In an era where sectarian labels often lead to division, the message of Inter-faith and Inter-sectarian harmony becomes crucial. Allama Syed Shahanshah Hussain Naqvi, a renowned voice for Islamic unity, discusses the dangers of Takfir, the commonalities between the Shia and Sunni schools of thought, and the spiritual significance of the current global crisis.
1. What is Takfir? (Defining a Muslim)
The word Takfir refers to the act of declaring a fellow Muslim an apostate or “Kafir” (disbeliever). Allama Naqvi clarifies the fundamental Shia stance on this:
- The Criteria: Anyone who recites the Shahada (“La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah”) is a Muslim. Their life, property, and honor are sacred.
- Correction over Condemnation: If a Muslim’s actions seem hypocritical or weak, the Islamic way is to offer advice (Nasihat) and pray for them, not to expel them from the fold of Islam.
- The Warning: According to Hadith, anyone who falsely labels a Muslim as a Kafir often risks falling into disbelief themselves.
2. Common Grounds Between Shia and Sunni
Despite minor differences in rituals (such as the position of hands in prayer), the core pillars of the faith are identical:
- Tauheed (Monotheism): Belief in the Oneness of Allah.
- Khatm-e-Nabuwat: Belief in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Qayamat: Belief in the Day of Judgment.
- The Holy Quran: Both sects follow the same book and the same number of Rakats in daily prayers.
Allama Naqvi emphasizes that the differences are often Ijtihadi (analytical/legal) rather than fundamental, comparing the sects to brothers living under one roof with different political opinions but the same lineage.
3. The Global Crisis and the “Scent of Unity”
The discussion touched upon the martyrdom of leaders and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Allama Naqvi notes a significant shift in the Muslim world:
- Resistance as a Catalyst: The sacrifice of leaders like Ismail Haniyeh (Sunni) and Syed Hassan Nasrallah (Shia) has created a “scent of unity” (Wahdat).
- Sunni-Shia Cooperation: He highlights how Sunni scholars have stood up for the rights of the oppressed alongside their Shia brothers, proving that the struggle against tyranny (Zulm) knows no sectarian boundaries.
- Defense of Holy Sites: He clarifies that no Shia group intends to harm the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina. On the contrary, the real threat to these sanctuaries comes from external Zionist ideologies.
4. The Tabarra Controversy: A Clarification
One of the major misconceptions Sunnis have about Shias is the concept of Tabarra.
- Definition: Allama Naqvi defines Tabarra not as “cursing” or using foul language, but as a spiritual dissociation from oppression.
- The Command of Ahlulbayt: Imam Ali (A.S) explicitly forbade his followers from being “revilers” (Sabbabin).
- Scholarly Engagement: Instead of emotional outbursts, he advocates for Ilmi Munazira (Intellectual Debate). If there are historical disagreements regarding certain figures, they should be discussed with evidence from books of history rather than through insults.
5. A Message to the 1% (The Takfiris)
Allama Naqvi estimates that 99% of Pakistanis—including doctors, engineers, and common citizens—desire peace. The remaining 1% are “Takfiris” or extremists who profit from spreading hate. He urges the Sunni public to ask their scholars: “Are the things Shias say also present in our own history books?” Often, when people realize that historical accounts are shared across traditions, the intensity of the hatred vanishes.
Conclusion: A Call for Love and Research
The path forward for Pakistan and the global Ummah lies in research and respect. Allama Naqvi’s parting words serve as a powerful reminder: “I love the Sunni scholars and the Sunni public. They are our brothers, our very souls. Let us talk with an open heart and a clean intention.”