Questions tagged [shiism]

The Shia (Arabic: شيعة‎, Shīʿah) represent the second largest denomination of Islam and adherents of Shia Islam are called Shias or the Shi'a as a collective or Shi'i individually. Shia Muslims believe in Imamat as one of the five pillars of Islam and this belief makes them different from other Muslims. Imamat means only Allah has the right to select the political leader and Caliph for Muslims.

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Was Hazrat Ali (RA) born inside the kabba with the walls cracked?

I heard that Imam Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) was born inside the Ka'bah, that is the walls cracked and he was delivered inside the kaabah. My question is what is the validity of this story ...
muslim1's user avatar
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23 votes
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Why do the Shi'a have different hadiths?

As is known, there are six major books of ahadith used in Sunni jurisprudence. The Shi'a typically don't treat these collections with such esteem, and instead give preferential treatment to four of ...
goldPseudo's user avatar
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20 votes
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Why does Shi'a Islam differ so much regarding Abu Bakr, Omar and Othman, compared to Sunni teachings?

It is well-known that Sunnis treat the closest companions of the Prophet (i.e., Abu Bakr, Omar Ibn Alkhattab and Othman Ibn Affan (Radiya Allahu Anhum رضي الله عنهم اجمعين)) with the greatest of ...
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20 votes
4 answers
6k views

Why do the Shi'as believe that their Imams can provide divine guidance?

We all know for sure that Prophet Muhammad Sallahu alayhi wassalam was the last Prophet and the seal of the Messengers and he received the final revelation or the "Divine Message". I and most Sunnis ...
Abdullah's user avatar
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18 votes
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Why is location of the grave of Fatima not known?

Why is the tomb of Sayada Fatima Zahra(a.s.) hidden? I know she asked Imam Ali(a.s.) to not show her tomb for some guys who have tyrannize and abuse Her and Her family. What is the goal of not ...
Maythux's user avatar
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18 votes
2 answers
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How does the Shia school of belief justify Matam (Self-flagellation) and Tatbir (Striking oneself with sword)?

Allah says in Qur'an: And do not kill yourselves. Verily Allaah is All-Merciful to you. [Surah An-Nisaa: 29] And He says: And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. [...
Abdullah's user avatar
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17 votes
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What is the difference between a Prophet and an Imam according to Shi'ite theology?

So, with my elementary readings in Shi’ite theology, specifically the Ithnā‘ashariyyah or the Twelver Shi'a branch, I couldn't differentiate between a Prophet and a Shi'ite Imam. The Prophets are ...
Abdullah's user avatar
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16 votes
5 answers
11k views

What are the origins of Shia and Sunni division?

Can anyone tell me about the origins of Shia and Sunni division? Why were two different groups of Muslims created? Allah didn't send us to live divided. No verse of Quran or Hadith suggest that as ...
Inshan's user avatar
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16 votes
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What is the maximum time for a man to leave his wife alone?

What is the maximum time period for a man to leave his wife separate without having sexual intercourse between them? (For instance, he went to a foreign country to earn a living.) I heard that at the ...
Azik Abdullah's user avatar
15 votes
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20k views

What is the difference between a Sunni and a Shiite Mosque?

I am considering converting to Islam at a mosque in my area. I have never been to a mosque before, so this will be my first time. I'm not sure what type of mosque this mosque is I am not sure wether ...
Jeremy Love's user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
2k views

Do Shi'ites deny seeing Allah on the Day of Judgement? If yes, Why?

Qur'an clearly states the fact that the believers will see Allah the Exalted on the Day of Judgement. Allah says about the believers: وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ نَّاضِرَ‌ةٌ ﴿٢٢﴾ إِلَىٰ رَ‌بِّهَا نَاظِرَ‌ةٌ ...
Abdullah's user avatar
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15 votes
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What do Shi'a Muslims do in Ashura? And why they do it?

Why do Shi'a Muslims hit chests, slapping cheeks, hit shoulders with chains and, hit heads with swords and shed blood during Ashura? These reprehensible things forbidden by the Prophet (peace be upon ...
Yaman ALTareh's user avatar
14 votes
1 answer
2k views

According to Shi'a Islam, did Fatimah (daughter of Prophet Muhammad) die naturally, or was she killed?

Someone asked me why Fatimah passed away in just 90 days or less after her father passed away: How did she die... my friend said she died naturally but I said she died due to an accident behind ...
saber tabatabaee yazdi's user avatar
14 votes
1 answer
1k views

Do Shi'ites believe in other holy books/revelations after Qur'an?

I was told that there are three other holy books apart from Qur'an that Shi'ites believe in. Al-Jafr - This book claims to have the original injil, Torah and Zabur and more secret knowledge. Al-...
Abdullah's user avatar
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What is the source of this Hadith from Imam Sadeq (a.s.) ? "looking at non-Mahram is a poison arrow from Satan's arrows"

previously, I had heard a tradition from Imam Sadeq(Sadiq) (a.s.) regarding looking at non-mahrams that: «النّظرة سهمٌ من سهام إبلیس مسمومٌ من ترکها للّه لا لغیره أعقبه اللّه إیماناً یجد طعمه» ...
اللهم  صل  علی  محمد و آل محمد's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
2k views

What are the sources of Legislation in Shia Islam?

TLDR: What sources of legislation are valid in Shia Islam? Given that Shia Islam varies greatly (asharis vs. rafidees). I will explain by an analogy in Sunni Islam what I'm looking for. In Sunni ...
ashes999's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
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Why do Shi'as allow mut'ah marriage?

According to Sunnis, mut'ah (temporary marriage) was allowed before but later the Prophet salallahu alayhi wassalam abolished it. It is based on the following hadiths (traditions): In the Two ...
Abdullah's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
11k views

Are there Islamic guidelines on how and when to protest?

Are there any guidelines provided by Islam on how and when to protest? And how to decide the magnitude of protests and who will decide it? Please cite references from the Holy Quran, Ahadeth, ...
HashimR's user avatar
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11 votes
2 answers
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How does the Shi'ite view of Infallibility of the Prophets and the Imams reconcile with the examples in Qur'an?

As I understand, the subject of infallibility of the Prophets (peace be upon all of them) is dealt differently in Sunni and Shi'ite theology. I believe it is necessary to present my understanding of ...
Abdullah's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
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Shia view about three righteous caliphs (Other than Ali R.A.)

There is a Sahih Hadith stating the names of ten (10) people who the Prophet (SA) stated that they will be in Paradise. These names include the names of four righteous caliphs, Abu Bakar RA, Umer RA, ...
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10 votes
3 answers
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Is it permissible for Sunni Muslims to pray behind Shi'a Muslims?

The other day I prayed behind a Shi'a Muslim without realizing and I noticed a little later that he was Shi'a. The prayer I followed didn't seem like the usual prayer I normally follow behind Sunni ...
PracticingFerret's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
580 views

Is Tawassol (recourse) allowed in Islam? (Shia view)

Allah, the exalted, says in the Noble Quran as such: وَالَّذِي هُوَ يُطْعِمُنِي وَيَسْقِينِ ﴿٧٩﴾ وَإِذَا مَرِ‌ضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ ﴿٨٠ "And it is He who feeds me and gives me drink; and ...
beautiful mind's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
18k views

Can one Salaam between male & females?

I've noticed in Bangladesh that one doesn't say Salaam between males & females - one to one that is. What exactly are the rules? Do they vary between Shia & Sunni? By social status?
Mozibur Ullah's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
8k views

Why do Shia care about Hussain and not Hasan?

Ali had two sons, Al-Hasan and Al-Hussain, so why do Shia care so much about the Al-Hussain rather than Al-Hasan? I often hear them chanting Labayeka Ya Hussain
Jack Twain's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
2k views

How would a Twelver Shia prove Imam Mahdi's long life to an Atheist?

I have a friend that although born in a Muslim family, will not accept Islamic resources for proof and only accepts reasoning, so how would I prove scientifically Imam Mahdi's long life to him as a ...
user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is the Shia justification for khums?

I would like to know about the justifications for khums as understood by Shi'a scholars. Their definition doesn't seem to appear in Quran, so I am wondering where it comes from. In particular, do we ...
Kaveh's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
829 views

Who is Part of Ahlul Bayt? (For Shi'as)

"Ahl" is a accusative masculine noun. In Arabic, it covers several meanings. It begins with Husband and wife. And if they have children, they become part of the "Ahl." "Bayt" is genitive masculine ...
Sayyid's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
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According to Shi'ism, does divorce require witnesses?

In Sunni Islam, I am often told that divorce can be performed without witnesses, which doesn't really make sense to me since everything in Islam requires witness (even when an adulterer commit ...
muslim1's user avatar
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8 votes
1 answer
597 views

What's the point of having twelve Imams when one could be enough?

What's the reason behind having twelve Shia Imams when just one could be enough? Allah could have kept Ali (as) alive for as long as He wanted like He has Muhammad al-Mahdi (as) and had him serve ...
Bleeding Fingers's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
4k views

Where is Imam Mahdi now? (Shia's viewpoint)

I was wondering where Imam Zaman (Mahdi) is living now? Actually I want to know more information about his precise location. (Shia view) Note: Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is the last (12th) Imam of Shia who .....
اللهم  صل  علی  محمد و آل محمد's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
361 views

According to Shi'ites, what type of government is suggested by Islam?

Nowadays we have three prevalent forms of government in Islamic Ummah: Kingdom Democracy Shia's Wilayatul Faqeeh My questions is, what type of government is suggested by Islam? Is there an outline ...
Fatemeh's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
5k views

Why is Abu Huraira considered unreliable by Shia fiqh?

I have seen that Abu Huraira is considered as an unreliable narrator by Shia: One famous example would be the case of Abu Hurayrah, who narrated over five thousand hadiths: Sunnis consider him a ...
qdinar's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
3k views

What does Islam say about Intercession (Shafa'a)?

What is the meaning of intercession in Islam? Are there certain people who have the privilege to do it? It (shafa'a) is mentioned in a number of locations in the Qur’an. Either positive or negative, ...
rowman's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
344 views

Who has the authority to assign successor (caliph)? God? The Prophet? People? (Shia view)

The society of Muslims needs to be guided by caliph after Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Hence, after the death of holy prophet (PBUH), a caliph was assigned to guide and rule the Muslims. According to my ...
Mohammad Hossein's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
3k views

Who is responsible for maintaining the child(ren) if a wife gets pregnant in nikah mut'ah?

If a husband and wife are married as per nikah mut'ah, it's possible the wife could become pregnant. This seems to open up a host of complications with regards to maintenance and custody. Google ...
Rebecca J. Stones's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
390 views

Who was Allah's hojjat on Earth when Mohammad (saww) went to maraaj?

In Shia Islam there is this belief that there has to be one hojjat of Allah on Earth. He could be described as the decisive argument of Allah over mankind Further description found in the question ...
Bleeding Fingers's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
2k views

Has anybody ever compiled a book of Shia authentic Hadiths?

I am not referring to old books but any book that has been written in the last century. Every time I try to understand Shia beliefs from Hadiths I get faced by their claims that not all their Hadiths ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
494 views

Who are the guardians of Mecca according to Shia theology?

I was looking at the interpretation of this verse from a Shia perspective But why should Allah not punish them while they obstruct [people] from al-Masjid al- Haram and they were not its guardians? ...
islam101's user avatar
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6 votes
4 answers
3k views

Is "imam" greater status than prophet?

As salaam aalaikum, Many Shias say that being an "imam" is greater than being a prophet. They normally quote the following verse where Ibrahim (pbuh) prays to be an "imam" after he became a prophet. ...
islam101's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
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Did Imam Ali (R.A.) reach the skies before the Prophet did, according to the Shi'a?

I have heard from a Shi'a friend that when the Prophet ascended to the skies to meet Allah at the night of Esraa and Miraj, Imam Ali (R.A.) was already there and was presented to the Prophet by God. ...
muslim1's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
4k views

Is it permissible to build a building taller than Kaaba around it?

I have heard that it is not permissible to make any buildings taller than Kaaba around it. For instance there is a very tall clock as a very tall building which has been built so taller than Kaaba. (...
HELE-HELE   الاهواز's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Will Isa (peace be upon Him) come back? (Shia View)

In this answer at the end, it says that the Mahdi will kill the Dajjal. I wonder if it is believed that Isa (peace be upon Him) will come back? If so, then what will be his (mission)? Will he kill the ...
مجاهد's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
146 views

Why is the martyrdom of the daughter of the Prophet, Fatima al-Zahra, commemorated at three different times?

In the Shia school of thought, the martyrdom of the daughter of the Prophet is commemorated at three different times; the last one today, on 3rd of Jumada al-Thani. Why is it that "there are ...
Noor's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
336 views

What is the meaning of gigantic angels in Nahjul-Balagha?

Nahjul-Balagha sermon 1 mentions angels "whose steps are fixed on earth but their necks are protruding into the skies". What is the meaning of that clause? Is Imam Ali talking about literally gigantic ...
Simon Kissane's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
306 views

Is it true that all the infallibles are destined to receive martyrdom?

It is a commonly held belief (observed from the words of imams (sermons)/speakers of religious gatherings), that all the fourteen infallibles are destined to receive martyrdom. Is that true? If yes, ...
Bleeding Fingers's user avatar
6 votes
6 answers
22k views

Is sufism primarily associated with Shia or Sunni Islam?

Are sufi schools equally divided amongst the two major branches of Islam - Shia & Sunni, or are they primarily associated with Shia Islam?
Mozibur Ullah's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
749 views

How does Iran justify women in the police force? (Shia View)

This wikipedia article mentions that some 400 women joined the Iranian police force between 1979 and 2003. This answer gives a pretty good explanation of women working outside the home. It seems to ...
beatgammit's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
10k views

What is the recommended age for marriage, Shia view?

Is late marriage good for boys and girls? What is Islam Commands? What is God (Islam) Solution? I ask for Shia view.
saber tabatabaee yazdi's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
2k views

Why did Hossein Ibn Ali not accept Yazid ibn Muawiya's as a caliph?

Why did the grandson of the Prophet, Hossein Ibn Ali, not accept Yazid ibn Muawiya as a caliph?
Ali.R.banisafar's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
63k views

What is the difference between Shia and Bohra People?

I saw most of the Shia and Bohra people's activities are the same. But, I heard they had some difference between them. What is the basic difference between these two people?
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