Question: Are there any ahadith to prove mentioning Imam Ali (as) in the Adhaan or Eqamah is Mustahab (recommended)?   Answer: Our jurists are unanimous that the third testimony (Ashhado Anna Aliyan Waliullah) is NOT a part of Azan or Eqama. However, there are narrations both in Shi’a and Sunni books of Hadith confirming that [...]

Question: Is there any mention of the concept of “Imamah” (Divine Leadership) in the Holy Qur’an? Answer: The Imams are definitely mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. It is firstly interesting to note that the word ‘Imam’ is used 12 times in the Holy Qur’an, with different meanings. The following ayat of the Holy Qur’an deal [...]

Question: I wonder if the Holy Prophet (S) could read and write before the age of 40? And if it’s true that when Jibraeel (as) said to the Prophet (S) “read”, why didn’t the Prophet (S) answer “I have not learned” or “I cannot read”? Answer: Yes, the Prophet did not read or write before [...]

Question: How old was Ali ibn Abu Talib when he embraced Islam? Answer: Imam Ali (as) embraced Islam as soon as the Prophet received his first revelation. In fact, the Prophet met Ali (as) he was on his way back down from the Cave of Hera. He explained his message and experience with Gabriel to [...]

Question: Why do we say “alayhis salaam” (peace be upon him) for Imam Ali (as) or the other Imams of the Ahlul Bayt (as)? Answer: We say ‘alayhi alsalam’ (peace be upon him) after mentioning the names of any members of the Ahlul Bayt. This is firstly a prayer for them, as we are asking for [...]

Question: With regards to the topic of the cause of the Holy Propeht’s death [whether he (s) died of natural death, or was killed], some people have come forth with the argument that goes: “If the Prophet (s) wasn’t martyred, then all those who were martyred managed to gain a virtue that he didn’t!” Answer: What an argument?! [...]

Question: I would like to know if there was a specific reason as to why the 8th holy Imam was given the title of ‘Al-Ridha’ by Allah (swt), or was it not? Is it not true that all the ma’sumeen were ‘Raadhi bil qadri wal qadhaa’. What makes this Imam special in this that he [...]

This is a follow up question from the original question posted here: Was the Holy Prophet poisoned and martyred or did he die a natural death? - Please read that post first before reading this. Question: Did the two wives of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) poison him as narrated by al-Ayyashi? Al-Ayyashi reported in his Tafsir (Volume [...]

Question: Was the Holy Prophet poisoned (or killed) and martyred or did he die a natural death? Answer: In general, the famous opinion (among the Shi’a and Sunni scholars) is that the Prophet (P) was poisoned by a Jewish woman after the battle of Khaibar. We do have a narration with a sound chain of [...]

Question: I am a revert. My question is: why do Shia scholars have to show if they are Sayyids (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad) or not by wearing a black turban on their heads? I mean, aren’t the best people in the eyes of Allah (swt) those who are most pious? Answer: You are correct. The only criteria [...]