I saw the light of the message of Ahlul Bayt(a.s.) from a 15.000 kilometer distance.

I saw the light of the message of Ahlul Bayt(a.s.) from a 15.000 kilometer distance.

“Khalil Yarub Sahurie” is a Chilean citizen with Palestinian origin. Although he was born in Latin America and grew up in an orthodox Christian family, he’s family originally belongs to the most ancient inhabitants of Bethlehem. Khalil around 15 years ago oriented himself towards the religion of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and converted to Shiism. He, until now, it is maintaining himself occupied on he’s studies of Islamic Science in the Holy city of Qom, hopeful to become the first Chilean Shia Sheij. And this is he’s first interview in where he accounts the motivations that decided his conversion to Shiism and emigration for the cause of God:

ABNA: Honoring Islam and thanking you for accepting our invitation for this interview. Please introduce yourself:

Khalil: I am Khalil Sahurie, from Chile and I am 32 years old. My family is originally from Palestine, they are Orthodox Christians and were from one of the most ancient families of Bethlehem, members of the an-najajreh and al-farahiye clans that at the same time descend from the Arab Christian monophysite dynasty of the Ghassanids. They, in the battle of Jarmuk year 363 before Jesus (a.s.) fought along the Muslim armies against the Byzantines. Being this historical event one of the deciding factors in the victory and Islamization of the regions of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine.

My ancestors around one thousand five hundred years ago had residence in Bethlehem but of course during the time of the first world war and the second world war they immigrated to Chile.

ABNA: what are you keeping yourself busy now?

Khalil: Now, I am also keeping busy on Islamic science studies in the Holy city of Qom hopeful to become the first Chilean Shia Sheij, God willing.

ABNA: How was it that you became Muslim and Shia?

Khalil: I started studying the Bible when I was 10 years old and I kept busy studying that book for a period of time of two years. On that time I perceived some clear mistakes that my essence simply did not accept. For example, like the acceptance of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit, like a title given to a unique God.

ABNA: Why?

Khalil: Because I felt like God has to be unique, not three; I felt that God does not have the need of a son, and I also did not feel good about what Christians say about Maryam (a.s.) being the mother of God Almighty, even though I was a kid I could not accept this. Just like I said before, that my family, one thousand five hundred years ago lived in Bethlehem, meaning that right over there, where Jesus Christ (a.s.) was born, and it is for this reason that I had attachment to Jesus (a.s.). Therefore, I started to investigate until I found the original monotheism; but unfortunately I did not find this answer in the Bible. Until I found myself with the word “Paraclitus”, in the Gospel of John. The origin of this word is Greek. I asked for the meaning of this word to a priest, but he told me a simple-minded answer that in the end I could not accept not one word he was saying.

ABNA: Why is this word in the Bible in Greek?

Khalil: Because the original language of the Gospel is Aramaic, then it was translated from Aramaic to Hebrew than from Hebrew to Greek and finally to Latin. And even though this Gospel was translated from Greek to Latin, the word Paraclitus maintained to be mentioned in Greek.

I asked a person that was an erudite in the languages of, Greek, Arabic, Spanish and Latin, what does Paraclitus mean? What word is this? He, while was confirming to me that this word was especially in Greek, told me that the translation from Greek to Arabic was “Ahmad”, that in English means the most praised.

ABNA: So the Gospel was not originally in Hebrew?

Khalil: No! just like you formally know that the Christians have four Gospels, Lucas, Mathew, Marcus and John, these Gospels were also written seven hundred years after Christ. The original language of the Bible was also Aramic. Aramic it is more ancient than Hebrew, and Hebrew it is just as ancient as Greek is.

ABNA: Then you understood that the word Paraclitus was “Ahmad”, meaning that is the name of the Prophet of Islam. But why did that priest not give you a correct answer?

Khalil: Some of the priests are oppressors. For example they do not have relations with the poor, in circumstances that Jesus (a.s.) was not like this. Meanwhile, at that time – meaning during the rule of “Pinochet” – it was like we lived in prison. He was a dictator and a Taghut. We could not investigate the truth. But my heart was very thirsty, thirsty for freedom and truth. For example on that time it was forbidden to study philosophy, even having different religions was forbidden and the investigation for your rights was very dangerous. I saw that some of the priests, commercialized with the religion. And it was on these hard times that I thought that I could find in the Bible the water for my thirst.

ABNA: So this means that you again started your studies on the Bible?

Khalil: Yes. This time I encountered myself with another important and interesting theme. I read in the Bible that three men, among the biggest men of Persia went to Bethlehem to congratulate the nativity of Christ. I asked myself, those men where not Jewish, then, to what religion do they belong to? They said that they were fire worshipers, being fire worshipers is not a religion, it is to be pagan. And I told myself, then why did they accept Christ? Christ that was sent to this earth on behalf of God. I excursion on the libraries and understood that they were Zoroastrians, and I saw that in the time of Christ the Zoroastrians were more pure on their faith than the Jewish, and also because it was impressive for me to see that they went from such a long way to congratulate and honor the birth of Christ. And I also here discovered another lie of the priests. After getting to know Zoroastrianism I also became familiar with, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Protestantism. Out of all of them I had more closeness with Zoroastrianism. I felt that my heart was empty of affection for other religions, because the church altered the speeches and messages of Jesus (a.s.).

I had many meetings with Christian's teachers, but unfortunately the catholic brothers are far away from the truth. Either they would lie to me or they would give me incomplete answers regarding other subjects. Unfortunately I felt that this religion had gotten very far away from the real truth.

ABNA: Well, then what did you do?

Khalil: After, I studied books about philosophical movements for example the Marxist Philosophy, this philosophy, because it is materialistic it only speaks about realities of this world, and by being atheist it left out subjects like spirituality or what is beyond.

ABNA: Besides the Marxist philosophy did you study another philosophy?

Khalil: Yes. I also studied “Nietzsche”, I think that on the contrary of what people say, his ideas also suffered alteration and they were after used by the Nazis. But there is something important that I found in the work of Nietzsche, and it was a book by the name of “Thus spoke Zarathustra”,

Just like I said, I became familiar with this special key, therefore this time I dedicated myself to investigate more seriously, until the time came that this special key familiarized me with the knowledge of the old Persia. After that I understood that Iranians are now Shias and that also their leader was “Imam Khomeini.” I found interesting things about unity, justice, the other world, truth and bravery on he’s speeches, and I found great answers to my questions on the speeches of Imam Khomeini.

I remembered that I had seen the image of the Imam before, ate first I did not understand where I had seen his image, but little by little while I was thinking I remembered that around the 70s, the years of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, when I was little boy I had seen him on television. My grandfather also confirmed him to me and eulogized him.

ABNA: How?

Khalil: When he saw the face of the Imam on the television he said: “If only the Arab world had a leader like him” that sentence remained on my memory, the physiognomy of the Imam resulted very attractive to me and I found him to be very charismatic. He really reminded me of the revolutionary personality of Jesus (a.s.)

ABNA: I am very anxious, what did you do after that?

Khalil: After I spoke to one of my Palestinian friends, regarding Iran and the revolution, mainly because I wanted to understand what was the religion or the philosophy of the Imam. Then I understood that he’s religion was Islam.

ABNA: What was your conception about Islam?

Khalil: I thought that Islam was a new religion that was recently built, because they had explained to me that it was not a divine religion, on the contrary it was something that the Arabs had created.

When I was 17 years old I helped some Arab centers and we had regular meetings. On that time, in our city that is 300 kilometers away from the capital, towards the south of Chile, we did not have a mosque; around 16 years ago, I thank God that gave me the opportunity to meet a person on that center that was of Muslim origin, but himself was a catholic, and I got a Qur’an from this person in my own language, Spanish.

ABNA: The first time that you read the Qur’an, how was it?

Khalil: When I opened the Qur’an, a beautiful feeling established in my heart. The first Sura that I read, was Sura Yousef (a.s.), I was very surprised that Muslims also accepted Prophet Yousef (a.s.)! When I looked at the index of the Qur’an I also saw the Sura of Noah (a.s.), Abraham (a.s.) and Maryam (a.s.) and I got surprised even more. It was just right on that moment that I understood that Islam was not a newly built religion. God is unique and this book and religion, come from God the Exalted.

Because people say that Muslims have another God. When I reached Sura Maryam (a.s.) my heart opened, I consider it to be like the best news I have read in my life. I read the Qur’an everyday, when I read the Sura Hamd I was surprised again, and it was the same thing with Sura Ikhlas, very little, very brief but very strong, the strongest sentence that I found in the whole book, because in Sura Ikhlas from the beginning to the end gave answers to my heart, finally my heart was connected with the truth, I was very, very happy and able to share this happiness and discovery with a Palestinian friend that on that time directed this Cultural Arab Center, till now we have connection with each other and he is very happy that I am in Iran, he helped me to get to the mosque that is located in the capital of Chile, this mosque belongs to the Sunnis.

ABNA: Besides the mosque, did you visit other places?

Khalil: Yes, I was in contact with the Iranian embassy, the person that worked at the cultural section on the embassy, brother Seied Rassoul Bashiri was very kind, and dedicated some of his time to me, and became important to me because even though I was a young man he still sent me a lot of information. He told me, I will send you books about Islam, Wilayat Faqih, and the Republic of Iran. He acted according to he’s responsibility and sent me an envelope with some material and photocopies, and I, through those materials and its sources, became familiar with shiism, with the personality of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei and with the country of Iran.

When I read one of the materials that came on that envelope, that spoke about the government of Iran I got really surprised that in the parliament there also existed chairs established by the constitution for the different religious minorities. On that moment I understood that democracy in matters like representing the minorities it is broken and incomplete, in comparison to the Islamic Republican System. I also understand that the Wilayat Faqih existed, until that moment I had only heard the western propaganda about democracy; that it was also a lie and it was totally far away from the reality!

I spoke with my Palestinian friend about different things like, how truth did not belong to just one individual or to a certain group; he told me that the revolution of Imam Khomeini was very important in history.

Palestine has not found a way for a solution because until now they ignore the “Revolution of love”; by revolution of love I mean the rise of Imam Hussein (a.s.)

With a reflection on the political and social matters of the world, I understood the sentence “Everyday is Ashura and all the earth is Karbala,” was a lesson; especially if we talk about Palestine.

Iranians are aware of the power of their government. You accomplish the rituals of your religion freely, without obstacles, because you count with the support of your government.

ABNA: What do you mean the Revolution of Imam Khomeini?

Khalil: Because in Chile, to refer to the Islamic Revolution of Iran they say the Revolution of Imam Khomeini.

ABNA: Then with what other subjects did you become familiar with?

Khalil: I became familiar Ashura of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and subjects like the great men that were involved in it. I was very happy on that time so happy that I burst into tears, but not sadness tears, but because of this sentence that says: “Everyday is Ashura and all the earth is Karbala”

ABNA: Why do you mean by “Everyday is Ashura and all the earth is Karbala?”

Khalil: Yes, I was rally pleased with this sentence, with a reflection on the political and social matters of the world I understood that this sentence was a lesson; especially if we talk about Palestine.

I asked myself, why Palestine until now has not found a road for the solution of its conflicts? And I gave myself the answer that this was because they are unaware of the revolution of love, namely, the rise of Imam Hussein (a.s.) in Karbala. I felt that all the humanity problems could be solved by the hand of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), but when I spoke to the Friday Imam of the Sunni mosque that I visited, about revolution, I felt that he got angry and uncomfortable.

ABNA: Why did he become angry?

Khalil: it was a very strange situation for me. He said: “The Shias are not Muslims, because they worship Ali, just like the Catholics worship Jesus, Shias worship the images of their Imams in the mosques.”

He also lied to me, just like the priests had lied to me before, deforming the truth. On that time, I was very young, but I was not a fool. On that mosque I also spoke to a Chilean new Muslim, he’s point of view was that the Shias were simply another group of Muslims. It was the year 1994, and on that time we did not count with a shia cultural center and even less with a religious authority of out Fiqh, so with not many alternatives I told this brother that I wanted to embrace Islam, so he friendly accepted to be my witness and because there were other Muslims on the mosque he considered to be a profitable moment so then I proceeded to realize my testification proclaiming: “There is no more divinity than God, and Muhammad its he’s servant and Messenger”

After that little by little I started to find more information about Iran, then I discovered that there was a Chilean shia that went to Argentine to study religion for a period of one year in their mosque. With lots of effort I found him and we had a very long meeting. One year after that I became familiar with a Ruhani from Lebanon, he gave me books in Spanish and also instructed me about Islam. From that time now 15 years have passed, and from those 15 years I waited 10 of them with a big love for Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and hope in God to be able to come to Iran to study Islam, and I am here Alhamdulillah.

ABNA: How did the members of your family come to an agreement with your conversion to shiism?

Khalil: My family said Khalil became crazy to be speaking those words. But I was hiding each time I did my ablution and my prayer. I read the Qur’an in Arabic and also memorized the last 10 Suras with a lot of difficulties because I had precarious means, like for example, a copy of the Qur’an on a cassette, and like this I would submit myself to the memorization of the word of God the Almighty, to be able to do my prayers the way they are supposed to be done.

ABNA: Did you face any problem?

Khalil: Yes, why not? I had problems with food because Christians eat everything but Muslims do not. People would bother me in the fasting month of Ramadan. To pray and even to say the Adhan and the Iqama I had a lot of difficulties.

ABNA: After some time, did your family change their mind?

Khalil: Yes, my little brother became Muslim and shia a year after I converted, and a few years later, also my mom converted. In the same way some of my friends also became Muslims and Shias because of my propagation.

ABNA: How about the family of your wife?

Khalil: The family of my wife with the help of God the Exalted and my propagation also became Muslims.

ABNA: Now that we are reaching the end of this interview. Do you have any message for the Muslims of the world?

Khalil: All the young Muslims, especially the Shias have to wake up from their slumber. I hope that they investigate and reflect about the western culture, before they blindly accept it. They should ask themselves a question, about the western culture, that is, What is this? And secondly ask themselves, Does this come from evil, or is it taking us towards God? Without asking themselves these questions I do not see possible that their hearts would receive any answers.

The Iranian brothers have to know that the power of their government comes from Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). You here, have easiness and freedom to accomplish your religious rituals. You can comfortably listen to the Adhan that comes from the minarets, morning after morning. With the realization of your religious rituals, neither your life, nor your wealth, nor your work, are put into danger. This is a very big blessing, for the Friday prayers you can go to your closest mosque and participate of an itinerary, but me, if I wanted to go to a Friday prayer I had to travel 300 kilometers to go and then 300 to come back, just to feel the unity of the nation of Islam.

I could see the light of the message of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and the light of the Imam Khomeini being in a far away place, being at 15.000 kilometers away from Iran. Thanks to God.

ABNA: I have enjoyed myself with this interview. I am very thankful that I was able to be here with you. If you have something else to say, please go ahead.

Khalil: I hope that God will give us the opportunity to see the Imam of the Era (a.y.) and not only see him, but to also be able to work on his cause. Insha’ Allah that God makes the aims of the Imam of the era is close to us, so that we can be successful and purify ourselves and clean our hearts. This is the best way to approach him.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&p=4&id=135434

I perceived the aggrievement of Ali; and became Shia

He was Shia; killed by Zionist Jews and boycotted by Muslims!

So, who is Right? Is Shahdah wrong or right? If he is right, what about those who killed him? Can the claimants of Jihad against infidelity and occupation, be considered right; while they boycotted him and he was a martyred of Islam?

We know one who achieves a high stage like martyrdom in the way of Allah, is in fact the beloved of Allah, Rasoolullah (PUBH) and the Household of Rasoolullah (PUBH), therefore those who killed him and supported the Zionist executioners, can not be on the right path.

Any way he was the Palestinian Shia Mujahid Martyred Mohammad Shahadah, who says; “Ali’s aggrievement linked me to Shia path of life.

He was 45 when martyred. He was primarily a member of al-Fatah Palestinian movement, then joined the al-Jihad al-Islami Movement and shortly categorized among senior officials of al-Aqsa Brigades, the military branch of al-Jihad movement. In mid March 2008, he was attacked by the occupying Zionist forces in Bait Lahm city of West Bank and martyred together with three other al-Jihad commanders including “Isa al-Marzooq”, “Imad al-Kamil” and “Ahmad al-Bolbool”.

“My father had become Shia” Shadah’s elder son 19 year old ‘Shahadah Shahadah’ announced after his martyrdom. I went and chosen it.

He urged; “My father was determined not to surrender, thereupon he chosed the way of martyrdom as like as Imam Hussein (a.s), who combated in Karbala and embraced martyrdom”.

This is a fact that Shahadah’s conversion to Shia path caused him to be aggrieved. Not only the Zionists who had targeted him during a terrorist attack, but the non Shia media boycotted the coverage of his martyrdom report and launched a toxic propaganda move against him while he had murdered by the enemies of Islam and Arab and had devoted himself for the cause of al-Aqsa freedom.

A Sunni magazine “al-Majallah” had usually been annoying him in his life; banned his martyrdom’s reports and joined the propaganda move against this hero of Islamic World. Hamas related Newspapers, magazines and Publications and al-Azhar’s prominent figures aimed him with their bitter language and tried to depreciate his martyrdom, appreciated by Allah in Quran! Thus Mohammad Shahadah faced a cruel face of so-called liberal media of Arab and non Arab Muslim world. In Muslim world all the news and reports related to slacker mountaineers, who have hijacked the Islamic world and launched bloodbaths in the Islamic world; enjoy full coverage in all kinds of print and electronic media for their terror and horrendous events; abstained from coverage of Shahadah’s martyrdom reports.

Here we intend to invite you to a dialogue taken place between a representative of “al-Manbar” magazine and Martyred Shahdah;-

AL-MANBAR: where are you Sir! We were getting disappointed from having the honor to meet you?

AL-SHAHADAH: This is surprising for me that a Shia magazine has this much thirst for my interview! While my concept was that only the magazines like “al-Majallah” were pursuing coverage of this kind of events; that is why I prefer to keep myself away from media. Now I thank Allah, who has bestowed me an opportunity to frankly speak about my achievement and answer the question “why I have converted?”

AL-MANBAR: Thanks for your kindness; please let me know why did you leave Sunni school of thought and how did you join the Shia way of Islam?

AL-SHAHADAH: I would like to say that although I was unaware about Ahl al-Bayt (The Holy Household of the Prophet of Islam (PUBH)) and I have been unwitting about these great personalities just because I was Sunni but in my childhood I loved Ahl al-Bayt (a.s) while I had very limited information about them. In childhood I did know that Ali (a.s) was the Fourth caliph of Muslim Ummah; Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain were two childern and the Holy Prophet (PUBH) loved them very much; and Hazrat Fatimah (s.a) was the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). My knowledge was just this much. Concurrent with inclemency of occupation of our holy land, the apperception of aggrievement increased and rooted in my mind and general life. Let me say that unawareness about Shiite was the main cause I remained Sunni for such a long time.

AL-MANBAR: You mentioned the Mazlomiah (aggrievement); the question is, “how did this sense strengthen in your feelings?

AL-SHAHADAH: I started struggling for freedom when I was just 16 years old and joined the al-Fath movement ( of Yasir Arafat). In Eighties I was arrested and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment, but in 1985 during exchange of prisoners I got freed. After a time, I was arrested by the Zionists due to my tendency to Jihad al-Islami and jailed for several years without trail. After release I properly joined Jihad al-Islami Movement and during the 1992 Intefadha, Zionist exiled me to Maraj ul-Zahoor in Lebanon. In this period I knew that Ali (a.s) was really aggrievemed and oppressed. So the roots of aggrievement conception deepened more and more. From the other hand the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, was the ardor to rise against the cruel and overcome the oppressors prevailed me. That is why I started studying the revolution and its notional foundations based on conformity of Prophet Mohammad’s Family (Ahl al-Bayt) (a.s). I continued my studies until the end of my exile in Maraj al- Zahoor. During my stay over there, I have been continuously participating in “al-Fikr al-Islami” sessions of Hizbullah in the camp and improved my knowledge.

AL-MANBAR: What did you feel when you discovered the righteousness and aggrievement of this Shiite?

AL-SHAHADAH: I was like a thirsty person on that moment, who finds a fountain of cold and limpid water. From one side I was extremely excited and happy because I had directly linked to Prophet Mohammad’s Way of life (Sirat al-Tayyebah), and was deeply sad because I faced the question; “why the Ayemmah’s teachings and commandments do not pay a role in our life?” The incident of Ashurah, which is the symbol of this aggrievement, had also inspired me deeply.

AL-MANBAR: When did you decide to enter the Shiite of Ahl al-Abyt (a.s)?

AL-SHAHADAH: After studying Shiite and research in other accordant and dissident tendencies for several years I got full awareness about all schools of thought and then decided to adorn my head with the diadem of Shiite.

AL-MANBAR: Which books did you get help from?

AL-SHAHADAH: I studies lot of books and after comparing Shia and Sunni books I comprehended that Sunni books are logically inconsistent; historically unstable as well as inappropriate with scientific realities. Contrarily the Shia books were much closer to the human wisdom. Accordingly I ever been facing the question that “why we should accept the impolitic methods of Iman and Islam created in specific situation; under the specific conditions by the specific people, those who considered the History and the Fiqh (Jurisprudence) through a specific angle?

Some shia books have specially attracted me, include the following:

- Shia in History

- Shia and the rulers

- Imam Sadiq and the Four Religions

- Al-Kaafi

- Books, authored by a converted Egyptian Shia Scholar “Dr. Salih al- Wardani

- Books, authored by a converted Tunisian Shia scholar “Dr. Mohammad al-Samavi al-Tijani”. And

- A book namely “Nahj al-Shahadat al-Imam al-Hussain (a.s).

These were very few books I studied. Beside these books I referred tens cross references from Shia and Sunni schools and this struggle helped me to find out the right path.

AL-MANBAR: Al-Majallah Magazine has tried to prove your consent of Shiite, is in fact a political act based on defeat being felt in Sunnites, while the Shia society enjoyed a prompt victory in southern part of Lebanon. Therefore Al-Majallah has drawn a conclusion that your ideological move was not really based on ideological esteem; what us your opinion in this regard?

AL-SHAHADAH: The above magazine is fully wrong and it’s Eitorial’s Foreword is the evident, where it has alarmed the Ummah of an allaged jeopardy of “Conversion to Shia Religion”. The editorial warns the Ummah’s Ulema and scholars in this regard. This is actually the source of wonder for me that how they provoke this kind of matters while the Resistance Movement has gained victory and the Intefadha has outspreaded? If I would know the intentions of this magazine I would think more before affirmation my statements. This is true that they did not distort my opinions but they misread my conversion to Shia way of Islam and considered it as defeatism, in their commentaries and interviews, published there under. While they were absolutely wrong. yet the said Saudi magazine follows Salafism and Wahabi point of view. Let me say with full satisfaction that all they wrote about my conversion to Shia way is incorrect. I have ideologically entered the Shia religion and was not a carpetbag at all. It was befitting for them to firstly honor their readers and then the person is interviewed. I emphasize once again that my hijrah (Migration) to Shiite, is absolutely disaffiliated with political conditions. Although I felt pleasure when the Islamic Resistance Movement gain prompt victories obviously come off due to Hezbollah’s struggle, as any other Muslim individual may feel; but it does not mean that these victories had motivated me to become Shia. As I mentioned before that my decision was the result of full inner satisfaction and none of the said assumptions has played a role in my conversion, because I had completed my ideological research several years before the Hezbollah’s victory. Shia path is the path of truth and righteousness; I have chosen this path and I will remain moving on this path Insha’Allah.

AL-MANBAR: Did you apprehension when you read your interview with that magazine, and knew that they had denigrated your conversion to Shia way of Islam?

AL-SHAHADAH: When they requested for interview, I agreeably accepted their request regardless the opinion of some friends who had advised me to refuse Al-Majallah’s request; because according to their point of view the Sunni atmosphere – in addition to the current sensitive conditions – might pollute the matter but I believed that “this Truth, remained reserved for centuries” should be revealed and it’s voice should reach to the people around. Meanwhile I wish and all the Muslims may abstain from bigotry and dogmatism and assure a peaceful co-existence.

AL-MANBAR: Do you have any organizational and official relation with Iran or Hezbollah?

AL-SHAHADAH: No and never. I do not have any type of organizational or official relation with Iran including its intelligence institutions and the Hezbollah in Lebanon. But a naturally, the cultural and Intellectual consultation is going on as continuity of my faith, idealogy and thoughts; which does not mean the official relations at all.

AL-MANBAR: Sheikh of al- Azhar “Sheikh Tantavi” believes that the upstream of Shiite is a Jewish “Abdullah bin Saba”, how would you counter his claim?

AL-SHAHADAH: Primarily I would offer my wholeheartedly compliments to Sheikh Tantawi and I implore Allah to guide all of us and assign us among the servants of Islam and then I would ask Sheikh al-Azhar to speak clearly. He has spoken in first part of his speech about brotherly relations but at the end he has expressed that Shiite has been created by Jewish Abdullah bin Saba; while wisdom and reasonability can not recognize contradictory statements. I ask Mr. Tantavi; “can Shia be a brother of Sunni while created by Jews? I should say that after lengthy research and study I discovered that Abdullah bin Saba is a mythical role of an ideational tale. This tale has just been quoted by Tarikh al-Tabari and other shaky sources.

AL-MANBAR: What is your opinion about Head of the “Al-Azhar Ulema Front” who has assailed you and Shia Islam with unprecedentedly tough terminology? I would say «اللهم اهد قومي فانهم لايعلمون» Oh Allah! Guide my people; they do not know. Actually he has amazed me calmly assuming the responsibility of excommunication of tens of millions Believers. He has alleged me and expressed: “unawareness of Shahadah about Shia has resulted in his conversion”, while I categorically deny this statement. I urge that I was sunny because of my ignorance about Shia and eventually when my ignorance came to the end, I declared myself Shia.

AL-MANBAR: Does the Future of Palestine depend upon Shia?

AL-SHAHADAH: The path of Ahl ul-Bayt will long live in Palestine as it has survived here. I and my other brothers will also struggle to extent our beliefs. I ask Allah to expend our faith and I hope the way may be paved for appearance (Zohour) of Mahdi of Mohammad’s Family.

AL-MANBAR: Let our readers know, what is your activity after joining the Shia Path?

AL-SHAHADAH: All of my activities are not pronounceable. However I participate in festivals and different gatherings and deliver speeches. Thousands of the people participate in these festivals. During my lectures and I urge on the personalities and the procedural attitudes (biography) of Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s) which is factually playing effective role in changing society’s view about Holy Prophet’s Household, to recognize the excellence of the Household’s Dignitaries and to follow them and the divine victory may substantiate Insha’Allah. For example, in a festival, on the occasion of Hezbollah’s victory, my speech about Imam Hussein (a.s) resulted in a dissatisfactory reaction of Hamas’s orators. Thereafter they published an article titled as “Did the Islamic Jihad commenced with expansion of Shiite in Palestine?”, and they Presumed my words about Imam Hussein (a.s) as a plan of the Islamic Jihad’s leaders to promulgate Shia thoughts in Palestine! Therefore I should urge once again that the Jihad’s leaders did not play a role in my conversion and I never take any action on behalf of them, while I cooperate them in some common matters, but the foresaid article tried to put me in a critical position affront of the Jihad’s Leaders. But this is worth mention that the leadership is more longsighted and wise than what they conceive.

AL-MANBAR: Do you still face debates, argumentation and interviews about your conversion?

AL-SHAHADAH: Yes of course, I face lot of debates and argumentations everyday and by the grace of Almighty these discussions are very helpful in making the social atmosphere transpired regarding the Shiite. You can not believe the level of public ignorance about the Holy Household. Most of our people can not yet differentiate al-Tashayo (Shiite) and Al-Shoyoiyah (the Communism), because of verbal similarity!!

AL-MANBAR: What is your Message for the Muslim world?

AL-SHAHADAH: I advise all the Freeborn of the planet earth especially the Muslims regardless their sects and schools, to get Exemplar from Imam Hussein and his revolution against cruelty and oppression, and revolt against aggression and cruelty of Big Satan (Shaytan-e Bozorg) i.e. the US as well as the cancer gland (i.e. the) Israel which has been planted by(euorpeans and) the USA in our motherland and do not sit quite and silent. I hope not to be the last who calls; “then I was guided”.

AL-MANBAR: Would you like to say something to your Imam of the Age (Imam al-Asr)?

AL-SHAHADAH: All the benediction of our activities base on Imam’s prosperous effects. I beg him to guide our struggle effective in paving the way for his Appearance (Zohour) and his victory as well as the preparedness of the world for his global revolution … Insha’Allah. I say . «يا مهدي ادركنا الآن» (Oh Mahdi reach Now and help Us).

Al- Manbar: Thank you Mohammad Shahadah for the opportunity you provided us. We wish you and other Palestanian Mujahedin a sooner victory. Shahadah: May Allah give you blessing and goodness. I would like to thank you for your effort for lighting up the facts and wish you grace to serve the Holy Household (Ahl ul-Bayt).

(Taken from Abna.ir)

Who is a Shia

Shi'a refers to the lovers of 'Ali, and came about in 37 Hijri

The highly respected Sunni scholar Al Muhaddith Shah 'Abd al-'Aziz Dehlavi in his discussion of Hadeeth relating to Ali and his Shi'a writes:

"The title Shi'a was first given to those Muhajireen and Ansar who gave allegiance (bay'ah) to Ali (may Allah enlighten his face). They were his steadfast faithful followers during his (Ali's) caliphate. They remained close to him, they always fought his enemies, and kept on following Ali's commands and prohibitions. The true Shi'a are these who came in 37 Hijri"
 Tuhfa Ithna Ashari (Urdu) page 27, published in Karachi

Note: 37 Hijri -the year Imam Ali (as) fought Mu'awiya at Sifeen.

The reference proves that the term 'Ahl 'ul Sunnah wa al Jamaah' was conceived later, after 37 Hijri. Although we believe that the title Shi'a goes back before this date, as this book is a 'revered anti Shi'a masterpiece', we will gladly accept this definition. Dehlavi states that the first Shi'a were the Muhajirun and Ansar, in other words they were the Prophet (s)'s Sahaba who sided with Ali (as) against Mu'awiya.

Now let us break down that definition in to point form. The Shi'a were those who:
Pledged their allegiance to Ali (as)
Remained close to him
Followed his orders
Fought his enemies

Alhamdullillah that is exactly the same definition of the Shi'a today. All the above attributes of the Shi'a then, are still inherent in the Shi'a today. When the Sahaba were Shi'a then this Nasibi author should have been ashamed for proving Shi'as misguided Kaafirs through Verses. By doing this, this Nasibi author has attacked the Sahaba he venerates; after all if the term Shi'a from Qur'an refers to negative terms such as 'adherents of Pharaoh, rebels, polytheists and Hell Bound', did the Shi'a Sahaba possess all of these attributes? Clearly an author from a site that professes undying love for the Sahaba should have some shame. The Nasibi has unwittingly heaped Kufr Fatwas on thousands of Prophetic companions!

Imamate- The Twelve Imams

Hadith on twelve Imams.

In Muntantakhab al-Atsar, there are 271 hadith on this matter and many of it come from the Sunnis. For example, in Shahih Bukhari, the famous Sunni book, stated that from Jabir ibn Samurah, he heard that Prophet Muhammad Saww. once said: " There will be 12 imams after me." Prophet Muhammad Saww. also said: " They all come from the tribe of Quraish." (Shahih Bukhari : chapter 9 and al-Maqdam : page 1000)

In Musnad Ahmad, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud once asked Prophet Saww. about his imams. The Prophet Saww. said : "They all are 12 people like 12 Israeli tribe". ( Musnad Ahmad : chapter 1, page 398)

The Lover of Ahlul Bayt

Ahlul Bayt is a term that signifies the pure descendant of the Holy Prophet of Islam and the Last Messenger, Muhammad s.a.w.a. But the interpretation of the infallibility of Ahlul Bayt is still debated by the two main sect, Sunni and Shiite. For the follower of Shiite Islam, Ahlul Bayt is free from any sins and hold the secret knowledge of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.a. The Sunni sect on other way, stated that Ahlul Bayt is not free from any sins and Imamate don't delong to them alone.

The difference don't only belong to the merits, the difference can be traced to the definition of who is the People of Holy household by the two main sect. In Sunni Islam, Muhammad's household includes his wives, his daughter (Fatimah), her three children, as well as his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. The Shi'a definition of the phrase includes only Fatimah, Ali, Hasan and Husayn (known collectively as the Ahl al-Kisa, "people of the mantle") and the Imams, descendants of Fatimah who they consider to be divinely chosen leaders of the Muslim community.

The Lover of Ahlul Bayt is the one who practice salawat daily and follow the teachings of Ahlul Bayt without any doubt and with certitude. They don't care if they are being threaten by death for their love because they know the essence of this love is pain and sufferation as what is being suffered by their Imams.

The Verse of Purity (Ayat Al-Tathir): "... Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying." Noble Qur'an (33:33)

It is narrated from Umm al-Momineen, Umm Salamah that once Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was in her house lying on a mattress, covered with a cloak from Khaibar when his beloved daughter Fatima Zahra (pbuh) entered with a dish called al-Khazira (a kind of food). Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked her to call her husband, Imam Ali and her two sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain. Fatima Zahra (pbuh) called them and as they all sat together to eat, Allah revealed the following verse of purity (Ayat Al-Tathir) to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). "... Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying." Noble Qur'an (33:33)

Prophet Muhammad - may Allah bestow peace and benedictions upon him and his pure Progeny - said: "Verily, I am leaving behind two precious things (thaqalayn) among you: the Book of Allah and my kindred (itrah), my household Ahlul Bayt (Ahl al-Bayt), for indeed, the two will never separate until they come back to me by the Pond (of alKawthar on the Day of Judgement)." [Hadith-e-Saqlain]

Istikhara

Types of Istikhara

For every task that you undertake, you should seek Allah (S.w.T.)’s support and pray for good end to your efforts. Whatever the end result, remain consigned to Allah (S.w.T.)’s wish.

After seeking Allah (S.w.T.)’s support, rivet your attention to your heart and act according to the signal you get from there.

After seeking Allah (S.w.T.)’s support, consult some sagacious Mu’min and act on the matter according to his advice.

Do Istikhara through the Qur’an, the rosary, through chits or marble like balls.

The Allama says that, “In several traditions there is a pointer towards the first type of Istikhara. Several other scholars, like Shaikh Mufīd, Allama Tūsi and Ibn Idrīs are hesitant about the fourth type of Istikhara. But, since there are traditions in support of all the four types of Istikhara, we cannot reject any of the four methods. Any way, the first three ways of doing the Istikhara are very appropriate, which in our times are almost defunct.”

Several youths came during their examination times and want a Istikhara to be done whether they stand a chance of passing the examination or not. In brief, we want to mention about the edict of Shari’ah in such matters. We request you to communicate these words to others in your circle that people better shun their wrong ways and do not pollute their faith with silly habits.

Clear Warnings about Istikhara

About Istikhara all schools agree that the Prophet (S) has advised that this should not be avoided for any small or big task.

Amir al-Mu’minīn (a.s.) says, “During my journey to Yemen, on which I went on the orders of the Prophet (S), besides other instructions, he said, ‘O ‘Ali! During this journey never forget to see the Istikhara at every stage.’ One who does Istikhara will never have troubles nor one who consults others will ever repent.”

Every Imam has exhorted his successor about the Istikhara as he has done about the recitation of the Qur’an.

This Istikhara about which so much has been said is not just seeing the odd and even of the beads of the rosary. But the purpose is to seek good from Allah (S.w.T.) (Talab al-khaira min Allah). In every task that you do, you must seek Allah (S.w.T.)’s help and pleasure!

There are several traditions about the method and prayer for Istikhara. One is that for routine works, one should say seven times, “Astakhair Allah berehmate khairat fi aafiah”.

For important matters like travel, business deals or surgeries repeat the same words a hundred and one times. If the words are said in a state of prostration, it would be better. And if the words are repeated in the prostration after a optional prayer, and better after the optional prayer following the mandatory morning prayer (Fajr).

In another tradition it is narrated from Imam Zayn al-’Abidin (a.s.) that the words of Istikhara should be repeated ten times for routine matters and two hundred times for important matters like journeys, Umrah etc.

People have been very strongly advised to seek help in their matters from Allah (S.w.T.) in a state of prostration. That is the time when one is nearest to Allah (S.w.T.). If men make this their habit and practice, and never divert from it, then all actions will be felicitous. If a person has any doubt about this, he should study in depth the methods for removing the doubts recorded in the pure Shari’ah.

Suggestions for Removing Doubts

The best suggestion is that which is in according to the Nass (categorical order) of the Qur’an, and that is not to take advise from any person other than one falling in the four following categories:

Wise, shrewd and far-sighted. It goes without saying that seeking suggestions from foolish persons will be futile.

One who is religious and pious. Seeking suggestions from a faithless and careless person is not desirable. When a person doesn’t care for Allah (S.w.T.), how one can expect that he would care for ordinary mortals?

One who is your friend and well-wisher. A person who is one’s adversary cannot give advice in your interest.

A person who is your confidante and will not disclose about your matters to others.

If any person has all the four qualities, he can always be consulted on important matters. Allah (S.w.T.), from whom you have sought help in your matters, will convey to you through the advice of the person of your choice about the best course you must adopt in your matters.

The Holy Imams (a.s.) Used to Take Advice

Allama Majlisi quotes from Imam Ridha (a.s.) that he said, “My revered father, Imam Mūsa Ibn Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.), despite being of the highest intellect, used to consult with his slave occasionally. For example: Whenever he embarked on some important task, he used to seek the advice of the clever slave. If performance of that task was advisable, he would go ahead with it.”

“The Imam was once asked by some one, ‘Although you are the Imam of the times, you are taking advice from a slave! Being the Imam you should have knowledge of everything.’ He replied, ‘what do you know? Is it not possible that Allah wishes to enlighten me about certain matters through his mouth?’”

Whenever one is in a doubt and confusion about matters, he should act in accordance with Allah (S.w.T.)’s injunction in the Holy Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet and the Imams (a.s.).

Unity of God

"Tawhid", Unity Of God

Belief in Allah and His Unity.
The belief in the Unity of God is the foundation stone of Islam. This belief governs the religious faith, designs the social patterns and gives life to the moral codes.

The first sentence of the Islamic kalimah,i.e. "There is no god except Allah," leads a Muslim throughout his life not only in religious matters but in social behaviour also. "There is no god" shows a Muslim that nothing in the Universe is superior to him. It is observed in Qur'an that:

"He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth ."(2:29).

So a Muslim knows that nothing in this world is to be worshipped. Neither stone nor trees; neither animals nor human-beings; neither the Sun nor the Moon nor the Stars can be worshipped; because everything is created, and created for his benefit. When a Muslim, thus, has rejected every falsehood and every idea of Nature-worship, Idol-worship or Human-worship, he is ready to believe in the positive truth of the Unity of God. Believing in a Supreme being gives an aim to our life and provides a purpose for our actions. Had a man been left with the wrong impression that there was no God at all, his life would have been aimless, and an aimless life is dangerous. So it is added that there is no god "except Allah." This sentence has a negative as well as a positive aspect. Both are instrumental in creating the belief that every man is equal to every other person. When nobody is superior, nobody is inferior. Thus, the belief in the Unity of God promotes the sense of brotherhood and equality and equity which is another feature of Islam.
Now allow me to explain other aspects about the belief in the Unity of God:

We believe that God is Omnipotent and Omniscient. He was there when there was nothing. Nothing except Him is eternal. He has no beginning and no end. He knows everything. Even our unspoken intentions and desires are not hidden from Him. We believe that He has no partner, no advisor, no helper. He has no son, no daughter, no wife. He is above every need, because need presumes deficiency. He has no body, because body needs space. He is nowhere, because He has no body; and He is everywhere, because His power and knowledge is magnificently apparent everywhere. He cannot be defined in terms of Time and Space. He cannot be incarnated, because incarnation needs body and space. He cannot be seen because of the same reason.

When we say that Allah is Omnipotent and Merciful, we do not mean that His Power and Mercy is something different from His Person. We see that a child is born without any power, and then he acquires strength day by day. It is so because power is not his person. Allah is not like this. He is Power Himself; Mercy Himself; Knowledge Himself; Justice Himself; Virtue Himself; Truth Himself and so on.

The proper name which we use for God is 'ALLAH' and that also needs some explanations.

'ALLAH' means `One who deserves to be loved' and `Into Whom every one seeks refuge.' This word, grammatically speaking, is unique. It has no plural and no feminine. So this name itself reflects light upon the fact that Allah is one and only one; He has neither any partner nor any equal. The name cannot be translated by the word `GOD' because God can be transformed into `gods' and `goddess.'