Sunni

Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, followed by the majority of the world's Muslims. Its name comes from the word sunnah, referring to the behaviour of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose from a disagreement over the succession to Muhammad and subsequently acquired broader political significance, as well as theological and juridical dimensions.

125729

Sunni . Mosque . Eid al-Fitr . Salah (Prayers)

Can I pray Eid prayers in a Sunni mosque? If so, how should I join in their prayers?

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 2 weeks ago

Yes it is permissible to pray Eid prayers in Sunni mosque. Eid prayer can be performed in congregation ( Jama'ah) as well as individually (Furada). When pray with congregation of Sunni brothers, you need to recite every Sura and Du'a in whispering without clear voice. This is exactly like praying any prayer with Sunni congregation.

Wassalam.

124865

Sunni . Knowledge . Worship . Sunni-Shi'a

I am a Sunni who wants to become a Shia. However, I have no knowledge of Shia worship, principles and similar issues. How can I get this information?

Following Ahlul Bayt is in fact following the real teachings of the Prophet (SAWA). None of the four Sunni sects (Hanafi, Shafi'ee, Maaliki and Hanbali) were existing during the time of the Prophet, while Ahlul Bayt were living with the Prophet and practicing his teachings.

Details of the rules and worship can be easily found in many websites e.g. www.Sistani.org and www.Al-Islam.org and www.shiasearch.org

Wassalam.

124977

Sunni . Muslims . Sunni-Shi'a . Qur'an

I have heard it said that the words Shia and Sunni have not been mentioned in the Koran. Is that true? If so, why are Muslims divided on this issue?

Shia Islam means following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) narrated by the most pious and most knowledgeable who are Ahlul Bayt (AS) who are the Progeny of the Prophet. Allah (SWT) mentioned in Quran the term Shia for the followers of the Prophets. (And from his (Noah's) Shia was Ebrahim) Sura Al-Saaffaat, verse 83. Quran mentioned (in Sura Al-Qasass, verse 15) a follower of the Prophet Moosa disputing with a person from Moosa's enemies and calls the follower of Moosa as from His Shia.

Wassalam.

124333

Sunni . Mosque . Succession to Prophet Muhammad . Sunni-Shi'a . Jumu'ah

I am Sunni but I believe Imam Ali (AS) was the rightful successor to the Prophet (SAW). I am thinking of going to a Shia mosque for the first time for Jumu'ah. Are Sunnis allowed to pray at Shia mosques?

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 1 month ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. Shias do not have any restrictions for other denominations of Muslims to enter a mosque. Rather, a mosque should be a safe space for all Muslims. Perhaps there may be local cultural sensitivities which you will have to assess on a case by case basis.

May you always be successful

123877

Sunni . Sunni-Shi'a

What is the evidence that Imam Hussain was Shia when the Sunni's believe he was from them?

This question can be from a person who did not understand the difference between Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims. Shia Muslims believe that the divine leadership of Islam after the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) is for Imam Ali (AS) and Ahlul Bayt (AS), according to the orders of Allah and the Prophet, while Sunni Muslims follow Abu Bakr and Umar and Uthman despite claiming that they respect Ahlul Bayt. Most of Sunni Muslims respect Mo'awiyah ibn Abi Sofyan, whose son Yazeed ibn Mo'awiyah killed Imam Hussain (AS) by clear orders from him to his governor of Kufa and his army.

Imam Hussain (AS) never believed in Abu Bakr as Khaleefa nor in Umar and Uthman and never gave them allegiance as Khaleefa.

imam Hussain (AS) stood against and was killed by Yazeed who was appointed by his father Mo'awiyah, who was originally appointed as a ruler on Syria by Umar ibn Al-Khattab.

Claiming that Imam Hussain (AS) was a Sunni is like claiming that Imam Ali (AS) was a follower of Mo'awiyah.

Such claims go against the clear facts and have no value.

Wassalam.

118299

Sunni . Interest . Sunni-Shi'a

I am Sunni, but as time passes I feel that I want to know more about Shia. I have an interest that I cannot seem to stop and I now feel that something is calling me to the Shia path. What can be the reason?

Sincere servants of Allah who are really after the truth, are always attracted to the truth by many ways. Allah (SWT) says in Quran : Those who strive for Our sake, We will guide them to Our way.(Sura 29, verse 69).

It is a big bounty from Allah on you to be attracted to know more about Shia Islam because it is the original Islam of the Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (AS). Keep on thanking Allah for His bounties.

Knowing more about real Islam will make you more near to the truth. You will be then helping yourself to gain the Paradise and be with the Prophet (SAWA) and his Progeny Ahlul Bayt (AS).

There are many useful websites which might help in getting more information in this regard e,g, www.Islam.org, www.rafed.net, www.Al-Shia.org, www.shiasearch.org and many other useful websites.

Wassalam.

119081

Sunni . Zulfaqar . Pendant

Is it allowed to wear a chain with the Zulfiqar as a pendant? I am a Sunni Muslim and I was wondering if it will mark me as a Shia or if it is prohibited altogether?

It is permissible for any one to wear a chain with Zulfiqar as a pendant. Zulfiqar is the sword of Hazrat Ali (AS) who is leader of all faithful and the greatest human being after the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Love of Ali is in the heart of every noble human being.

Wassalam.

116715

Sunni . Ilm al-Rijal

Where can I read about the other unreliable narrators in Sunni books besides the commonly known ones?

There are many books on the subject of unreliable narrators. Such books are within the science of Al-Jarh wal-Ta'deel. Famous books among Sunni sects are Kitab Al-Dhu'faa' Al- Kabeer by Al-Oqaili,

Al-Dhu'faa Al-Sagheer by al-Bukhari,

al-Kaamil fil Dhu'afaa by Ibn Oday Al-Jarjaani.

You can also refer to Shia books like Al-Ghadeer to read about famous narrators who used to lie and fabricate narrations to serve the purpose of the rulers who were enemies of Ahlul bayt (AS).

Wassalam.

103968

Shrimp . Halal . Haram . Sunni . Muslims . Makruh . Sunni-Shi'a

Is shrimp Halal, Makrooh or Haram? is there any difference in this matter between the Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Shrimp (prawn) is Halal. It is not Makrouh. It is the only sea food which is Halal beside the fish with scales. Shrimp is Halal according to Shia and Sunni sects.

Wassalam.

114744

Marriage . Sunni . Islam . Sunni-Shi'a

Is it a good choice to reject someone for marriage who claims to be Shia but prays the Sunni way while promising to learn more about Shia Islam?

You need to be sure about your future and never take risk on your faith.

If he claims to be a Shia, why does he pray on the way of others? How can you trust him claiming being a Shia when he is not practicing Shia Islam in the most important worship which is the daily prayers?

You should not hurry in accepting his proposal until you have enough evidence that his claim of being a Shia Muslim is authentic.
Marriage between Muslims is allowed provided that there is no risk on your religious practice in the future.

Wassalam.

Marriage . Sunni . Islam . Sunni-Shi'a

Is it a good choice to reject someone for marriage who claims to be Shia but prays the Sunni way while promising to learn more about Shia Islam?

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 7 months ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Irrespective of what maddhab he may be, it is extremely important to recognise and affirm good qualities for your potential spouse, especially in being honest and truthful.

It is permissible for a Shi'i to marry a Sunni, as long as he/she is able to preserve their Shi'i identity and practice their Shi'i ways without pressure or backlash.

If he is interested in the Shi'i madhhab, then that will be his choice, but he needs to make it clear to you as to why he is saying he is Shi'i, but, might be doing certain things the Sunni way.

Is it because he is in fear of his life, and therefore he needs to do taqiyah? Is it due to lack of understanding, and what slight differences there are between the Shi'i method of praying and the 4 Sunni methods?

Or, is it him trying to please you and make your hear what you wish to hear only, which means he is not be honest to you?

This is a conversation that needs to happen.

With prayers for your success.

113485

Fate . Hereafter . Sunni . Muslims . Death

What is the fate in the hereafter of those who die as Sunni Muslims?

Allah (SWT) knows the fate of everyone after death. We are responsible to seek true knowledge about the message of Islam and follow it. Everyone will be asked in the Day of Judgement about his faith and practice. Muslims will be questioned whether they obeyed the Prophetic orders or not. Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) ordered all Muslims to keep following Quran and Ahlul Bayt (AS). This is in the authentic known as Hadeeth al-Thaqalain which is narrated in main Sunni and Shia books of Hadeeth e.g. (Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth number 4425, Tirmithi; 3718, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal ; 10681, Al-Mustadrak by Al-Nisabouri; 4576, Al-Sunan al-Khubra by Al-Nasaa'ee; 6921 and many other Sunni books.

Those who did not care to search for the truth will be questioned and those who knew but did not follow will face the result of their ignoring the orders of the Prophet (SAWA).

We believe that all Muslims who sincerely believe in Allah and the Messenger will ultimately go to Paradise even after they had to face results of their mistakes.This applies on followers of all Muslim sects except the enemies of Ahlul Bayt (AS).

Wassalam.