Welcome: your journey begins.
Assalamu alaikum, and welcome. Whether you have just embraced Islam, or you are coming to the path of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) from another school, we are truly glad you are here. This course walks with you gently, one step at a time.
Nobody learns everything in a week, and nobody expects you to. The Prophet (s) and the Imams (a) taught people gently and gradually. Take your time, ask questions, and be kind to yourself.
What does "Shia" mean?
"Shia" comes from Shi'at Ali, meaning "the followers of Ali". Shia Muslims believe in everything every Muslim believes: One God, the Prophet Muhammad (s) as the final messenger, the Holy Qur'an, prayer, fasting, charity and Hajj. In addition, Shia Muslims follow the guidance of the Ahlulbayt, the Prophet's (s) chosen family, and the Twelve Imams after him, beginning with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a).
The two parts of religion
| Usul al-Din: the roots (beliefs) | Furu' al-Din: the branches (practices) |
|---|---|
| 1. Tawhid: the Oneness of God | Salah: daily prayer |
| 2. 'Adl: God's Justice | Sawm: fasting in Ramadan |
| 3. Nubuwwah: Prophethood | Hajj: pilgrimage (when able) |
| 4. Imamah: Leadership of the Imams | Zakat and Khums: obligatory giving |
| 5. Ma'ad: the Day of Judgement | Enjoining good, forbidding evil, loving the friends of God and distancing from His enemies, and striving in His way |
Roots are beliefs you understand and accept through your own reflection. Branches are actions you practise.
Learning the practical laws: taqlid
For the details of practice (how to pray, what breaks a fast), most Shia Muslims follow a qualified scholar called a marja' al-taqlid (a "source of emulation"), such as Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. Each marja publishes a book of rulings (often called "Islamic Laws") and has offices that answer questions.
This is like following an expert doctor for medical decisions: you don't need to become a doctor yourself; you follow a trusted specialist.
This course gives you the basics clearly. For exact rulings in your situation, check your marja's official rulings (many are online in English and Urdu) or ask a knowledgeable local scholar.
Your first steps
- Learn the meaning of the two testimonies (shahadatayn) you may have said.
- Learn wudu and the daily prayers, starting with what you can and growing step by step.
- Find a trusted teacher or community (Lesson 11).
- Be patient with yourself, and kind to your family.
Which of these is one of the "roots" (Usul al-Din)?
Fasting and Hajj are branches (practices); Imamah is a root belief.
What is a marja' al-taqlid?
Following a marja is how most Shia Muslims learn practical law.
Your task (10 min)
Write down any questions you have about Islam and the Ahlulbayt (a). Keep this list. As you go through the course, tick off the ones that get answered, and ask the rest to a trusted teacher, in Shia Circle c/General, or to our AI Scholar (and verify important answers).
Lesson 1 complete!
You know the shape of the journey ahead: the roots of religion, the branches of practice, and how to learn step by step without pressure. Next: Tawhid, the Oneness of God.
Next: Tawhid: the Oneness of God →