ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shi'ah and Islamic Disciplines Foreword Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be on the Messenger of Allah, the best of all creation; on his household, the good and pure, and on all his companions.

Several years ago I wrote a short book “ Bayn al–Shi’ah wa Ahl al–Sunna” ( Between the Shi’ah and the Sunni ) in which I expressed my high hope and burning desire that the Shi’ah and the Sunni would concur on the principles of brotherhood, love and harmony and discard all the agents disunity and discord which have been implanted by the enemies of the two sects.

I invited each sect to dispassionately consider the viewpoint of the other, making truth the object of their search while perceiving that it is worthier of being followed.

I said: If what has come down to us from our pious predecessors (a) emphasizes the necessity of striving for the truth, wherever it may be, (b) proclaims that we seek wisdom even if it comes from a disbeliever and (c) indicates that a rational person distinguishes the truth through proof and not through people, then, when once the truth is identified, its followers can be recognized thereby and it becomes incumbent upon us to subject ourselves to its dictates, invite others to it and support it regardless of the identity of the person who proclaims it—a person who must be regarded with respect.

Rational people consider it indisputable that equivocal matters often attract conflicting views, and they take it for granted that every scholar has to respect the viewpoint of others on issues that are susceptible to intellectual disputes. They may disagree in their views but at the same time remain sincere friends. May Allah have mercy on the one who says: “Difference of opinion does not impair affection”. Islam has repeatedly emphasized the importance of tolerance.

The Glorious Qur’an says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and argue with them in the best manner possible”. Those who insist upon enjoying the freedom of expression must, as a rule, allow everyone else the right to the same freedom.