Author Archives: Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

About Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

Mahmoud Shelton studied at the University of Edinburgh before taking a degree in Medieval Studies at Stanford University. Shelton is the author of Alchemy in Middle Earth: The Significance of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, The Balance of George Lucas' Star Wars, and numerous articles. He is also a contributor to The Royal Book of Spiritual Chivalry and The Sufi Science of Self-Realization. Contributions by Mahmoud Shelton * Chivalry of the Night and Day * Alchemy in Middle Earth * contributor, The Royal Book of Spiritual Chivalry
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The Shaykhs of the Two Wings

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

Reading the great book about the History of the Saints of the Golden Chain, written by Shaykh Hisham. I’ve read about the “Shaykhs of the Two Wings.” Are they just 9 in number, in every “age”, in every historical period? Do they consider all humankind as their followers? Continue reading →

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Permission to do archery

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

A couple of friends and I wish to do archery. We are all at the age of 16 and we know it is Sunnah to do archery and it is a key skill. All I need to know is whether I still need permission to do so, if so may I have the permission to do archery. Continue reading →

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Why did Christianity spread in Europe?

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

I’ve been reading a lot of Dark Ages history the reason I don’t understand why Christianity displaced paganism is that its practice… Continue reading →

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What is a Mokial/ Muwakkil?

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

I was wondering what a mokial/muwakkil is? Continue reading →

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Doomsday?

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

May my salams reach everyone. I was wondering if there’s any truth behind the Mayan prophecy, in which their calendar ends on December 21, 2012… Continue reading →

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The Golden Chain

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

Please help me understand the shajrah of the Naqshbandiyyatul Aliyya when the secret passes from Salman al-Farisi R. (passed away in 33 A.H. during the reign of `Uthman) to Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr Q… Continue reading →

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Mawlid

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

As far as I know the Mawlid al Nabi (salah Allah aleyhi wa salam), as we recognize today, was introduced by Emir Nur al Din al Zengi in the late 12th century… Continue reading →

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Nephilium, demons, jinn-human hybrid

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

What are nephilium, aliens, vampires. or illuminati created this myth or these are jewish & christian beliefs??? E.g., christian beliefs that angels too fall.. Continue reading →

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Hajji Bektash and the Bektashis

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

I was just wondering if you could please tell me how the 13th century ‘saint’ Hajji Bektash is regarded by mainstream Sunni ulama? And also, is the Bektashi order that he founded considered an authentic tariqa of Tasawwuf? Continue reading →

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41 Tariqas

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

1.What are the names of the 41 different tariqas and who are the Imams of each of those tariqas? I would be really grateful if this information … Continue reading →

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