100 days 100 clips challenge by Thaqlain

Lady Fatima Zahra is the link between Risalah and Imamah. She is undoubtedly one of the secrets of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, and her immaculate birth is a testament to this fact.

Today, awareness and activism have led to equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities. Still, we often fail to respect and acknowledge them the way we should. We need to change the way we perceive persons with disabilities. And Islam has taught us exactly how to do that:

We cannot pay a visit to Imam Hussain in Karbala without first visiting his brother, Abul Fadhl al-Abbas. And this is not mere protocol — for one can not connect to Imam Hussain without first acknowledging the rights and status of Abul Fadhl. What are his rights and status? Imam Jafar Sadiq has mentioned them:

Sports and exercise have countless health benefits. Yet, some may argue that sports waste our time and distract us from the remembrance of Allah. What does the School of Ahlulbayt say about it? Can being fit and sporty help us to be better Muslims?

As the followers of Ahlulbayt, how wisely do we use our time? How keen are we to develop a relationship with the Ahlulbayt? Do we realise that spending time aimlessly in this world may cause us heavily in the hereafter?

Our world is going through social, political, economic, and moral crises. Injustices prevail everywhere. We, the followers of Ahlulbayt, await the Final Savior to deliver us from this chaos. But are our cries and invocations enough? Are we doing what is required of us? 

Many of our Ahl al-Sunnah brothers and sisters ask this question: If Imam Ali was the rightful caliph, why did he not raise a war against his usurpers? Why did he remain silent? Does his silence indicate his approval of the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman? 

Marriage is a union of two souls. The more virtuous these two individuals will be, the more beautiful will be their marriage. The key to a perfect marriage lies in nothing but perfecting our own selves and each other.

There was a time when life was simple, and people had time to enjoy it. But modern life gives us little quality time on our hands. On top of that, we're constantly distracted. So what should we do? What do the Ahlulbayt advise?

We recite Hadith al-Kisa to express our love for the Holy Prophet's family. In return, and among countless other things, it teaches us how to express love for our own family.

When discussing Jafar ibn Abi Talib, there are only two things we can think of: the Salat associated with his name and his title of at-Tayyar "The Flyer in Paradise". But many other aspects of his life stay less explored:

We all face challenges in our life. Some achieve their goals easily, while others continue to struggle. In times of adversity, we can't help but compare ourselves to others and feel disappointed. Is there a way to get out of this hopelessness?

As children grow into young adults, many start to distance themselves from religion despite parents' efforts to inspire them during their childhood. The problem could be that we tended to the leaves while the roots were still shaky:

Even though humans are the most advanced creation of Allah subhanahu wa'tala, the Holy Quran says, "and the man was created weak". What does it mean? And how do some of our weaknesses protect us?

Islam is a complete code of life. It has laid down rules and etiquette for everything, even for things that are very casual, like walking. So what are the etiquettes of walking? What are our responsibilities towards walking spaces?

Black cats, broken mirrors, certain numbers — people associate several things with bad luck. Somewhere in the back of our minds, we all believe in these things. Someone fails repeatedly, and we tag that person "unlucky". So what's the truth behind it all? Do bad omens exist? What does Islam say?

How to instil Islamic values in our kids? It's an important concern for all parents and should be even more critical for parents-to-be. While we search for all sorts of parenting techniques over the internet, we often ignore the Islamic guidelines on raising successful children:

We recite Ayat-al-Kursi daily and know the miracles this verse brings, but have we pondered why it is called Ayat of Kursi? What is Allah's Chair? Is there a physical chair or a throne resided by Allah? Or are these metaphors?

You may be either an employer or an employee. In any case, Islam wants you to adhere to certain rules and morals that guarantee a healthy work relationship, as well as the blessing of Allah.

The paranormal and the occult have always fascinated human beings. We question ourselves if these things exist. For Muslims, the argument is strong because magic and supernatural entities are mentioned in the Holy Quran. But have we got it right?

Should we migrate when there are limited opportunities or restrictions in the country we live in? Or should we prioritise our birthplace? Is Islam okay with wanderlust? And if it is, what are the guidelines of Islam on tourism?

When conducting business with family or friends, there is an unspoken rule that no written agreement is needed. But these silent codes can prove to be devastating. So what's the Islamic way for making deals and contracts with one another?

Women's role in society, especially in the workforce, remains a hotly debated topic. Does Islam endorse women's employment? Are there any conditions for that? If so, what's the rationale behind those conditions?

There are several reasons which can hinder the acceptance of duas. Sometimes, we may be asking for something unsuitable, yet other times we may just be missing the etiquettes and elements necessary for making a dua.

We all desire to develop characteristics that allow us to explore our hidden potential and get closer to our Creator. Is it possible for us to reach the same level of spirituality as Ayatollah Behjat or Shaykh Rajab Ali Khayyat?

There is a common misconception that Islam limits the rights of women and their potential to serve their community. To break this misconception, let's revisit how our Beloved Prophet and his rightful successors dealt with women. 

Allah's greatest blessing for any Muslim is the love of Prophet Muhammad and his Holy Progeny. However, what characteristics does a lover of Ahlulbayt possess that others don't? And do we have them in us?

Disagreements and arguments happen. We get carried away by anger and feel guilty later. But do we make it easy for others to reconcile with us, or do we let ego get the better of us? How would the Ahlulbayt want us to react in such situations?

The desire for fame and power is itself overpowering. History has witnessed countless conflicts over it. The event of Karbala is also painted with the same brush by many: A struggle for authority by Imam Hussain against Yazid. But is that the case?

Tawfeeq is the ability and opportunity to do good. It is when Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala), out of His infinite Mercy, helps someone achieve His obedience and be successful in this world and the hereafter. But is there a way to draw this help towards us?

Every so often, we see reformist groups and individuals trying to bring change to the Muslim society. But most of these efforts either drift towards extremism or face resistance and die out eventually. Why does this happen?

Tawakkul, trust in Allah, is considered one of the most important weapons of a believer. Ironically, this complete dependence upon Allah can make us more independent, stronger, and better equipped to face the world. But we must understand it for what it is.

Allahu Akbar is a slogan by which we express the Greatness of Allah. But hidden within this slogan is a whole way of life that we seldom comprehend. Only after realising its actual depth can we live our life around it.

We know that Islam has laid emphasis on protecting trees and the environment. But little do we know that Islam has also advocated for Animal Rights — well before others. 

We all make resolutions on New Year's Eve, listing down things we wish to achieve. But we often forget the things that can actually make our year a success: things that help us strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Sometimes, the burden of our sins is so heavy that it crushes our hopes for salvation. With little time and opportunity to erase our wrongdoings through good deeds, we may ask if there is a quick remedy that can stack the odds in our favour?

Where circumstances restrict the role of men in defending Islam, the role of women begins. As the jihad of the sharp-edged Zulfiqar came to a halt, the jihad of Lady Fatima Zahra's striking words began.

We find in ahadith that daughters are a mercy for their fathers. But there is something unique about the daughter of our Holy Prophet. She is called Umm Abiha, which means the "Mother of her father". A strange title, isn't it?

From dressing extravagantly to buying luxuries, what drives us is our narcissistic tendency to impress others. We all crave approval and praise from the people around us — although we may deny it. This constant need for attention can significantly harm our spirituality.

Are dreams a meaningless reflection of our day to day life? Or are they divine inspirations influencing our path in life? What does Islam say about dreams?

For most of us, Christmas is all about celebrations and availing discounts and sales coupons. In the midst of this, we have forgotten who Jesus was, his message and his aversion to materialism.

For centuries, Muslims interacted with Christians in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Yet, the question of whether to celebrate Christmas or not is pretty recent. As the birthday of Prophet Isa, it does call for merriment. But what does the Quran say?

The Abrahamic religions share quite a few concepts among them. One of them is the creation of Lady Eve from the rib of Prophet Adam. In some accounts, the rib was a crooked one — explaining the stubborn nature of women. Does the Quran endorse these ideas?

A good question is half of knowledge. Raising the right questions in the face of authoritarian ideas and theories can sometimes lay them bare. One such question by a student made Yaqoob al-Kindi, the famous Muslim philosopher and polymath, discard his own work.

Parents do not influence their children for life. Sometimes, as children grow into adults, they start exercising influence over their parents. One key example of such reverse upbringing is in the life of Zubayr Ibn Awwam, who was a staunch supporter of Imam Ali. Yet, he came to fight him in the Battle of Jamal.

The Philosophy of the School of Ahlulbayt talks about the First Cause, the Emanations, and the Manifestations of Allah's attributes. One thinks of them as ideas that are far away from empirical reality. But are they? Today's science has come far enough to question the material nature of reality.

In this fast-changing world where we're bombarded with a ton of information daily through news channels and social media platforms, where political events occur one after another, the Imam of our time wants us to possess an important quality if we are to join his team.

"But it's just one sin", we say to ourselves, unaware of the power of that one sin. We think we'll be in trouble only if we're habitual sinners, not if we sin once or twice. We forget that all notorious criminals start with minor offences.

When we think of Islam, we typically think of forms of worship. Such as fasting and salah. We think that this earth is a temporary abode in Islam, and it doesn't matter how we treat it. But you'll be astonished to learn the great emphasis Islam lays on preserving the environment:

We all want to fight for justice and raise voices for the oppressed. But are we just with our stand against injustice? What if we are guilty of injustices ourselves in our daily life? 

It's human nature to blame external forces for mishaps that happen in our lives. From unanswered prayers to fallen businesses, we question and blame Allah: If He is so merciful, why would He let us suffer?

Humbleness is often taken as a sign of a weak personality. Humble people are let down by others; they feel their kindness is taken advantage of. As being nice to everyone takes its toll on us, we wonder when to call it a day.

What was the Holy Prophet's diet? How often would he go for a walk? 

Islam encourages integration with other cultures and wants people to be exemplary citizens. But the desire to integrate can sometimes tone down the public expression of our Islamic identity.

New Year is the time when we plan ways to improve our life, making resolutions to enhance our careers, business, or lifestyle. But do we have a plan for our own selves? Do we have a strategy to strengthen our connection with Allah, the Quran, Ahlulbayt and our soul?

While our Maraje guide us during the Occultation Period, the Imam of our time guides them imperceptibly. Hidden from or our sight, but keen to set us aright, he works in strange ways:

Death is a reality. We cannot evade death, but we can avoid its severity and pain. As lovers of Ahlulbayt, we strongly believe that our Imams will help us at the time of death. Yet, some traditions mention things that can make the pain of death inevitable.

We all want the blessings of Allah. We all want our prayers to be heard. But we see that some people receive more of His favours while others don't. So is there discrimination from Allah? Aren't His blessings equal for all? What can we do differently to attract more blessings?

With the rise of feminism and women's progression to leadership roles, Islam is under scrutiny now more than ever. One of the most repetitive questions being "Why there are no female examples when it comes to religious leaders and Messengers of Allah?"

Many religions consider wealth and spirituality as oil and water; they don't mix. Does Islam, too, adhere to this? What is Islam's perspective on accumulating and spending wealth? 

The onset of Winter brings quietude and laze. Plants minimize their growth while many animals go into hibernation. But do you know that Islam calls this season the Spring for a believer? 

The Holy Quran commands us to stay united. But then, how should we deal with differences of opinion? How do we coexist with people while we have disagreements with them?

They say that seeing is believing, but can all things that exist be seen? As the spirit of science is flourishing, more and more people are demanding material proof of God's existence. 

Today, most Muslim countries are underdeveloped and economically weak. Since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, there has been a systematic approach to weaken the Islamic world.

As we try to fit in social roles and norms, we often overthink everything we do. Even when practising religion, we fear how the world would perceive us. 

We all fear death. And even though this fear is associated with negative connotations, it has its benefits.

 The Quran refers to Allah as He. But Allah is neither a man nor a woman. Is it the case that Allah's attributes symbolise manliness? Or is there room for feminine qualities too?

95% of reported harassment at workplaces goes unpunished, leaving a traumatic experience for females, who usually experience it. Given that women are an integral part of organisations today, how do we ensure a safe environment for them?

We spend an average of 67 minutes daily eating. But do we eat in the right manner? There are clear and valuable guidelines from the Holy Prophet and his Ahlulbayt when it comes to having a meal.

The Holy Quran mentions that the Messenger of Allah was just like us: a human being. People would be awed by the sheer humanness of his acts and emotions. So how was this human side of him?

We all have our fears and obsessions. It could be a fear of heights, public speaking, or spiders. Or an obsession with washing hands or cleaning the house. How to get rid of these fears and obsessions?

Why are the followers of Ahlulbayt alleged to be grave worshipers? Why do other Muslim sects challenge our belief in Tawheed? 

Imam Ali helped the very people who usurped his rights. He gave them advice on various occasions regarding judicial, jurisprudential, and intellectual matters. Why?

 An impulsive urge to check notifications, WhatsApp messages, or social media feeds is a sign of excessive smartphone usage. In some cases, this can lead to anxiety and depression in life. 

There are proven health benefits of meditation. But due to its Buddhist origins, Muslims are often sceptical about it. Yet, meditation may have more in common with Islam than we realise. 

Are we as affectionate and merciful towards our kids as the Holy Prophet would want us to be? Let's rethink our attitude towards our kids:

"Difference of opinion" signifies a healthy community. But differences cause divisions, and divisions spell danger. So how to keep it healthy?

We all desire to be close to Ahlulbayt (alaihimus salaam). Yet, we often find ourselves feeling distant from them. Why?

Gossips, rumours, and hearsay tempt our ears to give in. But as we lend our ears to them, our minds become prejudiced and shallow. With fake information on the rise, this has become an epidemic.

Do you have excessive doubts while performing the prayers (Salah)? OR you repeatedly doubt the cleanliness of things, the correction of rituals, and even the validity of your beliefs? It may be Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a common psychological condition.

Every follower of Ahlulbayt is waiting for the reappearance of the Holy Prophet's Last Successor. But let us not be passive as we wait:

Our minds admit the existence of Allah. Our minds acknowledge the fact that Allah loves us. But how can we get our hearts to feel the warmth of His Love?

Islam lays great stress on maintaining family ties, but is living under the same roof also a prerequisite? What about personal space and privacy?

Societal norms dictate that a person should at least have a college degree and a stable income before tying the knot. But do these norms have any grounds in our faith? if not, how does Islam view these norms?

Being neutral and indifferent to the deeds of people around us can create serious evils in society. That is why Islam gives immense importance to Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil. But given the individual freedom of a person, we are usually reluctant to correct someone as it is none of our business.

At every step, the popular media and the masses shape and mould our thoughts. Their powerful indoctrination leaves us little room to make independent and informed decisions.

Freedom of Choice sounds so good. But sometimes, the choice is between morality and immorality. Does modern freedom undermine the true values of human society?

Sexual harassment has been illegal in almost all parts of the world for decades. With so much education, strict legislation and awareness, why are we still unable to curb this issue?

Hijaz was a barren land that challenged survival. A land riddled with continuous feuds among its tribes. No empire was interested in conquering this land. Yet, this is the land that God chose to reveal the Quran. Why?

The Quran and traditions from the Prophetic household give extreme importance to acquiring wisdom: the ability to act appropriately in every circumstance based on your insight and knowledge.

Children are blessings from Allah. But they are also a big responsibility. In this day and age, where every other person is busy making ends meet, several factors stop us from increasing our family.

Failed expectations. Unrealized goals. Life has a habit of getting in the way of our dreams.

Should we vote? Should we take part in political campaigns? Should we run for government offices? What does Islam say about being politically active especially while living in the West?

Islam and rationality go hand in hand. But some Islamic scholars say things that are irrational, impractical, and severed from reality.

Sadness is often viewed as a sign of weakness. But for a believer, sadness may be empowering in many ways.

Our Prophet is known to be very forgiving and merciful. However, in the Quran, Almighty Allah has shared a complaint the Holy Prophet has from his Ummah.

People are quick to quote Quranic verses to prove that men are superior to women. Is that really the case? Are women inferior to men?

Small acts of kindness go a long way. Helping people in the name of Ahlulbayt is the best form of Tableegh we can do.

Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. But unlike depression and anxiety, loneliness has no recognized clinical form. As a result, it has no clinical diagnosis or treatment. 

Leading people is a challenging task. A true leader not only has to make tough decisions but also has to develop some of the toughest traits.