Answer: The Islamic term Sunnah refers to the sayings (hadiths), practices (Sirah), and examples set by the Prophet Muhammad and his 12 successors known as 12 Imams (peace be upon him & his progeny). It encompasses everything they said, did, and approved of because they are considered to be the infallibles who never make mistakes. The Sunnah is a fundamental source of guidance for Muslims, second only to the Quran.

The Sunnah is a vital component of Islamic tradition and practice. It complements the Quran, providing detailed guidance on various aspects of life and serving as a source of Islamic law and ethical behaviour. By following the Sunnah, Muslims strive to emulate the exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad and his infallible successors (peace be upon him & his progeny) align their lives with the principles of Islam.

Answer: According to the Sunni School of thought, the primary sources of the Sunnah are the collections of Hadith. Known as “Sehah al- sitt’ah” (Six books of hadith): 

1. Sahih al-Bukhari: Compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari (d. 870 CE)
2. Sahih Muslim: Compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (d. 875 CE)
3. Sunan Abu Dawood: Compiled by Imam Abu Dawood (d. 889 CE)
4. Sunan al-Tirmidhi: Compiled by Imam al-Tirmidhi (d. 892 CE)
5. Sunan al-Nasa'i: Compiled by Imam al-Nasa'i (d. 915 CE)
6. Sunan Ibn Majah: Compiled by Imam Ibn Majah (d. 887 CE)

According to the Shia School of thought, the primary sources of Hadith are based on the teachings and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), as well as the teachings of the Twelve Imams (descendants and true successors of the Prophet (SAWAS). The most authoritative collections of Hadith for Shia Muslims are:

1. The Four Books (Kutub al-Arba'a)

These are the most prominent collections of Hadith:

• Al-Kafi: Compiled by Sheikh Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni al-Razi (d. 941 CE), this collection is considered one of the most comprehensive sources of Hadith in Shia Islam. It covers a wide range of topics including theology, ethics, jurisprudence, and guidance.
• Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih: Compiled by Sheikh Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Babawayh al-Qummi (d. 991 CE), also known as Shaykh Saduq, this collection focuses primarily on jurisprudential matters (Fiqh). It includes traditions on legal rulings, ethical teachings, and moral virtues.
• Tahdhib al-Ahkam: Compiled by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Tusi (d. 1067 CE), this book presents Hadith related to Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and legal rulings. It serves as a key reference for Shia scholars in deriving religious rulings.
• Al-Istibsar: Also compiled by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Tusi, this collection complements Tahdhib al-Ahkam with additional Hadith on jurisprudence and ethical teachings.

2. Other Significant Collections

Apart from the Four Books, there are other important collections that Shia scholars refer to:

• Bihar al-Anwar: Compiled by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (d. 1699 CE), this extensive compilation includes a vast array of Hadith covering various aspects of Islamic teachings, history, ethics, and theology. It is highly respected among Shia scholars for its depth and breadth of content.
• Mustadrak al-Wasail: Compiled by Allama Muhammad Hasan al-Hurr al-Amili (d. 1693 CE), this collection focuses on gathering Hadith related to practical aspects of worship, ethics, and social issues. It serves as a valuable resource for Shia Muslims in their daily lives and religious practices.

3. Supplementary Sources

• Usul al-Kafi: This book, also compiled by Sheikh al-Kulayni, serves as a foundational text for Shia Hadith studies. It includes discussions on the principles of jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) and methodologies for deriving religious rulings from Hadith.
• Al-Faqih: Compiled by Sheikh al-Kulayni, this book focuses on Hadith related to Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and legal rulings.

Importance and Authentication

Shia Muslims consider these collections of Hadith as authoritative sources of religious guidance, alongside the Quran. The authenticity and reliability of Hadith in Shia Islam are rigorously evaluated through chains of narration (Isnad) and the credibility of narrators (Rijal).

These collections play a crucial role in shaping beliefs, practices, and legal interpretations, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding Islam based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Twelve Imams.

Answer: The concept of Imamate, or divine leadership (Arabic: الإمامة‎), is central to the pure Islam and denotes the belief in a line of designated spiritual and political successors to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him &his progeny). The real Muslims believe that after the Prophet's departure, leadership of the Muslim Ummah was divinely ordained to continue through a series of Imams who possess unique spiritual and infallible qualities. 

The designation of Imams is based on divine will and appointment by God. They assert that Prophet Muhammad, through divine command, designated specific individuals as his successors, beginning with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and continuing through eleven more Imams from his progeny. This divine appointment was communicated by the holy Prophet (SAWAS) on several occasions including in his last sermon delivered on the 18^th Dhulhijjah 16^th March 632 CE known as day of Ghadeer. This historic sermon is recorded in both Shia and Sunni Sources of Hadith widely. To learn more about concept of Imamate, please read the detailed books on the subject.

Answer: According to the teachings of pure Islam, the term "divine Imams" refers to the twelve designated spiritual and political successors of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his progeny) These Imams are revered by Muslims for their infallibility (‘Ismah), comprehensive knowledge of religious teachings, and their role as guides and leaders of the Muslim Ummah). Here is a brief overview of each of the Twelve Imams:

1. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib: Cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (married to his daughter Fatimah) born in inside Ka’aba, Makkah, 599 CE, and Martyred by Abur Rahman Ibne Muljim, in the sacred Mosque of Kufa. Regarded as the first Imam and the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS) Known for his comprehensive knowledge, bravery, wisdom, and devotion to Islam.

2. Imam Hasan ibn Ali: Born in Madinah, 625CE, Martyred by poisoning sent by Muawiya ibne Abu Sufyan. Grandson of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and Second divine Imam. Known for his role in promoting peace and unity among Muslims, particularly after the martyrdom of his father Imam Ali (AS).

3. Imam Hussain ibn Ali: Second Grandson of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah. Third divine Imam. Born in Madinah, 626 CE, Martyred in the Battle of Karbala, 680 CE, By Yazid ibne Muawiya’s army. Revered for his stand against injustice and tyranny, particularly his heroic sacrifice in Karbala, which became a symbol of resistance against oppression.

4. Imam Ali Zayn al-Abideen (Ali ibn Hussain): Son of Imam Hussain, Fourth divine Imam, Born in Madinah, 659 CE, Martyred in 713 CE by the Umayyad Ruler Al-Waleed bin Abd al-Malik. This Great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad through Imam Hussain (AS). Known for his piety, prayers (such as Sahifa Sajjadiyya), and teachings on spirituality and ethics despite facing persecution.

5. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir: Grandson of Imam Hussain. Fifth divine Imam. Born in Madinah, 677 CE, Renowned for his knowledge and scholarship. Revived Islamic sciences and established an Islamic university introduces pure jurisprudence (Fiqh) and transmitted Hadith extensively. Poisoned and killed in 732 CE, by Umayyad ruler, Hisham bin Abd al-Malik at the age of 57. 

6. Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq: Son of Imam Al-Baqir, Sixth divine Imam. Born in Madinah, 702 CE. Renowned for his knowledge. Continued his Father’s mission. Celebrated for his vast knowledge in various sciences, including jurisprudence, theology, and ethics. Poisoned and killed in 765 CE, at the age of 63, by Abbasad ruler, Al-Mansour Dawaneqi. 

7. Imam Musa al-Kadhim: Son of Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq, Seventh divine Imam. Born in Madinah, 745 CE, killed in 799 CE, at the age of 54, by Harun, Abbasad ruler,. Renowned for his knowledge, patience, piety, and teachings despite enduring persecution and imprisonment under the Abbasid caliphs. 

8. Imam Ali al-Ridha (Ali ibn Musa): Son of Imam Al-Kadhim, the 8^th divine Imam. Born in Madinah, 766 CE, Revered for his knowledge, wisdom, and piety. His shrine in Mashhad, Iran, is a major pilgrimage site. Poisoned and killed by Abbasad Ruler Mamun, in 818 CE, at the age of 52.

9. Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (Muhammad ibn Ali): Son of Imam Al-Ridha, The 9^th divine Imam, Born in Madinah, 811 CE. Known for his exceptional intellect and piety despite his young age. His Imamate emphasized ethical conduct and knowledge. Poisoned and Killed by the order of Abbasad ruler, Mu’tasim billah in 835 CE, at the age of 25.

10. Imam Ali al-Hadi (Ali ibn Muhammad): Son of Imam Al-Jawad, the 10^th divine Imam, Born in Madinah, 828 CE. Recognized for his knowledge, wisdom, and leadership during a challenging period of Abbasid rule. His piety and devotion to Islam are highly regarded. Poisoned and killed by Abbasid ruler, Al-Mottaz billah in 868 CE at the age of 40.

11. Imam Hasan al-Askari (Hasan ibn Ali): Eleventh divine Imam, Son of Imam Ali al-Hadi. Born in Madinah, 846 CE. Known for his knowledge and teachings despite living under severe restrictions and surveillance by the Abbasid authorities. His son, Imam Mahdi, is believed to be the awaited savior (Mahdi). Poisened and killed by Abbasid ruler, Mo’tamad billah, in 874 CE, at the age of 28. 

12. Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi: 12^th and final divine Imam, Son of Imam Hassan Al-Askari, Born in Samarrah, 868 CE. Believed to be the awaited Mahdi (guided one) who will return to establish justice and equity on earth. All seekers of justice await his reappearance as an ultimate saviour. 

Answer:  The term “Ahl al-Kisa” or "Panjtan" refers to a revered group of five holy figures in Islam, particularly in Shia Islam. The word "Ahl al-Kisa" (أهل الكساء), means "People of the Cloak" or "People of the Mantle." This term originates from the Hadith of the Cloak (Hadith al-Kisa), where Prophet Muhammad gathered these five under his cloak and prayed, signifying their purity and special status. "Panjtan" is derived from Persian, meaning "The Five Pure Ones." The Panjtan consist of:

1. Prophet Muhammad: The final prophet in Islam, regarded as the "Seal of the Prophets."
2. Fatimah Zahra: The daughter of Prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadijah.
3. Imam Ali: The cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, husband of Fatimah, the direct Successor of the holy Prophet and the first divine Imam.
4. Imam Hassan: The elder son of Ali and Fatimah, and the second divine Imam.
5. Imam Hussain: The younger son of Ali and Fatimah, and the third divine Imam.

These holy personalities are considered paragons of spiritual and moral purity. They are seen as the embodiments of virtue and righteousness. They are regarded as intercessors between Allah and humanity. They play a crucial role in the spiritual life of believers, who often seek their intercession in prayers. They are known to be the models of exemplary behaviour and character. Their lives and actions are studied and emulated by Muslims seeking to live pious and ethical lives.

They are considered infallibles (Ma'sum) and are central to the concept of Imamate, the belief in a line of spiritual and temporal leaders descended from them.

For many Muslims, Shia and Sunni, the love and reverence for the Panjtan can be a unifying factor. They are respected across various Islamic traditions, although the degree of emphasis and specific theological interpretations may vary.

The Panjtan hold a special place in the hearts of millions of Muslims, influencing religious practices, literature, art, and culture throughout the Islamic world.

Answer: The concept of death in Islam is multifaceted, encompassing beliefs about the soul, the afterlife, and the final judgment. In Islam, it is believed that each person has a soul that continues to exist after physical death. The soul is considered immortal and will face its destiny based on the person's actions during their earthly life.

The Angel of Death, Izrael, is responsible for taking the souls of the deceased. The manner of death and the extraction of the soul is described differently for believers and non-believers. For the righteous, it is gentle and peaceful, while for the wicked, it is harsh and painful.

Answer: After death of a person, the soul separates from the body and enters an intermediate state called Barzakh, where it experiences a foretaste of its final destiny. It is an obligatory for other Muslims to ensure that the deceased is treated with respect and cleanliness according to religious guidelines. After washing the body for three times, then the body must be wrapped in a plain white cloth, known as a Kafan. The Kafan typically consists of three pieces for men (a loincloth, a long shirt, and a larger outer sheet) and five pieces for women (with an additional chest band and head veil). After the Kafan process, the prayer must be performed on the deceased body, seeking forgiveness and rest of the soul in the next life. This prayer is known as “Salat al-Mayyit”. The next step is that the deceased body must be buried facing the Qiblah (direction of Makkah), typically without a coffin, directly in the earth. 

Answer: Muslims believe that after a person is buried; they are visited by two angels, Munkar and Nakir, or Mubashir and Basheer who question them in the grave. This questioning is part of the intermediary state known as Barzakh, the period between death and the Day of Judgment. The purpose of this questioning is to test the deceased's faith and deeds during their lifetime. The five fundamental questions asked by Munkar and Nakir are:

1. Who is your Lord?
o The deceased is expected to affirm their belief in Allah as their Lord.

2. What is your religion?
o The deceased should respond that their religion is Islam.

3. Who is your prophet?
o The deceased should acknowledge Muhammad as their prophet.

4. What is your holy book?
      o The deceased should acknowledge that Quran is his book.

5. Who is your Imam (Divine leader)?
      O The deceased should acknowledge Imam Ali as his first Imam and then 11divine Imams after him.  
 

Answer: Barzakh is the intermediate state between death and the Day of Judgment. The soul resides in Barzakh, experiencing either comfort or torment based on their deeds. It is a period of waiting for the final resurrection. The souls of believers, carrying good deeds are taken to the neighbourhood of Imam Ali (AS) known as “Vadi as-Salaam” The valley of peace, while the souls of the wicked and disbelievers are taken to the horrible place called “well of Barhoot”