In a general sense, when referring to who is within the fold of Islam in respect to its various sects, what is of paramount importance is their Aqeeda which is their understanding of the metaphysics of God i.e. believing in God but not believing God is Eternal or Omnipotent puts you out of the fold of orthodox Islam. The question has less to do with labels, more with beliefs. From that sense, a Shi'a is a part of the Ahlus Sunnah whereas a Wahhabi isn't. This is because Shiites believe in God being Omnipotent, Eternal, and most significantly of all, Transcendent, whereas the Wahhabis believe that God is a physical "man above the clouds."
A primary sectarian debate revolves around who can one pray behind and this is where belief in God is essential because you are praying to God, not 'Umar ibn al-Khattab or 'Ali, so you might love 'Umar and not curse him as
the Shiites are accused of doing quite often, but if you are praying to a God who is a physical entity with limitations, then a true believer cannot pray behind you.
Belief in God should be the most crucial topic in Islamic dialogue, not keeping a beard or wearing a headscarf.
If your understanding of God is weak or compromised, you are out of the greater fold of Islam, so you may be in argument about the nuances however much you want, it matters little as long as you believe about God what is correct to be believed within the fold of Islam, that is, They are Eternal, Absolute, One, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Almighty, Transcendent, and Perfect, and that Muhammad is Their last and final Messenger. Amen!
— Fahim Ferdous Kibria
No comments:
Post a Comment