Some Muslims see
themselves as Shiahs or Sunnis or as belonging to some other sect. Some regard
themselves as Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, European, African and so on and
this identity takes priority over everything else. Others identify themselves
by their profession as farmers, industrialists, managers, doctors, engineers,
crafts men and so on. But the Quran points out that we are all human and have a
single source:-
"He it is who made you spring from one
soul, and gave you a settlement and a depository. Now have We detailed the
signs unto a people who have discerning." 6:99
"O mankind! Be careful of your duty to
your Lord, who created you from one soul, and created there from its mate, and
scattered from the twain a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty
towards Allah, in whose name ye claim rights of one another, and the wombs that
bore you; verily, Allah is Watcher over you." 4:1
"Mankind were one nation once, and Allah
sent them prophets with good tidings and with warnings, and sent down with them
the Book in truth, to judge between men in that wherein they disagreed; but
only those unto whom the scripture was given disagreed therein after manifest
signs had come to them, through selfishness and stubborn pride (or hatred)
amongst themselves; and Allah guided by His Will the believers to the truth
concerning that wherein they disagreed, for Allah guides whom He will unto the
straight path." 2:213 Also 10:20
"And Lo, this religion is one religion,
and I am your Lord, so keep your duty unto Me. But they, mankind have broken
their religion into sects, each rejoicing in its tenets. So leave them in their
error till a time." 23:52-54
Not only is
mankind one but their Religion and way of life was also one. Not only did this
unity disintegrate but it did so because man became perverse. A distinction
therefore arose between those who still surrender to Allah, Muslim and those
who do not. Those who do not surrender have excluded themselves from the proper
function of humanity. Some Muslims take the verses in the Quran condemning
sectarianism very seriously.
"Lord! Make us Muslims (submissive) unto
Thee, and of our seed also a nation of Muslims (resigned), bowing to Thy will,
and show us our rites, and turn towards us, verily, Thou art the Oft-Relenting,
the Most Merciful." 2:128
"And, set thy purpose resolutely for
religion as a "Hanif" (a man upright by nature); and be not of the
idolaters; " 10:106
"Then set your purpose for religion as a
man upright by nature - the nature made by Allah in which He has made men;
there is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation; that is the right
religion, but most people do not know - Turn to Him only, and be careful of
your duty to Him and keep up prayer and be not of those who ascribe partners to
Him, of those who split their religion and became schismatic, every sect
rejoicing in its own tenets." 30:30-32
"Lo, those who disbelieve in Allah and His
Messengers, and seek to make distinctions between Allah and His Messengers and
say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and seek to chose a way in
between, such are disbelievers in Truth; and for disbelievers We have prepared
a shameful doom." 4:151
"Say: He is able to send calamities on you
from above you and from beneath your feet, and to confuse you with dissenting
sects, and to make you taste the violence of each other. See how We explain the
Signs, in various ways that haply they may understand." 6:65
"Verily, those who divided their religion
and became sectarians, thou hast no concern with them. Their affair is in the
hands of Allah, He will then inform them of that which they used to do."
6:160
Sectarianism
does not, therefore, mean only the splits and conflicts within the particular
version of Islam as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (saw), but also the
splitting of religion proper in general as brought by all genuine Prophets.
This does not include false or man made religions or the corrupted and
misinterpreted versions. But, it is necessary to point out, that the followers
of Muhammad (saw) may also have misinterpreted and corrupted his message just
as the followers of other Prophets have misinterpreted and corrupted the
teachings of their Prophet.
Not all
divisions in Islam are sectarian. There are a number of organizations or
societies with special interests or which deal in particular subjects or causes
or using particular methods or systems. They regard themselves as a subset of
Islam and do not deny the validity of other similar organizations. The name
sect should be given only to those sections that regard themselves as having
the whole and only truth and goodness, and are, therefore, opposed to others
whom they regard as having false doctrines to various degrees and also wrong
goals and practices. These are associated with the teachings of the sect not
with the actual ideas, motives and practices of the members of the sect. This
leads to controversies and often armed conflicts, despite the fact that the
behaviour, intelligence and nature of the people in all sects is more or less
the same, a mixture of both good and bad, and the teachings between the sects
may overlap to various degrees. Closer examination shows that we have a
thoroughly irrational and unintelligent phenomena based on fixations, ignorance
and stupidity.
Both Shiahs and
Sunnis accept the Quran as the Word of God. This should make them both Muslim
and as such, unite them. But, it is because they use what they call
"logic", normally called "rationalization", they come to
different interpretations of the Quran and replace truth with prejudice and
conjecture. What usually happens is that a verse having a general meaning is
given a particular meaning instead. For instance if a general term, say
"the righteous" covers several instances A, B, C, D etc., then some
people might take it to mean A and others might take it to mean B or C. Having
formed fixations they will exclude each other and might even fight. In fact,
these interpretation depend on the intelligence and knowledge of people and on
the freedom, or otherwise, from obsessions and fixations. The less intelligent
in the sect are led by the more ambitious, intelligent and vociferous who are
not of the highest intelligence, knowledge or virtue. The controversy is
usually based on naive understanding on the part of all sects.
They also accept
Hadith about the doings and sayings of the Prophet or his companions. Each sect
has a different set of Hadith. These appear to have been selected or rejected
according to whim, desire, bias, self-interest, or even accident. Yet Hadith
are not revelations of God but records made by various people about the doings
and sayings of the Prophet. These are often accounts heard from others who
might be quoting still others. Some of these people were merely casual
observers with dubious motives or intelligence, who did not understand the
context, reference, purpose or mood in which things were done or said. There
does not seem to be any rational justification for this division.
Most, if not all
those who belong to a sect, like the adherents of any religion, have been
brought up in it and have accepted what others tell them without ever
questioning or examining their beliefs. Many belong to sects even without
knowing what beliefs the sect is based on. It can also be established that
though they profess to belong to the same sect the members of it differ in the
way they understand their doctrines.
In fact these
sects are illusions to which people have fallen prey. The resulting
sectarianism is a great sin and the Muslims are being punished for this and will
continue to be so punished until their suffering itself causes them to wake up.
The curse of Allah is on them.
The succession
is too important a subject not to be mentioned in the Quran explicitly unless,
of course, it was not regarded as important enough. If it is not, but only an
interpretation of some verses by some people, then these are as good or bad as
anyone else's. There is arrogance incompatible with the notion of
"surrender" which mistakes interpretation for the whole Truth. The Quran
tells us that conjecture can by no means take the place of Truth, and that most
people are misled by conjectures. Or these sects follow scriptures besides or
other than the Quran?
"But if thou followest most of those who
are in the land, they will lead thee astray from the Way of Allah. They follow
naught but opinion and they only guess." 6:117
"But most of them follow naught but
conjecture; verily, conjecture can by no means take the place of (or avail
against) truth. Verily, Allah is Aware of what they do." 10:37
A number of
questions can be asked about these various sects, but no satisfactory answer
emerges.
Shiahs are
distinguished from Sunnis by their acceptance of Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law
through marriage to the Prophet's daughter Fatima, as the successor to the
Prophet Muhammad. The leadership is then regarded as being passed on to Ali's
sons, Hassan and Hussain and from them to further descendants. Some Shiah sects
or persons appear to have displaced Muhammad with Ali and some even identify
him with God and worship him as Christians worship Jesus.
The Prophet is
reported to have said that there would be a line of 12 successors after him,
all from the tribe of Quraish, from which the Prophet (saw) also came. But
there are many more people belonging to the Quraish than the line of Ali. Some
Shiahs believe that the 12th Imam went into occultation several centuries ago
and will re-emerge as the Mahdi at the end of this era. He is supposed to have
disappeared into a cave for some reason.
Why do the
Sunnis reject this idea of Ali? The answer is that the Prophet did not name a
successor as far as their Hadith literature shows, and there is nothing in the
Quran about a succession. Everything in Islam is to be done by mutual
consultation. The Muslim chose as successors Abu Bakr and then Omar and Osman
and lastly Ali. These are known as the Four Righteous Caliphs. Sunnis,
therefore, accept Ali as righteous but do not accept physical descent as a
legitimate qualification for leadership.
Several
questions are asked of the Shiah:-
If accepting Ali
and his descendants is an article of Faith, is Shiahism a separate religion
from Islam? The answer they give is that they are the followers of Islam. It is
the others who have corrupted it.
If they follow
Ali did he not accept the other Caliphs? Should not his followers do the same?
Or did he incite Muslims against these Caliphs and become the first sectarian?
They answer that it is these others who plotted against Ali and eventually
killed him and his sons. He appeared to accept the other Caliphs only because
of the fear of getting killed. But this seems to be rather uncharacteristic of
him.
If the Muslims
were misled into accepting the other Caliphs what makes them think that those
who followed Ali were not misled? There does not appear to be an answer to
this.
Why do they harp
on the past? They cannot change it. Why not go forward? The answer is that they
do go forward with the line of succeeding Imams. Why did the last Imam go into
occultation? If he returns how will he be recognize? Why did they not accept
Baha'ullah as that Imam? What would be the function of an Imam in occultation
if no one knows him? What makes the Shiah think Ali and his descendants should
succeed Muhammad if there is no mention of this in the Quran? They answer that
he is mentioned indirectly in the following verses:-
"Only Allah is your Wali and His Messenger
and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while
they bow." 5:55
According to
commentators this verse was revealed when the Prophet saw Ali giving charity
while in the state of Ruku (bowing in prayer). But as Ali is not mentioned it
is reasonable to suppose that the revelation of the verse might have been
stimulated by the sight of Ali, but he was an example of a much more general
principle. Belief in Allah, prayer and charity go together and are parts of
submission to God. Those who pray but are not charitable may be regarded as
doing something futile.
The following
verses indicate that the Prophet and his family should be regarded as having a
special position in Islam.
"The Prophet is closer to the faithful
than their own selves, and his wives are (as) their mothers; and the possessors
of (genetic or blood) relationship have the better claim on one another, in the
ordinance of Allah, than other believers and Muhajir (those who fled from Mecca). Nevertheless do
some good to your friends; this is written in the Book (of nature)." 33:6
"Say: I do not ask of you any reward for
it but love for (my) near relatives; 42:23
According to
commentators when this verse was revealed the Prophet was asked who they were
and he said, "Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hussain". But this cannot be
regarded a proof of the validity of the Succession, the Imamate. Indeed, we are
told that love for the Prophet should take priority over blood relationships
and it mentions the wives of the Prophet rather than Ali. One can interpret
this a meaning that we should follow those who love the Prophet rather than his
blood relations.
The Quran tells
us :-
"Muhammad is not the father of any of your
men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Last of the prophets; and Allah
is Aware of all things." 33:40
In the past
there was a separation between the state and religion, the worldly and the
spiritual, and the Israelites had kings as well as priesthood. The Temple was divided into an
inner and outer part by a veil. On the death of Jesus the veil was destroyed.
Prophethood by physical descent also came to an end. Islam is the religion of
unity, it combines the worldly and the spiritual. The Prophet Muhammad was both
the worldly and spiritual ruler.
But the Imam
whom the Shiahs accept is only a spiritual ruler and in some sects he has
disappeared. In other sects, e.g. Ismailis, he is a worldly head and though
accepted as a spiritual leader there seems to be nothing spiritual about him.
Shiahs tell us
that just as Aaron was a partner with Moses in his mission Ali was the partner
of Muhammad in his mission as well. There is nothing in the Quran about this.
Whereas Aaron is certainly mentioned in the Quran, Ali is not, much less as a
partner. There is a Hadith according to which the Prophet did tell Ali that he
was his partner. But this was said to Ali on a special occasion, not to the
community of Muslims.
Shiahs object
that the Prophet did have a daughter and that the verse was revealed in
connection with Zayd (the Prophet's adopted son):-
"And when you said to him to whom Allah
had shown favour and to whom you had shown a favour, "Keep your wife to
yourself and be careful of (your duty to) Allah"; and you concealed in
your soul what Allah would bring to light, and you feared men, whereas Allah
had a greater right that you should fear Him. But when Zayd had accomplished
the necessary formalities (of divorce) from her, We gave her to you (Muhammad)
as a wife, so that there should be no difficulty for the believers in respect
of the wives of their adopted sons, when they have accomplished the formalities
of divorce from them. The commands of Allah shall be performed (fulfilled)."
33:37
A distinction is
being made between a genetic son and an adopted son. If Zayd had been a genetic
son then it would not have been lawful for the Prophet to marry his divorced
wife. But that can not be the reason why it is mentioned in the Quran, especially
in a verse about the prophethood. The succession was always through sons e.g.
the series of Prophets from Abraham. Many other events and circumstances which
occurred are not mentioned in the Quran. And many events triggered revelations
but are not themselves important. There is no need to reduce a general
principle to a particular case.
Another verse
given as evidence is:-
"O
ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and those in authority
amongst you; and if ye dispute (quarrel or argue) about anything, refer it to
Allah and the Messenger, if ye (in truth) believe in Allah and the Last Day;
that is better and fairer in the end." 4:59
It is supposed
that the third authority mentioned in this verse refers to the descendants of
Muhammad. But the verse does not say so. It is, however, reasonable to regard
it as implying "spiritual descendants" of the Prophet. That is those
who follow the Prophet and have become righteous. Note, however, that this
third authority does not have the authority to settle disputes about doctrines.
This is for Allah and the Prophet. But this third authority may be regarded as
having the right to interpret the Quran and advise, but not to compel other
than that they carry out the instructions of Allah and the Prophet as they
exist in the Quran and Sunna.
Shiahs point out
that there was some confusion at the time of the death of the Prophet and it is
not certain what occurred. Umar appears to have nominated Abu Bakr as the
Caliph to succeed the Prophet. But Umar is said to have later admitted that the
nomination of Abu Bakr by himself was an accident (faltah) and that it was a
very unfortunate situation second only to the Prophets demise but Allah averted
its evil.
There does
appear to have been confusion surrounding the death of the Prophet. But it was
Abu Bakr who came to the rescue. The Muslims had almost deified Muhammad (saw)
just as Jesus had been by his followers. So when Muhammad died there was great
distress. Abu Bakr is reported to have addressed the Muslims as follows:-
"O people! As for him who used to worship
Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But as for him who used to worship Allah, Allah is
alive and dies not."
He then
recited:-
"Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers
the like of whom have passed away before him. Will it be that when he dies or
is slain, you will turn back on your heel? He who turns back does not hurt
Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful." 3:144
It is this that
made the difference between Christianity and Islam. Obviously, Allah was
working through Abu Bakr to rescue Islam.
Evil was not
averted despite Ali becoming the fourth Caliph. The Islamic community crumbled
in a few years. This was predicted by the Prophet. It must, therefore, be
regarded as having been inevitable and according to Allah's plan. People have
to learn from their own experiences, suffering and efforts. Unlike Muhammad
(saw) Ali was not able to control affairs.
Another verse
brought as evidence is:-
"And remember when his Lord tried Abraham
with words, and he fulfilled them, He said, "Verily, I will set thee as an
Imam (high priest, leader, model, example, guide) for the nations." Said
he, "And of my seed also?" Allah said, "My covenant touches not
the evildoers." 2:124
But this verse
implies that physical descent does not ensure the Imamate or succession.
Righteousness or Spiritual excellence does. One is also reminded of words by
Jesus:-
" Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of
repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our
father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up
children unto Abraham." Luke 3:8
And the Quran
tells us:-
"He sends down the angels with the Spirit
at His command upon whom He will of His servants, saying, "Give warning
that there is no God but Me; therefore, fear (do your duty to) Me." 16:2
There is nothing
here about genetic succession.
"Abraham was not a Jew, nor yet a
Christian, but he was a "Hanif" (an upright man) who had surrendered,
and not of the idolaters." 3:67
"Say: Allah speaks the truth, then follow
the faith of Abraham, a "Hanif" (an upright or righteous man), who
was not of the idolaters." 3:95
"Who has a better religion than he who
surrenders himself to Allah, and does good, and follows the faith of Abraham,
the upright? Allah took Abraham as a friend." 4:125
"Say: As for me, my Lord has guided me
unto the Straight Way, a right religion, the faith of Abraham, the upright, for
he was not of the idolaters." 6:162
"Verily, Abraham was indeed, a model,
devoutly obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the
idolaters:" 16:120
"Then We inspired thee (Muhammad) saying,
"Follow the religion of Abraham, as one by nature upright. He was not of
the idolaters." 16:123
These verses
give us the significance of Abraham. It is his righteousness. There is no
reason whatever for narrowing down the meaning to a particular case.
It is true that
included in the Islamic prayer are the words:-
"Oh Allah send blessings on Muhammad and
the people of Muhammad as You sent blessings on Abraham and the people of Abraham,
surely you are glorious and praise-worthy."
The people might
be the descendants. This does not, however, establish the Imamate. The
comparison clearly indicates that what applies to the descendants of Abraham
(saw) also applies to the descendants of Muhammad.
In this
connection:-
"Say: If your fathers, and your sons, and
your brethren, and your wives, and your clansmen, and the wealth which ye have
gained, and the commerce in which ye fear a decline, and the dwellings which ye
love, if all these are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving
in His way: then wait awhile, until Allah brings His command to pass. Allah
guides not wrong-doing (rebellious) people." 9:24
Whereas it is
not possible to completely dismiss the Shiah position, it is difficult to
believe that the Prophet could not assess the characters of those whom he
accepted as his companions or that the only righteous or spiritually upright
person the Prophet was able to create was Ali, and that he plotted against the
other Caliphs and destroyed the unity of the Umma. It is obvious that
conditions did deteriorate because people were not yet fit, probably also
because Islam expanded more rapidly than they could be reformed. But
nevertheless seed had been sown and Muslims did create a civilization and
empires that changed the world and set it on the evolutional path again. But
even if the Shiah are right (and Allah knows best) it makes no difference to
day. Muslims still have to recognize and follow the teachings of Islam whoever teaches
them. And if al-Mahdi comes he will have to be recognized by the Muslims at the
time when he comes for his own qualities irrespective of past history.
It seems
true that there are righteous or spiritually upright people of various degrees
on earth, and that they may also become teachers or leaders for small
communities. It is also most probable that they form a hierarchy with a Head.
He and his companions may well remain hidden from the general public, not
because they hide but because people do not possess the capacity to recognize
them or because the times are not ripe for them to take a direct active part in
human affairs. But this "spiritual hierarchy" has not much to do with
the Exoteric, Conventional or institutional religious establishment. (Quran
18:61-83)