Who is Sunni Muslim?
The Muslim who follows Sunnah.
What is sunnah?
The teaching and actions or examples of Muhammad, Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him). Personally, I don't like to label myself as Sunni Muslim as there is no such word "Sunni Muslim" in Quran and Hadith.
The Sunni Muslim believe that Muhammad, Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) didn't nominate a successor before his departure from the world. Hence, the most of his prominent companions (may Allah be pleased with them) gathered and elected Abo Baker Siddique, (May Allah be pleased with him) the closest friend, and father in law as the first caliph through democratic way.
There are four schools of thoughts in jurisdiction of Sunni Muslims such as Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, Hunbali. They all have slight differences in their method of practicing Islam, however the destination of all is the same i.e Allah and the road to the destination is Prophet (peace be upon him) . The first four caliphs who were differed from one another in nature, wealth, and attitude, but were the most beloved companions of Prophet (peace be upon him). The similarity among all companions was Taqwa (God-fearing).
Now come to the point I like you to know. I came across a debate whether the prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is alive or death.
Among all schools of thoughts there is no discrepancy that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) tested the death. Allah says in Quran, [39:30]
"Indeed you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) will taste death, and they (the disbelievers) too will die.". As a matter of fact, all living things including martyrs about whom Allah forbade us to call "death" in Quran [2:154] too have to test the death according to this verse of Quran [03:185] "Every soul must taste death".
There is almost all Sunni Muslims who believe that the death is a mean/process of transferring soul from temporary life to perpetual life. As per this concept, the soul of pious people resting peacefully in their grave till the resurrection day, whereas, the soul of transgressors are lying unrest in their grave.
Majority Muslims, as per this concept, believe that the Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him) resting in his grave with sound and safe. I was astonished when I came to know that a group of Muslims denied this fact by referring to the verse of Quran as cited above [39:30] and putting aside the authentic Hadith, which states that the Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him) while replying to a query of Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets." [Abu Dawud Book 002, Hadith Number 1526.]
Furthermore, there is another authentic Hadith Narated By Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: If any one of you greets me, Allah returns my soul to me and I respond to the greeting. [Abu Dawud Book 004, Hadith Number 2036:]
In response to the last Hadith as referred above, I would like to refer to Surat Al-Ahzab verse No 56.
"Indeed Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet; O People who Believe! Send blessings and abundant salutations upon him." (Everlasting peace and unlimited blessings be upon the Holy Prophet Mohammed.)
Note: There is no need to explain how much blessings and abundant salutations are sent upon beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)during 24 hours.As per this Hadith, He (peace be upon him) responds to them all. Can we imagine how many times a day the soul of Prophet is returned to him in order to respond to all the greeting? Absolutely NO! Besides, Allah says in Surah No 21 and verse No 107 " And We have not sen t you O Muhammad (peace be upon him) except as Mercy to the worlds". He (peace be upon him) has been sent as Marcy to the worlds. It means there is no more Marcy to the world as soon as he (peace be upon him) was died? Allah blessed us wisdom to carry out His orders by understanding the priorities or scale of preference rather than drawing the stereotypical image from few words whereas the whole content testifies that He is alive in his grave.
Despite having these kind of differences which also based on Taqwa (God-fearing), we are united as Muslims under the shade of the word of purity " There is no worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last Messenger." In Allah`s eyes, it is a crime to be involved in sectarianism. Allah says in the Quran (3:103). "Hold on firmly together to the rope of God, and be not divided among yourselves"
The above references are too obvious to argue, yet different opinions but in a respectful way are welcomed.
Comments
You prevented me from expressing sentimentally, but you, yourself have turned back from your own principle set by yourself. Anyway Whatever you quoted the event regarding Abo Baker (R.A) and Umer (R.A) is the viewpoints of Shi'ah sect. I don't need to comment as I said in the beginning of this debate for the sake of Peace.
The translation of cited verse is below, so those who can't understand Arabic can get it.
Al-Quran [19:30]
"The child proclaimed, “I am Allah’s bondman; He has given me the Book and made me a Herald of the Hidden (a Prophet).”
Can you let me know what is the relation of this verse with the selection of Caliph. The prophet (peace be upon him) were chosen by Allah Almighty, whereas the selection of caliphs, rulers, presidents, Prime Ministers have to be elected/selected by the people as per criteria which varies from country to country. However, the age from all aspects important, therefore is fixed whatever age may be. You should read my whole comments, especially the first the first reply to your queries, thoroughly and carefully, which have full of logic.
what would happen if Ali was present there at that moment. Would Ali offer himself as a candidate for the post?", You replied "God knows better!
Is it logical reply?
In response to my query "
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave the title of "Saddique" (Trustworthy) to Abo Baker for whom bearing doubt means bearing doubt against the judgement of Muhammad. There may be many reasons behind his silence in the matter of selecting successor. One of the reasons I may easily figure out that those who believed his prophecy would not create suspicion for his companions gentleness and honesty of whom had already been testified by the prophet himself.
The protest against the selection of Umer (R.A) is now unacceptable since he proved himself the most successful administrator not only the history of Islam, but also in the history of the world. Many western historian admired the great of Umer (R.A) who gave proper system of justice, education, police, etc. The wisdom of Abo Baker had been proven. The question rose against the selection of first two caliphs in the government of third caliph was nothing but avert gesture of jealousy by the enemy of Islam. That event had separated believers and unbelievers.
Dear Arif Saeed,
So many thanks for your reply. Thank you once again for your logical explanation. I am happy that you have decided to use logic in your answers.
It is an undeniable fact that both Abo Baker and Umer(رضی الله عنها) have been older than Ali. However, age cannot be an important factor in comparison with other factors such as knowledge, wisdom, rightness, bravery, piety, justice, etc. According to the Holy Quran, Jesus was a messenger of God from his childhood. As a matter of fact, he was in cradle when he said; " قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيّاً "
It should be kept in mind that I am not comparing Ali with Jesus. What I am saying is that age cannot be a limitation or drawback for someone if that person has got some other special important abilities and capabilities.
Many messengers had been young. For example, how old was Yousof when he became a messenger of God? By the way, some people were older than Abo Baker(R.A). Why weren't they allowed to participate in that famous political game(you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours)?
According to the history of Islam, after that political game(you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours) which resulted in selecting Abo Baker(R.A) as the first Caliph, he used to say; "اقیلونی فلست بخیرکم"[leave me alone, I am not the best of you]! The question is this: If he believed that he wasn't the best among people, why did he nominate Umer(R.A) as his successor? This is really strange!
"فیا عجباً، بینا هو یستقیلها فی حیاته إذ عقدها لاخر بعد وفاته"
I don't know what would have happened if they had let Ali and some other companions finish washing and burying Mohammad's(PBUH) dead body and participate in that political game. Well, politicians know which action is more beneficial!
You were supposed to answer : Ali and some pious companions were washing Mohammad's(PBUH) dead body, and were burying him when Abo Baker and Umer(رضی الله عنها) were gathered in سقیفه بنی ساعده to play that political game(you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours) in the name of caring for Islam and protecting it from danger(you called them as saviors)!
Ali and his wife(Prophet's daughter) were in mourning{washing and burying Mohammad) when politicians were playing political game! This is the answer you were supposed to give. I don't know what would have happened if they let Ali join them! Nobody knows! Only God knows!
Dear brother Mohsen, it seems you have brought that verse from the Holy Quran. Has it come in Quran of Shiite and Sunny groups with the same words? God is addressing clearly who could become caliph after Mohamad's(PBUH) death. Who has given his ring while praying? Well, isn't it mentioned in the history of Islam? If the history says who that person had been, why Shiite and Sunny groups have different idea about the successor of Muhammad(PBUH)? Please make it clear to me brother Mohsen! Thank you in advnace!
All the best,
Behnam, 13 August, 2015
Please don't complicate simple matter. Let me simplify the issue for you and mohsin to understand it with my logical explanation.
In order to determine the ruler, apart from knowledge, certain age is required. For an example, in my country, the minimum age of the eligibility for the candidature of president is 45, 40 in Afghanistan, 40 in German. Besides this, in the most of the countries, no candidate less than 35 is eligible for the post. Now compare the age of Ali (R.A) with that of Abo Baker (R.A) and Umer (R.A) was at that time.
Ali was 32 years old when the first caliph was selected while Abo Baker was 59 years old and 55 years old.
Ali (R.A) was 34 years old when Umer was selected as the second caliph whereas Umer was 57 years old when he took charge of caliphate. Furthermore, Ali (R.A) had served on the position of a prime counselor in their caliphate. Now you must remove this confusion too that the knowledge of Ali (R.A) as gateway of knowledge was not availed.
Islam is the religion which covers all aspects of life including politics which means science of government. Please don't interpret the word "politics" as per your own imagination.
Dear, I have answered your many queries but I asked one questions what would happen if Ali was present there at that moment. Would Ali offer himself as a candidate for the post? Or Ali (R.A) also play the same game with Abuzar, Meghdad, Zobeir, the way you blamed on Abo Baker and Umer. What kind of character of Ali (R.A) you wanna prove us? (May Allah forgive me!)
Hi brother Arif Saeed,
Many thanks for your patience and tolerance. Your answer to Ali's knowledge is satisfying. However, I guess "انا مدینة علم و علی بابها" points to something else. If Ali is the gateway of knowledge to the city of knowledge, it is necessary for people to use the gate to enter the city. You could answer: Although Ali was described as the gateway of knowledge by Muhammad(PBUH), people at that era were ignorant and arrogant. Only a few of them used that gateway! This answer could be more accurate and satisfying. But, I appreciate your general explanation of different kind of knowledge.
Dear brother Arif Saeed, your answer not only didn't remove my confusion, but also added to it. You believe the silence of Muhammad(PBUH) in that regard is 'Hikmut strategy'. Why did Abo Baker(R.A) nominate Umer(R.A) for 'خلافت'(as his successor)? Isn't it against 'Hikmut strategy" then? How can you resolve this apparent contradiction?
Dear brother, it seems your are preoccupied with your own thoughts. Why do you answer to a question by question? I'd like to know where Ali and some companions such as Abuzar, Ammar, Meghdad, Zubeir,Salman, etc. were when those politicians gathered in "سقیفه بنی ساعده " and played that famous political game(you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours).
I am waiting impatiently for your answers. My English is not as good as yours. I've got difficulties in understanding some of your statements. It would be very kind of you if you wrote in plain English(=please use simple words). Thank you very much for your care and attention
All the best,
Behnam, 12 August, 2015
If Ali is the gateway of knowledge, why Westerners are advanced in science and technology?
There are two type knowledge, one that comforts your body and the other comforts your soul. There is no doubts science and technology eases lives, but is a temporary luxury, whereas the knowledge that helps you recognize your lord, chasten your soul, broadens your thoughts etc. Besides this, you know it well that the Muslims scientists in earlier time had made a great contributions in the field of science by the help of The Quran and the saying of Muhammad (peace be upon him). The backward of Muslims is the division into many sects and lost in temporary life. This is the law of Allah Almighty that these, who strive harder, will win. No matter whether he is Muslims or unbelievers.
Where was Ali when Umer and Abo Baker(رضی الله عنها) and some others were gathered in "Saghife-Bani-Saede'?
I would ask you what would happen if Ali was present there at that moment. Would Ali offer himself as a candidate for the post?
Dear brother Arif saeed,
I've asked you to consider me as someone who has come from Mars. It is obvious that there is nobody on Mars. Therefore, why did I ask you to assume that I have come from Mars? I wanted you to think of me as an unbeliever in order to give you a chance to use all your logic, knowledge, skills, tools, abilities, intelligence, etc to quench my thirst. However, you think I am suspicious. You found a contradiction between what I say and how I act! Dear brother, consider me as a person who has got some questions. Forget what his religion is. I hope this time you will get what I mean.
If Ali is the gateway of knowledge, why Westerners are advanced in science and technology?
Why Umer(R.A) didn't convert to Islam before Muhammad's(PBUH) Doa? It is not an advantage, is it? I wish Umer(R.A) had converted to Islam himself(without any need for prophet's asking Allah..)
Instead of answering to some simple questions, you have written something interesting and amazing. You have written: Umer ( R.A) about whom Muhammad (peace be upon him) said "if anyone after me came as prophet, he would be Umer"!!! I've got some Shiite friends. They claim there is an authentic Hadith named 'حدیث المنزلة' about Ali, with almost the same meaning you've written. I don't like to make the discussion complicated. There is no doubt that Umer(R.A) had been a great person.
Dear brother Arif Saeed, please kindly answer to my simple questions. Where were Ali, Abuzar, Meghdad, Zobeir, ...when Umer and Abo Baker(رضی الله عنها) and some others were gathered in "Saghife-Bani-Saede' to play that political game[You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours]? In other words, what was Ali doing at that time? I am so curious to know that.
Dear brother Arif Saeed, if you convince me by using logic and facts, not some sayings, I will convert to Sunny branch of Islam. You will take a lot of reward if you help someone to find صراط المستقیم.
My English is not good. I am bad at choosing words. Please forgive me. Please be patient. Thank you very much for your care and attention to my request.
All the best,
Behnam, 11 August, 2015
Muhammad (peace be upon him) called Ali (A.R) as gateway to knowledge. His two son Imam Hassan (A.R.) and Hussain (R.A) are the princes of the youngsters in Heaven. Ali (A.R) had high spiritual power.
Umer (R.A) was the only person for whom Muhammad (peace be upon him), himself, asked Allah and prayed to Him to convert to Islam. Umer ( R.A) about whom Muhammad (peace be upon him) said "if anyone after me came as prophet, he would be Umer". He was Umer (R.A) who gave a perfect system of administration. About whom Muhammad (peace be upon him) foretold that there would be no slightly threat of theft when it came to government of Umer (R.A.). Abo Baker used to love Ali (R.A) more than his so called lover. Similarly, Ali (R.A) used to love Abo Baker (R.A) more than his so called lover. East and west Abo Baker, Umer, Usman and Ali (R.A) are the best.
Choice of words always matters
Hi brother Arif saeed,
Thank you very much for replying. Unfortunately, instead of answering and reasoning you are judging. Call me whatever you like. Strong believer, disbeliever, suspicious, ...! That's OK. However, answer to my questions please! I don't know why you avoid peaceful discussion all the time. You Muslims don't know how to debate! My questions are clear and simple.
On judgement day we will surely see who has been sincere. I am not judging about anybody. Only God knows what the intention of people is.
I am asking you some simple questions. Answer to my questions please. The questions in my second comment were:
When did Umar(رضی الله عنه) accept Islam? In 616
In comparison with Ali, prophet's cousin and son-in-law, who had spent more time with Muhammad(PBUH)? Ali
When did Ali accepted Islam? 610
These are some simple answers to my questions. WOW, Ali has accepted Islam when he has been 10 years old? Wonderful! Everybody knows children get affected and learn something from others much better than adults. This is a proven fact. Amazingly and strangely, whatever reason you offer is in favour of Ali! An adult has often a biased brain(a formed personality). This is what psychologists say. So, living with Muhammad(PBUh) in his childhood can be a great honour for Ali. A little boy spends his time with Muhammad(PBUH), without killing his daughter[As Umar(رضی الله عنه) had done]! Swear to Allah, which one is Muhammad's (PBUH) close friend? Which one is more similar to Muhammad(PBUH) it terms of character?
I am asking you some simple questions, but you are judging. If it bothers you, let's change our postilions. You ask me some questions to see how I answer to you, without accusing you or without judging. When there is an acceptable universal logic, Umar, Abo Bakr(رضی الله عنها) and Ali and all people must be judged based on that logic. Being emotional and closing our minds to some scientific, psychological, historical, and philosophical facts results in nothing.
It should be mentioned again, I don't care about Ali and other companions. If you logically prove that Abo Baker and Umar(رضی الله عنها) have been better than Ali and have had some particular preference, I will accept Sunny branch of Islam.
All the best,
Behnam, 11 August, 2015
Dear Behnam,
You seemed to have confessed about selection of Abo Baker (May Allah be pleased with him) as first caliph. Thank you so much!
When the criteria, after having long debate, was turned into favour of Abo Baker (R.A) who was friend of him since childhood, He (Abo Baker) stood and referred to Umer bin Abdul Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) as a proposal for the post. As I said earlier in my reply to your queries "As we all know sincere people never offers himself for the highest post". However, What can I reply to that suspicious mind which always doubts the intention of others. Allah knows the intention of all. We are greatfull to this man as savior of Islam.
Now come to your illogical question as response to my comment "The point of this discussion was who spent more time with him deserved more rights for the post". who accepted Islam first?
Ali (R.A) accepted in 610 when he was 10 years old, whereas Umar converted to Islam in 616 when he was 33 years old. Thus, Umer (R.A.) was 23 years older than Ali in age. Does accepting Islam of a 10 years old child means passing more time than who accepted Islam 6 years later? Therefore, I said in my reply to your queries, "Besides, the age was also another factor in deciding the successor".
you declared youself as disbleiver but the way you responded to my comment seems to be strongest believer. what a condradiction inyour words and your actions. Do you think to have further debate with such suspecious character helps us come to a peaceful conclusion? In accordance to my vest experience, No!
So try to maintain PEACE on your side, please.
Thank you so much for taking part in this discussion so far.
Dear brother Arif Saeed,
So many thanks for replying. First of all you should know, I am neither Sunny, nor Shiite. You can consider me as an unbeliever who has come, for example, from Mars. Now, I am a new person on the Earth. I have decided to choose a religion. Therefore, I am studying all religions to see which of them quenches my thirst. I hope you can figure this assumption, since I really don't care about either Sunny or Shiite!
You have written:
"The point of this discussion was who spent more time with him deserved more rights for the post."
Now, the question is this: When did Umar(رضی الله عنه) accept Islam? In comparison with Ali, prophet's cousin and son-in-law, who had spent more time with Muhammad(PBUH)? When did Ali accepted Islam?
You have written:
"Abo Bakar Siddique, (May Allah be pleased with him) stood and referred to Umer bin Abdul Khittab (May Allah be pleased with him) as a proposal for the post. Umer (R.A) refused it saying that a person who accompanied him the most among all companions (may Allah be pleased with them) was Abo Baker (R.A)"
This seems like a game to me! You support me, I'll support you[scratch my back and i'll scratch yours]. This is a famous game. In our organization, we often play this game. Believe me, once I myself have played this game. This is not election. This is selection! Dear brother Arif saeed, if you think I am trying to insult Prophet's companions you are wrong. I have great respect for all of those great people. However, their method in selecting Caliph seems neither logical, nor morally or logically defensible. In Mars we call it a political game designed in the past, to be played in a proper time.
Once again, I should emphasize that I am neither Sunny nor Shiite. I am an unbeliever, studying religions and their branches to see which of them convinces me. You can consider me as a thirsty person who is looking for some drinks. I am studying drinks such as water, wine, beer, different juices,...to see which of them is healthy for my body. You should also know, I am expert enough to study them in my lab.
My brain says a great messenger like Muhammad(PBUH) who has established a system of governing after taking a lot of efforts and attempts in 23 years, IS SUPPOSED to give at least some advice to the future mechanism of election or selection. I am still studying this important issue. If I don't find any suggestions, signs, points, guidance, advice, ... from him(Muhammad(PBUH)) on nominating a successor or showing a mechanism to elect or select someone as caliph after his death, I won't accept Muhammad(PBUH) and Islam! I am so serious in this issue. It is neither acceptable nor logical to leave a community without-at least-giving some advice on the method of governing! Muhammad(PBUH) should have cared about the world of Islam after his death. If he hadn't cared, he'd would have been called a careless leader!
Brother Arif Saeed, please be patient. I am looking forward to reading your answers and explanation.
All the best,
Behnam, 11 August, 2015
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