The Fortress of Heart
When Ma’mun the Abbasid Caliph called upon Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Reza (PBUH) to migrate from Medina to the city of Marv in the land of Persia, people gathered in the city of Nishapur to see the descent of the
When Ma’mun the Abbasid Caliph called upon Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Reza (PBUH) to migrate from Medina to the city of Marv in the land of Persia, people gathered in the city of Nishapur to see the descent of the
An Imam has various characteristics (1), among which the most important of them is the guidance of people. In addition to the apparent guidance the Imam has for the people, he has a specific kind of guidance and spiritual pull,
Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr, similar to many other people, kept on praying for a need, but his prayers seemed to never be answered. Slowly he was beginning to doubt the mercifulness of Allah (SWT). The feelings of anxiety
Imam Reza (PBUH) says in a narration: “An hour of thinking is worth more than a year of worship.” He was asked about the meaning of this narration. Imam replied: “When you see ruined and abandoned homes you might ask
Sometimes, in the ups and downs of our daily lives, we forget important matters. Or in some other instances, some advantages and blessings of Allah (SWT) are taken for granted so that we hardly think about them, and we start
Sometimes, in the ups and downs of our daily lives, we forget important matters. Or in some other instances, some advantages and blessings of Allah (SWT) are taken for granted so that we hardly think about them, and we start
According to Islamic thought, value is based on deeds. This is the person who builds up his/her own character. Every person is judged, gains superiority, and reaches salvation based on his/her deeds and actions. No one can rely on his/her
Imam Kadhim (PBUH) took the leadership of Shia after the martyrdom of his honorable father in in year 148 and spent rest of his noble life in Madina and Baqdad. He was unique of his time and no one could
It might have happened for you too that when encountering a bad behavior we have started criticizing the person. Instead of confronting the individual, we can remind the unacceptable behavior and show distaste for that. In such a case there
and said, ‘May I sacrifice my life for you, how can one know the Imam?’ Abu Basir Narrates: I once visited Imam Kazem The Imam replied that there are a few characteristics to consider: 1. For one, the previous legitimate
Imam Sadiq (PBUH) was just martyred; however, due to the political situation at the time and fear over the life of the next Imam, he had introduced the Imam after him implicitly and indirectly. Therefore, there became a dispute among
Allah (SWT) has blessed His representatives with certain divine abilities. Belief of the people in their abilities was considered a sign that these special people have been believed to be truly representatives of Allah (SWT). However, there are some blessings
Recognizing the successor of Allah (SWT) on earth and seeking help from him in the ups and downs of life is one of the most essential foundations of Shiism in theory and practice. As such, throughout the history, Shiites have
Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (PBUH) says: “All people are blessed by Allah’s mercy as long as they treat each other kindly, interact trustworthily, and behave honestly and justly.” (1) One day, Harun al-Rashid – the Abbasid Caliph- asked some questions
Safwan ibn Yahya has narrated from Imam Kadhim (PBUH) that, ” Since Adam (PBUH) passed away until now, Allah (SWT) has never left the earth without His representative. This representative guides people to Allah (SWT), and is His argument on
Sometimes realities are greater than what we have imagined. So many times knowledge beyond those realities can open new doors on us. Wisdom is one of these matters. We are all aware with the definition of wisdom and we find
Practicing patience, particularly patience and endurance in the loss of a child or close relative is highly rewarded in the hereafter. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran: “…Only the patient will be paid back their reward in full without
After Imam Jaffar Sadigh (PBUH) began spreading science and virtue in Medina, the ninety-four year old Onwan Basri, attended the Imam’s sessions. In one of the sessions, following the Imam’s lecture on the nature of servitude, Basri narrates what the
Maintaining ties with one’s family and blood relatives (Selatu alRahem), can be done physically or through virtual communications. Obviously the closer the relatives, the more important the responsibility towards the maintenance of stronger ties. Communication, contact, and kindness towards one’s
“And they (those with reflection) join that which Allah has bidden to be joined and have fear of their Lord and fear evil reckoning (of the Day of Judgment)”. (The Holy Quran (13:21)) When we hear a nice, logical statement