Community background
Shia Muslims in Sri Lanka are a very small but growing minority - estimated today at fewer than 2,000 people - within a religiously diverse country where Buddhism is dominant, and Muslims make up about 10% of the population. Most Muslims follow the Shafi’i school, while Shias are scattered across cities such as Colombo, Kandy, and especially Valachchenai. Historically, their roots trace back to early migrations of descendants of the Prophet (s), though their identity later became less distinct. In recent decades, Shia awareness has re-emerged through international influences, religious outreach, and students trained abroad.
Today, the community has around six Hussainiyas across Sri Lanka, two small seminaries, and one mosque, and is actively promoting the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (as) despite its limited institutional presence. Whilst maintaining religious activities and education, the community faces challenges such as misconceptions about Shia Islam, limited resources, and the need for more trained scholars and translated materials.
A number of Shia books, such as Sahifa Sajjadiyya and the lives of the Fourteen Infallibles (as) have already been translated, published and distributed. There is a need for a lot more, and this is where we are now seeking your help. Separate fundraising pages shall be created for different books, and when their translation, publication and distribution costs would have been covered, these pages shall be closed gradually.
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) famously said that among the six things which benefit a person after death, one of them is “knowledge he passed on”. Contributing to the production and spreading of these books is indeed a unique sadaqah jariyah opportunity, with the Tamil language not only spoken by Sri Lankan Muslims but also by millions of others in India, Malaysia and Singapore. May Allah (swt) bless you and always increase your tawfeeq.
About the book
“Shawāhid al-Ḥaqīqah” (Evidences of the Truth) is a 280 pages book that explains the beliefs of Shi’a Islam. It has been written with the aim of introducing Shi’a doctrines to Sunni Muslims, supported by strong evidence drawn from both Sunni and Shi’a sources. Much of the material in this work is derived from the writings of prominent scholars of the seminary, such as Ayatollah Ja’far Subhani. This book is a combination of translation and original compilation, adapting key materials, supplemented with explanations and additions tailored to the needs of the local context.
Current status
The editing and layout have been completed, and the book is ready for publication. The estimated cost of printing 1,000 copies is 367,000 rupees. With the necessary funding, it can be printed, God willing.
About the author
The researcher and author of this book is Mr. Muhammad Marzooq from Sri Lanka, who holds a Master’s degree from the Qom seminary in the field of Qur’anic sciences and Hadith. He has over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and religious outreach in Shi’a studies. He has authored several other works, including The Myth of Abdullah ibn Saba and A Study of Hadith al-Thaqalayn, along with numerous articles.
Brief book overview
Chapter One:
Discusses the term Shi’a, its linguistic and technical meanings, and its geographical presence. It also explains the reasons for the Shi’a adherence to the Ahl al-Bayt (as), presents proofs for the truth of Shi’ism, and examines the virtues, characteristics, and ethics of being Shi’a.
Chapter Two:
Explores the causes of hostility and negative propaganda directed against the Shi’a.
Chapter Three:
Highlights historical evidence showing how the Shi’a have been subjected to oppression, discrimination, and neglect throughout history.
Chapter Four:
Covers a wide range of Shi’a beliefs and practices, including:
- The origins of Shi’ism and the allegation regarding ‘Abdullah ibn Saba
- The testimony of faith (Shahadatayn) in Shi’a Islam
- Beliefs regarding: Tawhid (Divine Unity) – Prophethood - Divine Justice - Divine Decree (Qada and Qadar) - Imamate
- The principles and branches of religion in Shi’ism
- Beliefs about: The Qur’an – Angels - The Day of Judgment - Mahdism (belief in the Mahdi) - The Ahl al-Bayt - The justice of the Companions - The wives of the Prophet - The parents of the Prophet and Abu Talib
- Jurisprudential and practical matters such as: Qiblah (direction of prayer) - Ritual purity and impurities - Method of ablution (wudu) - The Shi’a adhan - Combining prayers - Folding hands (takattuf) - Saying Bismillah in prayer - Qunut in prayer - Saying Amin - Prostration on earth - Takbir at the end of prayer - Time of iftar - Tarawih prayer
- Other topics include: Khums – Hajj - Dietary laws - Sources of Islamic law - Shi’a hadith collections - Raj’ah (return) - Bada’ – Taqiyyah - Tawassul (seeking intercession) - Shafa’ah (intercession) - Temporary marriage (Mut’ah) - Visiting graves - Innovation (Bid’ah) - Mourning practices - The meaning of “Rafidi” - Supplication in Shi’a practice - Sacred sites - Muslim unity - The معيار of truth and falsehood - Saying “peace be upon him” for the Imams - Accusations of disbelief against the Shi’a
These are among the many topics covered in the book.
سَمِعتُ أبَا الحَسَنِ الرِّضا عليه السلام يَقولُ : رَحِمَ اللّه ُ عَبدًا أحيا أمرَنا . فَقُلتُ لَهُ : وكَيفَ يُحِيي أمرَكُم ؟ قالَ : يَتَعَلَّمُ عُلومَنا
ويُعَلِّمُهَا النّاسَ ، فَإِنَّ النّاس لَو عَلِموا مَحاسِنَ كَلامِنا لاَتَّبَعونا .
“I heard Abu al-Hasan al-Ridā (peace be upon him) say: May Allah have mercy on a servant who revives our cause. I asked him: And how can one revive your cause?
He (pbuh) replied: By learning our knowledge and teaching it to the people. For if people were to know the beauty of our words, they would surely follow us.”
