Topic/Subject: Rituals & Practices
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Length: Research Study (30+ min)
Why Dua to ‘Other than Allah’ is forbidden across Ghayb (unseen)
The Qur’an repeatedly teaches believers to call upon Allah directly. But what happens when we ask someone who cannot see us, hear us, or respond to us through normal means? This question goes to the heart of why the Qur’an places such strong emphasis on directing prayer and supplication to Allah alone. Read more →
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Length: Research Study (30+ min)
Is Istighatha (invoking other than Allah) considered Shirk?
Many people call upon prophets, imams, or other righteous figures believing they can help bring them closer to Allah. The Qur’an, however, repeatedly calls believers to direct their prayers and requests to Allah alone. This raises an important question: does invoking others alongside Allah conflict with pure tawḥīd? Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
Dua to other than Allah? Tawassul or Istighathah?
Throughout history, people have called upon righteous individuals believing them to be a means of drawing closer to Allah. The Qur’an, however, draws a clear distinction between directing requests to Allah and directing them to created beings. Examining this distinction is essential to understanding tawassul, istighāthah, and the preservation of pure worship. Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
The Danger of Dreams: Marājiʿ Oppose Myth-Based Preaching on Shia Pulpits
Dreams are increasingly cited from Shia pulpits as evidence for beliefs, virtues, spiritual status, and even religious claims. Yet dreams remain personal experiences that cannot be verified or scrutinized. Elevating them beyond their proper place risks blurring the distinction between subjective experiences and the evidence-based foundations of religion. Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
But we don’t consider them Gods!
Many people invoke prophets, imams, saints, or other revered figures while maintaining they do not regard them as gods. The Qur’an, however, focuses not only on beliefs about a being’s status, but also on the acts of devotion directed toward it, raising important questions about the nature of worship and pure tawḥīd. Read more →