ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shi'a and Their Beliefs Shia Culture General Statistics The latest statistics show that the Sh:!a number more than 500 millions.193 They are to be found in all countries of the world, in the east and west, and are distributed throughout all Islamic lands and in many non-Islamic countries. They have a civilisation which is derived from the Holy Qurv"n, and the Prophetic traditions, and the conduct of the household of the Prophet (N).

In Iraq, Iran, India, Pakistan, the Gulf, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Arabia, and the Yemen they have many scholars and jurist-consults, religious schools, educational institutions, mosques and Islamic centres, charitable bodies, libraries and centres with all types of books, Qurv"n schools and many other Islamic projects. In one Islamic land there are almost a quarter of a million scholars, speakers, writers and students.

Throughout Islamic history they have had governments, scholars, writers, poets, philosophers, thinkers, schools, writings, libraries, speakers and guiders. Since the time of the Messenger of Alla>h (N) they have taken noble religious stances and that continues until today. Whoever seeks more information about the precious knowledge of the Sh:!a, and their dedication and struggle in the way of Alla>h should refer to any country where the Sh:!a are to be found.

The Shia and the History of Islam The Sh:!a played a prominent role in the early Islamic conquests and also in stemming the tide of attacks on Islam and the Muslims. They helped to consolidate the pillars of Islam in the land and sent 47 missionaries and preachers to guide mankind and propagate the teachings of the Qurv"n all throughout the history of Islam:' The Buwayhids played a great part in propagating Islam in Iraq and its environs.

The .amd"nids played their role in Syria and the surrounding area. The Safavids did a great service to Islam in Iran and Afghanistan. In India the kings of QuUb Sh"h: played their role. The great statesman NaN:r al-D:n al-ھYs: had a great role in stemming the attacks of the Mongols. !All"ma .ill: did a great service in protecting the land from deviation in the affair of ‘Khuda Bandeh’. Sayyid Mu9ammad ibn !Al: al-ھab"tab"v: al-."vir:’s struggle against the Tsarist Crusaders.

The struggle of M:rza Mu9ammad .asan al-Shirazi against the western colonialists. The struggles of Sharaf al-D:n al-MYs"w: to free Syria and Lebanon from French colonialism.