Sunni-Shia Divide – A brief rebuttal to David Ben Basat at the Jerusalem Post

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

As the (true) followers of the Prophets are characterised by their knowledge and commitment to justice, therefore, the discourse of the adherents of Islam and the Sunnah regarding disbelievers and those who engage in bidah must be grounded in knowledge and justice, rather than conjecture and desires. Due to this, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “There are three types of judges; one will enter Paradise, while two will enter the fire. A man who knows the truth and judges accordingly will enter Paradise; a man who knows the truth yet judges contrary to it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire”. When it is case that one who adjudicates matters of wealth, life, and honour is (threatened with) entry into the fire for failing to be a just scholar, then, what about the one who renders judgments without knowledge, particularly ahlul bidah, who address issues of faith, the core tenets of Iman, and knowledge regarding Allah, His Names, Attributes, and Actions, as well as other profound matters of knowledge. [1]

This article serves as a brief response to the assertions made by David Ben-Basat, who sought to articulate his understanding of the distinctions between Sunni and Shia, at least as reflected in this above post of his at the Jerusalem Post. However, it is imperative to emphasise that a more fitting title would be “the Distinction Between Islam and the Beliefs of the Rafidah”. This distinction arises from the fact that the tenets and practices of the Rafidah religion diverge significantly from those of Islam.

David stated: The conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims remains one of the central features shaping the political and religious dynamics of the Middle East.

Rooted in Islamic history since the 7th century, this divide has evolved into a broad political and ideological battle, exploited by regional powers such as Iran and Turkey to extend their influence, fueling clashes between the two sects. Islam is divided into two main branches: Sunni Muslims, who make up about 85% of the Islamic world, and Shia Muslims, who represent around 15%. [end of quote]

Response: The conflict between Islam and the religion of the Rafidah was first initiated by Abdullah Bin Sabah, a Jew from Yemen. Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghani, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The enemies of Islam, recognising their inability to eradicate this religion (Islam), strategically infiltrated it with disbelieving agents- individuals who masqueraded as Muslims, aiming to sow confusion, trials, and tribulations, while promoting polytheism by elevating the status of the righteous and venerating their graves (through beliefs and practices) not sanctioned by Allah. Consequently, the Ummah faced trials stemming from the schemes of Abdullah Bin Saba, who asserted that Ali Ibn Abee Talib, (the Prophet’s cousin), deserved worship alongside Allah. The followers of Abdullah Bin Saba became known as the Saba’iyyah, and later as the Rawaafid (Shiites), Ismaaliyyah (Shiites), Nusayriyah (Shiites), among others within the Baatiniyyah sect. [Footnote a] They engaged in the veneration of graves and their occupants, constructing places of worship and shrines at these sites. Through such actions, they revived the corrupt practices of those (particular) Jews, Christians, and idol worshippers who strayed from the true path of the Prophets of Allah. This illustrates how the worship of graves emerged within this Ummah through the practices introduced by the Rawaafid (Shiites). [2] Read: http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/bmfjr-a-brief-overview-of-the-doctrines-innovated-by-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi-which-became-the-foundational-beliefs-of-the-sects-of-the-shia.cfm

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Saba’iyyun are the companions of Abdullah Bin Saba, who said to Ali, “You are.. you are”- meaning, “You are the deity”. Hafidh Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Abdullah bin Saba was from the extremists amongst the heretics- misguided and misguiding others”. Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “He was originally from Yemen- a Jew who manifested Islam, travelled around the Muslim lands to turn them away from obedience to their leaders and to bring about evil between them, and he entered into Damascus for that reason”. Abu Ya’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Musnad from Al-Jalaas who said, “I heard Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, saying to Abdullah Bin Saba, “Indeed, there will be thirty liars at the approach of the hour and you are one of them”. Abdullah bin Saba had followers and they were called the Saba’iyyun. They believe that Godhead is with Ali. Indeed Ali burnt them with fire during his Khilaafah. And do not think that the followers of Abdullah Bin Saba have perished, (rather) there is that leader of misguidance -khumeini, who displays (so called) jealousy for Islam, yet he destroys its pillars. Some of the ignorant ones among the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon were deceived by Khumeini, and they used to mention him on the pulpits; but when the Book titled: Jaa’a Dawrul Majoos appeared, they were shaken. They kept quiet and did not praise Khumeini. Perhaps the Muslims will take a lesson from the story of Abdullah Bin Saba and be warned against the machinations and filth of the Rafidah because their call is based on deception.[3]

Furthermore, the assertion that Islam is bifurcated into two primary branches is fundamentally erroneous. The essence of the religion remains unified; guidance stands apart from misguidance, and truth is clearly delineated from falsehood. Therefore, any notion of division within the faith is unfounded. It is, in fact, those who have strayed from the righteous path who have caused fragmentation. Conversely, those who faithfully adhere to the authentic teachings of Islam remain united in their belief and methodology. It is imperative for those who have deviated from the true teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah to renounce their misguidance and return to the path of truth. Thus, anyone who innovates into the religion is rebutted and he is guilty of splitting. Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him) said:

The innovator in religious matters is the cause for the splitting, because splitting is connected to innovation in religion and unity is connected to the Sunnah. The obligation of refuting an opposer of the truth is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear, so (in this case) Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against an innovator in religious affairs and one who opposes the truth”. [4] For further insights on the various sects, please read below:

https://salafidawah.uk/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/ [Footnote b]

David said: Conservative Sunni rhetoric often regards Shias as heretics and even infidels, citing accusations like those against Aisha, the wife of the prophet Mohammed, of betrayal and attributing superhuman qualities to Shia imams, elevating them to a status comparable to that of the prophet himself. [end of quote]

Response: It is essential to recognise that dismissing the judgments against the Rafidah as mere rhetoric is a grave error, rooted in either misguidance or ignorance. These judgments are not mere expressions of persuasive language or the artful manipulation of words; they do not stem from the superficial techniques employed by rabble-rousers, demagogues, ideologues, or Zionists, nor do they represent eloquent discourse devoid of substance. Such a characterisation is more fitting for those who have introduced innovations into the sacred teachings of the Prophets, subsequently deriving their conclusions from these alterations. This path is reminiscent of those who strayed from the righteous ways of the noble Prophets Musa and Isa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, as well as those who have introduced erroneous beliefs and practices, including the Rafidah and the Khawarij. Rhetoric, therefore, is more aptly associated with these groups than with the judgments rendered by the upright scholars of Islam, which are firmly anchored in the infallible verses of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Furthermore, David’s stance raises questions about his honesty; he is either misrepresenting Ahlus Sunnah as those who unjustly accuse the Rafidah or he is exercising unnecessary caution due to his lack of understanding of Rafidah beliefs, leading him to label valid refutations as rhetoric and accusations. Regardless of David’s intentions, if the Rafidah come across his statements, they might either appreciate his assistance in their Taqiyyah or regard him as poorly informed. The Rafidah are well known for disparaging Aa’Isha, may Allah be pleased with her, and their contempt for most of the Prophet’s companions, all while deifying the Prophet’s family—a belief innovated for them by the Yemeni Jew Abdullah Bin Saba. [Footnote c]

David stated: Sunni conservatives base their views on classical fatwas, such as those by 13th-century theologian Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyyah, who declared Shias/Shi’ites to be more heretical than Jews, Christians, and idolaters, likening them to the Crusaders and Mongols of his era. These ideological differences have spiraled into political struggles, with each side vying to dominate the region’s key states. [end of quote]

Response: David’s statement clearly highlights his ignorance of the topic at hand. Indeed, scholars who lived centuries before Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him and all of them, denounced the Rafidah and labeled them as heretics. Some even went so far as to declare the Rafidah as disbelievers, asserting that their beliefs are deemed apostasy, polytheism, and disbelief according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Since Abdullah Ibn Saba concocted the beliefs and methodology of the Rafidah, the erudite scholars from each generation prior to Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah have confronted the Rafidah. Here are some significant examples.

Alqamah Ibn Qays An-Nakha’i [62AH], may Allah have mercy on him, a student of the Sahabi Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Indeed, this Shia sect has exaggerated in their veneration of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, just as the Christians have exaggerated in their veneration of Jesus, son of Mary, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” [5]

Talhah Ibn Musarraf [112 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“The women of the Rawaafid are not to be married, nor are their sacrifices permissible to eat, for they are people of apostasy.” [6]

Imam Malik Ibn Anas [179AH], may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“Those who insult the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, do not have a share or portion in Islam.” [7]

Imam Malik also said:

“Whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has no right to the spoils of war. Allah, the Exalted, said:

[للفقراء المهاجرين الذين أخرجوا من ديارهم وأموالهم يبتغون فضلاً من الله ورضواناً – (And there is also a share in the booty) for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking the bounty of Allah and His pleasure]. These are the companions of Allah’s Messenger who emigrated with him. Then Allah said: [والذين تبؤوا الدار والإيمان- And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the faith]. These are the Ansar. Then Allah further stated:

[والذين جاءوا من بعدهم يقولون ربنا اغفرلنا ولأخواننا الذين سبقونا بالإيمان – And those who came after them, say, “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethen who have preceded us in Faith].

The spoils of war are for these three groups. Therefore, whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not belong to any of these three groups and has no right to the spoils. [8]

Imam Abu Yusuf, may Allah have mercy upon him, the student of Imam Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I will not pray behind a Jahmi, nor a Rafidi, nor a Qadari.” [9]

Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“I have not seen anyone among the people of vain desires more deceitful in their claims or more prone to false testimony than the Rāfidah.” [10]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Al-Firyabi [212AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I see the Rāfidah and the Jahmiyyah as nothing but heretics.” [11]

Imam Al-Qasim Ibn Sallam [224AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“I have interacted with people and engaged with the scholars of theological rhetoric, yet I have never encountered a group more repugnant, more despicable, weaker in argument, or more foolish than the Rawaafid. During my tenure as a judge in the border regions, I expelled three individuals from among them: two Rawaafid and one Jahmi, asserting that individuals like you should not reside among the inhabitants of the borders.” [12]

Imam Ahmad Ibn Yunus [227AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“We do not consume the sacrifice of a man who is a Rafidi, for in my view, he is an apostate.” [13]

Imam Abu Zur’ah Ar-Razi [264 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“If you see a man disparaging any of the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, know that he is a heretic. This is because for us the Messenger is truth and the Qur’an is the truth. The Qur’an and the Sunnah have been conveyed to us by the companions of Allah’s Messenger. Those who seek to undermine our witnesses aim to invalidate the Book and the Sunnah, and it is more appropriate to disparage them; they are indeed heretics.” [14]

Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Hatim, said that he inquired of his father, Abu Zur’ah, regarding the path of the Sunnah and the beliefs which the scholars have encountered in all regions. Among their remarks was: “Indeed, the Jahmiyyah are disbelievers, and the Rafidah have rejected Islam.” [15]

Imam Al-Barbahari [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Be aware that all deviant beliefs are reprehensible, leading to violence. The most despicable and heretical among them are the Rāfidah, the Mu’tazilah, and the Jahmiyyah, for they seek to lead people towards negation (of Allah’s Attributes) and heresy.” [16]

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi [597], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The excessive veneration of the Rāfidah for Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, led them to fabricate numerous hadiths extolling his virtues, many of which are detrimental and offensive to him. They have also introduced various jurisprudential opinions that are innovations in religion that contradict consensus. In numerous issues, which would require extensive elaboration, they have violated the consensus, and Satan has deceived them into fabricating these claims without relying on authentic sources or sound analogical reasoning. The repugnant (beliefs and practices) of the Rāfidah are too numerous to count.” [17]

The above are very few verdicts of the scholars, including the students of the Sahabah, throughout various generations that oppose the heretical Rafidah before the time of Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. Therefore, David ought to have conducted his research with integrity or chosen to avoid revealing his ignorance, as the adage states: “Silence beautifies the scholar and hides the ignorance of the ignoramus.”

David said: IRAN, AS the Shia stronghold, sees itself as the ideological leader of Shia Muslims worldwide. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, it has sought to expand its influence by creating a “Shia crescent” that includes Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, Iran’s heavy investment in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite regime in Syria has largely gone to waste, undermining its efforts. [end of quote]

Response: The term Shia Muslim remains a myth until the reality is established. Thus, we’ll quote a clarification by Al-Allamah Rabee in that regard. The Shaikh was asked: Our Shaikh, may Allah preserve you. The questioner says: What is the ruling on the common people of the Rawafid and how do we deal with them?

The Shaikh replied: The questioner differentiates between the common people and other than them. This is a good approach. The common people who neither speak ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor do they declare the companions to be disbelievers, nor do they believe that the Qur’an is distorted; however, they have some Rafd [i.e. beliefs of the rafidah] and some hatred for the companions without declaring them disbelievers and what is similar to (these deeds), these ones are misguided innovators in religious matters and we do not declare them disbelievers. (But) whoever joins their heretics in declaring the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be disbelievers, speaking ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, and the filthy belief that the Qur’an has been distorted, and that there is an addition and deficiency in it, this (person) is a disbeliever similar to the disbelievers of the Yahud and Nasara. There is no distinction between their common people and their scholars (in this affair).

Then the Shaikh was asked: How do we deal with them? He replied: Answer: If dealing with them is with regards to a worldly affair—business transactions and what is similar to that— it is permissible to trade with a Jew, a Christian and a Rafidi. However, as for co-operating with them in issues of religion, no. [وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ‌ۚ – Do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2] Instead, their scholars and callers are boycotted and they are warned against. [18]

It is evident, upon careful consideration of the preceding facts, that the so-called Islamic revival in Iran under Khomeini was, in truth, a mere Rafidah revolution. This upheaval elevated the Rafidah and their beliefs, which diverge significantly from true Islam. Khomeini and his fellow Rafidah leaders can be characterized as disbelievers and heretics. Allow me to elaborate:

Ayat Al-Shaytan Khomeini: Seeking Aid From the Dead (And Stones and Mud) Is Not Shirk

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/jmfhm-ayat-al-shaytan-khomeini-seeking-aid-from-the-dead-is-not-shirk.cfm

Reality of The Rafidah – By Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan and Al-Allamah Rabee

Footnote a:
http://www.shia.bs/series/the-founder-of-the-shia-sect-is-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi.cfm

Footnote b:
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/oeotc-glimpses-into-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-1.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/vqlrf-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-2.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm
https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/flqoi-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-4.cfm

Footnote c:

http://www.shia.bs/series/doctrines-of-the-shia-from-their-own-words-and-books.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tyxepnv-a-glimpse-upon-core-rafidi-doctrines-the-devils-deception-of-the-shia.cfm

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-devils-deception-of-the-raafidah-shiah/

http://www.shia.bs/articles/tzwqsen-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-1.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/bjjffuj-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-2.cfm

http://www.shia.bs/articles/hofiyav-the-virtues-of-aaishah-al-siddiqah-daughter-of-abu-bakr-part-3.cfm

[1] Al-Jawab As-Sahih 1/107-108]

[2] Juhud Al-Ulama Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtal Aqaa’id Al-Quburiyyeen 1/19-25

[3] An Excerpt from Ilhaadul Khumeini Fee Ardil Haramayn. Pages 125-140

[4] Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As’la Al-Ashrah. p.43-44

[5] As-Sunnah 2/548 By Abdullah Ibn Imam Ahmad

[6]Al-Ibanah As-Sughra page 161 By Ibn Battah

[7] Al-Ibanah As-Sughra 162 and As-Sunnah 1/493 by Al-Khallal

[8] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 7/1268-1269

[9] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 4/733

[10] Sharh Usul al-Ittiqad 8/1457

[11] Sharh Usul Itiqad 8/1457

[12] As-Sunnah 1/499 by Al-Khallal

[13] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 8/459

[14] Al-Kifayah 49

[15] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad 1/178

[16] Sharh al-Sunnah. 54

[17] Talbis Iblis. 136-137

[18] Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab Ash-Shariah 3/595