The Shiite & Sunni Muslims — Dilemma For A New Muslim

"Shias Should STOP Hurling Insults at the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (saws) & His Wives While Sunnis Should STOP Calling Shias Infidels." - Ayatollah al-Taskhiri

Question

I have been visiting a website, which provides much good information about prophets and stories for children, which is my main interest. However, I recently discovered that the website is operated by a Shiite organization. As I am a recent convert to Islam, I would like to know whether there are major differences of principle between the Shiite and the Sunni Islam. How much discrepancy is there in Shiite and Sunni versions of Islamic history, at least up to the Prophet’s death?

Answer

The essential difference between the Shiite and the Sunni Muslim has political roots. Originally, it had nothing to do with beliefs. However, the differences were later given a religious cover as normally happens in such splits to ensure continuity. When such an attempt of clothing politics with religion takes place, some twisting of the meaning of texts may be introduced to justify certain attitudes. Over time, there could be some inventions, false reports or moving further apart. Often this remains superficial, while the essential beliefs continue to be the same. This applies fully to the difference between the Shiite and the Sunni Islam. In matters of basic beliefs and required worship, we have the same basis. There are certain differences of detail which do not affect the validity of any act of worship, or alter any aspect of belief.

You may be aware that there are different schools within the Shiites, but the school with the largest following is that known as the Imamiyyah, which is predominant among the Shiites in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. It is the belief in the 12 Imams that constitutes the most important difference with Sunni Islam. An Imam is considered the guide who is charged by God to make things clear to people in every respect.

The 12 Imams were Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, peace be upon him, then his two sons by Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, then the line continues in Al-Husain’s descendants. The twelfth Imam is said to have been withdrawn and will be returned at the time determined by God, to ensure justice on earth for all mankind. His absence has now lasted for more than one thousand years, and no indication of its duration is given.

The other major school of the Shiite is the Zaydiyyah, which is found mainly in Yemen. It is named after Imam Zayd ibn Ali ibn Al-Husain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was a scholar of the highest caliber. Their view on the position of Imams is very different from the Imamiyyah.

When it comes to history, there are major differences, which is due to the fact that historical events are read differently by both participants and followers. Needless to say, partisan historians normally paint very colorful pictures of historical events. Therefore, when we read a historical account, we should know the leanings of the writer and check his version against those of more neutral writers.

With regard to your question about the Shiite version of Islamic history during the Prophet’s lifetime, the points to guard against are:

1. Any detraction from the integrity or dedication of any of the Prophet’s companions;
2. Any bias against the main figures who were close to the Prophet, peace be upon him, such as Abu Bakr, Omar, Uthman, Ayesha, Talha, Al-Zubair and his son Abdullah; and
3. Any exaggeration of the role of other companions of the Prophet, particularly Ali, who was undoubtedly close to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and a great servant of Islam. Yet his role should not be blown up so as to make him far superior to everyone else.