Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

277 Questions

In addition to the previous response, I would add that, from a faith-based perspective, it seems most important to forge an emotional connection with Allah and the Prophet (S), rather than the religion itself. In addition to the prescribed practices, some people find emotional connection through other expressions, such as Islamic art, nasheeds, or literature.

Being a large religion, there are varying ways that Islam is lived, historically and today. It is possible that what is immediately available to you live doesn't work well for you. For instance, I have found that many Sunni Islamic organizations in the United States tend towards a very dry practice of Islam (probably due to the influence of Salafism, as well as due to leaving behind traditions from varying countries and trying to "modernize" the faith), whereas, in many Muslim-majority countries, the practice seems richer. This is just my view. Sometimes, what is available to women in some places differs from what is available to men, and that may also have an effect (especially if women's gatherings are held privately, and one isn't invited).

In any case, some people do well with the more mystically-oriented practices in Islam, some people do better attending intellectual gatherings, some people greatly enjoy the legalistic side, some people like a strong community feeling, some people flourish with activism, and so forth.

Religious leadership is important too - which religious leaders we benefit from tends to be a very personal and individual thing.

Note that I wouldn't consider every group or religious leader that calls themself "Muslim" to be healthy or an authentic representation of what I believe to be the intent of Allah. There are healthy and unhealthy groups in any large religion. So it is always good to keep your eyes open with any religious group and use your good judgment.

However, with that in mind, you could explore what is available to find what best suits you and what you feel to be true and maybe you will find something that "clicks".

More understanding creates more connection with religion. We need to understand that our Creator, Allah, did not Create us with out guidance but Guided us to the proper way of life when He Sent religion to Make our life a real human life which is different from animal life. 

It is very useful to recite Quran, and Du'a especially Sahifa Sajjadia ( Supplication numer 20).

Wassalam.

Friday Prayer is very important in Shia Islam and it been performed in thousands of Shia Masjids all over the world. Shia Muslims don't join any Prayer which is been misused by wrong rulers as history has proven in many places where Friday Prayer was made to serve the wrong rulers.

'Our leading Maraaje' of Taqleed have issued verdicts about Friday Prayers. Many of them said it is compulsory to join Friday Prayers while other Maraaje; say the it Wajib Takhyeeri (optional compulsory) which means it is compulsory to join Friday Prayer or Dhuhr.

Wassalam.

If your father is a Sayyed, you will be a Sayyed as well. Your mother alone with out your father will not make you a Sayyed.

Wassalam.