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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Attraction and Repulsion of Ali (a.s.) Ritual Or Spirit ? ( 111 ) RITUAL OR SPIRIT ? It is exercise in futility to dilate upon Kharijism or Kharijites as a religious issue, because today such a religion is existing nowhere in the world. However, the present debate about Kharijites and the nature of their works will serve as a warning to our people and our society. Because inspite of extinction of Kharijites' religion, its spirit has not died away.

The spirit of Kharijism has transmigrated into the souls of many of us. It is essential to say a few introductory words: May be some religions are dead 'Ritual-wise' but they are not so 'Spirit-wise'. Likewise, the contrary is also possible, i.e., may be a religion is alive 'Ritual-wise', but it is dead Spirit-wise. Therefore, this is also possible that a man or men may be Ritual-wise followers of and adherents to one religion, but in reality may not be the followers of that faith.

Its contrary is also possible, i.e., some may be actually followers of one religion but their practice may give no evidence of their faith. For instance, as we all know after the demise of the Prophet, for two reasons Muslims were divided into two sects, viz. Sunni and Shiah. The Sunnis are within the four-corners of one belief and practice, and Shiahs are within the four-corners of the other. A Shiah asserts that Ali is immediate successor of the Prophet.

He had appointed Ali to his succession and Caliphate per Divine command, and after the Prophet he had exclusive right to this office. The Sunnis say that Islam in its legislation has not specifically anticipated the question of Immamate and Caliphate and that it has in fact left the resolution of this important issue to the discretion of the people themselves, the maximum restriction being that election must be made from amongst the Qureish.

( 112 ) Shiahs make Propeht's many companions, who are considered to be men of status, stature and renown, susceptible to criticism and the Sunnis hold just the opposite of Shiahs' view. Everyone who is said to be a companion (Sahabi) is viewed with strange credulity. They say, "All the companions of the Prophet are just and righteous". Shiaism is based on critical appreciation, investigation, incredulity and hair splitting.

Sunnism is based on credulity and excuse "God willing, it might have been a cat".