Books by Sayed Al-Qazwini

Works of Sayyid Moustafa al-Qazwini

Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini (Arabic: سيد مصطفى القزويني‎ born 1961 in Karbala, Iraq) is an Islamic religious leader who has achieved recognition as a religious educator, leader and author. Al-Qazwini can allegedly[citation needed] trace his lineage forty-two generations back to Muhammad. Al-Qazwini initiated his higher religious studies in Qum, Iran where he was awarded with a B.A. and M.A. in Islamic Studies in 1985. During 1987-1989 he served as professor of Islamic Studies at the Islamic seminary in Damascus, Syria. From 1989-1994 he contributed as associated imam and professor of Islamic Studies at several Islamic centers and foundations in London, England. Shortly after his arrival in California in 1994, Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini became the founder and director of the Islamic Cultural Center of San Diego, California. This center was the first Shia mosque established in San Diego County for religious and social events. The success of this mosque in San Diego enabled him to found another mosque in Orange County, California. In September 1996, he founded the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County (IECOC), drawing on his experience in Islamic Studies. As of 2009, the IECOC has become an active community center. Al-Qazwini's past associations have included: being chairman of the Development and World Events Committee of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California (an umbrella organization for sixty-four mosques and Islamic centers), a board member of the council of Shia Muslim scholars of North America. For the past six years he has co-chaired the West Coast Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics, and has been an advisor for the United Muslim American Association for six years. He spends much of his time lecturing across the world and nationally at churches, universities and on panels with other parishioners. Al-Qazwini is married and has five children and three grandchildren.

Here are some fantastic works of Sayed Al-Qazwini;

This book is a compilation of a progressive lecture series delivered over a three-year span in London, England, from 2005 to 2007 (1426-1428 AH) during the Ashura season. The series given reflect a number of spiritual, social, and individual struggles that resonate within every person, and further seek to provide spiritual direction to those challenges.
Since the lectures were inspired by the character and sacrifice of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Husayn b. Ali, peace be upon them, whose life was taken in the midst of his prime years, highlighting the years of youth, in particular Muslim youths living in the West, will predominate most of the themes throughout the book. 
The raising of ethical character is the platform by which the brick and mortar of practice and faith sets the foundation for attaining human perfection. The combined elements of faith and practice are used to understand and resolve issues dealing with Muslim youth, in areas such as youth leadership, family, marriage, personal and spiritual refinement based on the Qur’an and the ways of Prophet Muhammad, and the imams (the Ahlul-Bayt) that followed him.

Introduction

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Those who listen to the Word and follow the best of it:  those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and  those are the ones with understanding.

The Shi‘a and Sunni schools of thought form the two wings of the Islamic nation that allow it to fly and carry out its lofty objectives. A great Muslim scholar once said, “Those who attempt to cause division between the Shi‘a and Sunni are neither Shi‘a nor Sunni.” Written under this premise, the book in hand should clarify some common questions and inquiries about the philosophy and practice of Shi‘a Islam. The Shi‘a and Sunni schools of thought differ primarily in jurisprudence and have far more similarities than differences. Every school of thought in Islam must be respected because they all can lead people to salvation.

The Shia have primarily been the most misunderstood of the Muslim schools of thought. It has been the case throughout Muslim history and until now that the Shia ideology and its followers are persecuted and ridiculed. In recent times, it is been more accelerated politically after the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Muslim world then witnessed an increasing attack against Shia Islam and its followers. A tsunami effect of ignorance and prejudice batters the Shia. Unsubstantially described as “interpreting their own form of Islam,” the Shia have been hammered with radical accusations as being “renegades” and “rebellious” by those who believe that the Shia doctrine is some form of a “cult” or that it is at “odds” with mainstream Muslims.

Discovering Islam is an invitation to learn about the fundamental message, spirit, and practice of Islam. This book covers an array of essential concepts, practices, and beliefs. It takes you through the core principle of the Oneness of God to the most contemporary concept of jihad.

The message of Islam is universal. Islam is not intended to be a faith of followers from a certain descent; nor does it belong to one geographical part of the world; nor does it belong to a different time era.

Islam is a progressive and adapting religion that transcends all racial, native tongue, socio-economic, and gender lines. It is open and free to be explored, challenged, accepted, and even rejected. God says in the Quran, “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. Thus whoever rejects evil and believes in God has  grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks.” (2:256)