Although we wholeheartedly disagree with the Shia, this does not mean that we should become abusive or violently disagreeable. Unfortunately, the Sunni-Shia divide is a very sensitive issue for both sides, emotions become heated, tensions rise, and we often become abusive towards each other. This is not acceptable at all: no matter how much we disagree with the Shia, we should do so in a kind and courteous manner, as is the Sunnah of the Prophet. Allah says in the Quran:
“You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.” (Quran, 16:125)
Oftentimes, Sunnis will resort to hate speech and abusive language in response to some of the inflammatory statements of the Shia propagandists. However, even if they say the vilest of things–no matter if they insult the Three Caliphs or the Prophet’s wives with the most abusive of language–we must still reply with kindness and courtesy. Allah says in the Quran:
“And remain steadfast in the face of their utterances, and disregard them in a nice manner.” (Quran, 73:10)
And Allah says:
“So leave them alone to indulge in their false discourses and to sport until they come face to face with that Day…” (Quran, 70:42)
When the Shia propagandists say such inflammatory things against everything we hold dear, let us remember the Words of Allah and show patience as opposed to taking revenge on the Shia. We may feel that one abusive statement is the justifiable revenge for another abusive statement, but is not patience better than revenge? Allah says:
“But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better” (Quran, 16:126)
And Allah says:
“You shall resort to patience–and your patience is attainable only with Allah’s help. Do not grieve because of them, and do not be annoyed…” (Quran, 16:127)
As for those Shia who reject the Call to true Islam, we should realize that they have been raised their entire lives with such beliefs, and it will take time for them to shake that off. The People of Taif stoned the Prophet, and Arch-Angel Jibraeel was so incensed by the People of Taif that he told the Prophet that he could destroy the People of Taif and remove them off the face of the earth, if the Prophet so wished. But the Prophet did not give Arch-Angel Jibraeel the permission to do that, and instead gave the People of Taif some time, rightfully believing that they might still come to Islam, and if not them, then their children.
And eventually the kindness of the Prophet paid off as the People of Taif converted to Islam and became the most ardent supporters of Islam. Therefore, based on this, we see that we should be kind and courteous towards the Shia, give them time even if they reject true Islam, and pray that one day they come to true Islam. Allah says in the Quran:
“And let Me deal with those…who reject (the Call); just give them a little time.” (Quran, 73:11)
Prophet Musa addressed Pharaon with kindness and courtesy in spite of his rejection of the Call. None of us Sunnis are close to the greatness of Prophet Musa and none of the Shia are close to the wickedness of Pharaon! So let us give the Shia their rights accorded to all the Children of Adam. Allah says in the Quran:
“Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man’s most ardent enemy.” (Quran, 17:53)
Let us discourse with the Shia in “the best possible manner”, to call them with kindness and courtesy to the Path of Islam. This does not mean that we shall not continually reject and refute the Shia propagandists, but only that we hope to do this in the appropriate manner as is the Sunnah of the Prophet. May Allah forgive us if we have ever overstepped the bounds.
Article Written By: Ibn Al-Hashimi, www.ahlelbayt.com
