and history, for general knowledge and information of the public. Read more

“Historically incisive, geographically broad-reaching, and brimming with illuminating anecdotes.” —Max Rodenbeck, New York Review of BooksOne of America’s leading commentators on current events in the Middle East, Iranian-born scholar Vali Nasr brilliantly dissects the political and theological antagonisms within Islam in this “smart, clear and timely” book (Washington Post). Still essential and still timely ten years after its original publication, The Shia Revival provides a unique and objective understanding of the 1,400-year bitter struggle between Shias and Sunnis and sheds crucial light on its modern-day consequences. A new epilogue elucidates the rise of ISIS and ongoing tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 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, beginning 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 intersection 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

AL-KAFI –––––––– ج 1 Volume 1 للمحدِّث الجليل والعالم الفقيه الشيخ محمد بن يعقوب الكليني المعروف بثقة الإسلام الكليني المتوفى سنة 329 هجرية Of the majestic narrator and the scholar, the jurist, the Sheykh Muhammad Bin Yaqoub Al-Kulayni Well known as ‘The trustworthy of Al-Islam Al-Kulayni’ Who died in the year 329 H Read more

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This historical narrative of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, tells the tale of his timeless character that transcends history, religions, and nations. From before his birth to the final moments of his life, Ali’s story renews within us the hope we all need. The lessons of his life’s journey illuminate a deeper understanding of what it means to endure the darkest times, to persevere, and to rise to a purpose greater than ourselves. Embodying the definition of patience itself, Ali is the compass, the lighthouse, to guide us in navigating the world around us, and the universe within. The gateway to God’s beloved Muhammad, Ali is the answer to the wandering heart and the seeker of all that is true. Ali, is ‘the elixir of love’. Read more

NASIR-I-KHUSRAW Famous Early Persian Poet, Mystic & Traveller SELECTED POEMS & Book of Travels & Book of Enlightenment. Translation & Introduction Paul Smith. This famous and often infamous poet, philosopher and traveller Nasir-i-Khusraw (1005-1070) was the influential author of a Divan, masnavis and many prose-works. Like many of the greatest poets in this book he was born in Balkh (now Afghanistan). His takhallas or pen-name was Hujjat… or ‘Proof’ of Khurasan. As a young man he became a court poet but at the age of forty-two walked out on his old life in search of the Truth. Like Sadi he travelled widely throughout the Middle-East and North Africa for six years and recorded his wanderings in his ‘Book of Travels’ or Safar-nama. He spent the remainder of his life in Yumgan in a secluded fort after fleeing from persecution for his beliefs. There he taught his disciples and others the Ismailian doctrine and the spiritual path. He is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential poets of the classical period of the Persian language and a great Spiritual Master. His Divan is over 11,000 couplets. This is the largest selection of his poems translated into English in the correct form and meaning. Introduction includes: His Life, Times & Poetry & that of his teacher Mu’ayyad fi’l-Din al-Shirazi & a selection of his poems. On Form of the Qasida & Masnavi. Selected Bibliography. Three Appendixes including his famous book of Travels (Safar-nama) & his ‘Book of Enlightenment. . Comments on Paul Smith’s Translation of Hafiz’s ‘Divan’. “It is not a joke... the English version of all the ghazals of Hafiz is a great feat and of paramount importance. I am astonished.” Dr. Mir Mohammad Taghavi (Dr. of Literature) Tehran. “Superb translations. 99% Hafiz 1% Paul Smith.” Ali Akbar Shapurzman, translator of works into Persian and knower of Hafiz’s Divan off by heart. “Smith has probably put together the greatest collection of literary facts and history concerning Hafiz.” Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin Books author). Paul Smith (b. 1945) is a poet, author and translator of many books of Sufi poets of the Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish, Pashtu and other languages including Hafiz, Sadi, Nizami, Rumi, ‘Attar, Sana’i, Jahan Khatun, Obeyd Zakani, Nesimi, Kabir, Anvari, Ansari, Jami, Khayyam, Rudaki, Yunus Emre, Lalla Ded, Seemab, Jigar, Abu Nuwas, Seemab and many others, as well as poetry, fiction, plays, biographies, children’s books and 12 screenplays. amazon.com/author/smithpa NEW HUMANITY BOOKS Read more

The Victorious Blood portrays a bloody epic which is over thirteen hundred years old. It took place in Karbala, a small town on the bank of the Euphrates river in Iraq. It was between the grandson of the prophet of Islam, al-Hussain bin Ali, who commanded an army that did not exceed a hundred warriors. And Yazid bin Mu'awiyah, the son of the founder of the Umayyad state. His army consisted of thirty thousand soldiers under the command of Omar bin Saad. In The Victorious Blood, you will be taken into the heat of the battle itself and there you will learn about the reasons for the epic struggle and the historic consequences which followed it. You will be a historical tourist traveling back in time thirteen hundred years and vividly witness the war techniques, political tricks, and the lifestyle of that era. You will visit the palaces' reception rooms, personal homes, and public squares in Damascus, Kufa, and the Arabian Peninsula. You will observe historical characters and their involvement in a high stakes conflicts filled with language of ancient conspiracy, subterfuge, alliance, and betrayal, often ending in death for one of the combatants involved. Read more

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. Read more

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During the formative period of Islam, in the first centuries after Muhammad's death, two particular intellectual traditions emerged, Sunnism and Shi'ism. Sunni Muslims endorsed the historical caliphate, while Shi'i Muslims, supporters of 'Ali, cousin of the Prophet and the fourth caliph, articulated their own distinctive doctrines. The Sunni-Shi'i schism is often framed as a dispute over the identity of the successor to Muhammad, whereas in reality, Sunni and Shi'i Muslims also differ on a number of seminal theological doctrines concerning the nature of God and legitimate political and religious authority. This book examines the development of Shi'i Islam through the lenses of belief, narrative, and memory. It also covers a wide range of Shi'i communities from the demographically predominant Twelvers to the transnational Isma'ilis to the scholar-activist Zaydis. The portrait of Shi'ism that emerges is that of a distinctive and vibrant community of Muslims with a remarkable capacity for reinvention and adaptation, grounded in a unique theological interpretation of Islam. Read more

The ‘Alawis, or Alawites, are a prominent religious minority in northern Syria, Lebanon, and southern Turkey, best known today for enjoying disproportionate political power in war-torn Syria. In this book, Stefan Winter offers a complete history of the community, from the birth of the ‘Alawi (Nusayri) sect in the tenth century to just after World War I, the establishment of the French mandate over Syria, and the early years of the Turkish republic. Winter draws on a wealth of Ottoman archival records and other sources to show that the ‘Alawis were not historically persecuted as is often claimed, but rather were a fundamental part of Syrian and Turkish provincial society.Winter argues that far from being excluded on the basis of their religion, the ‘Alawis were in fact fully integrated into the provincial administrative order. Profiting from the economic development of the coastal highlands, particularly in the Ottoman period, they fostered a new class of local notables and tribal leaders, participated in the modernizing educational, political, and military reforms of the nineteenth century, and expanded their area of settlement beyond its traditional mountain borders to emerge from centuries of Sunni imperial rule as a bona fide sectarian community. Using an impressive array of primary materials spanning nearly ten centuries, A History of the ‘Alawis provides a crucial new narrative about the development of ‘Alawi society. 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

In this powerful lecture, renowned Islamic scholar Husayn Ansariyan offers a compelling portrait of Sayyida Zaynab, exploring her extraordinary legacy through four key aspects: her noble lineage, her profound religious knowledge, her remarkable courage during the tragedy of Karbala, and her exemplary leadership in its aftermath.Drawing from classical Islamic sources and spiritual traditions, Ansariyan illuminates Zaynab's multifaceted persona - as a scholar who taught Qur'anic exegesis and Islamic jurisprudence, as a leader who guided her community through its darkest hours, and as a symbol of resilience whose sermons in Damascus spoke truth to power. His careful analysis reveals how Zaynab's response to adversity and her unwavering faith continue to inspire millions.This English translation, makes this significant work accessible to readers interested in Islamic history, women's spiritual leadership, and religious studies. Ansariyan's unique perspective combines scholarly rigor with deep spiritual insight, offering readers both historical context and timeless wisdom.Ayatollah Husayn Ansariyan (b. 1944) is a distinguished Islamic scholar whose life has been dedicated to the pursuit of religious knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Beginning his formal Islamic education in Tehran under Ali Akbar Burhan and Ali Falsafi, he later continued his studies at the prestigious seminary of Qom, where he mastered classical texts and studied under numerous renowned scholars, including Shaykh Abbas Tehrani and Mirza Hashim Amuli. His intellectual development was particularly enriched by producing detailed analyses of Amuli's lectures on Islamic jurisprudence and principles, while his spiritual outlook was profoundly shaped by Husayn Fatimi's inspiring lectures on Islamic ethics. Throughout his career, Ansariyan has synthesized teachings from prominent religious authorities such as Ayatollah Milani, Ayatollah Gulpaygani, and Ayatollah Marashi Najafi into his own unique approach to Islamic scholarship. Today, he is recognized as a leading voice in Islamic thought, known especially for his ability to bridge classical religious learning with contemporary spiritual needs. Read more

In this illuminating and concise spiritual biography, Ayatollah Husayn Ansariyan presents a profound exploration of Fatima al-Zahra's life and virtues through the lens of Qur'anic teachings. Drawing from classical Islamic sources and philosophical traditions, Ansariyan examines the concept of human perfection and its embodiment in the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), offering readers unique insights into her spiritual station and historical significance.Originally delivered as a lecture, this work masterfully weaves together scriptural analysis, mystical philosophy, and historical narrative to paint a compelling portrait of a figure revered by millions. Ansariyan's careful scholarship and accessible presentation make this book valuable for both academic researchers and general readers interested in Islamic spirituality, women's history, and religious studies.Ayatollah Husayn Ansariyan (b. 1944) is a prominent Shi'i religious scholar, speaker, and author. He has authored over 120 volumes on various Islamic subjects including Qur'anic exegesis, ethics, spirituality, and family life in Islam. His works include translations of major Islamic texts like the Qur'an, Nahj al-Balagha, and Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya into Persian, as well as numerous original works on Islamic mysticism and ethics. Read more

The first book-length study of ta'wil, a form of allegorical scriptural interpretation propagated by Ismaili-Shiite missionariesIsmailism, one of the three major branches of Shiism, is best known for ta'wil, an esoteric, allegorizing scriptural exegesis. Beyond the Qur'?n: Early Ismaili ta'wil and the Secrets of the Prophets is the first book-length study of this interpretive genre. Analyzing sources composed by tenth-century Ismaili missionaries in light of social-science theories of cognition and sectarianism, David Hollenberg argues that the missionaries used ta'wil to instill in acolytes a set of symbolic patterns, forms, and "logics." This shared symbolic world bound the community together as it created a gulf between community members and those outside the movement. Hollenberg thus situates ta'wil socially, as an interpretive practice that sustained a community of believers. An important aspect of ta'wil is its unconventional objects of interpretation. Ismaili missionaries mixed Qur'?nic exegesis with interpretation of Torah, Gospels, Greek philosophy, and symbols such as the Christian Cross and Eucharist, as well as Jewish festivals. Previously scholars have speculated that this extra- Qur'?nic ta'wil was intended to convert Jews and Christians to Ismailism. Hollenberg, departing from this view, argues that such interpretations were, like Ismaili interpretations of the Qur'?n, intended for an Ismaili audience, many of whom converted to the movement from other branches of Shiism. Hollenberg argues that through exegesis of these unconventional sources, the missionaries demonstrated that their imam alone could strip the external husk from all manner of sources and show the initiates reality in its pure, unmediated form, an imaginal world to which they alone had access. They also fulfilled the promise that their imam would teach them the secrets behind all religions, a sign that the initial stage of the end of days had commenced. Beyond the Qur'?n contributes to our understanding of early Ismaili doctrine, Fatimid rhetoric, and, more broadly, the use of esoteric literatures in the history of religion. 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

“Surely, whoever follows me will be martyred. Whoever does not follow me will not witness the Triumph.” These were some of Imam Hussain’s last words before leaving Medina. He set out from Medina towards Kufa, and ultimately to Karbala, knowing the great sacrifice that he would make. He foretold of his fate and knew that his movement will only result in a crushing military defeat. But he also knew the great value – the great triumph – that was to be gained. He set out not to achieve any immediate results or short term goals. Rather, his movement was meant to build an eternal legacy and achieve lasting reform in the nation of his grandfather. But what and how did Imam Hussain reform the nation of his grandfather? Why did Imam Hussain sacrifice as he did? What was the context in which this sacrifice and tragedy took place? What was the role of the remainder of the Household of the Prophet before and after the tragedy? What was Imam Hussain’s goal and how did he triumph despite the grand massacre? Understanding Karbala is an in depth historical and theological analysis that attempts to answer these far-reaching questions about Imam Hussain’s movement. Based on the work of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakeem, the book looks at the driving factors behind Imam Hussain’s journey. It sets the theological framework for studying the movement of the Household of Prophet Muhammad, and then begins to analyze their choices as seen in their words and actions, as well as the historical context in which they operated. The book also looks at the great triumph Imam Hussain aimed for and was able to achieve through his movement. By studying the short and long term effects of the grand tragedy, the book sheds light on Imam Hussain’s objectives and achievements, and how the remainder of the Household of the Prophet worked to preserve that triumph. Read more