Welcome & Identity
We, as members of the Ithna ‘Ashari (12 Imami) Shi‘a Muslim community, begin by praising Allah (SWT)—the Benevolent and Merciful Creator and Sustainer of the universe—for His inconceivable and incomprehensible attributes. We are grateful for His countless bounties, the crown of which is Divine Guidance.
Before proceeding, it is helpful to clarify that while many names for God exist in various traditions, the word “Allah” is distinct. It avoids confusion (God vs. god; God vs. goddess) and refers specifically to the One, All-Powerful, and Universal Lord—beyond culture, language, or region.
A Time of Great Confusion—and Great Opportunity
We welcome your interest in the authentic teachings of Islam, especially in this age when, on one hand, Muslims are among the most peaceful and patriotic citizens of the countries in which they live, and on the other, so-called “Muslims” have committed un-Islamic and heinous acts falsely in the name of Islam.
It is precisely in such a time that sincere people begin to ask: Where is the Islam that uplifts the soul, protects human dignity, and speaks to the conscience?
Search for Peace of Mind
The lack of a clear understanding of the purpose of life lies at the root of human despair, spiritual emptiness, and societal corruption. Islam offers simple yet profound solutions to even the most complex challenges, both personal and global.
Just as the uninterrupted supply of air and water ensures physical survival, Divine Guidance—in the form of sacred scriptures and appointed guides—is necessary for the nourishment of the soul, success in this life, and salvation in the next.
A Bird’s Eye View: Fundamentals of Faith and Practice
Islam emphasizes knowledge, reason, and sincerity—not blind imitation. The Qur’an affirms: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256). Belief must be rooted in understanding, not ancestry or pressure.
The Fundamental Principles of Faith (Eiman) are:
Tawheed – Oneness and uniqueness of God
Adalat – Divine justice
Ma‘ad – After-death realities and accountability
Nubuwwat – Prophethood of 124,000 prophets including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all)
Imamat – The 12 appointed successors of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
These are the roots of the tree of faith. Its branches include the Acts of Worship such as prayer, fasting, and the observance of events of celebration and commemoration.
Islam is not “Mohammedanism.” It is a universal and perpetual constitution for life—not tied to any one race, ethnicity, or place. The teachings of Islam are designed for all humanity, in all times.
The Manual for the Conscience
While every human being has an innate sense of right and wrong, it is Divine Guidance that acts as the manual for our moral compass—the light that helps the “eye” of our conscience see with clarity.
The responsibility of explaining and protecting this guidance was given to two sources:
The Qur’an
The Ahlul Bayt (A) – the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his daughter Fatima (A), and his twelve appointed successors, from Imam Ali (A) to the living Imam Mahdi (AJ)
These guides were granted divine knowledge (‘Ilm Ladunni) and infallibility (Isma) as per Qur’an 33:33. They endured immense trials to preserve the authentic message of Islam, standing firm against the corruption of hypocrites and tyrants.
Imam Husain (A): The Stand That Saved Islam
In 61 A.H., on the plains of Karbala, Imam Husain (A)—grandson of the Prophet—sacrificed everything to expose and stop the hijacking of Islam by the tyrant Yazid. His sacrifice preserved the legacy of truth and justice brought by all prophets.
Charles Gibson, in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, observed:
“Abu Sufyan’s opposition to Islam was fierce and relentless. His conversion was reluctant and tardy. His remaining a Muslim was convenient and opportunistic.”
This described the mindset of Yazid’s grandfather and of others who sought to undermine Islam from within. They promoted fabricated ahadith, distorted the Qur’an’s meanings, and diverted leadership away from those divinely appointed.
Divine Guidance Made Easy
The first chapter of the Qur’an, Surah al-Fatiha, offers a summary of this entire message. It teaches us to follow An‘amta ‘Alayhim—those upon whom Allah has bestowed His guidance—and warns against following the misguided (Dhaalleen) or those under divine wrath (Maqdhoob).
The Salawat, recited in every Muslim’s daily prayer, is a reminder of the centrality of the Ahlul Bayt (A)—Muhammad wa Aale Muhammad. It is a Divine command to love, know, and obey them, and to seek our spiritual clarity through them.
In Closing
This is the path of Divine Guidance: rooted in knowledge, sustained by justice, and lived through the light of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). We hope you will walk this path with us—reflectively, respectfully, and with purpose.
Let the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) be your compass in an age of confusion.