Faith (Iman)

60148

Qur'anic Verse . Faith (Iman) . Sunni-Shi'a . Abu Talib b. Abd al-Muttalib
Some Sunni's claim that verse 56 of Surah Qasas (28:56) and verse 113 of Sura Taubah (9:113) prove that Abu Talib died without faith in Islam. How do the Syiah understand the commentary of these two verses?
Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answer updated 6 years ago

as salam alaikum

there is no direct reference in the above-mentioned verses about the religion of Abu Talib, neither to Abu Talib himself. The verse 28:56 is very general and says that Allah is the ultimate guide and that no one, even the Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, can guide the people if Allah doesn't wish. The verse 9:113 is also general and it is explained by its following verse (9:114) that talk about the prohibition to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, in particular it mentions the case of Ibrahim, peace be upon him, and Azar.

What made to conclude the majority of Sunni scholars that these verses refers to Abu Talib not being Muslim are some ahadith found in Bukhari and Muslim linking those verses to such opinion. There are other narrations and evidences to support the fact that Abu Talib was a Muslim: this is also an opinion held by a minority of Sunni scholars.  

In conclusion, these two verses should firstly and foremost interpreted according to their apparent meaning avoiding solitary reports (akhbar ahad) which are contradictory. Then, to establish historical facts, other ways than tafsir by solitary reports should be taken into consideration in order to determine truth and valid knowledge.

With prayers for your success.  
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59968

Islam . Husband . Faith (Iman) . Marriage
I am having a 'crisis of faith' as I am unable to agree with some teachings of Islam and don't see myself ever doing so. Can my husband stay married to me as a believer but someone who does not fully agree with all Islamic teachings?
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 6 years ago
  1. Having doubts does not mean that you are a bad person as far as you are sincerely searching for the truth. Millions of people came to the true faith through doubts which led them to search then to the truth. Doubts cause a state of uneasiness in the mind and makes you think more,  and procedure of thinking is good because it usually makes you reach to the truth through strong steps supported by evidence. Allah guides all those who sincerely strive to reach to the Truth ( Sura 29, Verse 69).
  2. As far as you believe in Allah The Almighty, and His Prophets , you are a Muslim even if you have doubts about some Islamic teachings. The doubt does not mean that you deny the message of Allah. Wassalam.
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57964

Islam . Faith (Iman)
How can we make our faith in Islam stronger? Are there certain actions that will help?
Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 6 years ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. Strengthening faith is a journey of developing useful knowledge and continuous sincere practice. In our traditions there are 10 levels of faith and so it is important for each person to continue developing their faith so that our faith becomes stronger and stronger and we progress through these levels. Knowledge of God enables us to have faith and as that knowledge increases so does our faith. At the same time, faith is a characteristic of the heart so through the light of worship and good deeds, the light of faith within becomes stronger and that is linked to the knowledge of God which is innate on the one hand, and benefits from learning from the sources of religion on the other.

May you always be successful.
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