Islamic Observation
The mosque I went to was called the ISIA. ISIA stands for Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri Association. There are many different sects of Muslims but this particular sect believes in 12 or Ithna-asheri (meaning 12 in Arabic) Imams (or leaders) after the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). ISIA is located at 3856 Richmond road in Ottawa. Since it is the month of Muharram one of the holiest months for Shiite Muslims, I attended a Majlis or gathering on Feb. 3 2005. A majlis is held (usually in Muharram) in remembrance of the brutal martyrdom of the third Imam. The third Imam Hussein (A.S) was also the grandson of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The ISIA building is very plain. Since I went at night I could see that that the building was white with dark blue or black (I could not make out in the dark) thick stripes. The exterior is just a simple rectangle. There are no religious designs/symbols outside. There is a small door with a couple of steps to climb before entering. Next to the door is the sign that says ISIA, the only way for people to know it's a religious institution. The interior of the building is much better. Decorated with many eastern style rugs and Arabic writings on the wall. When I asked what the writings on the wall said,
There is no one that particularly stands outside to greet people, but once you go inside, people automatically greet you in the Islamic way, which is SALAM meaning blessings be upon you. I learned that many of the things I had been told about Shiites are not true. I wanted to know why they wore only black in the month of Muharram and now I realized that the tragedy of Karbala is so great that it DESERVES mourning. The service was about 2 hours long. There is a separate room in the women section that is for women with younger children. During the service the cleric joins everyone on the floor until it is his turn to say the sermon. The president of the association told me that Islam loves worship when it is done collectively (in groups). This is why they have many majlis on Muharram, in order to give all the Shiites a chance to get together and remember Karbala. There are only a few chairs kept aside for older people or people who have trouble sitting on the floor. Both areas have little kitchenettes (where refreshments are either made or kept) and a highly decorated place covered with curtains. Men who have not showered after intercourse are also unclean and must not enter the Imambargah. The cleric told me that all the problems between Muslims were political, and after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) there were many who wanted power.
Common topics in this essay:
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Islamic SALAM,
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imam hussein,
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muhammad pbuh isia,
wear cloak,
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Acceptance Essays
