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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Inquiries About Shi'a Islam Introduction Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Those who listen to the Word and follow the best of it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones with understanding. [^1] The Shi‘a and Sunni schools of thought form the two wings of the Islamic nation that allow it to fly and carry out its lofty objectives.

A great Muslim scholar once said, “Those who attempt to cause division between the Shi‘a and Sunni are neither Shi‘a nor Sunni.” Written under this premise, the book in hand should clarify some common questions and inquiries about the philosophy and practice of Shi‘a Islam. The Shi‘a and Sunni schools of thought differ primarily in jurisprudence and have far more similarities than differences. Every school of thought in Islam must be respected because they all can lead people to salvation.

Due to the lack of clear information, the Shi‘a Imamiyyah school of thought has remained a mystery to many Muslims. Numerous Muslims are relieved to discover the truth about Shi‘a Islam from reliable sources. Nevertheless, the enemies of Islam have found that the best way to slander Islam and disturb the peace within the Muslim nation is to encourage division and sectarianism.

Thus, a myriad of negative and false rumors with no basis in the authentic books of the Shi‘a school of thought have been spread. These rumors have two sources: animosity towards Islam on the part of those who invent them, and ignorance on the part of those who believe and propagate them. This book is a call to unite the Muslims since true unity stems from an understanding of each other’s philosophies, not from keeping them secret.

While the majority of Shi‘a scholars and even average individuals keep many books belonging to other schools of thought in their libraries, few other Muslims take the time to read the original sources of Shi‘a philosophy. I have endeavored in this book to present the most controversial issues that distinguish Shi‘a Islam in a simple manner understandable by all people, particularly our youth generation in the Western countries.

To make this book accessible to all readers regardless of their school of thought, I have relied mainly on the Noble Qur’an and traditions of the (PBUH&HF) as reported in the books of narration (hadith). I have endeavored to be as accurate and scientific as possible in presenting what has been recorded in the commonly accepted Islamic sources.