In his research...

In his research, al-Askari proved that Sayf's narration attributed to Abdullah Ibn Saba and many other things are sheer lie since they contradict ALL other Sunni documents in content, timing of the events, names of cities and companions, imaginary chain of narrators, and miraculous records by Sayf (like talking cows with humans and so on). If there was any Abdullah Ibn Saba at that time, his story was much different than what Sayf manipulated. Here is the response of a Sunni learned man, Dr.

Hamid Dawud, the professor of Cairo University, after reading al-Askari's book (I just give only a part of his letter): The 1300th birthday of Islam has been celebrated. During this time, some of our learned writers have accused Shia of having un-Islamic views. Those writers influenced public opinion against Shia and created big gaps between Muslims.

In spite of wisdom and learning, the enemies of Shia followed their own chosen beliefs and partiality, covering the truth, and accusing the Shia of being superstitious etc. Hence Islamic science suffered much, as Shia views were suppressed. As a result of these accusations, the loss to Islamic science was greater than the loss suffered by Shia themselves, because the source of this jurisprudence, though rich and fruitful, was neglected, resulting in limited knowledge.

Also, in the past, our learned men were prejudiced, otherwise we would have benefited from many Shia views. Anyone who wishes to do research in Islamic Jurisprudence must consider Shia sources as well as those of Sunni. Was not the Shia leader, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (d. 148 AH), the teacher of two Sunni Imams? i.e., Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man (d. 150 AH), and Malik Ibn Anas (d. 179 AH).

Imam Abu Hanifa said: "Except for the two years Nu'man would have starved," referring to the two years he had benefited from the knowledge of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Imam Malik also confessed straightforwardly that he had not met anyone learned in Islamic Jurisprudence better than Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Yet, some of our so-called learned men, unfortunately disregard the rules for research to suit their own ends.

Hence knowledge is not fully disclosed to them and thus they create a wider gap between Muslims. Ahmed Amin is one of those deprived of the light of knowledge, remaining in darkness. History has recorded this stain on the robe of Ahmed Amin and his friends, who blindly followed one special Madhab. Of many mistakes made by him, the biggest is told in the story of Abdullah Ibn Saba.