This question was directed to a scholar. The article has been provided below the link for your covenience.
http://understanding-islam.com/rsi/si-005.htm
Question:
I want to ask about the concept of Shiite and Sunni based on the Qur’an. People say that its not illegal according to Islam the marriage between Shiite and Sunni but in my view there is no concept of Shiite and Sunni in Islam then how could one say it legal or illegal. I think that concept of these firqas (sects) is prohibited in Islam the marriage dispute comes later. So my question is that why these firqas are generating day by day? Why there is no force telling that we are just Muslims and not these Shiite and Sunni?
Binish, Pakistan
Reply:
I do agree with you that the very division of Shiite and Sunni (and all other sects) is unnecessary and against the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet (pbuh). However, it is important to realize that, unfortunate as it may be, it is a division that has already been made and accepted by the Muslims and by the adherents of these sections. It would, under the circumstances, be unrealistic to refute the existence of these sects. These sections do exist, even if there existence is against the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). Questions relating to the social and other interaction between the various sections (like marriage between a Shiite and a Sunni) shall be asked and answered till the time that adherents to these sects practically exist.
I am not only in agreement with you, but am also practically following the idea of promoting strict adherence to Islam alone and calling ourselves ‘Muslims’ rather than dividing ourselves further into ‘Shiite’ and ‘Sunni’. But the fact remains that the general environment in which we are trying to propagate the true teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) is already divided into various sects. In my opinion, the right thing for us to do is not to negate the existence of these sects, but to accept their existence and then try to correct the situation, according to the best of our abilities.
You ask:
*…why these firqas * are generating day by day? Why there is no force telling that we are just Muslims and not these Shiite and Sunni? *
In my opinion, there are a number of reasons for the generation of the various sects. However, two of the most important reasons are 1) the general ignorance of the common Muslim with the true teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh); and 2) making a particular school of thought the ultimate standard of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in religious teachings and subsequently adhering strictly to the interpretations only of that particular school of thought, and not paying any heed to the call of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
As far as the question that why is no one propagating the idea of telling that we should be ‘Muslims’ only and not be further divided into ‘Shiite’ and ‘Sunni’, in my opinion, it really depends on the specific understanding of the scholar making such call. Obviously, a ‘Sunni’ shall only propagate what he himself thinks to be correct and thus he would only be propagating the Sunni interpretation of Islam. The same, obviously, would also be true for a Shiite scholar. Thus, it seems to me that any effort in correcting the stated situation calls for: 1) correcting the existing body of knowledge with the object of clearing it of all sectarian bias and making it coherent with the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh); and 2) grooming scholars, who are only Muslims in their affiliations and who are willing and capable of keeping themselves clear of all sectarian affiliations.
I hope this helps. In case any aspect of your question remains unanswered or inadequately answered, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience.
May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking.
My fondest regards to you and those around you.
The Learner
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They shoot partypoopers, don’t they?
[This message has been edited by Mr Partypooper (edited November 10, 2000).]*