ISLAM

What is Islam?

Islam is a comprehensive way of life that offers guidance to its followers in every aspect of their existence. It is not merely a set of beliefs but a complete system that shapes how Muslims live, think, and interact with others.

Islam is the latest manifestation of the divine message that was revealed by God through earlier prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Prophet Muhammad, the final messenger, conveyed this message, which is considered the completion and perfection of the teachings introduced by previous prophets. Islam can be seen as “modern” in the sense that it serves to complement and complete the teachings of Moses and Jesus.

At its core, Islam provides a meaningful framework for human existence, guiding believers to find purpose in life and establishing harmony between individuals, their Creator, and fellow human beings.

The One & Only God

Islam is a strictly monotheistic faith, teaching that there is only one God, the Creator of the universe. This belief is central to Islam and is encapsulated in the declaration: “There is no god but Allah.” (Allah is the Arabic term for God.)

The belief in the oneness of God connects Muslims to their origin and serves as the foundation for their entire lives. It emphasizes that no material object or person should be worshipped other than God. This belief promotes a sense of brotherhood and equality among all people, as everyone is equally connected to God. The Qur’an states:

“He (God) is One, God is Eternal;
He has neither begotten,
nor has He been begotten;
and there is no one equal to Him.” (Qur’an 112:1-4)

The Purpose of Life

Life on earth is not a random occurrence, nor is it a punishment for any past transgression. According to Islam, our life has a divine purpose: it is a test, an opportunity to prove ourselves worthy of eternal happiness in the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad said, “You have not been created to perish; on the contrary, you have been created for eternal life.”

In Islam, the final destination of humanity is the afterlife, where everyone will be resurrected and judged for their actions in this world. Whether the afterlife will be one of bliss or suffering depends on how individuals live their current lives.

To guide humanity toward this goal, God sent prophets throughout history. Muhammad, the last prophet, delivered the final and complete message of God.

Status of Human Beings in Islam

Prime Creation
Human beings are considered God’s most honored creation. As the Qur’an states:

“We have indeed honored the children of Adam; spread them in the land and the sea, provided them with good things; and preferred them in esteem over many things that We have created.” (Qur’an 17:70)

Born Sinless
Islam teaches that every person is born pure and free of sin, and no one inherits the sins of their ancestors. God says:

“No carrier shall carry the burden of others.” (Qur’an 35:18)

Each person is born with a clean conscience, capable of accepting God’s message, and it is external influences that may lead a person away from that message.

Accountability
Islam places great emphasis on personal responsibility. While God has predetermined the span of one’s life, humans are still free to choose their actions and will be held accountable for them. The Qur’an says:

“We created man from a drop of water… Surely We guided him to the right way – now whether he (follows it and) be grateful or (goes astray and) be ungrateful is up to him.” (Qur’an 76:3)

Equality in Islam

Race and Ethnicity
Islam strongly rejects racial or ethnic discrimination, promoting equality among all people. The Qur’an says:

“O mankind! We have created you from one male and one female, and made you into different nations and tribes so that you may know each other.” (Qur’an 49:13)

Islam teaches that no one is superior to another based on race or tribal affiliation. What matters is a person’s character, not their color or background. God says:

“Surely the most honorable of you in God’s sight is the one who is most upright in character among you.” (Qur’an 49:13)

Gender
In Islam, gender does not determine a person’s worth. Both men and women are judged by their faith and actions, not by their gender. The Qur’an affirms:

“Whoever, be it a male or a female, does good deeds and is a believer, will enter Paradise.” (Qur’an 4:124)

Islam acknowledges that men and women have different roles, but this is not a matter of superiority or inferiority. Rather, these roles are complementary, with both genders enjoying equal rights and responsibilities within society.

Islam: A Religion of Peace

The name “Islam” itself comes from the Arabic root word salama, which means peace. Similarly, the Arabic word for peace, salam, is derived from the same root. Muslims greet one another with “salamun alaykum”—“peace be upon you”—which reflects the emphasis Islam places on peace.

Islam views peace as being intertwined with justice. True peace can only exist where justice prevails. Islam teaches that every person must act with fairness and integrity to maintain societal harmony and peace.

Inner Peace
Islam encourages individuals to achieve peace within themselves by balancing their emotions—such as desire and anger—with their spiritual self. The Qur’an teaches:

“He inspired to it to understand what is good and what is evil. Prosperous is the one who purifies it, and failed is the one who corrupts it.” (Qur’an 91:10)

Peace with Others
Islam emphasizes the rights of others, stressing that one cannot attain salvation through worship alone; fulfilling the rights of fellow human beings is just as crucial. Islam urges its followers to maintain peace in society by upholding justice and ensuring the well-being of others.

Misconceptions about Islam

In recent years, Islam has often been misrepresented in the media, especially in the context of violence and terrorism. However, it is essential to distinguish between the actions of certain individuals and the teachings of Islam itself. The conflicts in the Middle East, for example, are deeply rooted in complex historical, political, and social factors, not in the teachings of Islam.

To equate Islam with violence, as some have done in the wake of terrorist activities, is as misguided as blaming any religion for the actions of extremists. Just as one would not blame the Catholic Church for the acts of the Irish Republican Army, one should not judge Islam based on the actions of a few who claim to represent it.

In summary, Islam is a religion of peace, justice, and equality, offering a path to spiritual fulfillment and a harmonious society.

Allah (swt) / Tawhid

August 17, 2013 Comments: 9

The Holy Qur’an

The Noble Quran

Ahlul-Bayt (as)

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Ahlul-Bayt

Based on a parallel (Mutawatir) tradition upon whose authenticity all Muslims agree, the Messenger of Allah (S) informed his followers in several occasions that he would leave them two precious/weighty things and that if Muslims adhere to both of them, they will never go astray after him. They are the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and the Members of the House of the Prophet (Ahlul-Bayt), peace be upon them all.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sawa)

Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (as)

Lady Fatima al-Zahra’ (sa)

Imam al-Hasan ibn Ali (as)

15th of Ramadan by Mohammad Reza Hakimi [PDF]
Imam al-Hassan (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam Hasan (as) by QFatima [PDF]
Imam Hasan al-Mujtabah Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Imam Hasan (as) by Revolt and Silence Imam Husain (as) by Silence and Revolt by Hassan Saeed [PDF]
Imam Hassan (as) and Caliphate by Qurrat–ul–Ain Abidiy [PDF]
Imam Hassan (as), Myth of His Divorces by S. Saeed Akhtar Rizvi [PDF]
Imam Hassan bin Ali (as) by al-Balagh Foundation [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Hasan (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Rays from the life of Imam Hasan bin Ali (as) by al-Balagh Foundation [PDF]
Sulah al-Hassan (as) by Sh. Radi al-Yasin [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]
The Gardener of the Gardens of Tawheed by S. Sadeq Musavi Garmaroodi [PDF]
The Infallibles – #4 Imam al-Hassan (as) by S. Mehdi Ayatollahi [PDF]
The Life of Imam Hassan al-Mujtabah (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
The Prophet’s (sa) Fragrant Flower by Sh. Wahid Khorasani [PDF]
The Second Imam – Hazrat Imam Hasan by Be’that Foundation [PDF]
The Second Imam by Mahdi Rahimi [PDF]
The Treaty of Imam Hasan (as) [PDF]
What Did the Holy Prophet of Islam (saws) Say about Imams Hassan (as) and Hussain (as) [PDF]

Imam al-Husayn ibn Ali (as)

Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn al-Sajjad (as)

A Brief Biography of Ali ibn Husain (as) by MohamedRaza Dungersi [PDF]
A Divine Perspective on Rights Commented by Dr. Ghodratullah Mashayekhi [PDF]
Biography of Imam al-Sajjad (as) by Talib Zaidi [PDF]
Dua Abu Hamza al-Thumali [PDF]
Dua al-Tawbah [Supplication of Repentance] [PDF]
Dua Makarem al-Akhlaq [PDF]
Imam Ali Zein al-Abideen by QFatima [PDF]
Imam al-Sajjad (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam al-Sajjad (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Sajjad (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Reflections on Dua Aby Hamza by Sh. Mohammed Ali Shomali [PDF]
Risalat al-Huquq [Treatise of Rights] by Imam al–Sajjad (as) [PDF] – Alternate [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]
Sahifa al-Sajjadia [Collection of Supplications of Imam al-Sajjad (as)] [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]
The Illustrious Period of the Imamate of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin by S. Saeed Akhtar Rizvi [PDF]
The Life of Imam Zayn al-Aabideen (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
Worship of Imam Zainul Abideen (as) by Imam Reza (as) Network [PDF]

Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir (as)

Biography of Imam al-Baqir (as) by Talib Zaidi [PDF]
Imam al-Baqir (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam al-Baqir (as) [PDF]
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Baqir (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
The Life of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]

Imam Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (as)

A Biography of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) by Muhammad Nasir Husayni ‘Ala’i [PDF]
A Short Biography of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq by M. M. Dungersi [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]
Hadith al-Halila [Tradition of Myrobalan Fruit] by Mufaddal ibn Umar al-Jaufi and Imam Ja’far al–Sadiq (as)[PDF]
Imam al-Sadiq (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam al-Sadiq (as) by Sh. Muhammad Ridha al-Muthaffar [PDF]
Imam al-Sadiq (as), the Sixth Star by Mohammad Reza Hakimi [PDF]
Imam al-Sadiq’s Contribution to the Scientific Movement in the Early Period of Islam by Muhammad Wa’iz Zadeh-i Khurasani [PDF]
Imam al-Sadiq’s Jurisprudence by Sh. Muhammad Jawad Mughniyya [PDF]
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as) [PDF]
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Imam Ja’far-as-Sadiq (AS) – The Great Muslim Scientist and Philosopher [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Sadiq (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
The Last Word of Imam as-Sadiq (as) [PDF]
Tradition of Mufaddal [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]

Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kadhim (as)

Biography of Imam al-Kadhim (as) by Talib Zaidi [PDF]
Imam al-Kadhim by al-Balagh Foundation [PDF]
Imam al-Kathem (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (AS) by Alulbayt (AS) Foundation [PDF]
Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Imam Musa al-Kathem (as) by S. Mehdi Ayatollahi [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Kathem (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Short Biography of Holy Imams (from 7 to 11) by Sh. Mushtaq Hussain Shahidi [PDF]
The Infallibles – #9 Imam al-Kathem (as) by S. Mehdi Ayatollahi [PDF]
The Life of Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kathem (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
The Second Growth [PDF]

Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (as)

A Brief Biography of Imam al-Ridha (as)[PDF]
Food for Thought – Risalah al-Thahabiyyah [PDF]
Imam Ali al-Ridha (as) by QFatima [PDF]
Imam al-Ridha’s Pilgrimage [PDF]
Imam ar-Ridha’, A Historical and Biographical Research by Muhammad Jawad Fadlallah [PDF]
Imam Reza (as) and History of the Holy Shrine by Mahmoud Iman-Doust [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Ridha (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Razavi Codes of Ethics by Islamic Mobility [PDF]
Short Biography of Holy Imams (from 7 to 11) by Sh. Mushtaq Hussain Shahidi [PDF]
The Life of Imam ‘Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
The Razavi Code of Ethics by Mohammad Ali Qaemi [PDF]
Uyun Akhbar al-Redha [The Source of Traditions on Imam Reza] – Vol. 1 [PDF] – Vol. 2 [PDF] Compiled by Sh. Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Saduq

Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad (as)

Biography of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad by M.M. Dungersi [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]
Duas of Imam Muhammad at-Taqi (as) [PDF]
Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Jawad (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Short Biography of Holy Imams (from 7 to 11) by Sh. Mushtaq Hussain Shahidi [PDF]
The Life of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
Virtues of Imam Muhammad al-Taqi al-Jawad (as) by Baqir Reza [PDF]

Imam Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi (as)

Biographies of Imams al-Hadi and al-Askari (as) by Talib Zaidi [PDF]
Imam al-Hadi (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Hadi (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi[PDF]
Short Biography of Holy Imams (from 7 to 11) by Sh. Mushtaq Hussain Shahidi [PDF]
The Infallibles – Imam Muhammad Al Taqi (as) [PDF]
The Life of Imam ‘Ali al-Hadi – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF]
The Trustworthy Person for God’s Revelation, the Prophet’s (sa) Tenth Successor by Sh. Wahid Khorasani [PDF]

Imam al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Askari (as)

Biographies of Imams al-Hadi and al-Askari (as) by Talib Zaidi [PDF]
Imam al-Askari (as) – Taken from Kitab al-Irshad by Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Mufeed [PDF]
Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) Compiled by HubeAli.com [PDF]
Imam Hasan al-‘Askari by QFatima [PDF]
Life Sketch of Imam al-Askari (as) by S. Zeeshan Haider Jawadi [PDF]
Short Biography of Holy Imams (from 7 to 11) by Sh. Mushtaq Hussain Shahidi [PDF]
Tafsir Imam al-Askari (as) – Part 1 [PDF] – Part 2 [PDF] – Part 3 [PDF] – Part 4 [PDF] – Part 5 [PDF] – Part 6 [PDF] – Part 7 [PDF] – Part 8 [PDF] – Part 9 [PDF] – Part 10 [PDF] – Part 11 [PDF] – Part 12 [PDF] – Part 13 [PDF] – Part 14 [PDF] Attributed to Imam al-Askari (as)
The Life of Imam Hassan al-‘Askari (as) – Study and Analysis by Sh. Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi [PDF] – Alternate [PDF]

Imam al-Mahdi (as)

Marja/Ayatollah

Welcome to our List of Marja/Ayatollahs, where you will find detailed information on the leading religious authorities in Shia Islam. These scholars, known for their profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and spiritual guidance, play a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of Shia Muslims worldwide. Here, you can find their websites, allowing you to access their teachings, fatwas, lectures, and more.

Explore the list of top Marja/Ayatollahs, their contributions to Shia thought, and their online resources:

1. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Position: Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Marja-e-Taqlid.
Contribution: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is one of the most influential figures in the Shia world, leading the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and guiding Shia thought through his scholarly works, fatwas, and leadership.
Website: www.leader.ir

2. Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani

Position: Marja-e-Taqlid, based in Najaf, Iraq.
Contribution: A highly respected Shia scholar known for his moderate approach to politics and religious affairs. His guidance has been pivotal in shaping contemporary Shia jurisprudence.
Website: www.sistani.org

3. Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi

Position: Senior Shia scholar and Marja, renowned for his contributions to both religious and political spheres.
Contribution: Known for his advocacy of Islamic unity and social justice, Ayatollah al-Modarresi has written extensively on Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and philosophy.
Website: www.almodarresi.org

4. Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

Position: Prominent Iranian Marja-e-Taqlid and jurist.
Contribution: Ayatollah Shirazi is known for his deep scholarship in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and his efforts to spread Shia thought globally. His fatwas often address contemporary issues.
Website: www.smakarem.ir

5. Ayatollah Kadhim al-Haeri

Position: Marja and prominent Shia religious leader.
Contribution: Based in Qom, Iran, Ayatollah Haeri is known for his scholarly work in Islamic jurisprudence and his political activism, particularly concerning the rights of Shia Muslims in the Middle East.
Website: www.haeri.org

6. Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi

Position: Leading Shia Marja and scholar in Iran.
Contribution: A prolific writer and speaker, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi has produced numerous works in Islamic philosophy, ethics, and jurisprudence, with a focus on contemporary issues.
Website: www.smakarem.ir

7. Ayatollah Jawad al-Tabrizi

Position: Prominent Shia Marja based in Qom, Iran.
Contribution: Ayatollah al-Tabrizi is known for his scholarly work in Fiqh, his advocacy for Islamic unity, and his efforts to promote Shia thought across the world.
Website: www.jawadtabrizi.org

8. Ayatollah Fadlallah (Late)

Position: Lebanese Shia cleric, formerly regarded as a Marja-e-Taqlid.
Contribution: Known for his emphasis on the importance of social justice, women’s rights, and interfaith dialogue. Ayatollah Fadlallah had a significant influence in the Lebanese Shia community.
Website: www.bayynat.org.lb (Note: This site continues to honor his teachings after his passing.)

9. Ayatollah Hossein Vahid Khorasani

Position: A prominent Marja and religious authority in Qom, Iran.
Contribution: A leading figure in Shia Islam with extensive scholarly works in Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
Website: www.vahedi.com

10. Ayatollah Sayed Muhammad Saeed al-Kazemi

Position: Shia Marja based in Najaf, Iraq.
Contribution: A prominent religious authority with strong influence in the Shia community, particularly in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
Website: www.alkazemi.org

Additional Resources

In addition to the Marja listed above, there are numerous institutions, libraries, and seminaries around the world that support the development of Shia thought and offer further resources for learning. Here are some places to explore:

Hawza Ilmiyya Najaf – A leading seminary in Najaf, Iraq, producing some of the most influential Shia scholars.
Qum Seminary – A renowned center for Shia Islamic studies and education.
Al-Mustafa International University – An institution offering advanced studies in Shia Islam, training scholars and leaders for the global Shia community.

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