1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

114 Questions

Can someone with a history of being in special education and currently having schizophrenia become a Shia Muslim?
Amina Inloes

Yes. 

However, it is good to keep in mind that some religious practices that are very emotional, crowded, or energetic (such as visiting the holy sites on Arbaeen) which are fine for most people may be overstimulating and trigger mental health episodes in someone vulnerable, even if one hopes for blessings and healing through them at the same time, and they can also bring healing. Also, sometimes, mental health conditions are masked as excessive religiosity and piety which are then inadvertently encouraged by people around them.
So it is good to be thoughtful about what is most appropriate to do if there are special circumstances.

Of course this is not about converting specifically but just about being mindful of one's practices when there are special circumstances.

On the other hand, some mental health conditions push people to consider spiritual matters more deeply than they would have otherwise. 

May Allah grant them healing and inshallah also intercession of Ahl Al Bayt (a). 
How can I prevent yawning during prayers? I reverted 8 months ago and have been performing prayers regularly. My Muslim friend suggests it is Satan, and I agree, but I need a solution.
Rebecca Masterton

It may not be Shaytan. You would need some evidence of that. It may be because, when you pray, sometimes you suspend the actively thinking part of your mind. Your mind relaxes in some sense. If you feel a yawn coming try to slow down in your actions slightly, close your mouth, breathe slowly in through your nose and regulate your breathing before continuing.
I converted to Islam in 2021 but I have come to view Shia Islam as the correct. I have reached out to the nearest mosque and a couple other, but no one ever replies. Are Shi'ites leery of converts? Who can I talk to get me started on the correct path?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

First of all we congratulate you in knowing and discovering the real religion from Allah which is Islam. This is one the greatest bounties from Allah on us which we to always appreciate and thank Allah for it. Your faith in the real Islam of the Prophet (SAWS) and Ahlul Bayt (AS) does not need approval from anyone or any Masjid. No doubt Shia Islam welcomes any truth seeker and provides real answers to any question or inquiry. Please feel free to ask Shia scholars about any questions or issues you may have. There are many useful Shia websites including this website which contain many useful information.

Wassalaam
Can we perform Nikah ourselves without informing our families, considering they disapprove of our relationship due to my age? We both recently converted to Islam and want to marry, but fear my parents' disapproval.
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Muslim man is allowed to marrying a Muslim woman according to Shariah without the permission of his parents but virgin Muslim girl needs the permission of her father or paternal grandfather for her marriage.

In certain cases when permission is denied or rejected by the father for invalid reasons then she can go ahead with marriage to save herself from sin. 
If the girl with whom you want to marry had not been married before but she is sure that her father would refuse your proposal for invalid reason according to Islamic standards, then she can go ahead with the marriage. Wassalam.