Introduction
Islam, as a divine religion, has been preserved through the teachings of the Quran and the authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, deviations and sectarianism have emerged over time, leading to divisions among those who profess Islam. One of the most contentious groups within this spectrum is the Shia sect, particularly the Twelver Shia, which forms the majority of Iran’s population and leadership. Sunni scholars and theological experts have debated extensively about whether the Shia can be considered Muslims due to their beliefs and practices that starkly contradict the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
Moreover, Islamic eschatology discusses the emergence of the Dajjal (Antichrist) in the end times, a figure who will bring widespread misguidance and chaos. Many Sunni scholars have identified striking parallels between the anticipated Shia Mahdi and the descriptions of the Dajjal found in the Hadith literature. This article will examine the arguments for why Shia beliefs exclude them from Islam and explore how their Mahdi aligns with the characteristics of the Dajjal.
1. Shia Beliefs That Contradict Islam
1.1. Denial of the Integrity of the Quran
One of the core beliefs propagated in classical Shia texts is the idea that the Quran has been altered or is incomplete. They claim that verses supporting Ali ibn Abi Talib’s leadership were removed by the Prophet's companions after his death.
- Islamic Response:
The Quran unequivocally states, "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Surah Al-Hijr: 9).
Accusing the companions of altering the Quran contradicts Allah’s promise of preservation and undermines the foundation of Islam.
1.2. Hatred of the Sahabah
Shia theology teaches that most of the Prophet’s companions, including Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them), betrayed Islam after the Prophet’s death. They also curse Aisha (RA), the Prophet’s wife and "Mother of the Believers."
- Islamic Perspective:
The Quran honors the Sahabah:
"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves..." (Surah Al-Fath: 29).
Cursing and maligning the Sahabah not only contradicts this verse but also undermines the legacy of those who preserved and transmitted Islam.
1.3. Exaggerated Veneration of Imams
The Twelver Shia elevate their Imams to a status higher than Prophets, attributing to them infallibility, knowledge of the unseen, and divine authority. Khomeini himself wrote, "The Imam has a position with Allah that no angel or prophet can reach."
- Islamic View:
The Quran repeatedly asserts the humanity of Prophets and their subservience to Allah. Exaggerating the status of any human being, including Ali (RA) or his descendants, constitutes shirk (associating partners with Allah), the gravest sin in Islam.
2. Sunni Verdict: Shia Are Outside the Fold of Islam
Prominent Sunni scholars, past and present, have categorically stated that certain Shia beliefs take them out of the fold of Islam.
- Statements by Scholars:
- Ibn Taymiyyah: "The Rafidah (Shia) are the most heretical of the Islamic sects."
- Sheikh Bin Baz: "Anyone who curses the companions or believes in the corruption of the Quran has left the fold of Islam."
- Sheikh Al-Albani: "Their beliefs in Imamate, infallibility, and alteration of the Quran are clear evidences of their deviation from Islam."
The consistent conclusion among these scholars is that adherence to such beliefs nullifies one’s claim to being Muslim.
3. The Shia Mahdi and the Antichrist (Dajjal)
3.1. The Concept of the Shia Mahdi
The Twelver Shia believe in a messianic figure, the Mahdi, who is the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, said to be in occultation (ghaybah) and awaiting his return. According to Shia eschatology, the Mahdi will emerge to establish justice, defeat the oppressors, and rule the world.
- Key Beliefs about the Shia Mahdi:
- He will claim divine authority over all Muslims.
- He will punish and kill those who oppose him, particularly Sunnis.
- He will restore Shia practices as the dominant form of Islam.
3.2. The Dajjal in Sunni Islam
In contrast, Sunni eschatology describes the Dajjal (Antichrist) as a false messiah who will lead people astray through deception and supernatural powers. He will claim divinity and demand worship.
- Hadith Descriptions of the Dajjal:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned: "There will be no trial greater than that of the Dajjal from the time of Adam until the Hour." (Sahih Muslim).
- The Dajjal will come with a false paradise and hell, misleading people with his false promises and threats.
3.3. Parallels Between the Shia Mahdi and the Dajjal
There are several striking similarities between the Shia Mahdi and the Dajjal as described in Sunni Hadith:
- Global Domination: Both are said to aim for world control, imposing their ideology on all people.
- Violence Against Opponents: The Shia Mahdi is prophesied to target Sunnis, while the Dajjal will lead a campaign of oppression against true believers.
- Claims of Divinity: The Shia Mahdi’s divine-like status mirrors the Dajjal’s claim of godhood.
3.4. Scholars’ Warnings
Sunni scholars like Sheikh Imran Hosein and Sheikh Al-Fawzan have highlighted the theological dangers of conflating the Shia Mahdi with Islamic messianism. They warn that the Shia belief in a Mahdi who contradicts Quranic and Prophetic teachings aligns disturbingly with the Dajjal’s description.
4. Implications for Muslim Unity
The divergence between Sunni and Shia beliefs is not merely a matter of theological disagreement but represents a profound challenge to the unity of the Muslim ummah.
Shia-Sunni Relations:
Efforts at reconciliation often fail because of irreconcilable differences in core beliefs. For example, the Shia view of the Sahabah as traitors is an unbridgeable gap for Sunnis.Role of the Dajjal:
Sunni eschatology warns that in the end times, divisions among Muslims will facilitate the rise of the Dajjal. The Shia Mahdi’s role in this scenario cannot be ignored, as it represents a potential vehicle for widespread fitnah (tribulation).
Conclusion
The theological and eschatological implications of Shia beliefs are a source of great concern for the Sunni Muslim world. Their departure from core Islamic principles, coupled with their anticipation of a Mahdi who bears striking resemblance to the Dajjal, raises significant questions about their alignment with Islam.
For Sunnis, preserving the purity of Islam as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions is paramount. This entails vigilance against deviations and innovations that threaten the faith’s core tenets. It is essential to educate the ummah about the dangers posed by sectarian ideologies and their potential role in the trials of the end times.
May Allah protect the Muslim ummah from division, misguidance, and the tribulations of the Dajjal. Ameen.
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