ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Inquiries About Shi'a Islam Conclusion: A Call for Muslim Unity Discussing historical facts or jurisprudential differences should not in any way discourage Muslim unity, since the majority of Muslim historians from all schools of thought agree on similar historical facts. Differences between the philosophers, scholars and thinkers of the schools of thought can be either constructive or destructive.

If they lead to the fragmentation of the Muslim nation, then they are unacceptable, as the Noble Qur’an says, “But they have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its belief.” [^1] Such groups of people support ideas which are not based on the truth and use them only to serve their own purposes, whereas the Noble Qur’an refers all arguments to one source, “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute with one another lest you lose courage, and your strength depart, and be patient; surely, Allah is with those who are patient.” [^2] Unfortunately, the weakness of the Muslim world today is because of this type of disunity.

Nonetheless, constructive differences is a sign of a healthy society in which people compete for what is best, “If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation (religion) but that He may test you in what He has given you.

So strive (as in a race) in good deeds.” [^3] Differences in scientific and jurisprudential opinions can lead to progress and prosperity, and on a philosophical level, they are beneficial if they lead to certainty ( yaqeen ), since all people must doubt, question, and differ from a matter before arriving at the truth. Therefore, Islam does not reject reasoning in the field of jurisprudence ( ijtihad ), as long as it is not contaminated with politics or personal aims and conceit.

Thus all Muslim scholars agree that mujtahid (juristic scholar) receives two rewards for every correct decision, and at least one for every incorrect one because he is endeavoring with all of his effort to reach the correct decision. Nevertheless, Muslim unity is one of the goals of Muslim society and is an obligation upon all Muslims, both individually and collectively.