323) In short...

323.In short, whoever is aware of the fatwas of the respected Sayyid knows that he considers the general Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamā‘at as Muslims whose lives are to be preserved, whose properties are sacrosanct, and all rules specific to Muslims would apply on them… May Allãh grant you success. Was-salaamu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullãhi wa barakãtuh.

12 Holy Ramadhan 1431 AH [Seal of the Office of As-Sayyid as-Sistãni, an-Najaf al-Ashraf] *** By the Grand Ayatullah Wahid Khurasani Question: In the name of the Almighty We are a group who reside in a Sunni neighbourhood, and they call us ‘kãfir’ (infidel) and say that Shi‘as are kãfir . In such a situation, can we retort in kind and treat them as kãfirs? Please clarify our religious duty in face of such confrontations. A group of mu’mineen.

Answer: In the name of Allãh, the Kind, the Merciful Whosoever bears witness to the unity of Almighty God and the prophethood of the Last Prophet (s.a.w.) is a Muslim. His life, honour and property is as sacrosanct as the life, honour and property of a follower of the Ja‘fari sect. Your religious duty towards one who believes in God’s unity and the Prophet’s messengership, even if he calls you a kãfir, is cordial association with him.

And if they behave wrongly with you, you should not deviate from the right path of truth and justice. If anyone of them becomes ill, go and visit him; if he passes away, participate in his funeral; if he needs something from you, fulfill it.

ãh’s command, “And let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably Act equitably, that is nearer to piety;” [5:8] and follow the Almighty’s injunction, “And do not say to anyone who offers you peace: You are not a believer..” [4:94] Was-salaam ‘alaykum wa rahmatullãh.…

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