More Questions on Shia point of view about Caliphate (Immamate)
Question 5: Can Shia prove their ideology of Imamate from Quran?
Answer: When we talk about the Shia point of view about Imamate. It means the successor ship of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Caliph means successor (the person who comes after), Imam means leader. We can say that these 12 personalities are the Caliphs of Prophet Mohammad and the Imams of Muslim Ummah after The Holy Prophet.
When we say something like show us from Quran about a particular topic and if it is not mentioned there or in details, we won’t accept it. This is not a right approach. It means that we are refusing the source of Islam which is the hadith. We cannot understand Quran and Islam without the Messenger of Allah.
We believe that there are so many Prophets, about 124,000. But we know that only 25 Prophets are mentioned in the Quran. Why do we believe in those Prophets though they are not mentioned in Quran?
Imamate, the leadership of people (a spiritual designation granted by Allah(swt)) is mentioned in Quran. Please read the verse of Surah Baqarah (2:124)” And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”
In this verse Allah(swt) answered Ibrahim’s prayer that Imams will be from his offspring but not the evil-doers. Shia Imams are from the offspring of Prophet Ibrahim (as) announced by the messenger of Allah.
Look at our daily prayers, we do not find the details of prayers from the holy Quran. The Messenger of Allah told us about the five prayers and gave us details. We believe it and do it. Where can we find the details of this? in the hadith right?
The verse of Holy Quran (4:59): “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger,”
In this verse, it is ordered to obey Allah(swt), his Messenger and those Personalities charged with the authority. If there are differences between us we are supposed to refer it to Quran and hadith. Because Quran and hadith is the main two source of Islam.
In the commentary of this verse Holy Prophet introduced those people whom are given authority which Muslim supposed to obey. The Messenger of Allah(swt) gave details of this verse telling that those people charged with authority among Muslims are his 12 successors.
Question 6: Why Shia Imams are offspring of each other? Does it mean something is materialistic and not spiritual as kings makes their sons their successors?
Answer: We already answer this question in our article “Shia point of view about Imamate (Caliphate)”. Please check the verses of Quran (3:33-34) and (5:83-87). We will find that all prominent Prophets mentioned in the Quran are the decedants of each other, offspring of Prophet Ibrahim (as).
Question 7: Why do Shia believe that their 12 Imams are having higher ranking than all the other Prophets except Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).?
Answer: There are two points of views in Shia about it. One point of view says that the Imams are superior to all Prophets except the Holy Prophet. The other point of view says that the Imams are not having higher ranking than the Prophets who are granted with Sharia law.
The philosophy of the belief that those Imams have higher ranking than the Prophets; The Imams are successor of holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who is the last Messenger is the head of all the Prophets. Quran is the conclusion of all previously revealed books and Islam is the conclusion of all sharia laws. (We can compare as elementary school, high school and University)
Shia believes that Imams are superior in ranking than the Prophets. It is due to the successorship of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and being authorized interpreter of Islam and Quran.
We would like to give an example to understand above the logic. A high school teacher who has license and certification being high school teacher and a PhD student who does not have license as high school teacher but still PhD student will be considered as higher level.
Both Shia and Sunni believe that Imam Mahdi is one of those 12 Caliphs which Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) mentioned in the hadith about 12 Caliphs from Quraish. Both Shia and Sunni believe that Prophet Isa (as) will pray behind Imam Mahdi.
Question 8: How come Shia believes that their 12 Imams are infallibles?
Answer: The Shia belief about the infallibility of Imams is based on many verses of Quran and Hadiths. What We are trying to say here is simply that the infallibility of Imams has the same logic as the Prophet hood.
We believe that the Prophets are infallible because Allah(s) made them to be a role model. Allah(s) orders us to follow them. That’s why Allah(swt) purified them from the sins and made them infallible.
Allah(s) announced to follow the special authorized people (Quran 4:59).
The Messenger of Allah(s) announced to follow his Caliphs after him. That’s why the successors of Prophet must be infallible as well; if they will do mistakes they can easily drag their followers in to the ditch.
We can use the same logic when Shia claims that Imams are granted with special knowledge and miracles, Because Imams are divinely appointed. This is the reason why we see that there is no teacher for these 12 Imams except Allah(swt) and his Prophet and yet we find the ocean of knowledge in those books written by the 12 Imams.
Question 09: Shia believes that Imams are divinely appointed. They have right to rule over the people. Why the Shia 8th Imam Ali Raza (as) accepted position as a deputy under the ruler ship of Mammon al Rashid Al abaci?
Answer: As we mentioned in our article “Philosophy of Imamate” that the Shia Imams are the successors of The Holy Prophet. They are given the right to rule over Ummah by Allah(swt) and his Messenger. But if the people did not give them this right, it does not mean their designation as successor has been taken away as well.
The Eight Imam (Ali Raza) had no other choice other than accepting the position. It was a political game by Mammon. There are lots of other aspects which can clarify this matter.
But we also want to mention here about Prophet Yusuf (pbuh) as answer to this question. We know the story of Prophet Yusuf (pbuh) from Quran. He was a divinely appointed Prophet yet why did he choose to be the deputy of the king Who was not a believer?
Question 10: Sunni scholars interpretation on the verse of Surah Noor:55 “Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion – the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me. ‘If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.” They claim that this promise of Allah(s) with the companions of the Prophet means he will make them Caliph (ruler). So it was fulfilled during the time of 4 righteous caliphs. What is the Shia commentary about it?
Answer: Shia commentary about this verse is that this promise of Allah(s) is not only with the companions of The Holy Prophet but this promise is for all followers of Islam of all generations. Those people who are true believers and do righteous deeds, Allah(swt) will help them to rule over the world. In Shia school of thought there are narrations from the Imams of Ahlulbait that this promise of Allah(swt) will be fulfilled at the time of 12th Caliph Imam Mahdi (as). There will be Islamic government all over the world; there will be peace and justice all over the world. Islam will be the only ruling religion in the world.
If we will look at Sunni’s claim of caliphate according to this verse that this verse testifies the caliphate of 4 righteous caliphs, it does not fit to it. Islam did not rule all over the world. There was no peace, always wars and wars; we can see so much uprising at the time of third caliph. People surrounded him in Medina for many days, killed him broodily, his dead body remained unburied for many days, later he was buried in Jews graveyard. (History of Tabari)
At the time of 4th Caliph Imam Ali there was no peace and thousands of Muslims got killed in wars between among them. Imam Ali(as) spent his entire period of rulership in those troubles created by his opponents.
Is this the peace which is promised by Allah? Where are the other 8 caliphs? Isnt it that the Holy Prophet(pbuh) announced that there will be 12 Caliphs?
When we will go in details about any verse or hadith which our Sunni brothers mentioned to prove their claim of caliphate, nothing it works and actually failed to prove their claims.
Question 11: Sunni school of thought mentions that the first caliph Abu Bakar led the prayers on Prophet’s last moment that is why he is the first successor?
Answer: This narration contradicts with other proven narration which is in the other books and in Bukhari it says that at the last moment, the Holy Prophet(pbuh) sent army under the command of Osama bin Zaid. Abu Bakar and Omar were part of that army. That army stayed outside the Medina. When Holy Prophet passed away that the only time they came back.
Please read the proof in Bukhari about the army of Usma bin Zaid.
If The Holy Prophet(pbuh) appointed Abu Bakar leader of the prayers which means successorship, Why is it that in the meeting of saqifa! Saad bin Ebadah the leader Ansar is claiming caliphate for himself? (sunni sources prove that Saad bin Ebadah never gave oath of allegiance to Abu Bakar in his entire life)
If it was known that Abu Bakar will be the next Caliph, why then there was a dispute in Saqifa? At first Ansar claimed that one Caliph will be from Mohajreen and one Caliph will be from Ansar, later on they decided the Caliph will be from Mohajreen and Ministers will be from Ansar.
Abu Bakar himself proposed the name of Abu Obaidah bin Jarah and Omar bin Khattab to make them Caliph!
Abu Bakar mentioned everything that the Caliph should be from Mohajreen, but never mentioned about himself that the Holy Prophet made him as the leader of prayers.
Omar bin Khattab is the one who proposed Abu Bakar and the announcement of the selection of Abu Bakar was made suddenly. (This means it was not pre decided by the Holy Prophet). Please read the whole story about Caliphate in Bukhari. (please click on picture and read lengthy narration).
Our Sunni brothers cannot provide any single wording of the Holy Prophet(pbuh) from their own books that could prove that the Prophet(pbuh) made Abu Bakar as his successor. If they got to provide one check it and you will see it contradicts with the story of saqifa. Then there will be no meaning of Saqifa where in all this politics happened.
We find a narration in Sahih Muslim Chapter prayer that abdur rahman bin Owoaf led the prayer in prophet’s presence and the prophet prayed behind him. If this is the criteria, the person who led the prayer in prophet’s life, that person would be the successor of the prophet, then abdur rahman bin Owoaf shld be the caliph. The Prophet even prayed behind him. Please read the narartion in Sahih Muslim chapter prayer.
We also find the narartion in Sahih al Bukhari that Abu Baker and Umar used to pray behind Salim, the slave of Abu Hudhaifa. If we apply the sunni logic here then Salim should be the Caliph before Abu Baker and Umar bin Khattab, here is the proof
As we discussed on our article “The Sunni point of view about Caliphate”, Our Sunni brothers cannot declare any principle that can say the caliphate of these four Caliphs is based on this foundation.
It would be great if our brothers and sisters could send us their questions about the Shia point of view of Islam. Please send your comments by clicking on contact us at main page.
May Allah (swt) guide those who seek for truth and send blessings to Holy Prophet Mohammad and his Ahlalbait.
Questions on Shia Point of view about Caliphate-Immamate
http://www.shiasunni.info/islam-info/353-questions-on-shia-point-of-view-about-caliphate-part-1
Question 1: If Imam Ali(as) was granted successorship by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) then why Imam Ali did not fight (using sword) with the caliphs who became the head of state before him?
Answer: The successorship of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) is not only limited in becoming the head of the Islamic state. Even though Abu Bakar and Umar became the head of state, Imam Ali(as) still was never deprived of the rights of successorship of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
There are many reasons why Imam Ali did not fight with these Caliphs. One reason that we would like to give explaination is the one from the Quran Surah Taaha, when Prophet Musa(pbuh) went for 40 nights to get the commands from Allah(swt).
He appointed a successor (Aaron) for his nation. Right after Prophet Musa left, the nation left the right path and forgot all the lessons of the Prophet.
We can read the dialogue between Prophet Musa(pbuh) and his successor in Quran 20:92-94
[Moses] said, “O Aaron, what prevented you, when you saw them going astray, So that you did not follow me? Did you then disobey my order? [Aaron] said, “O son of my mother, do not seize [me] by my beard or by my head.Indeed, I feared that you would say, ‘You caused division among the Children of Israel, and you did not observe my word.’ “
In the above verse we can see what the reason of the successor of Prophet Moses, the reason of Prophet Aaron is that if he fight with these people Prophet Moses is the one who would accuse him that he have divided them into groups.
We know ofcourse that verbally Prophet Aaron tried his best to keep them on to straight path. Then the successor of Prophet Moses left no choice but to patiently wait for the Prophet’s return.
Imam Ali(as) had the same position to Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) as Aaron to Moses. Same thing we are saying about Imam Ali, the Imam did not fight with those people for the sake of Islam.
Imam Ali knew it that if he will fight with those people the religion of Islam and the newly formed Islamic state will easily be destroyed. There were lots of dangers against Islam during that period (Romans, Hypocrites etc.). That was not the proper time to use sword and also not in the interest or benefit of Muslim Ummah that Imam Ali should use sword against those people.
We know this reality that the tree of Islam was planted in Imam Ali’s home. Imam’s father Abu Talib gave protection to Islam. The Imam remained hungry, ate grass and leaves of trees to save Islam in (shaaba Abu Talib) Mecca. Then the Imam spent his whole life protecting Islam. He saved Islam from destruction by not fighting with those people after the death of Holy Prophet.
There is this story about two women who had dispute over one baby, each one claimed being the mother, to figure out who is the real mother of that baby, the order was issued to cut the baby into two pieces, the real mother came forward and said that it is fine with her to give the baby to the other woman but not to kill the baby (by cutting it into two pieces). This example fits on Imam Ali’s action that Imam saved Islam and sacrificed for the sake of survival of Islam.
Otherwise people would blame the Imam that he damaged Islam for his own power.
Please find the narration in Sahih Muslim about it.
Imam Ali had the special instructions from Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) not to fight with those people for the sake of Islam.We can also see such instructions and advise of the Prophet to other companions (Link: The Prophet’s advised to some sahaba to be patient when the ruler will deprive them of their rights). The Holy Prophet advised them “be patient after me when your rights will be taken away, be patient until you see me at the pond of Kauthar.”
We can also find such narrations in Sahih Muslim
Please note that those Caliphs did not oppose Islam openly. This diversion from the right path happened gradually. Please read another narration from Sahih Muslim.
Imam Ali(as) showed his patience. However the Imam’s chosen action was to condemn those people. We wrote a special article about Imam Ali claimed for his own Caliphate and condemned those Caliphs before him.
Imam Ali remained patient and continue his duty as Caliph (Caliph is still a caliph regardless of being a head of the state of not) for the sake of Islam. We can see this reality wherein the people by themselves realized after the killing of third caliph, people themselves offered the government to the Imam.
Those fellows who were saying that Imam Ali did not fight with the caliphs as a proof that those caliphs were right, we would like to ask them. Would they declare those people wrong when Imam Ali(as) fought back with them?
We want to remind those fellows claiming about Abu Bakar, Umar and Uthman being on right path that is why Imam Ali did not fight with them that their theory goes against the narration in Sahih Muslim.
Please read the interesting narration from Sahih Muslim
At the end, we would like to say that being the successor of the Prophet, The Imam played his role perfectly by preserving the orignal Islam with his teachings and giving strenght to Muslim Ummah with his patience.
Some people might bring objection here that if the Imam was against the fight among Muslims, then why did the Imam fought against Moawiya and (mother) Aisha?
We simply want to remind those fellows that Imam Ali did not start the war against these people. This is proven in the History of Islam that Moawiya bin Abu Sufyan and Aisha bint Abu Bakar became rebellious to the Imam and they started the war against Imam Ali.
Question 2: If we will consider the Shia point of view about Caliphate then we will have to consider many companions of the Prophet(pbuh) to be wrong, does it fit?
Answer: First we have to consider the Islamic point of view of neither Shia nor Sunni, Anything which fits to the Quran and Hadith then that is the standard. Second thing we should not try to recognize Islam by the personalities. This is not the right approach.
At the time of Battle of Safeen, some people told Imam Ali “it is hard for us to decide who is right and who is wrong. On one side you are one party, on the other side Moawiya who is a companion and many other companions are with him.”
Imam Ali (as) gave them a great formula. The Imam did not say that he is the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. What the Imam said was “Do not recognize HAQ (truth) with the personalities, first recognize HAQ (truth) with its criteria, then automatically you will know the righteous people (ahl e haq).”
If we will consider the Sunni point of view about Caliphate the objections will be towards Allah(swt) and his Prophet directly. If we will consider the Shia point of view the objections will be towards to some companions.
In the light of above question, our Sunni brothers are trying to say that it is fine let the objection come on the Holy Prophet but it should not come on Sahaba (companions).
We mentioned above the story of Prophet Moses from Quran, that he appointed his successor on his nation and went away for 40 nights. His nation got diverted from the right path during his life time, why it is not possible for the nation of the Prophet of Islam to leave the truth after he died?
We all know many facts from the Quran and Hadith that not all of the companions of the Prophet follow the orders of the messenger of Allah(swt). We would like to share few examples here.
1). Quran (3:153)
”When you ran off precipitately and did not wait for any one, and the Messenger was calling you from your rear, so He gave you another sorrow instead of (your) sorrow, so that you might not grieve at what had escaped you, nor (at) what befell you; and Allah is aware of what you do.”
This verse talks about the Battle of Uhod wherein at the difficult situation in war the companions run away by leaving the Holy Prophet in danger. Sahih Al Bukhari testifies that only 12 people left with the Prophet, everybody else run away. Here is the link.
The history books from Sunni sources testiffied that Abu Bakar and Umar also run away in the Battle of Uhod.There is a narration in Bukhari (chapter Al Maghazi), Abdullah bin Omar testified about the third caliph Uthman, run away in the Battle of Uhod.
2). We all know about the Battle of Hunain which was fought after the Victory of Mecca at the end time of Prophet’s life. Again the companions left the Holy Prophet in danger and run away.
Quran talks about the Battle of Hunain (9:25)
“God has helped you on many occasions including the day of Hunayn (name of a place near Mecca). When you were happy with the number of your men who proved to be of no help to you and the whole vast earth seemed to have no place to hide you (from your enemies) and you turned back in retreat.”
Only few people remained with the Holy Prophet, everybody else run away. There are two long narrations in Bukahri stating about the Battle of Hunayn by Abu Qatadah, one in Chapter: Fighting for the Cause of Allah –Jihad, other in chapter: Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi) both testify that Umar bin Khattab run away in the battle of Hunain. Here is the proof.
We would like to mention here that it is not a light thing to run away from war with pagans by leaving the Holy Prophet in danger. We can read from the Quran verse of Surah Al Anfal (8:15-16)
”O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve marching for war, then turn not your backs to them, (Whoever deserts the believers) will incur the wrath of God and will dwell in hell, a terrible dwelling.”
3). We read in Quran in Surah Jumma’ah (62:11)
”When they see some merchandise or some sport, they rush towards it and leave you alone standing. Say, “(God’s rewards for good deeds) are better than merriment or merchandise; God is the best Sustainer“.
This happened during Friday prayer in Medina. The companions were in the mosque with the Holy Prophet offering their Friday prayer, outside the mosque the Caravan of trade came, the companions left the Holy Prophet(pbuh) during prayer and rushed to the Caravan. Please find the proof from Bukhari.
4). We can read this hadith from Bukhari; there are many Hadiths in Bukhari and Muslim on this subject. But we will just paste one.
Narrated `Abdullah: The Prophet said, “I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar) and some men amongst you will be brought to me, and when I will try to hand them some water, they will be pulled away from me by force whereupon I will say, ‘O Lord, my companions!’ Then the Almighty will say, ‘You do not know what they did after you left, they introduced new things into the religion after you.‘”
5). We want to give another hadith from Bukhari, Al-Bara bin `Azib one of the big name among the companions (in Bukhari there are lots of narrations from him) he admitted that they did innovations after the Holy Prophet.
6). We already gave some examples in our articles about Umar bin Khattab showing the proof that he changed the Sharia law, did not accepted the Quranic verses and changed the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet.
Please find the narration in Sahih Muslim how the great Companions were scared from Umar bin Khattab thats why they dont have the guts to object when Umar performed against the Quran and Sunnah.
7). The Prophet did not testify about Abu Bakar and told him “I don’t know what you will do after me.” (Ref: Muwatta Malik) Please find the narration.
9). Please read the narration from Sahih al Bukhari. The Holy Prophet told his Companions in advance that “after me there will be a greedy of Goverment.“
He told to Imam Ali “leave us alone, let us do what we want to do!”
11-Please read the hadith from Sahih Muslim which clearly says that some Companions who remained in the Company of the Holy Prophet were involved in innovations after the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
We have mentioned only few proven facts from the Holy Quran, Bukhari and Muslim.
For more informations please visit these links. It will help our reader to understand the answer of the above question.
Narrations about the Companions of the Prophet in Sahih Muslim
Narrations about the Companions of Holy Prophet in Bukhari
Umar bin Khattab in Sahih Muslim
The Holy Quran is filled with the stories about the previous prophets and their followers, narrating stories on how the followers of previous prophets did not obey properly to their prophets during the lifetime of the prophets and after them. But when it comes to the last Prophet (pbuh) our Sunni fellows become very emotional believing and trying their best to prove that all of the Companions were just and righteous.
Prophet Moses left his nation for 40 nights, his nation left his path and get involved into the severe wrong stuff during his life. Why is it not possible for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)”s nation not to forget some of his messages?.
Shias do not say that all the Companions suddenly left Islam. The diversion of some companions from the right path happened gradually and the real successor of the Holy Prophet, Imam Ali, was deprived of his right of Governance.
Question 3: We find the words of Imam Ali(as) in some books that says after the murder of third Caliph Uthman, when people offered Government to Imam Ali, the Imam said: “leave me alone, find someone else I am better for you to give advices, make your own Government.” Does it mean that the Imam do not feel himself to be fit for the Caliphate?
Answer: That is not the right conclusion!
Imam Ali(as) already rejected the Government when it was offered to him after the murder of the Second Caliph, Umar bin Khattab because there was a condition they put to it, that Imam must follow not only the laws of the Prophet(pbuh) but must also follow the laws of Abu Bakar and Umar. The Imam rejected it while Uthman accepted it and became the third Caliph.
Imam Ali(as) wanted to show the true Model of Islamic Caliph and wanted to impose all those standards of Islam. This is the reason why the Imam during his Caliphate dismissed all those governors including Moawiya who was ruling during the time of previous Caliphs. Imam Ali do not want these people to serve during his governance not even for one day, he does not want it to be part of the history.
When Imam Ali said to those people leave me alone, find someone else. It means the Imam wanted to make them realize that they put Imam Ali(as) in the corner from the beginning and for them to see the end result (the destruction) of what they did.
Another reason is that the Imam wanted them to give their oath voluntarily because the Imam have to impose strictly the criteria of Islamic Principles and he want to make sure that those people will not run away.
We can see that the two big names among the companions Talha and Zubair were included among those people who accepted Imam Ali as Caliph, but when the Imam did not give them any position in the government, they left the Imam and joined the opposite camp. They joined the Battle of JAMAL with Aisha (wife of the Prophet) against Imam Ali.
We would like to share the words of Molana Moudoodi, Sunni scholar, who wrote in his book, Khilafat o Malookiyat. He stated “Ali was the last hope who could bring Islam to its original shape, after the martyrdom of Ali (as) that last hope was gone forever.”
Please have a look at the separate article which showed the own words of the Imam on how the Imam claimed for his own Caliphate.
Question 4: We came to know that the Holy Prophet(pbuh) conducted the celebration of successorship at the place of Ghadir e Khum. Why it did not happen in Arafat during the last Hajj while everybody was present and in there the holy Prophet also delivered a long speech?
Answer: We believe that the Messenger of Allah always acted upon the revelation. The Messenger of Allah did all his actions and delivered his speeches according to the orders revealed to him. That is why we do not question his action of conducting the celebration of sucessorship in Ghadrie-e-Khum.
However we can see the proofs that the Holy Prophet guided his nation towords Ahlulbait and very clearly said at the day of ARAFA “I am leaving two things for your guidance Quran and Ahlulbait” Here is the proof from Trimdhi.
Ghadir e Khum is a place near Mecca that was the point where pilgrims of different places had to say good bye to each other, and had to take different routes on the way to their homes. That is the place where the Holy Prophet conducted the ceremony of his successorship.
We can see the wisdom and philosophy behind Ghadir on why the holy Prophet conducted the celebration of his successorship on separate occasion, it is so that the people wont mix it up and wont forget about it. So that the companions will remember that the messenger of Allah stopped them on a very hot day for few hours. There he showed them and announced that “Anybody who acknowledge me as master, Ali is his master”.
We can see the proofs from Sunni books that Imam Ali claimed Ghadir for himself and asked the people to testify Ghadir. Please find the proof from Nissaie.
Please find more questions and answer about Shia point of view on Caliphate in our next article (Part 2)
May Allah (swt) guide those who seek for truth and send blessings to holy Prophet Mohammad and his Ahlalbait.
An Overview about Shia Sunni differences
http://www.shiasunni.info/overview/4-an-overview-about-shia-sunni-differences1
Shia and Sunni are the two major schools of thought (main sects) in Islam. We believe that Shia and Sunni are both Muslims, none of them is out of Islam. Both are holding two different interpretations on several issues. However there are lots of similarities amongst Sunni and Shia.
We strongly believe that anyone who are letting the Shia and the Sunni brothers to have a fight with each other, he is not serving Islam properly. This is against the teachings of Islam.
As we have already stated above that Shias and Sunnis are holding two different interpretations on some issues. It is important to have a realistic and knowledgeable approach in to those matters. Otherwise there would be lots of misunderstandings and misconceptions towards each other.
We support the love and peace amongst Shia and Sunni but at the same time we do not want to put the truth under the rock. We would like to present and discuss those differences in the most respectable manner possible.
In our articles we will present proofs on the claim of the Muslim who belong to the Shia Madhab that they are the one who are practicing the correct Islam. We will give references from the Holy Quran and Bukhari/Muslim (two authentic books of Ahadith of the Sunni). We will try our best to use respectable and polite wordings because our goal is to convey the real teachings of Islam and not to hurt others.
In this article we will have a short review on Shia-Sunni differences.
Some people especially new converts do not have much idea about it, they even think that there is no sect in Islam. Some people do have information that there are two sects that are existing in Islam, Shia and Sunni.
There are many converted Muslims who were introduced to the reality of Islam, embraced Islam and called themselves as Sunni Muslims. They were not aware that they are being introduced to the Wahhabi/Salfi Saudi branded Islam. They accepted Islam on the name of Quran but unknowingly they end up being a wahhabi.
There are so many differences between Sunni Islam and Wahhabi schools of thought. Wahhabi religion was just established on 1737 by Mohamad Ibne Abdul Wahab. This religion was officially introduced by Saudi Government backed up by British Government.
Wahabbi extremism and terrorism spread out in the whole world using the name of Islam, actually this is Wahhabism and not even Sunni Islam. Wahhabi declared other sects of Islam as Kafir and Mushrik.
Wahhabism is ultimately a big asset to the anti-Islamic forces whose aim is to damage the image of Islam and want to make the Muslim Ummah weaker.
There are (deleted lot) more to discover within Islam to find out which is the right path of Islam.
Here we would like to share some websites/links about Wahhabism. This could help more to understand how the Wahhabi sect was created (by British) and the difference between Sunni school of thought and Wahhabi.
2- http://surrenderingislam.com
In this article we want to provide a clear guidance for our Sunni brothers and sisters to help them (deleted to) understand the fundamental differences between Shia and Sunni.
It is always recommended to focus on the basic ideology of any school of thought to get the true information about that religion or sect
For example if someone wants to make a research about Islam. If that person will spend his time on these issues like why Muslims eat Halal meat (kosher food)? Why Muslims have 5 prayers a day? Why not they should have weekly prayers? Why not Muslims should have once in a while fasting rather than fasting for whole month continuously? By focusing on these issues the person can have only superficial or partial knowledge about Islam. But if someone focuses on the basic and fundamental ideology of Islam first then he/she can get to understand the true information on the principle behind those practices.
The core belief of Islam is to believe in one God, the creator of the universe who sent his messengers to guide the humanity. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is the last messenger. There is a Day of Judgment, there will be rewards and punishments for good and bad deeds.
If someone wants to prove about Islam if whether Islam is right or wrong, that person should discuss these fundamental belief to know the clear picture.
For those people who want to make a research about Shia and Sunni differences. We would like to recommend for them to focus first on the fundamental ideology of Shia and Sunni School of thoughts.
Those core beliefs which separate from Shia to Sunni needs to be addressed in order to have clear picture about these two sects. We would like to suggest for our Muslim brothers and sisters to focus on these two ideologies: on which Shia and Sunni are not in agreement with each other. The root of division between Shia and Sunni sect is based on these two fundamental beliefs.
1. The successorship of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Shias believe that there are 12 successors (12 caliphs of the prophet and Imams of the Muslims) after Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) while Sunnis believe that the prophet did not appoint any successor but there are 4 caliphs whom they follow (1 was elected, 2 and 3 were appointed and 4th were requested).
2. Shia and Sunni opinion about the companions of the prophet is a very important issue that needs to be to discussed.
Sunnis believe that all of the companions of the Prophet are righteous, on justice and that they (the companions of the Prophet) are the authentic source of information to learn Islam after the Prophet. On the other hand Shias do not believe that all the companions are pious and righteous. They (the shias) believe that there are special people who are on the authority in all islamic affairs after the Prophet.
Please find our articles on these differences.
May Allah(swt) guide those who seek for the truth and send blessings to the Holy Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) and his Ahlulbait
SAHIFATUS SAJJADIYYA….. the oldest prayer manual in Islamic sources
SAHIFATUS SAJJADIYYA
It is the oldest prayer manual in Islamic sources
The title Al-Sahifat al-Sajjadiyya means simply `The Book of al-Sajjad’. Al-Sajjad is one of the titles given to Zayn al-‘Abidin and signifies `the one who constantly did sijda’. The book is often called Al-Sahifat al-Kamilat al-Sajjadiyya, that is, `The “Perfect”, or “Complete”, Book of al-Sajjad’. According to its commentator Sayyid `Alikhan Shirazi, the word kamila refers to the perfection of the style and content; The Sahifa has been called by various honorifics, such as `Sister of the Qur’an’, `Gospel of the Folk of the House’, and `Psalms of the Household of Muhammad’.
Imam Sajjad (pbuh) had collected his duas and taught them to his children, especially Imam Baqir (pbuh) and Zayd. There are 54 duas which make the main body. There is then an addenda which includes the prayers for the days of the week and the 15 munajat or `whispered prayers’.. The addenda are said to have been collected and added to the text by Shams al-Din Muhammad ibn Makki, known as al-Shahid al-Awwal (the `first martyr’), the famous author of Al-Lum’at al-Dimashqiyya in jurisprudence (fiqh) who was killed in Aleppo in 786/1384.
The modern editions are based on a text transmitted by Mulla Muhammad Taqi Majlisi (d. 1070/1659-60)….
One day, lying in bed half asleep, Majlisi saw himself in the courtyard of the ‘Atiq mosque in Isfahan, and before him stood the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam. Majlisi asked him about a number of scholarly problems which he had not been able to solve, and the Mahdi explained their solutions. Then Majlisi asked him for a book which he could put into practice, and the Mahdi directed him to seek out Mawlana Muhammad al-Taj. In his vision Majlisi found the book, and it appeared to be a book of duas. Waking up, he saw that his hand was empty, and he wept at his loss. At daybreak it occurred to him that perhaps the Mahdi had meant Shaykh Muhammad Mudarris, calling him by the title `Taj’ (the `crown’) because he was so famous among the scholars. Hence he went to see Shaykh Muhammad, and, entering his circle, saw that he held a copy of the Sahifa in his hand. He went forward and recounted his vision to Shaykh Muhammad, who interpreted it to mean that he would reach high levels of gnostic and visionary knowledge. But Majlisi was not satisfied with this explanation, and he wandered around the bazaar in perplexity and sorrow. Upon reaching the melon market, he met a pious old man known as Aqa Hasan, whom the people called, Taja (`Crown’). Majlisi greeted him, and Aqa Hasan called to him and said that he had a number of books which he had designated for religious purpose (waqf) but that he did not trust most of the students to put them to proper use. `Come’, he said, `and take whichever of these books which you think you can put into practice.’
Entering Aqa Hasan’s library, Majlisi immediately saw the book he had seen in his dream, so he said: `This is enough for me.’ It was a copy of the Sahifa. He then went back to Shaykh Muhammad and began collating his newly acquired copy with that of Shaykh Muhammad; both of them had been made from the manuscript of al-Shahid al-Awwal. In short, Majlisi tells us that the authenticity of his copy of the Sahifa was confirmed by the Mahdi himself.
QUALITIES OF A TRUE LEADER….Imam Ali a.s. shares his Golden Secret of Success
Imam Ali a.s. shares his Golden Secret of Success
14 Centuries ago, Imam Ali a.s. wrote to his governor in Egypt, Maalik-e-Ashtar
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QUALITIES OF A TRUE LEADER
Maalik, do not feel ashamed to forgive and forget.
Do not hurry over punishments and do not be pleased and do not be proud of your power to punish.
Do not get angry and lose your temper quickly over the mistakes and failures of those over whom you rule.
On the contrary, be patient and sympathetic with them.
Anger and desire of vengeance are not going to be of much help to you in your administration.
Never say to yourself,
“I am their Lord, their ruler and all in all over them and that I must be obeyed submissively and humbly”
because such a thought
will unbalance your mind
will make you vain and arrogant,
will weaken your faith in religion and
will make you seek support of any power other than that of Allah.
If you ever feel any pride or vanity on account of your sway and rule over your subjects then think of the supreme sway and rule of the Lord over the Universe, the extent of His creations, the supremacy of His Might and Glory, His Power to do things which you cannot even dream of doing and His control over you which is more dominating than that which you can ever achieve over anything around you.
Such thoughts
Will cure your mental weakness,
Will keep you away from vanity and rebellion (against Allah),
Will reduce your arrogance and haughtiness and
Will take you back to the sanity which you had foolishly deserted.
[Abridged version from The Charter of Human Rights /Part 2}
The politics of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) from the viewpoint of Imam Khomeini
Introduction to Imam Khomeini:
The 24th Anniversary of the Departure of Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini from this mortal world is an apt occasion to remember his eminent personality as well the personality of his spiritual guide Ameerul Momeneen Ali(AS).
Before coming to our main discussion it is important to remind ourselves that Ayatullah Khomeini’s ancestors were orginally from India. Ayatollah Khomeini’s paternal grandfather, Seyyed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, was born in Kintoor and was a contemporary and relative of the famous scholar Ayatollah Syed Mir Hamid Hussain Musavi. He left Lucknow in 1830 on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Ameerul Momeneen Ali(AS) in Najaf, Mesopotamia (now Iraq) and never returned.[1]
In 1834 Seyyed Ahmad Musavi Hindi visited Persia, and in 1839 he settled down in the province of Khomein which is about 200 miles south of Tehran, Iran’s capital city.[2] Although he stayed and settled in Iran, he continued to be known as Hindi, indicating his origins in India, and Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeini even used Hindi as a pen name in some of his ghazals.[3]
The politics of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) and Imam Khomeini:
Imam Khomeini being a hardcore shia, the political situation faced by Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) immediately after the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet of Islam(SAWA) and the tact with which Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) handled that delicate situation was a guiding light to Imam Khomeini in achieving his great goal of overthrowing the Shah.
For any revolution to occur and remain successful the role of the people is very important. Unless the people are made ready for it no revolution can be sustained. Political scheming deprived Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) from his rightful Caliphate. The neo- Muslims of that time were found wanting in giving him support. The majorities were very recent Muslims who though had accepted the faith but were still to be trained in Islamic teachings. Pagan practices were still prevelant among them.
In his book “Kashful Asrar”p.113, 114 Imam Khomeni underlines the fact which is explained in detail in a tradition from Imam Mahdi(AS)[4] that some senior companions had associated themselves closely with Islam for years and remained attached to it out of greed for power and had been conspiring and sowing discord and factionalism. Imam Khomeini states that: These people who, in their envy to rule, attached themselves to the religion of the Prophet (SAWA) and formed their own cliques could not possibly refrain from their actions on the bases of even Quranic advice. They had to materialise their aims at any cost.[5]
Understanding that the time was not ripe to declare an outright war against the forces of evil, Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) took the pragmatic approach of avoiding discord within the newly established Muslim community so that the community may be strengthed and trained in Islamic values and thus the ground would be created for an ultimate uprising. But alas his opponents banned the narrations of the traditions of the Holy Prophet(SAWA) to keep the people away from the Ahlul Bait(AS) making the task of training the people in Islamic values all the more difficult. In his distinctive daring style Imam Khomeini terms as (چپاولچی) meaning plunderers those who wrongly usurped the right of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS).[6]
It was not untill the period of Imam Baqir(AS) and Imam Sadiq(AS) when the Bani Abbas and Bani Ummayya were fighting for political supremacy that the sons of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) quitely got a chance to revive the Islamic teachings. But in the intervening gap a vast majority was created and trained on totally unislamic manners.(which were wrongly considered as pure Islam by them). The greedy seekers of power who denied Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) his right are clearly responsible for this state of affairs which they will account for on the Day of Judgement where they will be accounted as ‘Kafirs’ a term used for them by Imam Khomeini himself.[7] The consolidation of Bani Abbas again took away this opportunity from the righful inheritors of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) till ultimately the last of them[8] even today is in a state of occultation awaiting the right moment for a global revolution to restore the right of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS).
Imam Khomeini was greatly inspired by this conduct of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) and his sons. His foresight realised that the success of any revolution in any society depends upon the preparedness of the people of that society. Adopting a similar strategy of first preparing the ground by training the people for a revolution, in his earlier years he first strenghtened himself in knowledge of various sciences and then started organising his fellow country men to rise against oppression. Even he accepted a tactical retreat when he was exiled for a long period and remained in occultation from his countrymen all the time striving for their revolution. It was only when his country men overthrew the tyrant Shah that he came back leading them to the greatest revolution of the century.
Conclusion:
The political strategy of Ameerul Momeneen Ali (AS) and his adherent Imam Khomeini has important lessons for us. The most significant being to reflect on the time and situation before plunging into the call for any fight against oppression. Oppression has to be faught for a decisive victory. A decisive victory is dependent upon the situation which may differ from place to place and time to time. Blindly falling into any call for uprising without first judging the readiness and sustainabilty of such a moment may result in a failed uprising examples of which abound in history.
May Allah the glorified hasten the reappearance of His Last Hujjat who will finally put an end to all oppression initiated by the plunderers of the rightful Caliphate.
[1] From Khomein, A biography of the Ayatollah, June 14, 1999, The Iranian
[3] Ruhollah Khomeini’s brief biography by Hamid Algar
[4] InVol.1,p.56 of the book Mikyaal ul Makarim Fee Fawaaid ad-dua Lil Qaaim by Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Musavi Ishfahani(ra), Hazat Imam Mahdi(AS) is narrated as saying that: They (two)used to sit in the company of Jews and they were knowing about the proclamation and victory of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) on the Arabs. The Jews had told them all about the prophecies in the Old Testament and ancient scriptures. They had said that his domination over the Arabs would resemble that of Nebuchadnezzar in Bani Israel except that he would be claiming prophethood while in fact he would not be one. Thus when the proclamation of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) was made they helped him on the testimony of ‘There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ with the greedy intention that when circumstances are good and his affairs are in order, they would also be able to get his deputyship and authority.
[5] Ayatullah Khomeini, Kashful Asrar,p.114, Inteshraat Mustafvi, Qum
[6] IBID,p.107
[7] IBID,p.119
[8] Hazrat Imam Mahdi(AS)
Who is the Hand of Allah?
Some Muslims accuse the Shias of exaggerating the position of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the Imams (a.s.). They claim that the Shias have invented merits for the Imams (a.s.). In their view, the Imams (a.s.) lacked any special characteristics and raising their status amounts to innovation as, they claim that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself was a mere mortal and lacked these merits – then how can the Imams (a.s.) possess such astonishing and amazing merits? As usual, they brand such titles for Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) as Hand of Allah, Eye of Allah as polytheism (shirk).
We will reference a debate between a leading scholar of Islam to prove these merits for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and to establish beyond doubt that all Muslims acknowledge that the Imams (a.s.) with Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in particular, possess these extraordinary merits and excellences, and these are not hollow claims and fabrications of the Shias.
Allamah Amini (r.a.) silences the critics
Allamah Amini(r.a.), the great scholar and author of the invaluable body of research Al-Ghadeer, attended a gathering during his journeys wherein one of the Sunni scholars challenged him.
Sunni scholar: You Shias exaggerate and elevate matters in the case of Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s. ). For example, you call him by the titles such as يَدُ الله (Hand of Allah) عَيْنُ الله (Eye of Allah), etc. To embellish a companion with such titles is not correct.
Allamah Amini (r.a.) without missing a beat countered: If Umar b. Khattab had described Ali (a.s.) with these titles, what would you have to say?
Sunni scholar: The saying of Umar would be sufficient proof for us.
Allamah Amini (r.a.) in the very gathering asked for an authentic Sunni book.They brought him the book as requested. Allamah Amini (r.a.) turned to the page where this narration was written:
A man, who was busy in circumambulating (tawaaf) the Holy Ka’bah, glanced at a woman in an undesirable manner. Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) saw him in this condition. He hit him with his hand and in this way sought to punish him. The man put his hand on his face and in a restless manner approached Umar b. Khattab with the intention of complaining against Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.). He narrated the entire incident to Umar.
Umar replied: Certainly, the Eye of Allah saw and the Hand of Allah struck.
(The metaphor here is: The Eyes of Ali never err in what they see because the Eyes of Ali (a.s.) are the eyes which have been taught with the belief of Allah and such an eye can make no mistake. The hand of Ali (a.s.) does not move except to earn Allah’s satisfaction.)
When the Sunni scholar saw this tradition, he understood its implication and submitted to Allamah Amini (r.a.).
Indeed, just as terms like رُوْحُ الله (Soul of Allah) Prophet Isa (a.s.) underscore an honourable relationship (with Allah) and not with the implication that Allah has a soul, Hand of Allah يَدُ الله and Eye of Allah عَيْنُ الله are not to be taken literally and only highlight the position of the person embellished with the title.
Al-Nehaayah fi Ghareeb al-Hadith Wa al-Asar by Ibn Atheer, vol. 3 pg332
Al-Musannaf by Abdul Razzaq San’aani, vol.10 pg 410
Kanz al-Ummaal, vol. 5 pg 462
Tarikh Madinah Dimishq, vol. 17 pg 42
Jawaaher al-Matalib, vol. 1 pg199
Jaame al-Ahaadith, vol.26, p. 29
Jaame Moammir b. Raashid, vol. 1 pg 144
Lisan al-Arab vol 13 pg 309
Mudakhil fi al-loghat, Muhammad Abdul Wahid pg 49
Al Ambaa al-Mustataab by Ibn Sayyed al-Kul, pg 62 as narrated from Sharh Ehqaaq al-Haqq, vol. 8 pg 665 and vol31 page 498 and Zakhaaer al-Uqbaa pg 82
Simt al-Nujum al-Awali fi Anbaa al-Awaail, vol.2 pg28
Al-Riyaaz al-Nazarah, vol. 1 pg 247
Mukhtasar Tarikh Dimishq vol 3 pg 66
Al-Basaaer wa al-Zakhaaer, vol.1 pg 124 with slight variation
TENDER NOTICE FOR RUNNING PAKISTAN
It is generally believed that Pakistan was created for the Muslims of India. However, there is still debate in the country regarding the ideology of Pakistan. Some say that Pakistan came into being so unexpectedly that no one haNd the time to define its ideology. The state of Pakistan can be categorised as one of the following (or any combination thereof):
- Islamic
- Secular*
- Democratic
- Autocratic
- Militaristic
- Autistic
He announced that elections would take place in 90 days. However, the people were so pleased with the General that they beseeched him to stay. Being a true democrat the General could not turn down the request of the masses and decided to stay on to serve them. Just to make sure that he could serve the people with his full attention he declared that the pesky Mr. Bhutto had hanged himself in a fierce police encounter. Being a very hospitable man, he invited all the Muslim Afghan brethren to live in Pakistan. He also helped them fight the infidels from Russia. He had a rich uncle named Sam who provided the required finances.
2. Ensuring that containers are used for the sole purpose of transporting goods.
3. Banning spitting of phlegm, tobacco, niswar, and paan peek in public places and particularly on stairwells.
4. Removing all garbage strewn around the country and dumping it outside.
5. Arresting all the religious extremists and putting them in a rehabilitation centre run by Doctor Maulana Taqreerul Qadri.
6. Removing all the political talk show anchors and using them as anchors for the boats in the oily waters of Kaemari.
7. Changing the foreign policy from misaligned to non-aligned.
8. Eliminating the police force by making it mandatory for them to have a 32 inch waist.
9. Making Hijab mandatory for men and optional for women.
• Bidders from countries deemed to be more corrupt than Pakistan in the Transparency International Rankings will be subject to immediate disqualification.
• Bidders from previous colonising countries like Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and France will be given preference.
• Bidders from the USA are not eligible to bid as they are already running the Government of Pakistan.
• Bidders from Nigeria need not apply.
• The language of the bids can be any as long as it is English.
• Influencing the bid evaluation process by means of bribery is strictly prohibited unless it is at least $50 million and made through proper channels.
• Tenders will be submitted in quadruplicate in hard copy by courier.
• As per normal procurement rules 10 per cent of the bid price will be deposited as “goodwill”
• Tenders will be submitted to the following address:
The Section Officer
Services and General Administration Division
Pakistan Secretariat
Islamabad
The Blessed Month of Rajab – 1434 AH (Begins probably on Sun – 12th May 2013)
The Month of Mercy, Blessings and Forgiveness from Allah swt
The Month of Rajab marks the beginning of the spiritual season for every believer
Ending with the end of the Fasting Month of Mahe Mubarak Ramadan with the festivities of Eid Al Fitr.
These three months (Rajab, Shaban, and Mahe Ramadhan) are unmatched in their significance and importance.
“Rajab is a great month of Allah, unmatched by any other month in respect and significance (accorded to it).
Verily, Rajab is Allah’s month, Sha’aban is my month and Ramadan Mubarak is the month of my Ummah.
Whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rajab will be granted the great reward &
the wrath of Allah shall be distanced and a door of the Hell shall be closed.”
Imam Musa Al Kazim (as) said:
Rajab is a great month, during which Allah (swt) multiplies the rewards of good deeds and omits the sins.
To develop spirituality and attain nearness to Allah swt
Some of the recommended Ibadats for the Month of Rajab Mubarak
Fasting
It is highly recommended to fast in this month of Rajab even for one day at least. A hadith says:
Whosoever fasts a day in Rajab, the fire of hell will be away from him a distance of one year’s journey,
and whosoever fasts 3 days in Rajab, (and provided he has attended to all his Islamic duties), will be entitled for Paradise.
It has been recorded that Imam Ali (as) used to fast the whole month of Rajab.
Seeking Forgiveness (Estighfaar)
The Prophet (saw) used to say:
Rajab is a month of seeking forgiveness, so seek forgiveness from Allah (swt);
He is verily the Forgiver, the Merciful. It is highly recommended to repeat ‘Astaghfirullaaha Wa’atubu Ilayhi’.
Sadaqa and Charity
There is a big reward for sadaqa and charity in the month of Rajab.
A’amals of the First Thursday of Rajab – Laylatur Raghaib
details attached herewith
Repeating Often – Repeat the following, as often and as much as possible
1]. ‘Laa ilaaha illa-Allah’
2]. ‘Astaghfirullaaha zul jalale wal Ikraam min jamee’ al zonoobe wal aathaam‘
3]. Sura Al Tawheed ‘Qul-ho-wallaho Ahad‘ which brings blessings on the reciter, his/her children, family and neighbours.
4]. It is recommended to recite ‘Qul-ho-wallaho Ahad‘ 100 times every Friday in the month of Rajab.
5]. Other Duas and A’amals mentioned @ www.Duas.org
Praise be to the Almighty and thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity
to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights
and providing us with an opportunity to attain His pleasure and nearness.
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Provoking Thoughts 