THE SUNNITE THEORY ABOUT THE FORMATION OF SHIA

[Taqavi]

 

The Sunnite theory about the formation of Shia

 

Firstly, we've already proved that the concept of Shia as the followers of Ali (as) with those special characteristics existed during the time of Rasulullah (s). According to narrations reflected in both Shiite and Sunnite sources, the noble prophet explicitly added the word "Shia" next to the name of Ali (as) and announced them as "the best of all human beings", "the winners", "the successful people", etc. Therefore, the term was coined by Rasulullah (s) for this denomination.

Secondly, to claim Sunnism is the mainstream of Islam and brand Shia as a deviation that "got separated along the way", one needs a strong argument full of evidence to support one's claim. In the following, we are going to prove that not only is this argument just a baseless accusation but also that it's the Sunnites who strayed off the mainstream of Islam.

Going through the last months of Rasulullah's life, we witness that in certain events, gross violations of the direct order of Rasulullah (s) have been committed by certain people who were key figures after the noble prophet:

Dhul-Hajjah 18th: the event of Ghadir Rasulullah (s) announces Ali (as) as "Maula" for all "whom he was Maula". Everyone congratulates Ali (as) and pledges their allegiance to him. But after the demise of Rasulullah (s), almost everyone breaks their allegiance and accepts Abu-Bakr as the first Caliph.

Dhul- Hajjah 21st: an assassination attempt on the life of Rasulullah (s) it's proven that certain key figures of Sunnites were among the perpetrators.

Safar 25th ~ 28th: There are a series of events:

•    Osama Army. Direct order of Rasulullah (s) to all the prominent figures in Medina to take part in the Osama army. Rasulullah (s) wants to remove all the claimants of the successorship from Medina for a peaceful and unhindered transition of power to Ali (as). Again, most of the key figures refused to heed the words of Rasulullah (s). Finally, Rasulullah (s) cursed the "deserters" and we all know what's the meaning of Rasulullah (s)'s curse!

•    The Black Thursday. Rasulullah (s) is sick and people are gathering next to his bed. Rasulullah (s) asks for a piece of qirtaas to leave a note for his Ummah telling them that they "won't go stray ever" after that note. Again, a certain group refused to obey Rasulullah (s) and didn't let the note be written.

•    Abu-Bakr congregational prayer instead of Rasulullah (s). Rasulullah (s) was so sick one day that he couldn't attend the prayer in the masjid. Abusing the situation, Abu-Bakr went to the masjid and established the prayer instead of Rasulullah (s) without his permission.

Safar 28th: the death of the beloved prophet of Islam (s). A certain group of people disrespects Rasulullah (s) and instead of attending the funeral ceremony, gathers in Saqifah and regardless of the explicit announcement of Rasulullah (s) about the successor, they decide about the fate of the entire Islamic Ummah with 15 people! Sadly, they even get into a heated discussion about the caliph. "Things were about to get out of hand" as one of them narrates the events of that day!

Considering all these grave misconducts and gross violations, obviously, the Sunnites, with their big numbers, really strayed off the true path of Islam.