لطفا منتظر باشید ...
In the Name of Allah, the compassionate, the all-merciful
Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House.
A Shi''''ite Encyclopedia
Introduction
Dear brother/sister
Assalamu 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 is 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 this 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 rival
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.
For this version, you may have a personal copy of this encyclopedia, and
also you may provide single copies for your friends.
If you wish to mass
distribute this encyclopedia, please first contact the editors with the
address given few lines later in this introduction for permission.
Some of the chapters have been upgraded to version 2.
0 while the
rest were upgraded to version 1.
5.
The main emphasis and major
features of version 2.
0 include: more accuracy, in-depth documentation,
better style of writing, and integrity, and also incorporates
the latest feedback from the Sunnis about our articles and the
answers to them.
We hope you find this encyclopedia helpful and constructive, and
we thank God for giving us this opportunity.
Blessings of Allah
be upon Muhammad and the Members of his House.
Best wishes,
Vahid J.
Majd
Ali Abbas
Editors
