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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

387 Questions

Why do Shias begin Ramadan a day later than Sunnis? What is the reasoning behind this difference? If someone lives in a predominantly Sunni community, is there any issue with starting Ramadan when they do?
Amina Inloes

There isn't a fixed difference between Sunnis and Shi'is for determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan. However, many Sunnis follow the announcement from Saudi Arabia for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, sometimes, Saudia Arabia announces the sighting of the moon at a time when it is astronomically impossible to see it. (One can verify this using astronomical software) 

Most Shi'is follow local moonsighting (or via a shared horizon; either via the naked eye, as per Ayatollah Sistani, or with the help of an optical aid, such as Ayatollah Khamene'i). Some Sunnis do this also. 

Where one is in the world also affects differences in determining the beginning of the month. (You can visit moonsighting.com to see graphs of where the moon is visible and when.)

Anyway it is fine to fast on the last day or days of the month of Sha'ban, but counting the days of the month of Ramadan is useful for observing laylat al-qadr.
Should my future children adhere to Sunni or Shia teachings since a Sunni boy wishes to marry me, although I identify as a Twelver Shia?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Your responsibility is to teach your children the real Islamic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and his Ahlul Bayt (AS) and bring them up as sincere followers of the Prophet and his Progeny (AS). If you have a reasonable possibility that this marriage might harm your faith and religious practice, you should then avoid it. You faith in Allah, the Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (AS) is more important your sentiments and emotions.

Wassalam.
What is the significance of the holy flag (علم پاک) in Shia Islam? Is raising it considered necessary? What are the guidelines regarding it, and why is it commonly raised in Shia households in Pakistan?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

The holy flag is to remind people about the flag of Imam Husain (AS) or the flag if Hazrat Abbas in Karbala. Ebro thing which remind us about Ahlul Bayt (AS) is significant and important in our life.

Wassalam.
As a Twelver Shia, is it permissible for me to marry a Sunni boy?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

If such marriage can harm your faith in Ahlul Bayt (AS) or proper religious practice, you should then avoid marrying this person.

Wassalam.