Our eyes are considered to be the gate to the heart, and the window to the world. Many people wonder if we should allow our eyes to roam freely without limitations, or set some limits of moderation. In this lecture, Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini discusses the harms that come along watching freely, and the benefits that come with the lowering of one's gaze. We also learn whether lowering the gaze means not looking at all, alongside some practical steps that can aid us in maintaining our modesty when it comes to what we can and cannot see. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them, verily Allah is All-Aware of what they do, And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty” - Surah al-Noor, Verse 30,31 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 2 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

Many people assume that the religion of Islam forbids women from working, limiting their contribution to society. In this interesting discussion, Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini highlights this topic as he addresses the Islamic viewpoint on women joining the workforce, and whether it is healthy for women to work full-time like men do. We also learn about practical ways to spend brief but quality time with our children, and how we can effectively compensate the financial loss if wives/mothers work on a part-time rather than full-time basis. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire” - Surah al-Tahreem, Verse 6 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 3 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

The topic of intercession (Shafa'ah) is high debated and widely interpreted across different Islamic schools of thought. Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini initiates a 5 lecture series to analyse this interesting topic in more depth. In this lecture, we learn about the meaning of intercession, and its different forms, in addition to the various Quranic verses that highlight it. Throughout the discussion, we come across interesting references to how the Universe is based on intercession, and how that works within the system of cause and effect. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” - Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 255 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 4 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the second lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini addresses a very important question. Is the power of intercession limited to the Prophets and messengers only? Contrary to common belief, we learn about 11 different intercessors that encompass the angels, scholars, martyrs and children! Further emphasis is also placed on interacting with the Holy Quran, due to its impactful position in not only granting us guidance in this world, but also as a means of intercession for us on the day of judgement. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” - Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 255 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 5 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the third lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini discusses the biggest, most important and powerful intercession, which is needed by humanity in its entirety; The intercession of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Throughout the discussion, we come across various narrations and Quranic verses that emphasize the intercession of the Holy Prophet, alongside his immaculate household. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” - Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 255 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 6 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the fourth lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini shares an insightful discussion related to 8 conditions necessary to be granted intercession. Within this talk, we examine the necessity of having faith, what it means to be a truly religious person, which individuals are excluded from the honor of intercession, in addition to how the feeling of regret after committing a sin is a Divine blessing that shouldn't be neglected. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” - Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 255 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 7 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the fifth lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini discusses whether the concept of intercession and God's mercy in general encourages us to sin and disobey him or not. Within the discussion, we learn that being considered a follower of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) isn't a title granted but earned, requiring a set of qualities to be possessed. Furthermore, we understand why abusing the mercy of God can lead us to deviate and lose that privilege, and how the path to heaven isn't necessarily an easy one. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Then evil was the end of those that did evil, for they belied the signs of Allah, and at them they used to mock.” - Surah al-Room, Verse 10 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 8 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the sixth lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini examines whether dead people can act as intercessors or not. Within the discussion, we come across Quranic verses and narrations which serves as evidence that intercession works, even with objects like a shirt or a stone, and an interesting reflection on how the beginning of creation started with a Divine command to prostrate to God's prophet! ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him” - Surah al-Ma'idah, Verse 35 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 9 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In the seventh and final lecture of our series about Intercession (Shafa'ah), Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini examines the position of monotheistic religions when it comes to the topic of intercession, sharing interesting facts and stories along the discussion. Furthermore, we learn about the immense benefits of helping and praying for others, and how it opens vast doors of Divine mercy. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a reward therefrom; and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a burden therefrom.” - Surah al-Nisa'a, Verse 85 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 10 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018

In this interesting discussion, Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini visits the biography of al-Miqdad ibn Al-Aswad, who was a loyal and loved companion of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Through reflecting on his life story, we identify the immense impact that the Prophet had on him, and how he in return was very heroic in standing for the truth and defending the rights of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.). We also learn about how the Prophet battled the racist, tribalist mentality by helping al-Miqdad in his marriage, and emphasizing his greatness by praising him in a uniquely remarkable way. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds. For them is a reward uninterrupted.” - Surah al-Inshiqaq, Verse 25 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Day 11 - The Holy Month of Ramadan 2018