Take for example the great former rector of al-Azhar...

Take for example the great former rector of al-Azhar University in Cairo Shaykh Mu9moud ShaltYt who declared in a edict that: ‘The Ja!fari school of thought known as Twelve-Imam Sh:!ism is a school of thought legally permissible to act upon similar to the other schools.

It is necessary for all Muslims to know this and to cease their unwarranted fanaticism for particular schools of thought.’ The Edict in Full A question was posed to Shaykh Mu9moud ShaltYt: “Certain people believe that it is obligatory for a Muslim, so that his acts of worship and social interactions be correct, to follow one of the four well known schools of thought which do not include the Imami Sh:!ites or the Zaydi Sh:!ites.

Do you agree with this opinion and hence forbid following the Twelver Sh:!ite school for example?” Shaykh Muhmoud ShaltYt answered: “Islam does not make it obligatory for any of its followers to follow a particular school of thought. Rather we would say that every Muslim has the right to begin to follow any of the schools of thought that have been transmitted correctly and whose laws are recorded in that school’s particular books.

Also, any follower of a particular school of thought has the right to change to another whatever that may be and there is no problem for him in this. The Ja!fari school of thought known as Twelve-Imam Sh:!ism is a school of thought legally permissible to act upon similar to the other schools. It is necessary for all Muslims to know this and to cease their unwarranted fanaticism for particular schools of thought. The religion and law of Alla>h is not subject to or limited to a particular school.

All [scholars of schools of thought] are considered to have made their efforts to reach their opinions and they are acceptable in the sight of Almighty Alla>h.

It is permissible for those who are not able to study and come to their own opinion to follow these schools of thought and to act upon what is laid down in their jurisprudence without distinction between acts of worship or social contracts.” signature Muhmoud Shaltut Many other modern Sunni scholars and leaders have echoed the former rector of al-Azhar’s view.

Sources for Information on Shiism In addition to the numerous books in Arabic written by or about the Sh:!a, many of which have been mentioned in the endnotes of this book, and some can be found in web resources in English on the subject of Sh:!ite beliefs and practices.