SHI’ISM - It's Origin and it's Growth

Part 1

Syed Aftab Haider

? “Shia” in Arabic Language

The word “Shia” is derived from the root word “Sha’a” and then «-» Tashaieyu (Shia’sm – Shi-’ite) from “Shayya’ah” «-» Which literally means to Follow or Help or Support. Based upon above the word “Shia” has been interpreted in Arabic dictionaries as “Group, Followers, Supporters, Friends, Sect, Party….etc[1]

? “Shia” in the Holy Qur’an

In Holy Quran the word Shia has been used four times in total[2], three times in meaning of Followers and once in meaning of Group.

And verily among his (Nuh) followers (Shia) was Abraham -: 83

Similarly the word Shiya’a «-» (Plural of Shia) is used on five different places in meaning of sects or groups.[3]

? “Shia” in the Prophetic Sunnah

According to numerous reports recorded by several narrators, Prophet Muhammad (sawa) used the term “Shia” while referring to close friends of his cousin- Son in Law Ali on various occasions.

Numerous recognised Sunni scholars have in their commentaries recorded that following the descent of the 7^th verse of Chapter 98 ( Bayyana) the Prophet (s) declared: "I swear by the one who controls my life that this man (Ali) and his Shi'a shall secure deliverance on the day of resurrection"[4].

It is also reported on authority of various Sahaba that Prophet (sawa) said: “Ali and His Shia will be the Successful”[5] or “Oh Ali, You and your Shia will be in Paradise”

? “Shia” in History

As it is clear from above given references that the word “Shia” is not new or strange term from the early days of Islamic History. Its widespread use in the Holy Quran and then by Prophet, while referring to a group of people among his companions initiated a Term which represented a particular approach or trend in the parameters of broader Ummah. This trend only became more evident after the demise of the Prophet (sawa) when the first major disagreement over his succession appeared in Ummah. Noticeably, there were three parties among Muslims with different tendencies.

1. Party of Quraish

2. Party of Ansar

3. Party of Ali

Bukhari narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that Umar said:

And no doubt after the death of the prophet we were informed that the Ansar disagreed with us and gathered in the shed of Bani Sa'da. 'Ali and Zubair and whoever was with them, opposed us, while the emigrants gathered with Abu bakr.[6]

Hafiz Abu Hatim Razi( Died in 322 AH), in his Az-Zainat, which he compiled for clarifying the meanings of certain words and phrases current among scholars, says that the first new word that came into general acceptance in Islam in the days of the Prophet was “Shia.” The word “Shia”, literally means “follower” was applied to four prominent companions: Abu Dharr Ghifari, Salman Farsi, Miqdad bin Aswad Kindi, and Ammar Yasir.

Ibn Khaldoon wrote in his book of history (Taareekh Ibn Khaldoon;3:364): “A group from the Sahaba were following Ali and they believed that Ali is more entitled to lead the Ummah than any one else after the Prophet”.

Dr. Subhi al-Salih (al-Nodhum al-Islamiyah:96) and Mohammad Ali Kurd (in Khutat al-Sham;5:251) and many other Sunni scholars confirmed that the Shia existed from the time of the Prophet (sawa) and only became vocal after his demise.

Hameedullah Khan states "Shiat Ali means specifically that party which, after the death of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) attached itself to Hazrat Ali...considering him the successor of the Prophet (PBUH) both in temporal and religious matters".[7]

In the light of above, accuracy of the theories which connects birth of Shia to the era of Third Caliph by a new Jewish revert to Islam namely Abullah ibn Saba or to the conflict between Ali and Muawiah in Siffen or with Uprising of Kharijaites against Ali ….etc becomes lucid.

Indeed, some of the historical events mentioned above played a major role in shaping of Shia Community but beyond any doubt they can’t be attributed to its origin and cause.

To be continued

SHI’ISM - It's Origin and it's Growth

Part 2

Syed Aftab Haider

In the previous issue, the historical roots and origins of Shi’ism were established. As was mentioned, the Shia grew out of the political differences over the leadership of the Ummah after the demise of the Holy Prophet. However, the differences gradually broadened over time including differences in ideology, jurisprudence, and other aspects of the Islamic faith. Here, we would like to highlight some of the major distinctive merits of Shia thought which evolved over the course of time.

Imamat (Leadership)

Shia believe, based upon numerous Quranic verses and Prophetic sayings (Hadith) that leadership of the Ummah after the demise belongs to 12 Imams of Ahlulbait (Ali and his 11 descendants)[8]. In other word it is a divinely appointed status or Divine covenant[9] rather then a issue left to disposal of Ummah as believed by Sunni majority of Ummah today.

What is very important to note is that the concept of Imamat in Shia theology is not confined to political and social spheres but also includes Academic and Spiritual authority. Referring to well-known and widely reported Hadith of Theqalain[10](It is reported that in last part of his life, Prophet has repeatedly said that “I am leaving behind two precious things among you First is Book of Allah and other one is my progeny, If you hold fast to both of them you shall never go astray and they never apart each other until they come to me on the pool of Kauthar in paradise”) Shia believes that Imams or Ahlul Bait are the final Authority(not sole ) on understanding and interpretation and to elucidate Quran and Sunnah (Two Major Sources of Shariah).

Further more they believe that universe can never be empty from Proof of Allah(Al Hujjah).According to Shia “Imam” is indeed that proof or Alhujjah in the Earth. This concept is known as “Wilayat Takvini”

This particular spiritual meaning of Imamat has been latter shared by various philosophers and esp Sunni Suffi Thinkers like Ibn Arabi, Roomi ….etc under headlines of “Wali” or “Insan Kamil” or “Qutb”.. etc.

Rumi says " ?? ?? ?? ???? ??? ???? ??? " “ indeed Every era or time is dependent on a Wali”. Naturally this perception of Imamat is common between Prophets and Imams.

Ismah ( Infallibility)

As a result of two above mentioned meanings of Imamat (other then just Social – Political leadership} Shia has placed Ismah or infallibility as a necessary condition for Imams beside Prophets[11]. In fact according to some Scholars the very concept of Ismat originated in Shia thought even in case of Prophets and then influenced the Sunni theology.

Divine Justice

In in 2nd/8th and 3rd/9th centuries with the spread of Theological debates One of the distinctive merits of Shia thought is faith in Divine Justice. Faith in divine justice means that almighty is Just in creation , Legislation and also in Jurisdiction. Notably that Human Intellect is independently capable of determining what is Justice? Thus giving Intellect a very significant role in Islamic Thought. This view is shared by Sunni Mu’tazalites who are along with Shia are known in Theological history as Aqlia (Rationalists)and Adlia( Pro Justice) in contradiction with majority of Sunnies who are Ash’araites. This the subject where debate stretches to the question of free will of man over his destiny and Shia strongly supports the free will while does not negate or even limit the authority or power of Almighty contrary to both Mu’tazalites and Asharaites

Generaly,Shia has placed a great importance to Role of Aql or Intellect on all levels of Islamic Sciences be it theology or Jurisprudence Aql is regarded as on the four majour sources of Shariah..