Sunni

Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, followed by the majority of the world's Muslims. Its name comes from the word sunnah, referring to the behaviour of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose from a disagreement over the succession to Muhammad and subsequently acquired broader political significance, as well as theological and juridical dimensions.

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Sunni . Shi'a . Ramadan . Eid al-Fitr

Why do Sunni and Shi'a not always start Ramadan and Eid on the same day even when in the same city?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 7 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

It is rather the opposite, as we can see that many Sunnis and Shia start the holy month of Ramadhan, and have Eids together on the same day. The issue is that in the Sunni world there is a difference of opinion as to whether the beginning of the lunar month can be pre-announced, or must it be eye-witness.

In Sunni communities there are those who follow Saudi Arabia's announcement, for example, and there are those who follow the local moon-sighting, by the naked eye.

For further statistics on this, please review the following site:

https://www.moonsighting.com/1440shw.html

Wassalam

51124

Prophet Muhammad . Caliphate . Sunni

The Prophet (pbuh) mentioned that he will have 12 caliphs after he passes away, who are they according to the Sunnis?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 7 years ago

Many prominent Sunni scholars e.g. Al Qondoozi Al-Hanafi admit that the twelve successors of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) are the twelve Imams from Ahlul Bayt (AS) from Imam Ali (AS), then his son Imam Hasan (AS) , then Imam Husain (AS) till Imam Al-Mahdi (AS).

But many other Sunni scholars wrote about the twelve successors in different ways. Ibn Taymiyyah after admitting that the twelve successors of the Prophet Muhammad are mentioned in Torah and Bible, claimed that Yazeed, son of Mo'awiyah is one of the twelve successors.

Ibn Arabi Al- Makki who is a well known Sunni Sufi scholar claimed that Al-Mutawakkil Al-Abbasi is one of them.

You find in Sunni books different claims about the twelve successors upto the extend that Ibn Al-Jawzi who was a prominent Sunni scholar said when he mentioned the Hadeeth of twelve successors: I can not understand the meaning of it.

This mess among the Sunni scholars adds that the real twelve successors after of the Prophet are none but the 12 Imams from Ahlul Bayt (AS) about whom the Prophet himself mentioned with their names in many authentic Hadeeths including Hadeeth from Jaabir bn Abdillah Al-Ansaari who was told the names of the twelve successors by he Prophet himself.

Wassalam

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Hadith . Sunni . Scholars . Shi'a

Are there any collections of hadith or other books on which both Shi'a and Sunni scholars agree that can assist an objective seeker of truth?

Mahmood Abu Maryam, Trying to make sense of it all... Answer updated 7 years ago

I understand where you are coming from with this question. Investigating and researching the topics around the Shi'a Sunni division can be mind boggling when there are claims and counter claims from both sides and the quality of evidence put forward by each side also gets challenged by the other.

Here is a suggestion to help you get started that is designed with your preference in mind of avoiding sectarian bias in your research.

Step 1

Start with the Nahj al-Balagha which is a collection of sermons and sayings by Imam 'Ali b. Abi Talib. Although it was compiled by a Shi'a scholar named Sharif al-Radi but it attracted attention from many Sunni scholars who wrote commentaries on it.

For instance see the list of commentators on this page, many of them are Sunni names - https://www.al-islam.org/articles/commentaries-nahjul-balaghah-syed-waheed-akhtar

The reason for the wider Sunni interest was that the sermons included by Sharif al-Radi could be traced to other sources acceptable to both the Shi'a and Sunni communities. And, perhaps more importantly, a large part of the value of the book was in the eloquence of words and thoughts expressed by 'Ali who was a master at it, being the close disciple and confidante of the Prophet Muhammad (s). In fact, for many, the eloquence of the words also testifies to its authentic origins.

You can find the Nahj al-Balagha here - https://www.al-islam.org/nahjul-balagha-part-1-sermons

When you go through this book, and I do suggest you go cover to cover, you will gain an insight into what 'Ali was saying to the people of Kufa during his time as the fourth caliph. You will get a sense of his views on the disputes, the civil wars, the various famous Companions and mothers of the believers who often get mentioned in Shi'a Sunni debates.

Step 2

Once you are through that, it is time to understand the entire history of the debate on the succession to the Prophet Muhammad (s). Contrary to what many people realise, a good understanding of the period of the civil wars during Imam 'Ali's rule is essential to understanding and evaluating the reports on the earlier period of Islamic history.

In order to avoid any intentional or unintentional sectarian bias by a Shi'a or Sunni author, I suggest you instead go through a book called Succession to Muhammad - A Study of the early Caliphate by a famous non-Muslim academic called Wilferd Madelung.

This book does a good job of looking at the often contradicting reports on early Islamic history and analyses the likelihood of bias of individual narrators and, therefore, reports. Although somewhat heavy reading, it will help you get a pretty good idea of what really happened back then in early Islam.

Good luck with your research.

Hadith . Sunni . Scholars . Shi'a

Are there any collections of hadith or other books on which both Shi'a and Sunni scholars agree that can assist an objective seeker of truth?

Bismihi ta'ala

In brief, each School of Thought has its own collection of hadith books, and also its own methodology of categorising the grading of hadiths. This means which hadith is authentic, which is accepted, weak, fabricated, and so on.

It is for this reason that there is no specific book both Shi'ah and Sunni scholars would agree on. Yes, there are certain hadiths, in fact many of them, that both Schools would agree on. But not an individual book as a whole.

As for an objective seeker of truth, it is imperitve that one adopts a correct unbiased approach to research into factual information, and read as much as they can from all angles, and ask the Almighty to inspire them, open their inner eye, and guide them to the truth.

And Allah knows best.

49209

Sawm (Fasting) . Sunni . Shi'a

Why do the Shi'a break their fast some minutes after the time the Sunni’s break theirs?

Bismihi ta'ala

As far as the timings for prayers, there is a slight difference of opinion within the Sunni sects, and also between the Sunni and Shi'a point of view.

With the holy month of Ramadhan, and Iftar time, the Quran says to finish your fasting at "night time" (Surah al-Baqarah, verse, 187). Most Shi'ah jurists say this means it should be dark, including the fading of the redness in the eastern horizon.

The rational argument for this is that it is far better that one observes the basic level of precaution and wait until it gets 'dark', and becomes 'night'. Being patient for a few more minutes will guarantee the entering into the correct time of Layl.

However, Sunni scholars say with the setting of the sun one is able to break their fast, even if there is still redness in the horizon.

Shi'ah jurists also support their view by numerous traditions from Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) clearly mentioning this particular view.

And Allah knows best.

50022

Sunni . Ideology . Theology

Is it fair to argue that "Sunni Islam" does not exist because there is no such thing as a unified "Sunni" ideology/theology?Furthermore, when did the term "Sunni" start being used and by who?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 7 years ago

It is reasonable to say that, as a social phenomenon, there is a current of thought characterized by shared beliefs, texts, history, heritage, assumptions about Islam, and worldview that can be called "Sunni Islam", even though people who identify as Sunni often differ significantly in their views.

While the existence or non-existence of intangibles, such as religious groups, can be more challenging to discuss than the existence or non-existence of physical objects, it doesn't make sense to say there is no such thing as Sunni Islam given that there is a general consensus that it is a "thing".

A similar example is with respect to Christianity. It is reasonable to say there is a current of thought characterized by shared beliefs, texts, worldview, etc, which is called "Christianity", even though there are many differences between Christians regarding theology and practice.

Sunni . Ideology . Theology

Is it fair to argue that "Sunni Islam" does not exist because there is no such thing as a unified "Sunni" ideology/theology?Furthermore, when did the term "Sunni" start being used and by who?

1. Mu'awiyah Bin Abi Sofyan announced the year of the treaty between him and Imam Hasan (AS) as The Year of Jama'ah عام الجماعة.

2. Mu'awiyah ordered all his people to include cursing Abu Turab (Ali (AS)) in every Khutbah of Friday and Eid. This practice continued for generations till the government of Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, the Umayyad king .

3. When Umar Bin Abdul Aziz , ordered to remove this curse from the Khutba, many people objected on his order and shouted : Where is the Sunnah? Thinking that it is part of the Sunnah.

4. The term of Ahlul Sunnah was used by followers of Ahmad Bin Hanbal, the founder of Hanbali sect who was supported by Al-Mutawakkil Al-Abbasi, the Abbaside king, against Ahlul Bayt (AS). Ahlul Sunnah was also used against the followers of Abu Hanifah who was accused by Hanbalis to be away from the Sunnah. The Hanbalis used to call Abu hanifah followers as (Ahlul Ra'e) while themselves as Ahlul Sunnah.

5. We do not find in any Sunni book of Hadeeth including he six main book of Hadeeth called (Al-Sihah or Al-Kotob Al-Sittah including Al-Bukhari , Muslim, Tirmithi , Ibn Maajah, Abi Dawood) any mention of Ahul Sunnah.

6. This term of Ahlul Sunnah was used mainly by governments opposing Ahlul Bayt(AS) to claim that they are following the Sunnah which means that other Muslims (Shia Muslims) are not following The Sunnah.

7. We have authentic narration from Imam Mohammad Al--Baqir (AS) stating: By Allah, No one is following the Sunnah and the unity of the Ummah but us and our followers.

والله ليس على السنة والجماعة أحد إلا نحن وشيعتنا.

Wassalam

50301

Sunni . Qur'an . Shi'a . Tahrif

Why do Sunni's think that the Shi'a believe the Quran is incomplete when that is not the case?

Bismihi Ta'ala

This indeed is a sad issue that seems to never be solved. The earliest of Shi'ah scholars have addressed this in detail, establishing the completeness and perfection of the Quran, being the everlasting miracle of Islam.

Books have been written, detailed extensive research has been made, and statements so ever frequently given, all explaining the position of Shi'ah Muslims regarding the holy Quran.

However, with such abundant sources openly available for all to read, we see that some Sunnis persist on accepting this myth and want nothing to do with any of the solid evidence presented against it.

The cliche referencing of Kitab Ali (a.s.) is brought up, or Mashaf Fatimah (a.s.), even though it has nothing to do with the holy Quran.

If only someone could dig up this 'different Quran' Shi'ahs supposedly believe in.

Do these accusations come from ignorance, or is it just malice intent fueled with hatred.

In brief:

1. Twelver Shi'ahs believe the very Quran that is with us all today is the only and only Quran all Muslims believe in and accept.

2. This Quran is complete, and perfect, in every form and way, with no surah or verse missing, and there is no extra surah or verse added to it.

3. If, for argument sake, there is a Shi'ah scholar who has a view that the Quran is incomplete, or any other view of this sort, it is their view, and it does not represent the belief of the Shi'ah Creed. It is far from genuine and fair to use the singular views of one or two scholars and generalise it to be the foundational belief of the whole Shi'ah creed.

4. If there are narrations that elude to certain surahs/verses added, or taken away, then they are rejected and not accepted.

5. There are numerous examples of this that exists in Sunni sources, like the goat eating parts of a Quran that was forever lost. However, Shi'ah Muslims have never used this to accuse Sunni Muslims of such baseless accusations.

It is very important to be truthful to ourselves and avoid biased or baseless information.

This is a contemporary book that discusses this topic in detail:

https://www.al-islam.org/al-bayan-fi-tafsir-al-quran-prolegomena-quran-ayatullah-sayyid-abulqasim-al-khui/7-protection-quran

Wassalam

50150

Surah . Sunni . Shi'a . Salah (Prayers) . Amen . Surat al-Fatihah

Why do the Shi’a never say the word “Amen” at the end of Surah al-Fatiha while praying unlike what many Sunni's do?

Bismihi ta'ala

According to the main view the word 'Ameen' آمين is used to mean 'O God, answer'. So, in this case there is nothing wrong with the expression itself, even though this word does not come from the Quran, nor is it a part of any verse.

This is something agreed upon by both Sunnis and Shi'ah.

However, the issue is whether it is permissible to say it in a daily obligatory prayer, after reciting the Fatihah.

Shi'a scholars say that if Ameen is said with the intention of it being a part of Salat, then the prayer will be invalid. It is a foreign word and has nothing related to the Surah, or correct dhikrs mentioned as parts of the Salat.

We are obliged to adhere to how the Prophet (s.a.w.) has taught us to pray. In the narrations there is no mentioning that the word 'Ameen' should be said after the Fatihah.

We cannot add something that does not exist in the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.), and therefore doing such a thing would nullify our Salat.

It is a consensus of Shi'ah scholars that saying 'Ameen' in Salat, after Fatihah is an innovation and therefore would invalidate the prayer.

Ameen is a word foreign to the prayer, and not a 'supplication'. This is contrary to the expression 'alhamdulillah rabb al-'alameen' which would be permissible to say after reciting the Fatihah, due to it being a dua and also it being mentioned to do so in authentic traditions.

For further information on the word Ameen, see:

http://en.wikishia.net/view/Amin

And Allah knows best.

50156

Khums . Husband . Sunni . Muslims

Is it permissible to give khums (sahme sadat) to a needy lady whose husband is a Sunni muslim?

Bismihi ta'ala,

The answer to this question is circumstantial, based on the view of your Marja' Taqleed regarding whether you are able to dispose of Sahm al-Saadah without specific authorisation.

However, in general if the lady is a Seyyidah, a Shi'iyah, and needy, then it would be permissible to give Sahm al-Saadah to her.

It would be best that you refer to the fatwa of your Marja' Taqleed for this.

And Allah knows best.

49215

Sunni . Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra'

No. Frequent sn

Vinay Khetia, Shaikh Vinay Khetia has studied at various traditional Islamic seminaries in London, Iraq and Syria. He has an undergraduate degree in Religious and Near Eastern Studies from the University of... Answered 7 years ago

S/A

There is no single 'Sunni understanding of history'. Islamic history and its vast sources are too vast and multi-vocal for it to have one understanding on this matter. The Sunnis themselves have multiple views on the subjects even among the theological schools of the 'asharis and mu'tazila (some of the theological schools among Sunnis). However the predominant view is that she died a natural death. However the Sunni leaning historical tradition such as History of al-Tabari and the Ansab al-Ashraf of al-Baladhuri do indicate that something violent or potentially violent occurred at the hosue of Fatima (as) following the death of the Prophet. For instane al-Tabari relates that the end of the his life, the first caliph said: " I wish I did not throw open/or unveil the house of Fatima - lam akshif manzil fatima, however they ( Ali, Fatima and those in the home) had locked it down with hostile intent - ghalaquhu 'ala al-harb. So clearly something violent or potentially violent occurred as per this narration found in al-Tabaris's history under the section dealing with the final words of the 1st caliph at his death. That being said, the Sunni historical tradition for the most part do not describe her as being injured or killed as a result of that incident. However there were others such as al-Nizam, the famous Mu'atazlite theologian (who would also be considered to belong broadly to the Sunni school or at least non-Shia in a formal sense) who describes her as being injured and dying from this and he was in-fact blamed for this and condemned by later scholars for holding such a view. Thus it was a view that existed in the Muslim community.

wa salaam

Sh.Vinay Khetia

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Sunni . Ahl al-Bayt . Shi'a

Sneezing does not in

Rebecca Masterton, Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been... Answered 7 years ago

Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man ibn Thabit; Anas ibn Malik; Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal. The first two Sunni Imams studied under Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, the sixth Imam of the Shi'a.

In general, they rely upon the narrations of companions that are rejected by the Imams of the Shi'a owing to the fact that these companions actively opposed the fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Imams of the Twelver Shi'a narrated directly back to the Prophet (s) via Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Sunni

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