Ask a Shia

[Karbala]

This is exactly what I mean, who decides this? based on what????? The Messenger is the Messenger, but who decides that this child and not the other can be classified as infallible? I mean when this Imam appears, who would tell u this is him and u have to follow??????

These are questions regarding a very detailed answer. In short we can say that the infallibles were chosen by Allah and communicated to the Ummah via the Prophet(saw). We believe he clearly stated the names of all the 12 Imams along with Fatima as ma'soom.


How do we recognise the Imam when he comes? The answer to this question is the same as how will you recognise the Mahdi when he comes since we Shia belive they are both one and the same. There are supposed to be clear signs before his arrival such that no believer has any excuse to doubt.

Shia maintain that Fatima was the only daughter of the Prophet (saw) while Sunnis include Zainab, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum.
Strange, who told you so??

This is what is stated in Ali Asghar Rizvi's historical book "Restatement of the History of Islam" which is a modern book of history from the Shia view. Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom and Zaynab are viewed as either daughters from previous marriage of Khadija or daughters of Khadija's widowed sister. Nevertheless the Prophet adopted them and they are viewed highly with respect by Shias.

Do u have any idea why did Fatima name her daughter Zainab? I mean after who??

Possibly after her aunt Zaynab bint Mohammad the adopted daughter of Mohammad(saw). This is a strange question since Zaynab is a common arabic name meaning ornament of her father.

And how about Ibraheem and Qassem.....????? The Messenger''s Kuniay was abul qaseem u know, right?

Right I know this. Ibrahim and Qasem are both recognised as sons of Mohammad(saw) by Khadija who both died in infancy. Carefully read what I said, Fatima is the only DAUGHTER of the Prophet(saw)