Prohibiting Takfir - Fatwas Of Shi‘i Scholars

This text is a compilation of rulings by contemporary Shi‘i scholars that exhort Muslims towards unity and against sectarian divisions and violence.

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Preface

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

This compilation of rulings by contemporary Shi‘i scholars was first published in Farsi and Arabic as a response to the growing concern over takfir, or proclamations of excommunication of Muslims by other Muslims. These Shi‘i scholars, who are at the upper echelon of Shi‘i leadership and comprise the majority of the current and late twentieth-century maraji‘, concur on the necessity of emphasising the concept of Muslim unity, regardless of sect, in Shi‘i thought, and of promoting the importance of thoughtful social interactions between Muslims of varying sects in order to further a sense of genuine compassion and unity.

This is all the more important in this day and age with the growing spectre of sectarian violence, particularly in regions ravaged by war. First published in 2015, it remains a current snapshot of the latest views of top Shi‘i scholars.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed Haneef for translating this work and Dr Amina Inloes for editing it.

The Islamic Centre of England London, UK

Introduction

Today, apart from what its external enemies are doing, the divisiveness of extremism and takfirism (proclaiming Muslims as non-believers) has caused irreparable damage to Muslim society and the Islamic awakening. Not a day goes by without extremists hurling insults against what another madhhab (Islamic school of thought) holds in reverence. At the slightest excuse, the sullied hands of takfirists spill the innocent blood of Muslims and destroy the holy sites that have been etched in their identities.

They are like the Kharijites, who in their misuse of the verses of the Holy Qur’an went on to kill and plunder Muslims; concerning the Kharijites, Imam ‘Ali (A) said, “They used truth to promote falsehood.” The puritanical attitude of the takfirists and extremists in their interpretation of religious teachings leads them to spill Muslim blood, seize their property and violate their honour. By inappropriately attributing some of these issues to the founders of madhhabs and inflating the untoward behaviours of some people, they stoke the fires of discord and disunity among Muslims and hurt their religious sentiments.

The spread of a negative atmosphere and intra-Muslim strife are the results of these actions. The ‘ulama, the maraji‘ al-taqlid, and followers of the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (A) maintain that insulting revered Islamic figures and proclaiming the followers of other sects as infidels are impermissible. Without hesitation, they have issued fatwas declaring these actions to be haram (forbidden). F

or this reason the Secretariat of the Congress on the Danger of Extremist and Takfirist Currents in cooperation with the Jurisdiction of the Representation of the Wali al-Faqih on Matters of Hajj and Ziyarat (Hawzeh-ye Namayandegi-ye Vali-ye Faqih dar Umur-e Hajj va Ziyarat) have resolved to publish the fatwas of Shi‘i maraji‘ as an important step in the direction of strengthening the foundations for inter-madhhab convergence and bringing together as many of the ‘ulama and scholars of other madhhabs as possible to intellectually confront extremism and takfirism and their crimes.

This book comprises the religiously legal injunctions (fatawa) of grand maraji‘ al-taqlid and prominent Shi‘i religious scholars concerning the legal prohibition (hurmat) – according to the Qur’an and the hadith – of insulting revered Islamic figures and calling the People of the Qiblah [Muslims] unbelievers. We hope that with the efforts and cooperation of all the ulama in the world of Islam, we will witness the eradication of the strife of extremism and takfirism in the two spheres of thought and action from the Muslim world.

Head of Research
Secretariat of the Congress on the Danger of Extremist and Takfir ist Currents

Imam Khomeini

Muslim Unity

We are one with Sunni Muslims. We are a unit, like a Muslim and his brother.

If someone says something that is divisive to Muslims, you should know that they are either ignorant or they would like to create discord between Muslims. It is not a Shi‘i-Sunni issue. We are brothers, all of us1.

To all speakers and writers: whether in private or public, you have a shar‘i religious obligation to avoid fomenting discord and division in your discourse and writing, even as hints or allusions. This is because today division is a deadly poison for the Muslim ummah. You should know that in the present environment fomenting division is nothing but following the nafs al-ammarah (the soul that commands to evil) or the inner devil and serving the superpowers – in particular, globally rapacious America. It is also a major sin through which Satan lets the name of Islam flow off tongues and pens. They should know that the Islamic Revolution will not tolerate this and will punish those guilty of this2.

In Islam there is no Shi‘i-Sunni division at all, and there should not be any division between Shi‘is and Sunnis. We should maintain a united voice. Our Imams advised us to keep our communities together, and whoever wants to cause strife is either ignorant or malicious3.

1. Imam Khomeini, Sahifeh-ye Nur, vol. 5, p. 77.

2. Imam Khomeini, Sahifeh-ye Nur, vol. 14, p. 157.

3. Imam Khomeini, Sahifeh-ye Nur, vol. 5, p. 38.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid ‘Ali Khamene’i

Question

What are the compelling reasons and clear sources of Muslim unity under the current conditions? What is the opinion of your excellence concerning the use of the term “Islamic ummah” as applied to those who adhere to Islamic beliefs like the four Sunni sects or other sects like the Zaydis, the Zahiris, or Ibadis that believe in the fundamental principles of the religion of Islam? Is it permissible or not to takfirise them? What are the limits of doing takfir, and what are the parameters today?
We pray to Almighty God for your success and long life in your service to Islam and Muslims, in particular, the Shi‘i world.

Answer

Every Islamic sect is considered part of the Muslim ummah and is entitled to all Islamic privileges. Sowing seeds of division among Islamic schools of thought goes against the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Noble Prophet of Islam (S). Additionally, it weakens the Muslims and makes them vulnerable to their enemies. Therefore, accusing the Islamic sects above of unbelief or takfir is not allowed under any circumstance1.

His Fatwa On The Impermissibility Of Insulting Figures Revered By Sunnis

In answer to the request for a fatwa by a number of ‘ulama and Shi‘a scholars from Ahsa, Saudi Arabia concerning the issue of insulting the wife of the Prophet of Islam (S), the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: “Insulting the symbols and revered personalities of our brothers among the Ahl al-Sunnah is haram. It is even more so haram to impugn the honour of or disrespect the wife of the Holy Prophet (S). When this type of behaviour is not allowed regarding the wives of the prophets in general, it would be especially so with respect to the chief among them, the honourable Messenger of Allah (S).”

The Shaykh Al-Azhar Of Egypt Commends Ayatollah Khamene’i’s Fatwa

Dr Ahmad al-Tayyib, the Shaykh al-Azhar, declared in a statement that this fatwa was issued at a crucial time to prevent a split and estrangement between the two schools [Sunnis and Shi‘is]. Shaykh Ahmad al-Tayyib continued:

I was very impressed and happy by this holy fatwa of the Honourable Imam ‘Ali Khamene’i concerning insulting the Companions (R) or being offensive towards the wives of the Holy Prophet (S). This fatwa was issued with correct knowledge and deep comprehension in response to the danger of what the creators of strife were doing. It is also a statement of desire and yearning for Muslim unity. Another thing that adds importance to this fatwa is that someone who is a great Muslim ‘alim, who is a grand marja‘ of the Shi‘is, and is the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued such a fatwa2.

Further Statements

Every statement and action that would inflame the fires of division among Muslims, insult the revered holy figures of any Muslim community, or make takfir on any Muslim sect is serving the camp of unbelief and polytheism is betraying Islam, and from the point of view of the shari‘ah it is haram3.

Both Sunnis that collaborate with America and Shi‘is that are exported from London to the world are brothers of Satan and agents of Western supremacism4.

The enemy threatens the very existence of Islam, and every community and school of thought should stand together and form a united fist and not let the enemy infiltrate the vast territory of the Muslim world5.

I swear by Allah! Those who go among the Shi‘is and put hatred and malice in their hearts against Sunnis, and those who go among Sunnis and put hatred and malice into their hearts against Shi‘is like neither Shi‘is nor Sunnis. They do not like Islam, but of course they do not know it. Many of them do not understand.

Because of ignorance and forgetfulness or to purposefully incite division, some Shi‘is insult the revered figures of the Ahl al-Sunnah.

I would like to state that the conduct of the two groups is forbidden in religious law (haram shar‘i) and is against the law6.

Sometimes someone helps a Shi‘i defeat a Sunni, and sometimes someone helps a Sunni defeat a Shi‘i. The enemy wants this. When divisions take place, when sectarianism appears, when mistrust happens between each other, when we see each other as traitors, it is natural for us not to co-operate with each other. And if we did co-operate, we would not be sincere with each other. This is the very thing the enemy is after. Both the Shi‘i religious scholar and the Sunni religious scholar should know this. It is evident that both schools of thought have some differences in their doctrines (usul) and their religious practices (furu‘), but they are not differences that should bring about enmity.

One should never imagine that the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (S) is exclusive to the Shi‘is and belongs to them. Not at all! They belong to the entire world of Islam. Who wouldn’t accept Fatima al Zahra (A)? Who would not accept Husayn (A), one of the chiefs of the youths of Paradise? Who would not accept the great Imams of the Shi‘is7?

1. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, p. 214.
11.

2. As mentioned on the Al-Manar television channel; see http://www.shia12.net [9]

3. Message to the Great Hajj Congress. Aban 1392 (hijri solar calendar). Official Centre for the Safeguarding and Publishing the Works of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamene’i
http://farsi.khamenei.ir/message-content?id=24203 [10]

4. Remarks at commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini, 14/3/1394 (hijri solar calendar).

5. Ibid.

6. Remarks to the gathering of the people of Kurdistan Province, 23/2/1388 (hijri solar calendar).

7. On a visit by Shi‘i and Sunni religious scholars and seminary students from Kurdistan, 23/2/1388 (hijri solar calendar).

Grand Ayatollah Nasir Makarim Shirazi

Muslim Unity

I have stated many times that Muslim unity and bringing Islamic schools of thought together are the most important issues at all times but especially under the present conditions. Therefore, all types of insults against the revered figures of the other schools of thought are not permissible. All Muslims, not just Shi‘is and Sunnis, should be careful that we do not fall into the snare of the enemy of Islam and create sectarian strife. Committing suicide attacks and spilling innocent blood are among the worst of mortal sins and clear instances of committing corruption on the earth1, and could warrant everlasting torment in the fires of Hell. It changes the face of Islam from one where mercy and kindness are its standards to one identified with harshness and offensiveness. May God guide all those who have made errors and committed sins.

Insulting the revered figures of the Muslims is haram, and we should show respect to the revered figures of the Sunnis. If someone shows irreverence to the revered figures of the Sunnis, this has nothing to do with Shi‘is. Love for the Ahl al-Bayt (A) is not exclusive to Shi‘is; all Islamic schools of thought love the Ahl al-Bayt (A). Throughout history, the actions of the aggrandizers have been to create schisms in the Islamic world through devilish policies and weaken the economic, cultural and political resources of Islamic countries to gain domination over them. We should therefore confront the enemy with solidarity and unity2.

The common aspects shared by Muslims are much more than their differences. For this very reason, we should concentrate on what we have in common and come closer to forging unity between us. Activities that would result in loss of the trust that Muslims have for each other should not be allowed to take place. Shi‘is should not insult the revered figures of other schools of thought because it will cause internal conflict. There is no problem speaking about Mawla ‘Ali (A), but one should not insult others. I hope and pray that God incapacitates all those that attempt to cause schism and discord among Muslims3.

The issue of Muslim unity is of supreme importance. I announced in my fatwa that we do not give permission for even the slightest insult against the revered figures of another school of thought – regardless of what the dispute may be – that causes fighting and conflict between Muslims. It should be noted that things about which we disagree are not to the extent that they should cause conflict. The theological principles of the various schools of thought are one, and we should focus upon them so that disputes do not arise. The Holy Qur’an states that those who incite schism are outside the pale of monotheism. Let us preserve security through unity4.

1. A reference to Quran, 2:11.

2. Remarks by Grand Ayatollah Makarim Shirazi on a visit by Shi‘i and Sunni ‘ulama
from Turbat-e Jam, 21/5/1394 (hijri solar calendar).

3. Remarks at the commencement of advanced studies in jurisprudence (dars-e kharij-e fiqh), 25 Dey 1392 (hijri solar calendar).

4. Remarks on the visit of a number of Sunni ‘ulama from Kurdistan Province, 2/9/1394 (hijri solar calendar).

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Khu’i

Statements

The things that contribute to ascertaining Islam are as follows: belief in the oneness of God, prophecy, and the return to God. These result in (those who affirm these beliefs) being accepted as tahir (pure) and entitles them to respect for their rights to property and life as well as other rights. All sects of Islam believe in them1. It is commonly known that Twelver Shi‘is hold that other Muslims are ritually pure, even if they hold disagreeing views or are members of differing sects2. As long as the shahadatayn is still verbally made [even] by one who denies the shahadatayn of the Imams, that person is considered to be a Muslim. Such was the unequivocal way of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (A); this substantiates them being considered ritually pure as well as Muslim3.

The ruling on the Zaydis, Ismailis, and others is like the ruling on the Sunnis concerning their being considered ritually pure and Muslim4.

1. Ayatollah al-Khu’i, al-Tanqih, vol. 2, p. 62.

2. Ayatollah al-Khu’i, al-Tanqih, vol. 2, p. 83.

3. Ayatollah al-Khu’i, al-Tanqih, vol. 2, p. 85.

4. Ayatollah al-Khu’i, al-Tanqih, vol. 2, p. 85.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid ‘Ali Sistani

Question

We have a request for you to guide millions of Muslims on this particular subject. Is anyone who says the shahadatayn, turns towards the qiblah, prays the salah, and follows one of the eight schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, Ibadi, or Zahiri) counted as Muslim with their lives, honour, and property being inviolable?

Answer

Firstly, anyone who utters the shahadatayn, does not contradict it in their speech and does not hold enmity and hostility towards the Ahl al-Bayt (A) is considered a Muslim1.

Secondly, from the viewpoint of the Shi‘is, the Ahl al-Sunnah are counted as Muslims, and all of the laws of Islam apply to them. Marrying them is permissible. They can inherit from Shi‘is, and Shi‘is can inherit from them. The lives property and honour of all of them are inviolable. Statements that claim that Shi‘is consider those who fought in the Battle of Badr [with the Prophet (S)], those [who took the pact of] Bay’at al-Ridwan [with the Prophet (S)], the believing Emigrants and Helpers, and the leaders of the Islamic schools of thought and their followers are unbelievers are pure lies.

Cursing the revered figures of the Ahl al-Sunnah is contrary to the teachings the Ahl al-Bayt imparted to their Shi‘is and their students2.

I love everyone. The religion of Islam is the religion of love, and I am surprised at how (our) enemies could create a schism between our schools of thought. Shi‘is should defend the social and political rights of the Ahl al-Sunnah before they defend their own rights. Our discourse should be an invitation to unity. Just as I said before, I am saying now that you should not say “The Sunnis are our brothers”; rather you should say, “Sunnis are our life”. I listen to the sermons of the Sunni imams of the Friday prayers more often than the sermons of the Shi‘is. We don’t believe in differences between Arabs and Kurds. Islam brings all of us together. In researching Islamic law, I used to cite the fatawa of the Ahl al-Sunnah. We are united in our Ka‘bah, salat, and fasting3.

1. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, p. 220.

2. See http://www.teribon.ir/archives/235252 [11].

3. Message by Grand Ayatollah Sistani to the first Congress of Shi‘i and Sunni Ulama, 3 November 2007.

‘Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba’i

The Early Period Of Islam

The Shi‘is in the early period of Islam never set themselves apart from the ranks of the majority. They strove together with the wider Muslim population and offered their advice. Right now, every Muslim should keep in mind our common agreement on the fundamental sacred principles of Islam. Amidst all the pressure and discontent brought upon them by foreigners and their external agents throughout this whole time, Muslims should come to their senses, leave aside sectarian behaviour and form themselves into one rank1.

1. See: http://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1393/10/20/609930 [12]

Ayatollah ‘Abd al-Husayn Amini

Diversity

The beliefs and opinions of schools of thought in Islam vary. However, the roots of brotherhood – [which are] that the Quran so clearly says: “the believers are brethren” (49:10) – will never be excised, no matter how high the intellectual wrangle and the theological and sect-oriented squabble might be. This was the way of the salaf (pious predecessors), especially the Companions and their successors1.

We writers [come] from different regions and environments in the world. With all the differences we might have in our theological principles and religious practice, we have one common aspect, and that is that we believe in God and the Prophet of God (S). In the body of each and every one of us, let us have one spirit, one sentiment, and that is the spirit of Islam and sincerity in speech2.

1. Ayatollah Amini, al-Ghadir, vol. 5, Introduction (under the heading ‘Nazariyyah Karimah’).

2. Ibid.

Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Sadr

The Flag Of Islam

I have spent all of my life promoting unity and brotherhood between Shi‘is and Sunnis. I have defended and supported all of their messages conducive to unity and every belief that they have embraced. I am a brother and son of the Sunnis to the same extent that I am a brother and son of Shi‘is1.

From the time I knew myself and discovered my responsibility within the community I have endeavoured to bring Shia’is together with the Sunni Arabs and Kurds. I would stand up to defend and support every message that could bring them together, and every belief that would bring them closer and of one accord. With all my thought and my being, I have lived completely for Islam, the very Islam that is the Path of Salvation and the goal of all2.

Half a century ago, Shi‘i ‘ulama grasped the flag of Islam and issued fatawa of jihad to help Sunni sovereignties. Hundreds of thousands of Shi‘is went to war and were unstinting as their blood soaked the ground; this was to protect the flag of Islam by supporting a Sunni government which was standing for Islam3.

1. Sayyid Kazim Ha’iri, Mabahith al-Usul, vol. 1, pp. 151-153.

2. Sayyid Kazim Ha’iri, Mabahith al-Usul, vol. 1, pp. 151.

3. Sayyid Kazim Ha’iri, Mabahith al-Usul, vol. 1, pp. 152.

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Fadil Lankarani

Question

Accepting that there are incontrovertible and clear reasons for the necessity of Muslim unity under the current conditions, what is your Excellency’s opinion on the use of the term ‘Islamic ummah’ for the followers of Islamic sects such as: the four sects of the Ahl al- Sunnah, and others such as the Zaydis, the Zahiris, or the Ibadis, all of whom believe in the principles of the religion of Islam?

Is it permissible or not to denounce them as unbelievers (takfir)? What are the limitations and criteria that should govern practicing takfir at the present time? We pray to Almighty God for your Excellency’s success, and a long life in the service of Islam and Muslims especially in the Shi‘i world.

Answer

As long as they do not deny the principles and necessary aspects of the clear religion of Islam or, God forbid, insult the pure Imams, all of these sects are considered sects of Islam1.

1. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, pp. 245-256.

Grand Ayatollah Husayn Nuri Hamadani

Muslim Unity

Islam says that Sunnis and Shi‘is are brothers, and they should not fall into disagreement and make it open because the enemy will misuse it. The more our interrelationships increase, the better it is for Islam because we have a common enemy, and they are against the principles of Islam. We are all brothers and we should act in unison. If we just stand aside and watch on this field of battle, the enemy will swallow us.

The Qur’an sees us all as brothers, and brotherhood is one of the most intense types of relationships between two people which the Qur’an emphasises. The Ahl al-Bayt (A) advised Shi‘is to interact with Sunnis, to attend their mosques and pray behind them, and they even said that the reward of such a prayer is the like of praying behind the Prophet (S). In the past Sunnis and Shi‘is studied in the same madrasah1.

1. On the occasion of a visit by Sunni party members of the Islamic Consultative Council, 15/10/1393 (hijri solar calendar).

Grand Ayatollah Lutfullah Safi Golpaygani

The True Face Of Islam

Whoever testifies to the oneness of Almighty God verbally and to the messengership of the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah (S), is a Muslim. His life, reputation and property are inviolable, and no one has the right to insult their revered religious figures. Carrying out suicide attacks and spilling Muslim blood is a major sin.

Muslims have a responsibility to show the world the true face of Islam as a religion of mercy, love and kindness. We should all stand united in one rank to promote our beloved Islam and guide people in all corners of the globe and through unity and togetherness eliminate the treacherous designs of the enemies of the Qur’an:

إِنْ تَنْصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنْصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ

If you support Allah, Allah will support you and make your stance firm. (Qur’an, 47:7).

Grand Ayatollah Husayn Wahid Khorasani

Question

We are a community living in a Sunni area. They think we are kafirs and say that we are kafirs. Under these circumstances, is it also possible for us to treat them in like manner and, just as they take us to be kafirs, we do the same to them? We request that you inform us regarding our shar‘i responsibility while facing these attacks.

Answer

Anyone who verbally bears witness to the oneness of God Almighty and the messengership of the Seal of the Prophets (S) is a Muslim and his life, his honour and his property are inviolable just like the life, the honour and the property of one who follows the Ja‘fari school of thought. Your legal responsibility is that you treat kindly those who have said the shahadatayn even if they consider you an unbeliever. Have good social relations with them. If, they treat you unjustly, you should not deviate from the straight path of truth and justice. If one of them becomes sick, and visit him. If one of them passes away, attend his funeral. If they have a need that they request from you, then fulfil it. Comply with God’s decree when He says:

وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ أَنْ صَدُّوكُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ أَنْ تَعْتَدُوا ۘ وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ

Ill feeling for a people should not lead you – because they barred you from entering the Sacred Mosque – to transgress. Cooperate in piety and Godwariness, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression, and be wary of Allah. (Qur’an, 5:2).

And act on God’s orders when He says:

وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَنْ أَلْقَىٰ إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًا

Do not say to someone who offers you peace, “You are not a believer.” (Quran, 4:94) 1

Indeed, understanding in these matters has disappeared. This type of behaviour leads to the shedding of innocent blood which the exhortations of the Imams (A) are against. Open curses and insults are not permissible. First of all, open cursing in general is forbidden, and this is stressed in the commands of the religion. Secondly authentic narrations say, ‘Pray in their mosques’. Visit their sick. Attend their funerals. The narrations say, ‘Be an adornment to us, and do not be a disgrace to us.’ In these narrations two points arise; one is negative and the other is positive.

The negative point – which is ‘do not be a disgrace to us’ – is that you should not harbour enmity towards the revered figures of another school of thought. Do not insult their revered figures; cursing and insulting their great figures is not permissible because it can alienate them from the Ahl al-Bayt (A) and their teachings. The positive aspect – which says ‘be an adornment to us’ – tells us that we should attend their Friday Prayers, that we should show them love, visit their sick, and set forth our speeches and teachings to them; the main point here is spreading the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (A). This is a path that we have not been versed in – the path of positivity2.

1. See ‘Hosn-i mu‘ashirat ba mokhalifin-e madhhab’, in the Official Website of the Office of Grand Ayatollah Wahid Khorasani, Aban 1387 (hijri solar calendar):
http://wahidkhorasani.com [13]

2. Remarks by Grand Ayatollah Wahid Khorasani on the visit of Ayatollah Muhsin Araki, General Secretary of the World Assembly for Convergence of Islamic Schools of Thought on the 2nd Khordad 1393: http://taghribnews.com/vdchzwnz623nm- [14] d.tft2.html

Grand Ayatollah Ja‘far Subhani

The Book Of God

All Muslims should take the Book of God as their model. They should be united and avoid any type of activity that would cause division especially at this time when the unbelievers and the forces of arrogance are plotting to cause division between Muslims and spilling their blood at each other’s hands.

When Imam Ash‘ari was on his deathbed, he called all his students around him and said, “Bear witness that I never did takfir upon any of the People of the Qiblah [Muslims] because all of them have one object of worship, and all of them are under the flag of Islam.”

What we have said makes it incumbent upon us to respect the sentiments and beliefs of others and not to relate to them in a way that leads to division. The levelling of insults at the Companions, which the Shi‘is have been accused of, is an unjust act that is totally wrong. Shi‘is should dissociate themselves from this type of activity. They should see the Companions as examples, as Imam ‘Ali ibn Husayn (A) said in the following prayer:

. اللَّهُمَّ وَ أَصْحَابُ مُحَمَّدٍ خَاصَّةً

الَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا الصَّحَابَةَ

وَ الَّذِينَ أَبْلَوُا الْبَلَاءَ الْحَسَنَ فِي نَصْرِهِ ،

وَ اسْتَجَابُوا لَهُ حَيْثُ أَسْمَعَهُمْ حُجَّةَ رِسَالَاتِهِ .

O Allah! And as for the Companions of Muhammad specifically, [bless] those who did well in companionship, who stood the good test in helping him, responded to him, assisted him, hastened to receive him in kindness and strove to respond to his call1.

1. The prayer is from Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyah, supplication 4, for the Companions that supported the Prophet (S). Excerpt is from the message of Grand Ayatollah Ja‘far Subhani to the hajj pilgrims.

Grand Ayatollah Bahjat

Brotherhood

We should let the people know that we have amity with the Ahl al- Sunnah. We have no problems with them. They are following their own tariqah (spiritual path), and we are following our own. We have our evidence, but that is beside the point. They also acknowledge the two testimonies of faith (shahadatayn) which we acknowledge. Based upon this we have no difference with Sunnis apart from the superfluous actions that they do.

You say that every year strangers come to Shi‘a neighbourhoods in Baghdad and, in the morning, cry out ‘prayer is better than sleep (al-salat khairun min al-nawm).’ In Sunni neighbourhoods also, someone comes and recites in the in the call to prayer ‘hasten to the best of deeds (hayya ‘ala khayr al- ‘amal )’1. The Sunnis say that these are Shi‘is who have come to undermine the Sunnis, and vice versa. Then they both start to fight until the foreigners make themselves rich as brokers of peace2.

Why couldn’t we have come together and agreed to be united – brothers, in one accord? Unity is a matter so self-evident that even non-religious people and non-believers subscribe to it3.

Shi‘i-Sunni conflict is a matter of colonialism. The most important matter is that the two sects have a love for the Ahl al- Bayt (A)4

Whoever does not desire Muslim unity is not a Muslim. Our Imams prayed along with them in their congregational prayers in the name of Muslim unity5.

1. The former is part of the Sunni call to Morning Prayer, and the latter is part of the Shi‘i call to morning prayer.

2. Centre for the Collation and Publication of the Works of Grand Ayatollah Bahjat:
http://bahjat.ir/fa/content/5698 [15]

3. Dar Mahdar-e Bahjat, vol. 1, p. 186.

4. Mohammad Mohammadi Ray Shahri, Zamzam-e ‘Erfan (Yadnameh-ye Faqih-e ‘Aref-e Hadrat Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Bahjat), p. 292.

5. Ibid.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Musawi Shubayri Zanjani

Muslim Solidarity

Whoever says the shahadatayn verbally (unless he is a Nasibi or a Kharijite) is a Muslim, and the rulings of Islam in such areas like the permissibility to marry, to inherit mutually, and to show respect for his life, property, and so on apply to him. Those who foment sectarianism amidst the ranks of Islam and pronounce takfir upon other Islamic sects are outside the reality of Islam.

Even though they might not be direct agents of colonialism, they are, without doubt, furthering the corrupt aims of the colonialists who aim to undermine the principles of Islam, destroy the religion of the Noble Prophet of Islam (S) and render forgotten His Sublime Name. Suicide attacks by these groups only serve to please the unbelievers and those enemies who swear that they are aiding Islam.

قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِالْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَالًا

Shall We tell you of those who have lost out the most on their deeds? (Qur’an, 18:103).

الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا

It is they whose efforts strayed in the life of this world, while they reckoned that they were doing good. (Qur’an ,18:104).

God willing, all Muslims will become aware of the deceptions of the enemies of Islam, take a firm position and persist in their endeavours in establishing the greatness and honour of Islam.

It is necessary for all Muslims, whether Shi‘i or Sunni, to promote solidarity with all of their vigilance and speak with one voice. They should adopt appropriate conduct when confronting these groups and avoid all forms of conflict and sectarianism1.

1. Official media headquarters of the office of Grand Ayatollah Shubayri Zanjani:
http://zanjani.net/index.aspx?pid=99&articleid=63309 [16]

Grand Ayatollah ‘Abdullah Jawadi-Amuli

Every nation has revered figures which they respect, and this is in no way particular to monotheism or atheism. One must avoid insulting or treating them disrespectfully. For this reason, the Noble Qur’an says concerning this:

وَلَا تَسُبُّوا الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللَّهَ عَدْوًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ مَرْجِعُهُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do. (Qur’an, 6:108).

No one has the right to insult revered figures because they might turn around, and God forbid, speak ill of the revered figures of the believers.

Insulting the Companions, disrespecting revered figures of Shi‘is and Sunnis, and insulting and wrongfully belittling the beliefs of either group are forbidden (haram). They create conflict and ignite the flames of sectarianism and discord and destroy the basis of unity of the Muslim ummah. This is a major sin that everyone should seriously refrain from doing1.

1. Message of Grand Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli to the hajj pilgrims in 1392 (hijri solar calendar).

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mahmud Hashimi Shaherudi

Magnifying differences and creating barriers with other Islamic schools of thought are against shari‘ah law. The enemy would exploit this as negative propaganda to exacerbate these differences.

The enemy exploits differences between schools of thought and communities; they exacerbate them to influence the community. They are always trying to split the Muslim world through differences in theology and jurisprudence. We should be careful of people who draw sectarian lines and amplify our differences, while at the same time we should respect each other’s jurisprudential opinions. If we want to draw sectarian lines, we should have hundreds of lines in our own Shi‘i community because every mujtahid in the Shi‘i madhhab has a particular opinion. Every form of insult towards the followers of a madhhab is haram. Any type of belittling a belief is wrong, and ‘ulama should also make it haram so that it would be recognised in our penal code as a crime and be tackled as such.

Insulting the revered figures of the Ahl al-Sunnah is contrary to the way of the Ahl al-Bayt (A). The Imams (A) never insulted the revered figures of Ahl al-Sunnah, not to mention the wife of the Prophet (S). We should avail ourselves of what the Prophet and Imams said and how they lived. The Imams never cursed or insulted revered figures, and therefore we should not do this1.

1. Speech by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mahmud Hashimi Shaherudi on 21/04/1393 to a gathering of judicial councils based in Mazandaran.

Ayatollah Muhammad Husayn Fadlullah

The Ummah

Islam is the verbal expression of the shahadatayn along with belief in the necessary concomitants [to the shahadatayn] that are mentioned in the Qur’an. Thus whoever finds these necessary concomitants incumbent upon him is a Muslim, and all of the laws of Islam apply to him. This is so unless that person denies an essential aspect of the religion of Islam, and he recognises the concomitant of that denial, which is that this denial leads to giving the lie to the Messenger of God (S). However, differences in speculative matters that ‘ulama disagree over do not result in in takfir1.

We believe that the followers of all the schools of thought in Islam are members of the Islamic ummah and doing takfir of the Muslim ummah, in whatever form it may be, is not permissible. In cases where there is disagreement, it should be dealt with by rational discussion on the relevant issue, as the Qur’an has said:

فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ

And if you disagree about anything, return it to Allah and his Messenger. (Qur’an, 4:59) 2

1. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, p. 255.

2. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, p. 255.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Sa‘id Hakim

Question

Please guide the millions of Muslims regarding this particularly important subject: is someone who utters the shahadatayn, prays facing the qiblah, and adheres to one of the eight schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, Ibadi, or Zahiri) considered a Muslim with his life, honour and property inviolable?

Answer

Doing takfir upon the Companions and Muslims of whatever other school of thought is not something Shi‘is believe in. This belief of ours arises from the spirit of Islam and its principles. This point is understood from a number of narrations by the Shi‘i Imams (A) on the subject, and in the legal judgements (fatawa) of jurisprudents1.

Question

Many Muslims and non-Muslims ask us about Islamic unity and connections between the different Islamic schools of thought. We would like your Excellency to answer the following questions:

1) Is someone who follows the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, or Ibadi school of thought considered a Muslim?
2) What are the limits of doing takfir in Islam? Is it permissible for a Muslim to do takfir upon the followers of one of the well- known schools of thought mentioned in the question above, or the Ash‘arite or Mu‘tazilite schools? Is pronouncing takfir upon followers of Sufism permissible?

Answer

1) Confessing the shahadatayn verbally and performing the obligatory actions and necessary elements that are binding in religion, such as canonical prayer, that would make us say that someone is a Muslim is sufficient [to be considered a Muslim].

2) The answer can be found in what was said before this2.

1. Sayyid Muhammad Sa‘id Hakim, Fi Rihab al-‘Aqidah, vol. 1, pp. 34-43.

2. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, p. 225.

Grand Ayatollah Bashir Najafi

Question

Many Muslims and non-Muslims ask us about Islamic unity and connections between the different Islamic schools of thought. We would like your Excellency to answer the following questions:

1) Is someone who follows the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, or Ibadi schools of thought considered a Muslim?

2) What are the limits of doing takfir in Islam? Is it permissible for a Muslim to do takfir upon the followers of one of the well- known schools of thought mentioned in the question above, or the Ash‘arite or Mu‘tazilite schools? Is pronouncing takfir upon followers of Sufism permissible?

Answer

1) Whosoever confesses to the oneness of God and the messengership of Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah (S) verbally and believes that messengership and Prophethood end with him, and who also believes in the eschatology that comes with the faith, while not denying any of the above and is firm in his Muslim identity, is counted as a Muslim. He falls under all of the laws of Islam and as such, his life, property and honour are inviolable. It is also obligatory on all Muslims to defend his property and his honour. And Allah knows best.

2) It is not permissible to pronounce takfir on anyone who utters the shahadatayn verbally – i.e. bearing witness to the oneness of God and bearing witness to the prophethood Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah (S) – ad believes in the Day of Judgment and does not deny any of those matters that a Muslim would affirm. There are also narrations from the Prophet (S) forbidding that. Anyone who exacerbates sectarianism between schools of thought or pronounces takfir on one of the schools of thought mentioned above is ignorant and is displaying ignorance, or is an enemy of Islam that has infiltrated [the community] with the aim of inciting sectarianism and creating rifts among the Muslims in service of supremacist unbelievers. And Allah knows best1.

1. Ghazi ibn Muhammad ibn Talal, Ijma‘ al-Muslimin ‘ala Ihtiram Madhahib al-Din, pp. 235-237.

Grand Ayatollah Shaykh Ishaq Fayyaz

Question

Is someone who follows the Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Hanbali, Maliki, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, or Ibadi school of thought a Muslim?

Answer

[Followers of] all of the schools of thought of Islam are Muslims. The criterion for being Muslim is bearing witness to the oneness of Almighty God and bearing witness to the messengership of the Prophet (S). Whosoever says in Arabic, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ is a Muslim and will be covered by all of the laws of Islam making his life, his honour and his property inviolable. This is the case whether the person is someone following the Ja‘fari school of thought, the Zaydi [school], or the Sunni [schools]; whatever the school of thought might be, whether it be Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali, Ibadi, and so on1.

Question

What are the limits on takfir in Islam? Can one pronounce takfir on a Muslim who follows one of the well-known schools of thought in Islam or hold Ash‘arite or Mu‘tazilite beliefs? Is it permissible to pronounce takfir upon those who follow genuine Sufi tariqahs?

Answer

The criterion for unbelief (kufr) is denying divine oneness and the messengership. Therefore, pronouncing takfir upon the followers of Ash‘arite doctrines, the Mu’tazilites, or followers of Sufi tariqahs is not permissible. This is because they acknowledge divine oneness and messengership. For this reason, from the time of the Imams (A) until the present, we cannot find from among the great ‘ulama anyone who had pronounced takfir upon the followers of the other schools of thought2.

1. Ibid., p. 229.

2. Ibid. pp. 229-231.

Grand Ayatollah Qurban-‘Ali Muhaqqiq Kabuli

Respecting Revered Figures

Restrain yourself from being disrespectful towards the revered figures of the Ahl al-Sunnah. Today, more than at any other time, the world of Islam is confronted by [difficult] circumstances. In this situation, one feels the necessity of unity and solidarity with the ummah despite our differences in nationality and race, and jurisprudential and madhhabi disagreements with each other. In the meantime, the scheming enemy and ignorant friends, unfamiliar with the basic principles of the clear religion of Islam, are like the two blades of a pair of scissors that threaten to cut the manifest rope, which is the unity and brotherhood of Muslims1.

In this period of time, the published legal opinions (risalat) of Islamic scholars struggle with communal extremism, nationalism and sectarianism that form the main roots of hypocrisy in the Muslim community2.

1. Remarks by his Eminence concerning stirring up divisiveness. Ahlulbayt Channel, Shawwal 1431 AH. See the official website for Grand Ayatollah Muhaqqiq Kabuli:
http://www.mohaqeq.org/fa/news/40.html [17]

2. Message of Grand Ayatollah Muhaqqiq Kabuli to the symposium on the thought of Shahid Ayatollah Wa’iz Behsudi: http://afghanistan.shafaqna.com/topic/item/49655 [18]

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Shaherudi

The Dignity Of Believers

Anyone who testifies to the sentence ‘there is no god but Allah and Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of Allah’ is a Muslim, and his life and property are guaranteed and protected. Taking his life or violating his property is not permissible; therefore, causing violence, takfir, inciting sectarianism and conflict between Muslims are also not permissible. It is necessary to protect revered Islamic figures, and one should be careful not to be abusive to matters that are revered by Muslims. It is not permissible to destroy the dignity of believers and insult them.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad ‘Ali Gurgani

Brotherhood

Whoever bears testimony (shahadah) to the oneness of God and the (messengership of) the Prophet (S) becomes a Muslim, and once he becomes a Muslim, he is a brother of everyone1.

One should not persist in taking the road of fomenting division and creating an atmosphere of hostility. This is only to the benefit of international supremacism and Zionism. In the past, different Islamic sects used to come together out of respect despite their own particular ways of thought and live together peacefully. They would simply sit in discussion circles and have rational debates. Today we should also live peacefully with each other and be one united front. What we have instead are takfiri groups who, because of their hostility to other sects, especially the Shi‘is, use whatever pretence to kill and terrorise Muslims in many places such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Indonesia. This is condemnable. These actions of theirs only make the supremacist forces in the world happy and play into their hands.

The enemy is seeking to sow misunderstanding between the two schools of thought, Shi‘i and Sunni, through incitement. Therefore, the two sides, whether Shi‘i or Ahl al-Sunnah, should not disrespect each other’s revered figures. The responsibility of the maraji‘ and the scholars of religion in this instance is to raise awareness (of this issue). For a long time, the Islamic scholars have been forerunners in the path of protecting unity among the various branches of the ummah of Islam2.

We must set things in motion within our own borders and show each other respect and experience good feelings and emotions, because if we depart from the path of impartiality, we will be afflicted by a multitude of troubles3.

1. Remarks by Grand Ayatollah ‘Ali ‘Alawi Gurgani on the visit of the Head of the Imam ‘Ali (A) Consultative Association and a number of students from Georgia, 7 Bahman 1393 (hijri solar calendar).

2. Remarks by Grand Ayatollah ‘Ali ‘Alawi Gurgani on the visit of Ayatollah Muhsin Araki.

3. Remarks by Grand Ayatollah ‘Ali ‘Alawi Gurgani on the visit of the administrative staff of the Hajj and Ziarat Research Centre, 22/1/1392 (hijri solar calendar).

Grand Ayatollah Husayn Mazaheri

Respecting Revered Figures

Whether done by an individual or a group, fomenting division, inciting sectarian sentiments especially by disrespecting the revered figures and beliefs of Muslims and creating divisiveness among the ranks of the followers of the great Prophet of God (S) are not permissible from a rational and a shar‘i basis. Similarly, the commission of wanton acts of destruction and suicide attacks by takfirist groups with a rigid and hard-hearted attitude that results in the killing of innocent Muslims is shameful and inhuman, and it would pain the heart of every normal person. There is no doubt that these types of actions are what the enemies of Islam and Muslims desire and welcome.

Disrespecting the revered figures and beliefs of Muslims and creating divisiveness among the ranks of the followers of the great Prophet of God (S) is not permissible on a rational and a shar‘i basis1.

1. See: https://www.tapatalk.com/topic/7090-104498 [19]

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Yusuf Madani Tabrizi

Suicide Attacks

Islam does not permit showing disrespect towards the beliefs of any religion, especially towards the Islamic schools of thought. Thus any action that would result in divisiveness among the Islamic ummah and bring loss, and the destruction of lives and property upon Muslims is forbidden (haram) and goes contrary to religious law1.

Suicide attacks upon Muslims and killing them in different countries pains the heart of the friend of the shari‘ah and that of every normal person. These types of actions are not in concordance with Islam as a religion of kindness and mercy; they only efface that image of Islam in the world.

May God preserve and protect the Muslims from the evil of the oppressors and corrupters.

1. See: https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1393/10/13/60733 [20]

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid ‘Abd Al-Karim Ardabili

Sectarian Strife

Those who imagine that they can defend Islam with bloodshed and extremism have been duped by becoming tools for the ambitions of the enemies of the Islamic ummah. Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (A) held the vilification and disrespecting of others to be impermissible and forbade abusive language. In these turbulent times, the followers of the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (A) should be at the forefront of making peace and reconciliation in the ummah against sectarian strife and use the revelatory teachings and guidance of the Messenger of God as a roadmap in their activities.

Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi Misbah-Yazdi

Friendly Relations

From the time of Shaykh Tusi until the time of Sayyid Sharaf al-Din, our ‘ulama had relationships and friendly social relations with the Ahl al-Sunnah. In the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (A), it has been recommended that we participate with the Ahl al-Sunnah in congregational prayers, attend their funerals, and so on. The Shi‘is should have “respectful and cordial relations” with them, should not relate with the [followers of different Islamic schools of thought] with acrimony, and should not vilify their revered figures1.

We should institute Shi‘i-Sunni unity based on the common facts [that we share], and we should not emphasise instances where there are differences. This is because if the ‘ulama on both sides reject each other because of non-essential issues and lean towards takfir, the very edifice of Islam will be destroyed, and Muslims will not be able to live together. It is for this reason that the Ahl al-Bayt (A) recommended that the Shi‘is should pray in the mosques of the Ahl al-Sunnah, visit their sick, participate in their funerals, and even put up with their unkindness. This is a subject that has been stressed2.

1. Remarks of Ayatollah Misbah-Yazdi on the visit of the Friday Prayer Leader of Imamshahr City, 25 Dey 1391 (hijri solar calendar).

2. Remarks of Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi during the visit of a number of non-Iranian students, 10/2/1394 (hijri solar calendar). See Ayatollah Misbah Yazdi Media Centre:
http://mesbahyazdi.ir/node/5570 [21]

Ayatollah Muhammad Rida Mahdawi Kani

Question

Recently it has been asked, to whom do Islamic laws apply? Do they apply to all the sects that profess Islam, from Sunnis to Shi‘is? Do all of them fall under the laws and rulings of Islam?

Answer

Whoever professes the shahadatayn [attesting to the unity of God and attesting to the prophethood of the Seal of the Prophets (S)] is a Muslim unless he has enmity and hostility towards the Ahl al- Bayt of the Prophet (A) and expresses that enmity. The Shi‘is of the Ahl al-Bayt (A) are commanded to conduct themselves with all Muslims in a spirit of brotherhood, amicability and sincerity, participate (with them) in their congregational prayers and their funeral services, visit their sick, endeavour to show them love, and be of assistance to them. They are commanded to avoid sectarian behaviour and enmity towards other Muslims; this is what the enemy of Islam desires. The Shi‘is are obligated to respect the revered figures of all of the schools of thought (madhahib) and be aware of the troublemaking caused the enemy of Islam and Muslims. They cause trouble because they are terrified of the Islamic awakening. Allah says:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنْتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا

Hold fast to the rope of Allah altogether, and do not divide. And remember the blessings of Allah upon you when you were enemies, and [Allah] united your hearts, so that you became brethren by His blessing. (Qur’an, 3:103).

اﻟﻠﻬﻢ اﻧﺼﺮ اﻻﺳﻼم واﻫﻠﻪ واﺧﺬل اﻟﮑﻔﺮ واﻫﻠﻪ

O Allah! Aid Islam and its people, and disgrace kufr and its people1.

Pronouncing takfir upon Muslims from whatever group they may be, murdering them, or seizing their property is forbidden (haram) and is a mortal sin.

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

Whoever slays someone – except in punishment for murder or corruption in the land – is as if they have killed all of humanity, altogether. (Qur’an, 5:32).

1. A commonly recited prayer.

Ayatollah Muhammad Yazdi

Ayatollah Muhammad Yazdi
Chairman Of The Council Of Experts For The Leadership

Allah says:

وَلَا تَسُبُّوا الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللَّهَ عَدْوًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ

Do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. (Qur’an, 6:108).

The Noble Qur’an unequivocally prohibits disrespectful language, cursing, and imprecating misguided people, for this action could provoke them into disrespecting the God of the universe out of ignorance. It therefore follows that it is not correct to curse, swear, or use disrespectful language to someone who is held in respect by many people. If such behaviour directly or indirectly results in killings, massacres, the destruction and damage to lives, property or people’s honour, it is quite clear that this would be haram and goes against shari‘ah in this world, and in the afterlife one would have to answer for it. It matters not whether this action, this disrespectful language, this cursing, or this imprecating takes the form of a speech, a poem, a eulogy, or even in a lamentation, whether it is presented in theatre, in movie cinematography or whether it is in a real or virtual environment. The form it takes makes no difference for it to be a cause and a factor in leading to killings, massacres, and assaults upon the inviolability of the lives, property and honour of others.

It is not permissible and indeed it is forbidden to curse and imprecate the leaders of the heavenly denominations. This is especially so with respect to the divinely sent prophets but is also true for the caliphs and their successors, and in particular the most notable personalities of Islam which include the wives and offspring of the Prophet (S).

In general, there is no right to curse, imprecate or use disrespectful language at any place, time. It should not have even the smallest role or explanatory effect with respect to elaborating on a subject.

Ayatollah Asif Muhsini

1) Whoever believes in the oneness of God, in the messengership of Muhammad al-Mustafa and the finality of prophecy in him and in the Day of Judgment is a Muslim.

2) Violating the life, property, and the chastity of every Muslim is emphatically forbidden (haram).

3) A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. In protecting this brotherhood, it becomes necessary to cooperate with each other in the furtherance of Islam and excuse one’s self from getting involved in matters that might cause disagreements between each other.

4) Instigating divisiveness between the adherents of the Islamic schools of thought (madhahib) is being treacherous to the religion of Islam.

Ayatollah Muhammad Mahdi Asifi

1) Whoever verbally says the shahadatayn and acknowledges the divinely ordained laws and necessary rules that all Muslims have consensus upon is counted as a Muslim, and violating his life and property is forbidden. It is narrated in an authentic narration from the Messenger of God (S):

...ﻓﺈذا ﻗﺎﻟﻮﻫﺎ ﻋﺼﻤﻮا ﻣﲏ دﻣﺎءﻫﻢ وأﻣﻮاﳍﻢ إﻻ ﲝﻘﻬﺎ وﺣﺴﺎ ﻢ ﻋﻠﻰ ﷲ

…When [people] say [“there is no God but Allah”], their lives and property will be protected from me. Other than that, the reality of the shahadatayn and the account of their deeds are Allah’s business1.

2) The Messenger of God (S) regarded those who made war upon Muslims and struggled against them without clear shari‘ah rulings or without being [justified] in the Book and the Sunnah, as kafir (unbelievers). On the occasion of the Farewell Hajj when he was at the al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, he said:

إ ّن أﻣﻮاﻟﻜﻢ ودﻣﺎءﻛﻢ وأﻋﺮاﺿﻜﻢ ﻋﻠﻴﻜﻢ ﺣﺮام ﻛﺤﺮﻣﺔ ﻳﻮﻣﻜﻢ ﻫﺬا ، ﻓﯽ ﺑﻠﺪﻛﻢ ﻫﺬا ، ﻓﯽ ﺷﻬﺮﻛﻢ ﻫﺬا ...

Indeed your property, your lives and your honour among each other are inviolable (haram) just like the inviolability of today [Eid al-Adha], the inviolability of this month [Dhu al-Hijjah, which is one of the months where fighting and violence was made haram] and the inviolability of this holy land [Mecca].
Then he said:

ﻻﺗﺮﺟﻌﻮا ﺑﻌﺪی ﻛﻔﺎراً ﻳﻀـﺮب ﺑﻌﻀﻜﻢ رﻗﺎب ﺑﻌﺾ

Do not return to unbelief (kufr) after me, some of you smiting the necks of others2.

3) Fanning the flames of extremist-originated discord, hatred and causing schisms among Muslims are not permissible. In the same vein, striving to create discord between the united ranks of Muslims, to cause schisms, separation and alienation from each other is also not permissible. God says:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا

And hold fast to the rope of Allah altogether and do not split. (Qur’an, 3:103).

There is no doubt that insulting and disrespecting the revered symbols of Islamic schools of thought is one of the greatest factors that cause schisms which God has forbidden us from doing.

4)Almighty God has commanded us in our interactions with other Muslims, regardless of their sect or their school of thought, with the exception of the Nasibis [those who express hatred for the Prophet’s family (A)], to behave kindly towards them, to be pleasant in our behaviour with them, to be affable and cooperative, to integrate with them, to visit each other’s sick, and to love them. There are indeed many narrations from the Noble Messenger of Islam (S) that talk of these subjects, and a large number of them are judged to be authentic (sahih). Similarly, in the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (A), there are authentic narrations with chains of transmission that are mu‘tabar (worthy of consideration) that talk about this subject which we have cited in the book Fitnah al- Ta’ifiyyah.

5) Whatever we have said above should not be taken to mean that it is a barrier to jurisprudential and theological discussions among the various schools of thought where specialist language is used and when they take place in an intellectual atmosphere of impartiality among Muslim lay and religious scholars. These types of discussions would definitely result in mutual development and growth, and lead to mutual exchanges in culture, jurisprudence, and theology among Muslims. This is what our beloved Islam recommends and encourages us to do.

We ask God Almighty to let us speak with one voice, to give us unity in confronting difficulties and in tackling the issues we have in common, and we ask Him to approve and render successful those who are the forerunners in their advocacy for Muslim unity and convergence between them.

1. This narration has been mentioned by Ahmad Hanbal in different sections of his Musnad. Bayhaqi has also mentioned it in his Sunan, Bukhari and Muslim in their own sahih books and a large group of Prophetic hadith memorizers from both the Shi’i and Sunni schools with sahih chains of narrators.

2. This narration is one about which there is consensus. Ahmad ibn Hanbal mentions it in different sections of his Musnad. Nisa’i also mentions it in al-Sunan al-Kubra, Ibn Habban in his Sahih, and Bukhari and Muslim in their two Sahihs. Additionally, a large group of memorizers of the Prophetic hadith mention it with sahih chains of narrations according to both Shi‘i and Sunni traditions in their compilations.

Ayatollah Muhammad ‘Ali Taskhiri

Respect

We should show respect for each other’s revered figures. Imam al- Sadiq’s behaviour with (members of) the other schools of thought was friendly and warm. It is an indisputable fact both in our history and in hadith that we should interact with all human beings with love and brotherhood. In narrations attributed to Imam Sadiq (A) he said:

مَنْ صَلَّى مَعَهُمْ فِی الصَّفِّ الْأَوَّلِ كَانَ كَمَنْ صَلَّى خَلْفَ رَسُولِ اﻟَّﻠﻪِ ص فِی الصَّفِّ الْأَوَّل

Whoever prays in the first rank (behind a Sunni imam) is like someone who has prayed in the first rank behind the Messenger of Allah (S).

For this reason, Shahid al-Awwal (may God have mercy on him) says in his textbook that, ‘If someone had the option to choose between praying behind a Shi‘i imam and Sunni imam, I would choose to pray behind a Sunni imam’. This explication of Shahid al- Awwal – because of his greatness – should not be taken lightly. This religious scholar with such a status and position says that instead of wanting to be present in the congregational prayer of Shi‘is, he prefers to be present at the congregational prayers of the Sunnis1.

1. Ayatollah Taskhiri in an interview with Shafaqna:
http://shafaqna.com/persian/elected/item/133225 [22]

Ayatollah Muhammad Hashimi Salihi

Muslim Unity

Islam has emphasised the unity of Muslims so much that maybe after associating things with God (polytheism) there is no subject [i.e. disunity] that it has forbidden more, to the extent that it has been said:

ﺑﻨﯽ اﻻﺳﻼم ﻋﻠﻰ دﻋﺎﻣﺘﲔ ﮐﻠﻤﺔ اﻟﺘﻮﺣﻴﺪ و وﺣﺪت اﻟﮑﻠﻤﺔ

Islam was built upon two pillars: the confession of the oneness of Allah, and unity in the profession to faith.

Therefore violating the lives, property or honour of Muslims is a major sin and is prohibited in the religion of Islam. Furthermore it makes it impermissible to disrespect the beliefs of any religion or sects among the Islamic schools of thought.

From another perspective, suicide attacks against Muslims and their mass killings in various countries are those things that have been divinely prohibited. These are instances of corruption on the earth and unpardonable sins that lead to an eternity in the fires of Hell. All Muslims, including Shi‘is and Sunnis, should be vigilant against the plots of the enemies of Islam, schismatic activities, and groups that do takfir.

The responsibility of all Muslims is to show the world the true face of Islam, the face of a religion of mercy, love and kindness and a social order based on the principle of ‘dispute with them in the best way’ (Qur’an 16:125). It is necessary that Muslims cooperate in protecting our brotherhood in the furtherance of Islam1.

1. See:
http://imam.miu.ac.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&siteid=17&pageid=40530&newsview... [23]

Ayatollah Murtada Mutahhari

Divisions Create Weakness

That which befell the Muslims, taking away their power and letting the non-Muslim world victimise them was sectarian divisiveness itself. Without a doubt, the Muslims’ need for unity and concord is indeed a most definite need, for a fundamental affliction of the Muslim world is these very old hatreds between Muslim peoples. The enemy is always looking to exploit these1.

1. Murtada Mutahhari, Emamat va Rahbari, p. 15.

Topic Tags:

Takfir [6]

Politics [7]

Society [8]

Translator(s):

Ahmed Haneef [5]

Publisher(s):

Islamic Centre of England [1]

Source URL: https://www.al-islam.org/prohibiting-takfir-fatwas-shii-scholars

Links
[1] https://www.al-islam.org/organization/islamic-centre-england
[2] https://www.al-islam.org/printpdf/book/export/html/109054
[3] https://www.al-islam.org/printepub/book/export/html/109054
[4] https://www.al-islam.org/printmobi/book/export/html/109054
[5] https://www.al-islam.org/person/ahmed-haneef
[6] https://www.al-islam.org/tags/takfir
[7] https://www.al-islam.org/tags/politics
[8] https://www.al-islam.org/tags/society
[9] http://www.shia12.net
[10] http://farsi.khamenei.ir/message-content?id=24203
[11] http://www.teribon.ir/archives/235252
[12] http://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1393/10/20/609930
[13] http://wahidkhorasani.com
[14] http://taghribnews.com/vdchzwnz623nm-
[15] http://bahjat.ir/fa/content/5698
[16] http://zanjani.net/index.aspx?pid=99&amp;articleid=63309
[17] http://www.mohaqeq.org/fa/news/40.html
[18] http://afghanistan.shafaqna.com/topic/item/49655
[19] https://www.tapatalk.com/topic/7090-104498
[20] https://www.tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1393/10/13/60733
[21] http://mesbahyazdi.ir/node/5570
[22] http://shafaqna.com/persian/elected/item/133225
[23] http://imam.miu.ac.ir/index.aspx?fkeyid=&amp;siteid=17&amp;pageid=40530&amp;newsview=59568