When there are two or more different views about a par...

When there are two or more different views about a par ticular issue then it clearly shows that the truth is ambiguous and certainly unclear. It logically initiates a platform to coordinate sincere efforts to achieve the absolute truth. The Holy Prophet (sws), who was sent to teach the entire mankind, held dialogues with Christians, Jews and pagans of Makkah.

Allama Abu Mansour ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib Tabarsi, a great alim, has recorded many impor tant dialogues of the Prophet and Imams in his famous book , Al-Ihtiaj. The most famous of this is Mubahila - a dialogue between the Holy Prophet (sws) and Christian missionaries. Thus, the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet (sws) have strongly recommended to establish dialogues and have also taught us, how to hold and conduct such useful meetings.

The golden principle which was taught by Allah (swt) to all His Prophets is : "Invite [ all ] to the way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue [debate] with them in ways that are best." (16:125) Thus, Muslims should always remember the above mentioned pre-requisite Quranic condition of dialogues whenever they meet to discuss the disputed issues. These pre- requisite conditions can be summarized as follows.

1- The sole intention of arguments must be to invite the people in the way of the Lord. 2- The approach should always be rational, i.e., arguments should be based on Quran, hadith, and established historical facts, unanimously accepted by the concerned groups. 3- The discussion should be carried out in a beautiful manner. There shouldn't be any argument for the sake of arguing or to show any superiority or struggle of winning the battle.

The main aim behind the dialogue should be to remove differences and to invite to the way of Allah. 4- All participants should come with full determinations that they will accept the truth. Major Difference: There is a serious difference of opinion between Sunni and Shia Muslims on the issue of Imamat. 1- Sunnis don't believe in Imamat and do not recognize the 12 Imams as their leaders.

Where as Shia consider Imamat as one of the fundamental belief of Islam and recognize all the 12 Imams as the legitimate successors of the Holy Prophet (sws). 2- Sunnis believe in Khilafat as a substitute of Imamat. According to Sunni beliefs, the Holy Prophet did not say anything about his succession or appointed anyone in his lifetime to be his successor.