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

Hamzaad (Twin angel)

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

What is hamzad? What is the Islamic perspective on hamzaad? What is the role of hamzad in spirituality? Please provide hadiths and Islamic material for full understanding if possible. Continue reading →

Posted in General, History | Tagged angel, barzakh, companion, devils, friend, ghosts, grave, hamzad, Holy Spirit, jinn, qarin, Shaytan, soul | Comments Off

Blood Moons in Islam

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

As you might be aware about this http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/JOVtsY7mRc4/maxresdefault.jpg the blood moons that fall on jewish holidays and some say that they signify the end of times, something only Allah (swt) knows about, are there any significance to blood moons in Islam? Continue reading →

Posted in Belief & Doctrine | Tagged astaghfirullah, blood moons, Eclipse Prayer, end of times, jewish holidays, mars, modern science, red moon, Salat al-Kusuf, seek forgiveness, Signs of the Last Days, superstition, witchcraft | Comments Off

Invoking besides Allah others?

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

It is allowed as per Shaykh Nuh Ha Meem Keller to invoke Prophet s.a.w and awliya q.s for help? As per the correct intention we invoke through the high stations attached to their name before Allah s.w.t and not through their physical bodies. Continue reading →

Posted in Belief & Doctrine, Sufism (Tasawwuf) | Tagged al-`Uzza, Ark of the Covenant, Christian world, Christians, Hindus, idol-worship, idolatry, intermediary, invoking Madad, means of approach, na`al sharif, na`layn Pak, nasut, Ottoman Sultans, physical bodies, sacred relics, sainthood, tawassul, Yoga | Comments Off

Who amongst Adam (عليه سلام) and Eve (رضي الله عنها) had eaten the fruit first?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

Is it established on a sound basis that Hadrat Hawwa (Allah be well pleased with her) had consumed the fruit and then insisted Hadrat Adam (upon whom be peace) to eat it whilst their stay in Paradise? Continue reading →

Posted in Qur'an & Tafsir | Tagged Adam and Eve, ate, fruit, Sayyidah Hawwa, Sayyidina Adam (as), tree of immortality | Comments Off

The Ghayat al Hakim (Picatrix)

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

As far as I know, the Naqshbandis guard in high esteem the Shams al Ma3arif of Ahmad al Buni. Is the other great Medieval grimoire which is Ghayat al Hakim (Picatrix) of al Majriti or pseudo-alMajriti also reguarded as valuable, according to the Naqshbandis? Continue reading →

Posted in Sufism (Tasawwuf) | Tagged ilm al-huruf, Naqshbandis, Qur'anic alchemy, science of letters, Shamsuddin al-Buni, talisman | Comments Off

Was Algerian Emir Abdul Kadir Naqshbandi?

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

I am researching a curriculum about the Algerian mujahid Abdul Kadir and found mention of him on your site. Was he Naqshbandi? Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged naqshbandi, Qadiri, Sayyidina Muhyidin ibn `Arabi | Comments Off

Role of Saints

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and asking the Saints for prayers is a major part of the faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Sufism (Tasawwuf) | Tagged gnostic, intercesion, intercessory prayer, Prayers, saint | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Sufism (Tasawwuf) | Tagged 360 points, 9, destiny, enneagram, forty sciences, Golden Chain, highest levels, mifsal, nine, nine points, numerals, numerology, pure awesome, Shaykh Hisham, Shaykhs of the two wings, spiritual, spirituality, two wings | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in Permission | Tagged archery, Sunnah | Comments Off

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 →

Posted in History | Comments Off

Author Archives: Ustadh Mahmoud Shelton

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