As an Italian considering conversion to Islam, I have fallen in love with the Shia view. However, I strongly disagree with some Shia practices such as Mut'a and Khums. Can I consider myself a Shia if I agree with the Sunni view on such issues?

Sunni-Shi'a Conversion to Islam

As an Italian considering conversion to Islam, I have fallen in love with the Shia view. However, I strongly disagree with some Shia practices such as Mut'a and Khums. Can I consider myself a Shia if I agree with the Sunni view on such issues?

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	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 from the University of Exeter in the philosophical and mystical readings of Mulla Sadra in the context of the schools of Tehran and Qum. 297 Answers	Passed
	Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the Islamic College in London and also the Managing Editor of the Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies. 377 Answers	Passed
	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 London, Damascus and Qom and taught for different institutions in Italy and UK. 208 Answers	Passed

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 1 year ago

Bismihi ta'ala

In this particular stage that you are in, while becoming acquainted with a religion, it is fundamentally important for you to put all your effort into understanding the foundations of the religion. While searching into Islam, it is not the branches or laws that you should be focusing on, but rather the very issues that define Islam.

What defines Islam is Monothesim, and that the foundation of Islam is a reason-based religion that accommodates to our intellectual and rational nature as human beings.

As for the jurisprudential matters, they are secondary matters that you look into not only through "reason", but through devotion. As you might know, Islam means to "submit" to the will and command of Almighty God, as a devout worshipper.

In the realm of Shari'ah and Islamic jurisprudence and law, there are many discussions that might exhaust you at this particular time.

However, that being said, yes, there are differences of jurispudential laws between the Sunni School of Thought and the Shia School of Thought. Furthermore, there is a difference within these schools themselves.

So, if you agree with the Sunni view on marriage, you must look into which school that is. And what is wrong with temporary marriage contracts? Should you read about it, you will understand that there are many substantial arguments that proof Mut'ah existed as a law during the time of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.).

In Sunni fiqh, due to the refusal of acknowledging this, they had to come up with alternatives that do not have a Shar'i basis, like misyar, and a few others.

Someone does not have to practice temporary marriage, and in reality most Shi'a do not. But, like many other laws, it is there to serve a purpose for those who require it.

As for Khums, again, what would your understanding of Khums be, so much that you "strongly disagree with it"?

If you look at religions, and sects, you will see that you are forced to give a percentage of your yearly wages and income. In Sunnism, you must give from your Zakat.

In Shi'ah law, you spend as you wish, and do as you wish, and IF you have some left over money at the end of your year, and you've placed that for savings, then you give 20% of that, not to the rich, but to support and help the Islamic community you live in.

I think this is something honourable and something we are proud of.

My advice, besides focusing on the foundations of Islam, is to stay away from being negatively influenced by bad propaganda, and look into these affairs from all angles, trying to find reliable sources as well.

With prayers for your success.