ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Your Questions Answered (volume 3) Q1. Whom Does Islam Belong To? Unlike Judaism that belongs to the Jews, and Christianity that belongs to Christians, Islam does NOT belong to Muslims but to the entire mankind.

The follower of Islam are called Muslims just to distinguish them from non-followers and it does not mean that whatever has been said in the holy Quran - a guidance for mankind -is Exclusively meant for the muslims as is the prevalent misconception. A. Islam has been sent to lead the whole mankind onto the right path. But it is wrong to say that it "belongs" to this or that person. It belongs to Allah. The muslims who follow Islam, do belong to Islam.

Those who do not follow it are rebels having gone away from islam; and hence called Kafirs. Also muslims are called are called "muslims" not to distinguish them from the non- Believers, but because they belong to islam. It is not a "negative" name, but a Positive one which means "one who accepts the Will of Allah and obeys His command." Q2.

SHIAS IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA In the last issue of "The Light" (February,1972) I read an interesting topic of Shiite connection with early history of East Africa. Can you please give me the present condition of shia Ithna-'asharis in West, Central and South Africa? A. There are very few Shias in South Africa. In Mozambique there are about 10 families. The number of the Shias in central and west Africa is as follows:- of Khoja Origin Arabs from Lebanon etc.

📌Note: Since these figures were written, most of the Ithna-asheri have left Nigeria and Zaire as a result of the decision of those governments not to allow non-citizens to work there. Q3. WHY ARE SHIAS IN MINORITY? Why we Shias are in minority in the world though ours is the true Islam.

Is it because of (1) oppression to which we have been subjected soon after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) closed his eyes for all times to come, or (2) lack of Tabligh work or (3) Tragedy of Kerbala that we have become lethargic - Tragic aspect being stressed more and the practical aspect less. A. When were the "people of truth" in majority? Give me one example. And for the benefits of the tragic aspect of the events of Karbala, see the answer to the question No. 98.

Q4: ALLAH IS ONE Could you please give me one Ayat which proves oneness of God? A.

✦ ✦ ✦