Israeli and Jewish hypocrisy is so brazen that it probably has no match under the sun. Jewish and Zionist circles never stop accusing other countries of harboring "hate" against Jews.

Question: What is the purpose of the Qur'an in pointing towards 'seven heavens'? Answer: Islamic scholars and commentators have narrated some clarifications regarding 'seven heavens' (towards which indication are made in the Holy Qur'an also).

Allah says in the Holy Quran, "Maintain with care the prayers." (2:238) There is no doubt about the importance of prayers in Islam. Prayer is the pillar of the religion. Prayer is the first thing we will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment. But like many other things in life, there are different degrees of prayers.

A recent article by The Independent's Robert Fisk about racism in Arab countries has given fresh impetus to debates regarding racism within not just in Arab countries, but the Muslim world as a whole. While you don't have to agree with everything Fisk puts down in his article, one cannot deny the racial divides and tensions that continue to plague to Muslim Ummah today. Any healthy debate on the matter must be welcomed and used constructively. The matter hand does come as a bitter pill to swallow perhaps, as it forces us to look inwards and search for answers, something not many of us are used to.

The mass hunger strike being observed by thousands of our political and resistance prisoners in Israeli dungeons and concentration camps represents the last and ultimate form of Jihad or resistance against a nefarious, sadistic enemy that excels like nobody else in the arts of torture and oppression.

British Muslims have widely welcomed the official approval to their plans to turn a former pub in west Norfolk into an Islamic community center, saying it will help Muslims extend bridges in the community.

The Holy Qur'an and Nahjul Balagha are two books you will find in nearly every Shia Muslim home. These represent the two weighty things that were left to us by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny), the Holy Book of God and the members of his Household. Unfortunately, many times these books gather dust on the highest bookshelf of the house.

The centuries-old Shia-Sunni differences are the major obstacle to Muslim unity. The enemies of Islam to their benefit have always fanned these differences.

Children's fashion is a billion dollar market with movie stars and other media figures endorsing the latest and hippest trends.

Everything around us speaks to us. But how often do we hear what they say? A moment of contemplation can go a long way. If we pay closer attention, we can hear the unspoken words of all that exists in this world. It is these unspoken words that we often ignore.

What's the bigger evil? The evil intentions of the oppressors or the deliberate silence of those who can but choose to not act? As believers, it is important to remember Islam is not a religion that seeks to fulfill a person only spiritually. Can a man claim he is among God's pious followers if he finds himself engulfed in apathy towards other humans?

"It's a girl!" That's the expression we usually hear when mothers give birth to a baby girl.

"We are protecting civilians. We are unarmed. We are no threat to you. Please do not shoot." Rachel Corrie

Do not lie! From a religious perspective, lying is wrong. From an ethical perspective, lying is wrong. We continue to be warned against lying.

In order to establish peaceful religious coexistence in society, Islam has suggested four principles.

The merits of getting married, and especially getting married at an early age, are very great. There are numerous verses of the Holy Qur'an and sayings from the Holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all) which extol the virtues of getting married.

"So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought." (7:16) History is filled with stories about miracles and happenings that we today consider 'supernatural'. Each miracle serves a purpose and is suited to the circumstances it is in. Learning about these 'miracles' helps strengthen the attachment to our beliefs and principles.

We are taught that things in life are not always what they appear to be and to not judge a book by its cover. We are also taught to be wary when hearing rumors until we have verified them ourselves. We are taught these things because they are part of wisdom. It is only foolish people who carry out knee-jerk reactions to unfounded rumors without verifying the reality of the situation. One famous proof in the Qur'an that being patient and fully assessing a situation before reacting to it is a sign of wisdom can be seen in the story of Prophet Khidr and Prophet Musa (peace be upon them both).

Imam Musa Sadr was an influential character in political, social and cultural arenas and when he felt a need to enter other fields, too, he would do so.

Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) says, "God has two arguments against humans: an external argument and an internal argument. The external one is the Prophets and Imam (peace be upon them), and the internal one is reason." (Al-Kafi)

I am a dweller of Kufa. I am indecisive, disloyal and unfaithful. I betrayed three Imams, and the fourth shook me with his heart-aching oratory. I am the one that was wished ill upon by the daughter of the divine lady, Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her). I wear the mask of a devout follower. My land is torrid; no rain falls here, and neither is there vegetation. I am the one over whom a Masoom said would reign a just ruler to take revenge on the killers of Hussain (peace be upon him), the oppressors of Hussain, those who helped them, and those who stayed silent. Though I repent, my heart is full of love of this dunya. I can be sold and bought. My allegiance has a price. I am a dweller of Kufa. I betrayed my Imam.

Human life is governed by a system of personal responsibility. Duties begin from the earliest stages of life and continue till its end; at no moment can an individual claim freedom or separation from some form of obligation. As long as ability exists, it has an associated responsibility attached to it, and only when death finally catches up with a person that it brings to a close the roster of his duties as well.

Not much better times can be had than eating a good hearty meal with loved ones and discussing the latest news or just having a good laugh. But with the rising costs of food and transportation, people are becoming more cost conscious about where and what they eat. Essentially, the choices boil down to dining out, carry out (or delivery), and eating in. This article will give an overall look at how we choose to eat and will show how, despite public perception, dining out is actually more costly AND less convenient.

From Twittering Quranic verses and religious injunctions to using smart phone apps like iPray and iQuran to find the nearest mosque or halal restaurants, the emergence of Muslim social networking is an interesting phenomenon that can perhaps be attributed to the need to create a more conservative forum for discussion with stricter regulations.

As the global Islamic finance industry enters the next phase of growth, more than 1,200 industry leaders, senior decision-makers and key regulators from over 50 countries are set to gather at the 18th Annual World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC 2011).