1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

14 Questions

As a Shia convert, is talking to Sufis considered breaking the third Shahadah? Will it lead to apostasy from Shia Islam? Can I still identify as Shia if I had contacts with Sufi orders?
Amina Inloes

You do not become an apostate or break the third shahadah by speaking with someone who has a different belief or by being present at their gatherings, unless you have the intention of apostasy. (This is true whether they are Sufi, Christian, atheist, or any other group.) 

However, sometimes, when we are solidifying our religious identity, especially after a recent conversion, it is helpful to stay within the confines of our religious group and avoid contact with others. But this is a psychological or spiritual matter, not anything relating to apostasy. 

You are a Shi'i if you wholeheartedly accept the authority and spiritual status of Imam Ali (a), without any competitors, and identify as Shi'i. 

If you had any belief which is incompatible with Shi'ism, you may reject that belief and remain Shi'i. Similarly, if you gave bay'ah to someone other than Imam al-Mahdi (A) (for Twelver Shi'a), you can declare your ultimate bay'ah to Imam al-Mahdi (A). If you acknowledged the authority or lineage of someone (living or deceased) who is incompatible with your allegiance to Imam 'Ali (A) and Imam al-Mahdi (A), you may choose to reject that authority.

Sufis differ from one another, and some are closer to Shi'ism than others. 
If we doubt that someone has become an apostate or maybe even a disbeliever, based on hearsay, can we pray for forgiveness for them in the night prayer?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Yes, we can pray for them as far as we are not sure that they are disbelievers.

Wassalam.
Can one take the law into their own hands and punish apostates or blasphemers?
Seyed Ali Shobayri

Bismillah, 

Asalamu Alaykom, 

Such matters should be for a legitimate Islamic government who can implement such hudud, or under an infallible as some scholars would state.  
 

One cannot take matters into their own hands. Even some ulema who may allude to doing so would forbid it if this caused a Muslim to go into harm or trouble which most likely occur. 
 

May Allah grant you success 
Can a Fitri apostate repent and turn to Allah and be forgiven by Him?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Allah forgives those who sincerely repent and return to Him. He knows the intention of every one.

Wassalam.