In his presentation, Shaykh Ayub Rashid examined the concept of Taqiyyah from the perspective of the Shi’i school of thought by using the Holy  Qur’an, the Prophet’s sunnah, and hadith to illustrate to shed light on the topic. He explained that taqiyyah was not a new invention, rather it dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet and has a direct link with specific verses of the Holy Qur’an i.e. Sura al Imran (3: 28) and Sura al-Nahl (16:106); where a believer is permitted to conceal his real faith and utter something which contradicts his faith for the sake of his own life or the people around him. He explained that Taqiyyah was used as the shield from the severe persecution of Shias at the hands of the Umayyad and Abbasid rulers. He also acknowledged that the notion of  Taqiyyah has been misused by the people inclined to their vested interests which have caused a lot of misunderstandings but have no concern with the proper teachings of the Shia Imamiyah school of thought. (Video Part 1 of 3)

Finally, the Shia Sunni panel discussion about holy Quran concluded with an interactive Q&A session allowing the audience to input their knowledge and ask the scholars  their questions.

Quran: In the Light of Sunni and Shia Perspectives Shia presentation by AMI’s Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain elaborated on the divine credibility of the Quran; which has maintained its authenticity since its revelation onto the holy Prophet. He also shed light on the narrations regarding the completion and compilation of the Holy Quran to  clear any related misunderstandings.

The first presentation by Hafiz Mohammad Saeed validated the authenticity of the revelation of the Quran and refuted the allegations and misconceptions  regarding the revelation and compilation of the Quran emanating from certain traditions.  

Finally, the discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A session allowing the audience to input their knowledge and ask the scholars their questions.

Quran: In the Light of Sunni and Shia Perspectives Shia presentation by AMI’s Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain elaborated on the divine credibility of the Quran; which has maintained its authenticity since its revelation onto the holy Prophet. He also shed light on the narrations regarding the completion and compilation of the Holy Quran to clear any related misunderstandings.

The first presentation by Hafiz Mohammad Saeed (Imam of the Islamic  Centre, Handsworth Birmingham) validated the authenticity of the revelation of the Quran and refuted the allegations and misconceptions regarding the revelation and compilation of the Quran emanating from certain traditions.

CIMS Discussion: Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Shia Sunni scholars discuss various points of view. The discussion prompted further questions around the topic of Khaṭaʾ Ijtihadī (mistakes in interpretation); a notion which would see the wrongs of the companions reduced to a mere error in their judgement, whilst them still being considered worthy of reward due to their effort in the issue. This naturally led to the discussion as to whether Muawiya could be considered a rebel (bāghi), something considered a grave sin by some Muslim jurists, to which the Sunni ulema in the discussion agreed that he, and for that matter, anyone who revolted against Ali, would fall into the category of a rebel. The reverence of Muawiya amongst Sunnis was also discussed, to which some Sunni scholars present made the claim that this is a modern influence of Nasibis on the Sunni community.  Syed Fadlallah wrapped up the discussion quoting Quranic verses 2:134 and 12:111, which highlight the importance of taking lessons from such events in history as opposed to it merely being a point of difference. (Part 3 of 3 videos)

What is CIMS? 

Since its inception in 2015, as a joint initiative of a network of Sunni and Shia scholars, The Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS) has been at the forefront of providing a platform for honest, open and critical engagement on issues of historical and theological tension amongst Sunni and Shi’i thought. https://www.cims.almahdi.edu/

00:00 Introduction

00:12 Question, Ahmad Kaouri

01:26 Answer, Syed Naveed Shah

06:22 Answer, Shaykh Umar Ramadhan

10:43 Comment, Syed Naveed Shah

11:57 Question & Comments, Sayyid Hamid Al-Hussainy

19:56 Comments, Dr Ali Reza Bhojani

21:37 Answer, Mufti Farukh Sab (Urdu)

24:55 Translation of Mufti Farukh by Dr Ali Reza Bhojani (English)

27:07 Comments, Syed Naveed Shah

29:07 Comments, Shaykh Umar Ramadhan

31:44 Comments, Shaykh Zahiruddin Tahir

33:36 Comments, Dr Sayyid Jaafar Fadlallah

37:18 Question, Shaykh Arif Abdulhussein

39:42 Answer, Shaykh Umar Ramadhan

42:51 Answer, Shaykh Ayman Yacoub

47:15 Comments, Dr Sayyid Jaafar Fadlallah

54:26 Comments, Shaykh Arif Abdulhussein 

55:36 Conclusion Dr Ali Reza Bhojani

58:32 Shaykh Arif Abdulhussein gives tribute to Prof. Dr Ataullah Siddiqui

CIMS Discussion: Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Shia view presentation by Dr Sayyid  Jaafar Fadlallah. Syed Fadlallah presented a summary of his detailed  Arabic paper on the topic. He broached the subject by looking at historical sources to deduce the motives held by Ali and Muawiya leading up to the battle. These motives are important in trying to figure out which side was in line with Islamic values. He also briefly outlined the approaches that influence one’s reading of this and for that matter any historical event. (Part 2 of 3 videos)  

What is CIMS? 

Since its inception in 2015, as a joint initiative of a network of Sunni and Shia scholars, The Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS) has been at the forefront of providing a platform for honest, open and critical engagement on issues of historical and theological tension amongst Sunni and Shi’i thought. https://www.cims.almahdi.edu/

CIMS Discussion: Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Sunni view presentation by Syed Naveed Shah. Syed Naveed’s presentation, which was a historical account of the events, outlined the events leading up to and including the battle of Siffin from Sunni sources. From his reading of these historical accounts, he concluded that Ali was appointed as caliph in a rightful manner and that Muawiya’s uprising against him was unjustified. (Part 1 of 3 videos)  

What is CIMS? 

Since its inception in 2015, as a joint initiative of a network of Sunni and Shia scholars, The Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (CIMS) has been at the forefront of providing a platform for honest, open and critical engagement on issues of historical and theological tension amongst Sunni and Shi’i thought. https://www.cims.almahdi.edu/