Albeit...

Albeit, supposing a group of Shi‘ahs are able to alter the Qur’an; the same numbers of Sunnis11 are able to carry out such a task. The number does not change according to one’s belief. Of course, if a Sunni scholar cannot distort the Qur’an, then neither could a Shi‘ah scholar. However, this issue was only raised as an example and we do not intend to focus on it here.

To further clarify the issue of dissimulation, it must be noted that there have been other examples where contradictions in the doctrine and behaviour of the Imams were observed, not only in the issue of dissimulation. For example, the Prophet ( s )12 might have acted differently from Imam ‘Ali ( ‘a ), or both acted the same, whereas Imam al-Sadiq and Imam al-Baqir ( ‘a ) acted dissimilar to them.

These discrepancies have been noticed on many occasions and I shall mention some of them in further examples. Therefore, given that we believe in the infallibility of the Imams, that their deeds are as much a testament as their word, whose conduct should we pursue? Since we believe that the Prophet ( s ) has directed us towards them, we have accepted the leadership of 13 ( ‘a ) and regard their sayings and deeds as testament.

Therefore, we are more affluent in evidence and sayings than the Sunnis. We have more traditions [ hadith s] and valuable prayers (which themselves act as gates to Islamic culture and education, and must be discussed separately) than the Ahl al-Sunnah. Since they do not have as many traditions as we do, this places Shi‘ism in a richer state.

Those who have counted the number of hadith s in the Sunni Sihah al-Sittah 14 and Al-Kafi 15 have said that there are not as many hadith s in those six authentic books as there are in Al-Kafi . I have not counted the number myself, but those who have read the books have said that it contains more than 16,000 hadith s, making this book a jewel for the Shi‘ahs.

For this reason, the Shi‘ism has never seen the need for qiyas 16 (analogical reasoning) and istihsan 17 (juristic preference), which has always been a source of pride. I would, however, like to add that there is no doubt that having a large number of hadith s and references can be regarded as a strong point for the Shi‘ahs. However, as a result of numerous errors, they can also be considered as a setback for the Shi‘ahs.

Having fourteen leaders, each of whom announces different routes and traditions may result in perplexity, confusion and chaos.