In Islam there are five recognized schools of Divine Law:
1) Hanafi;
2) Shafi;
3) Maliki;
4) Hanbali and
5) Jafari.( Shias)
The first four are called Sunni, and the fifth one, who in addition to following sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), also follows those of Ali and consider him as the rightful successor of the Prophet, are called Shia .
The first four have many major theological differences among themselves and according to a Christian friend of mine, "The only time Sunnis are united is when they are fighting Shias." Shi'ism started as a political movement (Shia means follower or partisan) to help Ali become successor of Muhammad (S.A.W.).
1) Hanafi;
2) Shafi;
3) Maliki;
4) Hanbali and
5) Jafari.( Shias)
The first four are called Sunni, and the fifth one, who in addition to following sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), also follows those of Ali and consider him as the rightful successor of the Prophet, are called Shia .
The first four have many major theological differences among themselves and according to a Christian friend of mine, "The only time Sunnis are united is when they are fighting Shias." Shi'ism started as a political movement (Shia means follower or partisan) to help Ali become successor of Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Some Misconceptions about Shia Muslims
Misconception #1:
Shias have a different Quran. They add another 10 chapters to the original Quran.
Response: Not true. I have checked many times Quran kept in Shia homes and mosques. I still find it the same as the original Quran. It is a sin to even say that the Quran can be changed or added to by Shia when it is protected by God.
Misconception #2:
Some Shia consider Ali as God.
Response: Not true. It is disbelief to even think of such a thing. During the time of Ali, some pagan groups called Gholat did consider Ali as Lord. When he found out, they were burned to death. Alawis of Syria may have a similar belief, but they are non-Muslims, neither Shia nor Sunni.
Misconception #3:
Shias have different declarations of faith and they add to the call to prescribed prayer.
Response: The declaration to become a Muslim, as administered to non-Muslims, is the same. Some Shia add to themselves, "Ali is a friend of God (S.A.W.) or Ali is a spiritual leader of God," after the call to prescribed prayer, but not as part of the call to prescribed prayer.
Misconception #4:
Shias do not perform sunnah prayers. Sunnah prayers are non obligatory prayers performed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Response: Shia do perform non-obligatory prayers, 36 rakaat per day in total, but call it nawafil and not sunnah.
Misconception #5:
Some Shia believe the Angel Gabriel made a mistake and prophethood was meant for Ali and not Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Response: Not true. No Shia thinks of such false claims. "Only demented minds think of such questions."
Misconception # 6:
Shias combine all five prayers into one prayer in the evening.
Response: Not true. In Shia mosques, whether in Iran or the USA, all five daily prayers are performed. Shia combine noon and afternoon and evening and night together and these things are proved from sunnah of Prophet(s.a.w.a)
Misconception # 7:
Shias do not pay zakat (poor-due).
Response: Not true. They not only pay 2.5% left over from savings as zakat, but also an additional 20% as khums or general charity. However, they prefer to pay directly to the needy
Shias have a different Quran. They add another 10 chapters to the original Quran.
Response: Not true. I have checked many times Quran kept in Shia homes and mosques. I still find it the same as the original Quran. It is a sin to even say that the Quran can be changed or added to by Shia when it is protected by God.
Misconception #2:
Some Shia consider Ali as God.
Response: Not true. It is disbelief to even think of such a thing. During the time of Ali, some pagan groups called Gholat did consider Ali as Lord. When he found out, they were burned to death. Alawis of Syria may have a similar belief, but they are non-Muslims, neither Shia nor Sunni.
Misconception #3:
Shias have different declarations of faith and they add to the call to prescribed prayer.
Response: The declaration to become a Muslim, as administered to non-Muslims, is the same. Some Shia add to themselves, "Ali is a friend of God (S.A.W.) or Ali is a spiritual leader of God," after the call to prescribed prayer, but not as part of the call to prescribed prayer.
Misconception #4:
Shias do not perform sunnah prayers. Sunnah prayers are non obligatory prayers performed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Response: Shia do perform non-obligatory prayers, 36 rakaat per day in total, but call it nawafil and not sunnah.
Misconception #5:
Some Shia believe the Angel Gabriel made a mistake and prophethood was meant for Ali and not Muhammad (S.A.W.).
Response: Not true. No Shia thinks of such false claims. "Only demented minds think of such questions."
Misconception # 6:
Shias combine all five prayers into one prayer in the evening.
Response: Not true. In Shia mosques, whether in Iran or the USA, all five daily prayers are performed. Shia combine noon and afternoon and evening and night together and these things are proved from sunnah of Prophet(s.a.w.a)
Misconception # 7:
Shias do not pay zakat (poor-due).
Response: Not true. They not only pay 2.5% left over from savings as zakat, but also an additional 20% as khums or general charity. However, they prefer to pay directly to the needy
Misconception #8:
Shias practice temporary marriages (mutah).
Response: Mutah (temporary marriages) was allowed during the time of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Ibn Zubayr was born out of the temporary marriage. Later on Caliph Umar prohibited it due to reasons known to him. Shias do not follow the Sunna of Umar and considered it allowed as it was not prohibited by Prophet(s.a.w.a).
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Alhamdulillah. I do hope many people read and understand it well
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