L.I.F.E. 2016: Experiencing the Spiritual Influence of the Ahl al-Bayt
How do we know our prayers are accepted? In this guest editorial, David Coolidge reflects on insights gained into this question and more during the 2016 L.I.F.E. program.
“Treatise Clarifying the Creed of the Faithful” By al-Karājikī
Who is God? The following translation, from a treatise by the 5th-century Shīʿī scholar, Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī al-Karājikī, attempts to concisely explain Divine Unicity (tawḥīd), while discussing the basic creed of Shīʿī Islam.
The Virtues: Reflections on a Duʿāʾ by Imam al-Mahdi
In honor of ʿId al-aḍḥā, here is a reflection on a duʿāʾ by Imam al-Mahdi that enumerates many of the individual and social virtues we should all aspire to.
The Etiquettes of Commerce: An Excerpt from Tabsirat al-Mutaʿallimīn
How do we treat others equitably and fairly? This edited translation focuses on the virtues of transacting, on what it means to be a good buyer and seller of commodities and goods. Drawing from a classical legal text by ʿAllamah al-Ḥilli, it attempts to draw out the ethical from the legal, the akhlaq from the fiqh as it relates to commercial transactions.
Drawing Inspiration from Imam ʿAlī’s Life and Character (Part I): A...
This paper on Islamic virtues, examines some of the noble characteristics of Imam ʿAlī (ʿa). It is the first part of an edited transcript of a speech by Sayyid Sulayman Hassan, which focuses on why we need role models to understand and communicate divine mercy.
Gleanings from the Qurʾan: Sūrat al-Kawthar and Sūrat al-ʿAṣr
This summarized tafsīr intends to provide brief yet meaningful insights into certain chapters of the Holy Qur’an, namely Ṣurat al-Kawthar and Ṣurat al-ʿAṣr. Drawing from scholarly tafāsīr, it brings together various approaches to tafsīr to uncover the riches of the Word of God.
Sunan (Practices) of the Prophet and Ahl al-Bayt: Takbīrat al-Iḥrām
This article focuses on the practical, a mustaḥab act of mulitple takbīr s in the daily ritual prayer. The daily prayer is central to the spiritual life and practice of all Muslims. As such, it is encouraged for a Muslim to beautify his or her prayer with the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa).
Islam and War: Sayyid Sīstānī on the Ethics of Conflict
Reza Hemyari sat down with Sayyid Sulayman Hassan to discuss Sayyid Sīstānī's letter to the mobilization forces fighting ISIS.
A Review of Shahīd Muṭahharī’s Understanding Islamic Sciences
Naveed Ganjani provides a concise review of Shahīd Muṭahharī's text on the major disciplines studied in the Shiʿi scholastic tradition.
Notes on the Importance of Congregational Prayer
Congregational prayer is a source of both spiritual and social strength. Sakeb Ali illustrates this through quoting relevant passages from the Qurʾan and providing original translations of aḥādīth.
