Development of Islamic Development of Islamic Schools of ThoughtSchools of Thought

A.S. Hashim, MDA.S. Hashim, MD

الرحيم الرحمن الله الرحيم بسم الرحمن الله بسم

There are Two Branches of Islam There are Two Branches of Islam

The Shi’aThe Shi’a

and and

The SunniThe Sunni

Similarities:Similarities:Shi’a-SunniShi’a-Sunni

1.1. FaithFaith

2.2. DoctrineDoctrine

3.3. Basics of RitualsBasics of Rituals

4.4. Ethical ValuesEthical Values

5.5. EschatologyEschatology

Dissimilarities:Dissimilarities:Shi’a-SunniShi’a-Sunni

1.1. Political: KhilaafahPolitical: Khilaafah

2.2. Expression of RitualsExpression of Rituals

3.3. Ahlul Bayt (Family of the Prophet)Ahlul Bayt (Family of the Prophet)

4.4. Evolution of Heritage: Shi’a versus SunniEvolution of Heritage: Shi’a versus Sunni

5.5. Source References (Tafseer, Hadith, etc.)Source References (Tafseer, Hadith, etc.)

BeforeBefore the Prophet's Death the Prophet's Death

1.1. Ghadeer Khum: Ghadeer Khum: After the Farewell Haj, Ali After the Farewell Haj, Ali designated as the Wali (Man of authority) after designated as the Wali (Man of authority) after the Prophet’s Deaththe Prophet’s Death

2.2. Near time of the Prophet’s death and the Near time of the Prophet’s death and the would be would be WillWill

AAfterfter the Prophet’s Death the Prophet’s Death

The stormy gathering at SaqifaThe stormy gathering at SaqifaAbu Bakr, Omar, and Abu Ubaida attendingAbu Bakr, Omar, and Abu Ubaida attending

Abu Bakr supported by many of Saqifa Abu Bakr supported by many of Saqifa attendees but refused by some Sahaabaattendees but refused by some Sahaaba

At that very timeAt that very time Ali was preparing the Ali was preparing the body of the Prophet for Rituals of Burial body of the Prophet for Rituals of Burial and internmentand internment

The Khilaafah:The Khilaafah:

Abu Bakr proclaims his KhilaafahAbu Bakr proclaims his KhilaafahGeneral public accedesGeneral public accedes

Ali does not give his Ali does not give his pledge of allegiancepledge of allegiance to to Abu Bakr:Abu Bakr:

Ali claims the matter (Khilaafah) belongs to him; as Ali claims the matter (Khilaafah) belongs to him; as per the Prophet's specification.per the Prophet's specification.

Also many Companions withhold their pledge Also many Companions withhold their pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr.of allegiance to Abu Bakr.

The Shi'a:The Shi'a:

Shi'a means Devotees and FollowersShi'a means Devotees and FollowersSelect Companions (called Shi’a) were called Select Companions (called Shi’a) were called (Al-Khaassah) the (Al-Khaassah) the Elite and the Most Learned Elite and the Most Learned (Devotees of Ali)(Devotees of Ali)الخاصهالخاصه

The general public used to be referred to asThe general public used to be referred to as Al-Aammah, meaning (The Commoner)Al-Aammah, meaning (The Commoner) العامهالعامه

Ali did not give his pledge to Abu Bakr Ali did not give his pledge to Abu Bakr (endorse him) for the 1(endorse him) for the 1stst 6 months. 6 months.

Ali BiographyAli Biography

Raised by the Prophet since childhoodRaised by the Prophet since childhood

Taught by the Prophet assiduouslyTaught by the Prophet assiduously

Became son-in-law of the ProphetBecame son-in-law of the Prophet

Greatest defender of IslamGreatest defender of Islam

Numerous Hadiths on behalf of AliNumerous Hadiths on behalf of Ali

Designation of Ali in Ghadeer KhumDesignation of Ali in Ghadeer Khum

Ali after the ProphetAli after the Prophet

Fatima and Ali after the Prophet’s DeathFatima and Ali after the Prophet’s Death

Why protesting?Why protesting?

Fatima’s stirring speech in Masjid Al-Fatima’s stirring speech in Masjid Al-Nabawi, protesting to the SahaabaNabawi, protesting to the Sahaaba

Ali as the reference for Islamic Ali as the reference for Islamic consultation.consultation.

Ali as the advisor to the first 3 Khalifas.Ali as the advisor to the first 3 Khalifas.

What are Ali’s writings?What are Ali’s writings?

Over a period of time, Ali writes:Over a period of time, Ali writes:1.1. The Quran in The Quran in Chronological Order,Chronological Order, (the (the

Order of Revelation of the Ayahs)Order of Revelation of the Ayahs)2.2. Interpretation of Quran (3 Volumes)Interpretation of Quran (3 Volumes)3.3. Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)4.4. Ah'kaam (Rules of Islamic Law)Ah'kaam (Rules of Islamic Law)5.5. Al-Jafr (Life experiences of the various Al-Jafr (Life experiences of the various

Prophets), and ethics of warfare.Prophets), and ethics of warfare.

The Shari'ahThe Shari'ah

Shari'ah (Islamic Constitution) consists of:Shari'ah (Islamic Constitution) consists of:Quranic (Divine Guidance), andQuranic (Divine Guidance), and

The Sunnah (Statements + Conduct of The Sunnah (Statements + Conduct of Muhammad)Muhammad)

Shari'ah is the Constitution of IslamShari'ah is the Constitution of Islam

Shari'ah needs to be interpretedShari'ah needs to be interpreted

The interpreter of Shari'ah is called The interpreter of Shari'ah is called FaqeehFaqeeh

Fiq'h (Islamic Law)Fiq'h (Islamic Law)

Fiq'hFiq'h is interpretation of Shari'ah by a is interpretation of Shari'ah by a person who is erudite (sophisticated) in person who is erudite (sophisticated) in Islamic knowledge.Islamic knowledge.

Heads of Islamic Schools of Thought are Heads of Islamic Schools of Thought are Faqeehs of the highest caliber.Faqeehs of the highest caliber.

Fiq'h is the Law in Islamic Circles.Fiq'h is the Law in Islamic Circles.

Fiq'h is the spiritual law of unique Fiq'h is the spiritual law of unique importance to Muslims.importance to Muslims.

Islamic Law (Fiq’h):Islamic Law (Fiq’h):

1.1. Islamic Law (Fiq’h) evolves to Shi’a & Islamic Law (Fiq’h) evolves to Shi’a & Sunni, taking 150-240 years to develop.Sunni, taking 150-240 years to develop.

2.2. First Fiq'h in Islam was that of the Shi'a.First Fiq'h in Islam was that of the Shi'a.a.a. Depending on teachings of the Family of the Depending on teachings of the Family of the

Prophet through 12 generations (329 years).Prophet through 12 generations (329 years).

b.b. Despite political manipulation and pressure, Despite political manipulation and pressure, the Progeny of the Prophet delivered the Progeny of the Prophet delivered brilliantly.brilliantly.

Ahlul Bayt:Ahlul Bayt: Progeny of the Prophet: Progeny of the Prophet:

They consist of 12 Imams (Divinely They consist of 12 Imams (Divinely designated leaders): 12 generations.designated leaders): 12 generations.

All taught the sciences of Islam over All taught the sciences of Islam over 329 329 yearsyears..

Shi'a Fiq'h evolved about 110-150 years Shi'a Fiq'h evolved about 110-150 years after the Death of the Prophet (pbuh).after the Death of the Prophet (pbuh).

Al-Saadiq (6Al-Saadiq (6thth Imam) was most outstanding Imam) was most outstanding in formulating the Fiq'h (Islamic Law).in formulating the Fiq'h (Islamic Law).

Who is Imam Al-Saadiq?Who is Imam Al-Saadiq?

Imam Al-Saadiq headed the Institute of Imam Al-Saadiq headed the Institute of Ahlul Ahlul BaytBayt (Progeny of Muhammad (pbuh). (Progeny of Muhammad (pbuh).

He tutored 4000 Muslim scholars over 35 years.He tutored 4000 Muslim scholars over 35 years.

His students (scholars) wrote the 400 books His students (scholars) wrote the 400 books

(Al- Kutub Al-Arba' Mi'ah) (Al- Kutub Al-Arba' Mi'ah) األربعمائه األربعمائه األصول ..األصول

Two heads of Sunni Schools of Thought studied Two heads of Sunni Schools of Thought studied at his Institute. Two others were taught by his at his Institute. Two others were taught by his students, after he died.students, after he died.

Institute of Ahlul Bayt:Institute of Ahlul Bayt:

Reached its zenith during Imam Al-Saadiq’s Reached its zenith during Imam Al-Saadiq’s timestimesActive daily but more so during Ramadhan and Active daily but more so during Ramadhan and Haj timeHaj timeConducted at:Conducted at:

1.1. Al-Saadiq’s house, Al-Saadiq’s house, 2.2. The Prophet’s Mosque, and The Prophet’s Mosque, and 3.3. In Mecca during HajIn Mecca during Haj

Developed at an opportune time favorable to Developed at an opportune time favorable to freely teach Islam and spread the message freely teach Islam and spread the message

Material Taught in the InstituteMaterial Taught in the Institute

1.1. Interpretation of the Quran (Tafseer)Interpretation of the Quran (Tafseer)

2.2. Hadith (Sayings and Conduct of the Prophet)Hadith (Sayings and Conduct of the Prophet)

3.3. Fiq’h (Islamic Law)Fiq’h (Islamic Law)

4.4. Ah’kaam (Rules and regulations)Ah’kaam (Rules and regulations)

5.5. Arabic literature, grammar, and other related Arabic literature, grammar, and other related subjectssubjects

6.6. Islamic Philosophy and Irfan, among other Islamic Philosophy and Irfan, among other subjectssubjects

Why Fiq'h is Variable?Why Fiq'h is Variable?

Fiq'h is formulated through a process of Fiq'h is formulated through a process of deduction from Quran and Hadith.deduction from Quran and Hadith.

Each Faqeeh uses his own knowledge and Each Faqeeh uses his own knowledge and methodology.methodology.

Deductions come after much discussion in the Deductions come after much discussion in the Islamic circles.Islamic circles.

Head of Islamic School of Thought is called Head of Islamic School of Thought is called Super-Faqeeh (Imam)Super-Faqeeh (Imam)

Sunni Schools of Thought:Sunni Schools of Thought:

At first there were many Schools of At first there were many Schools of Thought (more than 20 schools).Thought (more than 20 schools).

Through time only four schools persisted:Through time only four schools persisted:1.1. HanafiHanafi

2.2. MaalikiMaaliki

3.3. Shafi‘iShafi‘i

4.4. HanbaliHanbali

Period of DevelopmentPeriod of Development

Sunni Schools of ThoughtSunni Schools of Thought

Hanafi: Around 150H and popularized Hanafi: Around 150H and popularized 20-30 Yrs later20-30 Yrs later

Maaliki: Around 180H and years beyondMaaliki: Around 180H and years beyond

Shafi’i: Around 200H and years beyondShafi’i: Around 200H and years beyond

Hanbali: Around 235 and years beyondHanbali: Around 235 and years beyond

Numerical Perspective: (1996):Numerical Perspective: (1996):

SHI’ASHI’A …………………………………………..…….. 282 …………………………………………..…….. 282 MillionsMillions

SUNNI:SUNNI:Hanafi …………….……………………...…………. 380 Hanafi …………….……………………...…………. 380 MillionsMillions

Maaliki ………………………………………………. 305 Maaliki ………………………………………………. 305 MillionsMillions

Shafi’i ……………………………………………….. 190 Shafi’i ……………………………………………….. 190 MillionsMillions

Hanbali …………………………………….......…….. 52 Hanbali …………………………………….......…….. 52 MillionsMillions

Islamic Sources ChosenIslamic Sources Chosen

Same Quran and Hadith but depends on Same Quran and Hadith but depends on what the scholar chooses and how he what the scholar chooses and how he

interprets it.interprets it.1.1. Shi'a depend on Narration of the Family of Shi'a depend on Narration of the Family of

Prophet Muhammad and some of his Prophet Muhammad and some of his Companions.Companions.

2.2. The Sunni depend on Narration of The Sunni depend on Narration of Companions (Sahaaba) and often students of Companions (Sahaaba) and often students of the Shi’a Imams.the Shi’a Imams.

Chain of NarrationChain of Narration

The Twelve Imams of the Shi’a are The Twelve Imams of the Shi’a are referred to as:referred to as:

The The Golden Chain of NarrationGolden Chain of Narration

Ali From the Prophet

Zainul Abideen From his Father

Muhammad (pbuh)

Al-Husain From his Father

Al-Hasan From his Father

Al-Baaqir From his Father

Al-Saadiq From his Father

Al-Ridha From his Father

Al-Kadhim From his Father

Al-Jawaad From his Father

Al-Haadi From his Father

Al-Askari From his Father

The Golden Chain of Narration

Politics and Religious Affiliations:Politics and Religious Affiliations:

The governments regarded the Shi'a as The governments regarded the Shi'a as the the Protest PartyProtest Party (Since the Shi’a (Since the Shi’a vehemently opposed vehemently opposed oppression of the oppression of the rulersrulers..

Governments were frightened of Shi'a Governments were frightened of Shi'a influence.influence.

Governments encouraged Fiq’h of non-Governments encouraged Fiq’h of non-Shi'a as a Shi'a as a counter-weightcounter-weight to Shi'a to Shi'a Influence.Influence.

The The Shi’a-SunniShi’a-Sunni Human Element #1 Human Element #1

On the Positive Side:On the Positive Side:

Mostly congenial and understandingMostly congenial and understanding

Intermarriage and business interactionIntermarriage and business interaction

Tolerating each other Tolerating each other

FriendlinessFriendliness

The The Shi’a-SunniShi’a-Sunni Human Element #2 Human Element #2

On the Negative Side:On the Negative Side:For fourteen centuries emotional contention, if For fourteen centuries emotional contention, if not friction due to accusations.not friction due to accusations.

Unfortunately people's emotions are big factors, Unfortunately people's emotions are big factors, depending on their educational makeup.depending on their educational makeup.

Governments may play a roll in fomenting Governments may play a roll in fomenting trouble.trouble.

Education and learning are paramount to lead Education and learning are paramount to lead the way toward mutual understanding.the way toward mutual understanding.

Shi’a Versus the Sunni: Shi’a Versus the Sunni: SimilarSimilar 9O-95% 9O-95%

Faith in Allah (swt) and Holy QuranFaith in Allah (swt) and Holy Quran

Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh)Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh)

Teaching of Muhammad (pbuh)Teaching of Muhammad (pbuh)

Acts of WorshipActs of Worship

Islamic ethics and mannersIslamic ethics and manners

Shi’a Versus the Sunni: Shi’a Versus the Sunni: DissimilarDissimilar 5-1O% 5-1O%

PECULIAR TO THE SHI'APECULIAR TO THE SHI'A1.1. Insist on Fiq'h of Ahlul BaytInsist on Fiq'h of Ahlul Bayt

2.2. Wasiya (Ghadeer Khum)Wasiya (Ghadeer Khum)

3.3. Insist on Hadith thru Ahlul BaytInsist on Hadith thru Ahlul Bayt

4.4. Shi’a HeritageShi’a Heritage

5.5. Walaa to Ahlul Bayt (Walaa to Ahlul Bayt (ImamahImamah))

Shi’a HeritageShi’a Heritage

1.1. Ghadeer KhumGhadeer Khum2.2. AshuraaAshuraa3.3. Ramadhan Du’aas (Supplications)Ramadhan Du’aas (Supplications)4.4. Celebration of Birthdays of the Prophet and the Celebration of Birthdays of the Prophet and the

12 Imams12 Imams5.5. Visitations of the ShrinesVisitations of the Shrines6.6. Reading special Du’aas (Supplications) at Reading special Du’aas (Supplications) at

different occasions.different occasions.

Glossary #1:Glossary #1:

Abu Bakr : First Khalifa (Successor)Abu Bakr : First Khalifa (Successor)

Al-Aammah: Common people, The CommonerAl-Aammah: Common people, The Commoner

Du’aa: SupplicationDu’aa: Supplication

Faqeeh: A person who interprets the Islamic Faqeeh: A person who interprets the Islamic LawLaw

Fiq'h: Interpretation of Islamic LawFiq'h: Interpretation of Islamic Law

Ghadeer Khum: Occasion of designating Ali's Ghadeer Khum: Occasion of designating Ali's successionsuccession

Glossary #2:Glossary #2:

Ij'tihaad: Process of interpreting Shari'ah to Ij'tihaad: Process of interpreting Shari'ah to contemporary timescontemporary times

Khilaafah: Succession to the Prophet (pbuh)Khilaafah: Succession to the Prophet (pbuh)

Prophet: Muhammad (pbuh)Prophet: Muhammad (pbuh)

Saqifa: Place where Abu Bakr was chosen as Saqifa: Place where Abu Bakr was chosen as KhalifaKhalifa

Glossary #3:Glossary #3:

Shari'ah: Islamic ConstitutionShari'ah: Islamic Constitution

Shi'a: One of the two branches of IslamShi'a: One of the two branches of Islam

Sunni: One of the two branches of IslamSunni: One of the two branches of Islam

Walaa: Unquestioned devotionWalaa: Unquestioned devotion

Wasiya: Designation to followWasiya: Designation to follow

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

May God bless you.May God bless you.

A.S. HashimA.S. Hashim