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Dear fellow Muslim,
Assalam o Alaykum!
We are pleased to release a collection of information which addresses Shia/Sunni inter-school related issues. This encyclopedia which covers the
most important lines of thought of the Shia, is the contribution of a few brothers. Most of the articles provided in this encyclopedia are original
contributions, while the rest are excerpts from the Shi'i/Sunni books. The information presented in this encyclopedia is based on the understanding
and the knowledge of the contributors. The subjects are classified and are divided into several chapters, so that one can get a overhead view of all
the major issues.
This encyclopedia is Sunni-referenced-oriented. It is assumed that the reader would like to see all the proofs based on the references from major
Sunni documents. However, in the discussions, both Shia and Sunni perspectives are presented to maintain a level of fairness and integrity in
reporting the topics.
Enemies of Islam whose goal were/are to split the Muslims have centered their attack over the Followers of the Members of the House of the Prophet
(PBUH&HF). They distribute anti-Shia booklets all over the globe to misrepresent the school of Ahlul-Bayt. They hope to create confusions in
the minds of those who are curious to learn. These malicious attacks are being carried out with political motives aiming to destroy the true spirit
of Islam and to nurture feelings of animosity and disbelief towards the Shia. They misquote traditions from Shi'ite sources or quote them out of
context to misrepresent the Shi'ite beliefs and to mock the followers of Ahlul-Bayt.
In facing these attacks, we have two options. One is to disregard what they do and perhaps simply deny their accusations. The other way would be to
provide a correct representation of our beliefs which have been enshrouded in false propaganda. The latter is the logical approach in this era of
information and communication.
The rulers of the periods of the Umayad and Abbasid used to consider every follower of the Ahlul-Bayt extremely dangerous for their throne. They
conspired against the Shi'ites and spread all sorts of rumors about them and accused them of heresy and disbelief. They encouraged the Muslims to
shed their blood and usurp their rights and wealth. Centuries of oppression passed wrought with injustice and terrors for the followers of the Ahlul-
Bayt.
It is now expected that in this age of technology and the era of the information superhighway, the mistakes of the past be corrected. It is now
easy for Muslims to discuss problems and find their solutions. After centuries of misunderstanding and the distinct lack of communication, the
only way to achieve this goal, is through inter-school dialogue, unbiased scholarship, and seeking out the truth from the depth of our Islamic
heritage. This is the magnificent path which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) introduced to humanity centuries ago, as mentioned in Quran:
"(O' Prophet) Say: 'This is my way: I do invite you unto Allah, on discernment (insight and enlightenment), I and whoever follows me.'"
(Quran 12:108)
As the followers of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF), it is incumbent upon us to base the Unity of the Muslims on enlightenment and cognizance. In our
approach toward illumination of the Truth, we do our best to refrain from any provocation which may cause sedition, discord, and enmity among
Muslims. We strongly believe in the Unity between the People of Islam, and make all efforts to support this idea. To achieve this we base our
arguments ONLY on the following measures which are fundamental/common scales for these kind of discussions:
* The Holy Quran,
* Logical reasoning,
* The traditions that have been narrated by BOTH reliable Sunni and Shia sources. This itself indicates that such traditions are frequent
(Mutawatir) which have been even narrated by the two authorities.
Employing these common tools can make different schools closer to each other. Since the traditions that we refer to, are narrated by both reliable
Shi'ite and Sunnite sources, they are valid for both schools and can be presented as proof.
The encyclopedia can be obtained/accessed from this url
http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/index.html
Best wishes,
Ali Abbas
Editor
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Best Regards,
Syed Raheel Naqvi
Trying To Build Society based on Peace and Justice
The one who love Imam e zaman(a.t.f.s) must be prepared to struggle and
labour his self, his pen and his wealth in the way of Imam e
zaman(a.t.f.s)
I remember the words of Imam (a.s), that we are responsible for the
duty, and not for the result. A warm smile washes away the tension of
confusion, as I thank Allah for the presence of my friend, whom Allah
may protect, and guide
IMAM E ZAMANA (a.f.t.s) Bless you And All Your Family those help others
and learn islam.
Syed Mohamad Masoom Abidi
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