Topic/Subject: Rituals & Practices
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Length: Quick Read (under 5min)
The Qur’an’s Parable of Gravity (13:14)
The Qur’an often explains profound realities through simple scenes from everyday life. In one striking parable, it draws attention to a familiar force that governs the physical world, using it to illustrate a timeless spiritual truth. It is a remarkable example of the Qur’an’s ability to teach through observation and reflection. Read more →
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Length: Quick Read (under 5min)
The Forgotten Command During Divorce (2:237)
The Qur’an’s verses on divorce are not only about rights and legal rulings. Hidden within them is a profound command to preserve gracious generosity (*faḍl*) even at the end of a marriage, reminding believers that true taqwā is often found in showing kindness beyond what justice requires. Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
Matam: A Cultural Practice or Religious Legislation?
Matam has become one of the most recognizable symbols of mourning Imam al-Ḥusayn (AS). But was it established by the Qur’an, the Prophet (SAW), or the Ahlul Bayt (AS) as an act of worship? Examining the evidence suggests a distinction between religious legislation and cultural expressions of grief. Read more →
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Length: Deep Dive (15-30min)
The True Status of Ziyārah (visitation) in the Teachings of the Ahlul Bayt
Many narrations attribute extraordinary rewards to ziyārah (visitation) of Imam al-Ḥusayn (AS), often surpassing those of Ḥajj and ʿUmrah. But do these reports withstand careful scrutiny? Examining the Qur’an, Sunnah, and authenticated statements of the Imams (AS) presents a very different understanding of the true place of ziyārah in Islam. Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
The Authenticity and Transmission of Ziyarat Ashura
Ziyārat ʿĀshūrā holds a central place in Twelver devotional practice, yet questions remain regarding its chain of transmission and historical origins. A careful examination of the available evidence, key transmitters, and scholarly assessments helps determine how reliably this famous text can be traced back to the Imams (AS). Read more →
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Length: Standard read (5-15min)
What is the status of Aliyyun Waliyullah in the Adhan?
The phrase “ʿAliyyun Walīyullāh” is widely recited today as a third testimony in the adhān, yet its origins remain a subject of debate. Examining the historical evidence, early Shia sources, and scholarly opinions raises important questions about when this practice emerged and whether it formed part of the original call to prayer. Read more →
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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 →