Conversion to Islam

Conversion to Islam is the adoption of the set of beliefs identified with the Islamic faith to the exclusion of others.

64122

As an almost 40 year old convert to Islam who was never circumcised, is it compulsory for me to do so?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 4 days ago

Yes, it is compulsory for you to get circumcised as the Hadeeth narrated from Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (AS) that Imam Ali (AS) said: When a man becomes a Muslim, he must get circumcised even if he reached the age of eighty.

( Was'il al-Shia by al-Hurr al-Aamili, vol. 21, page 440.)

It is not allowed for man to perform Tawaf ( around the Ka'bah) if he is not circumcised as it narrated from Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq ( AS): uncircumcised man is not allowed to do Tawaf around Ka'bah. ( Wasa'il al-Shia by al-Hurr al-Aamili, vol. 13, page 270).

Wassalam.

63446

Father . Conversion to Islam . Marriage

I am 19, having converted two years ago, and wish to be married to someone who is also a convert. She does not know her father and so I was wondering about the right way to get started in the process of getting married?

If the virgin Muslim girl does not know her father or has no way to know
about him to seek his permission for her marriage, then she will be
allowed to get married to a suitable Mo’min who is compatible to her.

Wassalam.

62794

Islam . Family . Dog . Pet . Conversion to Islam

I am 13 years old and I converted to Islam when I was 12. What should I do if my family has a dog as a pet?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 3 weeks ago

According to Islam, it is not ideal to have a pet dog, and it is better in terms of Islamic etiquette not to have a dog in the house, but it is not forbidden to have one.

However, if you have a dog in the house, you should be sure to observe Islamic rules of cleanliness for prayer. For instance, before praying salat, wash any area of yourself that the dog might have been licking or if the dog came into contact you while it was wet. When praying salat, avoid praying directly on the floor and instead pray on top of something (like a prayer rug or, if you do not have one, a towel or mat or something similar), and put it away when you are not using it so the dog cannot get to it. Also, be sure your clothes do not have dog hair on them and have not been licked by the dog or touched by a wet dog; if your dog is very affectionate, you may wish to have a separate pair of clothes that you only wear for salat (if this is possible). Also, if your family is very casual about dishes and where the dog goes, be sure the dishes you use have not been, ahem, slobbered on, licked, etc. (Some people are very strict about these things and some people are casual, that is why I am mentioning it)

Yes, this is inconvenient, which is one of the reasons it is better not to have a dog in the house! But you can still practice Islam and all aspects of Islam with or without a dog present.

62635

Family . Christians . Wife . Conversion to Islam

I am married to a Muslim convert whose father is an atheist and the rest of the family are non-practicing Christians who try to influence my wife. To what extent should I keep a relationship with them?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 1 month ago

Bismihi ta'ala

You have a great responsibility on your shoulders, in not only honouring your revert wife in the best way you can, but also showing the highest standards of Islamic Akhlaq to your in-laws. You represent Islam, and they see Islam through you. Even though they might be atheists, or followers of a religion, for you it is of utmost importance to conduct yourself in the best way possible.

Your wife also has an important duty in trying to maintain the relationship between the two families as civil as possible. Along with her studying about religion and deepening her understanding of Islam, she can also engage in polite and productive discussions with them.

When she does this, there will be no concern from your side that she is being negatively influenced. If she is strong enough in her faith, then even if a discussion becomes heated, it will not effect her.

Yes, it might be frustrating from your side, and all you want to do is just socialise with your in-laws, but they bring up topics that might aggravate you.

The extent of the relationship is that you honour them, as your in-laws, and that you avoid arguments or anything that would tension things between you and them.

You should maintain patience, and think of the bigger responsibility you have. Always do dua for them, and pray for their hidayah.

With prayers for your success.

62206

Conversion to Islam . Qur'an

I converted to Islam a few years ago, but I did so before reading the Quran or learning to pray. I still struggle to read the transliteration and believe I have some kind of mental block. Is there anything I can do that will help?

Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answer updated 1 month ago

as salam alaikum

perhaps a good teacher of Qur'an may help you in your situation. Sometimes when we are faced with learning without proper support we get frustrated as we are not moving the way we are aiming for.

You may also consider to learn Qur'an directly from Arabic language without transliteration or latinized versions. The Arabic Qur'an is the word of Allah and it purifies you, even if initially you don't understand the meaning. By being aware that Allah is speaking to you, peace and serenity should fill the heart.

So initially it is good to learn to recite with proper tajwid and memorize what you can; but you need a good teacher for that, especially at the beginning stage. Nowadays there are courses available also online although the traditional way is always preferable in ordinary circumstances.

Never be frustrated for what it takes, for each person there is a path to follow and no one is better than the other except in taqwa. In other words it is the quality of your sincerity that counts the most, not the quantity of your actions or the apparent result.

With prayers for your success.

61895

Sunni-Shi'a . Conversion to Islam

As an Italian considering conversion to Islam, I have fallen in love with the Shia view. However, I strongly disagree with some Shia practices such as Mut'a and Khums. Can I consider myself a Shia if I agree with the Sunni view on such issues?

Bismihi ta'ala

In this particular stage that you are in, while becoming acquainted with a religion, it is fundamentally important for you to put all your effort into understanding the foundations of the religion. While searching into Islam, it is not the branches or laws that you should be focusing on, but rather the very issues that define Islam.

What defines Islam is Monothesim, and that the foundation of Islam is a reason-based religion that accommodates to our intellectual and rational nature as human beings.

As for the jurisprudential matters, they are secondary matters that you look into not only through "reason", but through devotion. As you might know, Islam means to "submit" to the will and command of Almighty God, as a devout worshipper.

In the realm of Shari'ah and Islamic jurisprudence and law, there are many discussions that might exhaust you at this particular time.

However, that being said, yes, there are differences of jurispudential laws between the Sunni School of Thought and the Shia School of Thought. Furthermore, there is a difference within these schools themselves.

So, if you agree with the Sunni view on marriage, you must look into which school that is. And what is wrong with temporary marriage contracts? Should you read about it, you will understand that there are many substantial arguments that proof Mut'ah existed as a law during the time of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.).

In Sunni fiqh, due to the refusal of acknowledging this, they had to come up with alternatives that do not have a Shar'i basis, like misyar, and a few others.

Someone does not have to practice temporary marriage, and in reality most Shi'a do not. But, like many other laws, it is there to serve a purpose for those who require it.

As for Khums, again, what would your understanding of Khums be, so much that you "strongly disagree with it"?

If you look at religions, and sects, you will see that you are forced to give a percentage of your yearly wages and income. In Sunnism, you must give from your Zakat.

In Shi'ah law, you spend as you wish, and do as you wish, and IF you have some left over money at the end of your year, and you've placed that for savings, then you give 20% of that, not to the rich, but to support and help the Islamic community you live in.

I think this is something honourable and something we are proud of.

My advice, besides focusing on the foundations of Islam, is to stay away from being negatively influenced by bad propaganda, and look into these affairs from all angles, trying to find reliable sources as well.

With prayers for your success.

58996

Conversion to Islam . Sunni-Shi'a

As a new Muslim, what should I consider when deciding to choose between Shi'a and Sunni?

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 3 months ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. Remain true to your intellect and your heart and there is no doubt that God will guide you to what is right akhi. As for the Shia they choose to follow the Imams because they were the best examples of the lofty ideals of Islam and their relationship with the Prophet (saw) was on a completely different level to the other companions surrounding him (saw). Their moral character, spirituality, knowledge. If you read through the reports of what they said and the stances they took that should be enough to convince a person of their merit.

The Shia believe that the Prophet (saw) appointed Imam Ali (as) due to many authentic traditions as well as a rational position that the Prophet (saw) would not leave the Muslim community without a leader after his death, especially with the tumultuous circumstances leading up to his death.

May you always be successful.

Conversion to Islam . Sunni-Shi'a

As a new Muslim, what should I consider when deciding to choose between Shi'a and Sunni?

Authenticity is the main criteria.

1. You have come to Islam (By the Grace of Allah) because it is the most authentic religion conveying the message from God Almighty to all human beings.

2. You believe now in Quran being the most authentic, unchanged text from Good.

3. You need to follow the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his Progeny) to understand and follow the real message of Islam.

4. There are different narrations claimed to be from the Prophet(SAWA) and these different narrations are the reason of different sects among Muslims, and you need to follow the most authentic narrations.

5. No one among Muslim Ummah is more authentic and more knowledgeable about Quran and Real Sunnah than Ahlul Bat (AS). Following Ahlul Bayt (AS) means following the Original Islam which was preached and practiced by the Prophet (SAWA) before the formation of the Sunni sects (the earliest Sunni sect which is existing today is Hanafi sect of Abu Hanifa who was born seven decades after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). None of the leaders of Sunni sects ever met the Prophet (SAWA) while Ahlul Bayt (AS) where living with the Prophet (SAWA) day and night and knew from him each and every fact about Quran and Sunnah.

6. If you search for the most authentic teachings of Islam The Original, you will never find it but only with Ahlul Bayt (The Holy Progeny of The Prophet (SAWA).

7. With due resect to all Muslim sects as all of the followers of Islamic sects are Muslims like us, but the Pure, Unchanged , Most authentic teachings of he Prophet (SAWA) are with his own Holy Progeny Ahlul Bayt (AS).

8. Any one who tells you something different is invited to open debate supported by evidence from Shia and Sunni books.

9. We will prove from Sunni main books that following Ahlul Bayt (AS) has been the order Allah and the Prophet to all Muslims.

10. If someone tells you to follow the numerical majority of Muslims, you should tell them that Quran never praised the numerical majority but the followers of The Truth even if they are in minority in numbers. Today, the majority of human population is Nin Muslims and Muslims are in minority but does not mean that Islam is wrong.

11. Allah (SWT) says in Quran (If you obey the majority of people of the earth, they will misguide you away from the way of Allah. (Sura Al-An'aam, Verse 116).

12. Please do not hesitate to ask or reflect any question from you or those who talk to you in this regard. May Allah (SWT) guide you and keep you always on the Right Path of he Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (AS).

Wassalam.

57394

Conversion to Islam . Education

As a recent 27 year old revert to Islam, am I too old to attend a Muslim college to learn more about the religion? Or are there any online courses available to me?

You are not too old; as the hadith says, "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." Besides, many Islamic scholars started their education later.

There are physical colleges that you can attend and also there are a number of online courses; you can explore them to see what fits your needs.

Some suggestions to start your search are:

* The Islamic College in the UK (islamic-college.ac.uk)
* Al-Mahdi Institute in the UK
* Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary in Chicago
* AlQaem institute
* Online ShiaStudies (onlineshiastudies.com)
* Al-Mustafa Open University in Iran (https://www.onlinestudies.com/universities/Iran/Al-Mustafa-Open-University/)

This is a very partial list. If you talk to people around you or search online you can find different programs in specific countries and see what is suitable for you, your situation, and your interests.

Best wishes with your studies!

57409

Irfan . Western Society . Conversion to Islam

I am a new convert to Shia Islam living in the West and learning practical Irfan. How do I find a Shia guide who can help on this journey that I believe is important and brings you much closer to Allah?

The way to Allah is open to every sincere believer who really wants it and strives to be in it.

Those who strive for our sake, We will definitely guide them to Our ways.
(Sura 29, Verse 69).

It is good to have a sincere and able teacher to guide and help, but it is not the only way to be in the way of Allah. Even a person who lives alone in an isolated island can seek nearness to Allah through reciting Quran, Prophetic and Ahlul Bayt sayings, Nahjul Balagha, and Saheefa Sajjadia .

Finding a suitable teacher depends on where you live.

You can seek help from authentic scholars in the Hawza in Najaf or Qum to suggest a teacher in your area.

Wassalam.

55178

Forgiveness . Conversion to Islam

I converted 14 years ago when I was 16. I have a lot of tattoos and I had a child with my husband before we got married. I started to follow Islam properly this year and I am concerned for the implications of my actions. Can Allah forgive me?

Bismihi ta'ala

It is not forbidden per se to have tattoos, and therefore you have not committed a sin. In our Shi'a jurisprudence having a tattoo is something reprehended (makruh).

You are not only blessed with following Islam, but also blessed with following a path that is founded on mercy and compassion. Almighty God forgives sins and wrongdoings, and in addition to forgiving He also wipes our slate clean. When you reverted to Islam, it was like you are a newborn, free of any sin, with no past. And you will continue to have such opportunities, as long as you stay enlightened in spiritual progress and work on your self to become a better person. Ultimately, this is the goal that all of us anticipate and want.

With prayers for your success.

51322

Conversion to Islam . Islam . Shi'a . Marja' . Taqlid

As an American revert to Shi'a Islam how do I go about deciding on a Marja' to follow in Taqleed?

Bismihi ta'ala

The concept of taqleed is indeed something important to look into, and although it sounds complex it is pretty straight forward.

1. Read about this topic from reliable sources, and educate yourself about the basics of taqleed.

2. Consult with a reputable qualified scholar about the selecting of a Marja'.

3. It should not take more than a few minutes for you to make the intention and follow the correct criteria for following a Marja' taqleed.

4. Do not complicate things by politicising your choice, or being influenced by hearsay, or looking for an "easy" Marja'.

5. Stick with mainstream, and do not be diverted to other ways.

Wassalam