Sectarian Differences and the Unity of the Muslim Ummah: A Comparative Review of Sunni and Shia Beliefs

Abstract

The Hadith of Thaqalayn is the main and authoritative text in the Islamic discourse where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) reported: Towards you I leave two heavy things, the Book of Allah and my progeny (Ahl al-Bayt). Handfast them, and thou wilt never err." Both Sunnis and Shias schools of thought report this hadith only that the interpretation and application of the hadith differ greatly among the two. The Sunni interpretation of this hadith suggests that the main point of this hadith is the need to love, respect and honor the Quran and the family of the prophet. Conversely, the Shia view perceives it as a pillar of evidence in support of the Imamate, infallibility and religious authority of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt. This paper provides a comparative argument of the hadith sources of the two sects, their theology, exegesis and commentaries of authorities. It investigates also the formula of blessing of two people: LAN yaftariqa ("they will never separate") and it doctrinal connotations. The purpose of the study is to find out how each school utilizes this hadith to develop its religious establishment, jurisprudential arguments and spiritual direction. The study also points out the way in which this narration can be applied in the contemporary context in order to encourage inter-sectarian harmony, unity among the Muslims and mutual respect. The evidence can be used to indicate that irrespective of the interpretive variations, the Hadith of Thaqalayn can serve as a common ground where Muslims can create the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

Keywords: Hadith of Thaqalayn, Ahl al-Bayt, Comparative Theology, Sunni and Shia Beliefs, Imamate and Caliphate, Muslim Unity, Hadith Interpretation