Question

Recently it has been asked, to whom do Islamic laws apply? Do they apply to all the sects that profess Islam, from Sunnis to Shi‘is? Do all of them fall under the laws and rulings of Islam?

Answer

Whoever professes the shahadatayn [attesting to the unity of God and attesting to the prophethood of the Seal of the Prophets (S)] is a Muslim unless he has enmity and hostility towards the Ahl al- Bayt of the Prophet (A) and expresses that enmity. The Shi‘is of the Ahl al-Bayt (A) are commanded to conduct themselves with all Muslims in a spirit of brotherhood, amicability and sincerity, participate (with them) in their congregational prayers and their funeral services, visit their sick, endeavour to show them love, and be of assistance to them. They are commanded to avoid sectarian behaviour and enmity towards other Muslims; this is what the enemy of Islam desires. The Shi‘is are obligated to respect the revered figures of all of the schools of thought (madhahib) and be aware of the troublemaking caused the enemy of Islam and Muslims. They cause trouble because they are terrified of the Islamic awakening. Allah says:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنْتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا

Hold fast to the rope of Allah altogether, and do not divide. And remember the blessings of Allah upon you when you were enemies, and [Allah] united your hearts, so that you became brethren by His blessing. (Qur’an, 3:103).

اﻟﻠﻬﻢ اﻧﺼﺮ اﻻﺳﻼم واﻫﻠﻪ واﺧﺬل اﻟﮑﻔﺮ واﻫﻠﻪ

O Allah! Aid Islam and its people, and disgrace kufr and its people1.

Pronouncing takfir upon Muslims from whatever group they may be, murdering them, or seizing their property is forbidden (haram) and is a mortal sin.

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

Whoever slays someone – except in punishment for murder or corruption in the land – is as if they have killed all of humanity, altogether. (Qur’an, 5:32).

• 1. A commonly recited prayer.