‘SuShi or not SuShi... That is the Question'

I’ve only ever written one blog before, and that was on the Hijab. You may have already read it. If you have, you will notice that it was fairly structured, and hopefully, informative. For this one, I cannot guarantee anything; what you are about to read may end up being a mere rant. Khair, let’s see what happens.

Amidst the recent conflict in Iraq – in particular, the emergence of the terrorist group, ISIS – the controversies regarding Sunnism and Shi’ism has intensified. First, let me state that ISIS are not Sunni, they are not even human beings in my eyes, but that is a separate issue. However, the media has wrongly labelled this a sectarian conflict and thus, it is no surprise that I have come across more Muslims begrudging the need to associate with a sect. The phrase, ‘I am not Sunni, I am not Shi’a, but I’m Muslim’, is rife; too rife, if you ask me. The concept of being a ‘SuShi’, that is, associating partly with both Sunnism and Shi’ism’, undoubtedly arises with clean intentions. It is a lovely idea which preaches that Muslims shouldn’t have differences in school of thought, as it simply creates evil, and is not really worth it. On paper, it is a beautiful notion. It’s just a shame that it is a mere fantasy and is simply not a viable option.

Do not get me wrong, unity in terms of social and political factors is very much possible – vital, in fact. The plight of the Ummah is visible to everyone, and the only way to resolve this is through social unity. Shi’as should be praying and aiding the majority Sunni Muslims suffering in Palestine, whilst Sunnis should be attending to the needs of the Shi’as suffering in Iraq and Pakistan, as they have been. In fact, the Sunni response to ISIS has thoroughly impressed me. However, uniting on beliefs is 100% impossible. I will look to justify this through predominantly using events in Islamic history,  

‘I am not Sunni, I am not Shia, but I’m Muslim.’ This phrase bothers me a lot. Agreed, RasulAllah (SAW) is common to both sects; both believe he is the final messenger of God, both believe in monotheism, and both subscribe to the idea of the Day of Judgement. This is what makes them Muslim. However, you cannot claim to belong to both sects when there are substantial differences between them – perhaps not spiritually as such, but most definitely historically. Let me take you back a while to around the time of the Prophet’s (SAW) death. We are in Ghadeer, where there are in excess of 70,000 people awaiting RasulAllah’s (SAW) significant announcement. Beside him is Ali ibn Abu Talib (as), the subject of this major event in Islamic history. The Holy Prophet (SAW) takes Ali’s (as) hand and says: For whoever I am his master, Ali is also his master. On the same day this famous line was given, the Qur’anic ayat, "Today I have perfected your religion and completed my favour upon you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion" (Qur'an 5:3), was revealed to the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW). Both of these events are prominent in books of both schools of thought. For example, it is narrated in Tabari, Abu Naim, Al-Bayhaqqi, to name a few Sunni books.

Now I fast-forward to the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW); this is when the differences begin to prevail. Whilst Imam Ali (as) is burying the Prophet of Islam, an election is taking place in Saqifah, as to who will succeed the Prophet (SAW) as leader of the Muslims. As is common knowledge, Abu Bakr is selected, despite the events that took place in Ghadeer. Anyway, Sunnis believe that Abu Bakr is the rightfully guided successor, whilst Shi’as claim this position is held by none other than Imam Ali (as). I ask the SuShi, seeing as you are both Sunni and Shi’a, does that mean Ali (as) and Abu Bakr are both the rightfully appointed successor? Did the Prophet choose them both? It is like saying, Liverpool and Man City both won the league last year. It is a ludicrous statement, something mathematically, conceptually and physically impossible.

Further historical events such as the Battle of Uhud shed light on the status of the companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW). As you may recollect, the Prophet’s order to all soldiers was to stay in their respective positions, despite the enemies retreating. However, all but three men disobeyed in search of war booty. Furthermore, in the ayat of Tatheer, Allah ‘intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification’ (33:33). These examples explain the Shi’a perspective of there being a hierarchy with regard to the status of the Prophet’s (SAW) companions. On the other hand, Sunnis reject this idea, maintaining that all companions of the Prophet (SAW) should be held in equal weighting. My challenge to Sushis is thus the following: if you follow both Sunnism and Shi’ism together, your Sunni ideology dictates that all companions cannot be differentiated between. However, your Shi’a side simultaneously informs you that some companions were better than the others. So which one do you follow? By taking both sides, you ultimately don’t take any side. What is the truth if no side is taken?

The examples I have briefly explained clearly highlight the contrasting interpretations of historical events in Islamic history. One thing I read whilst researching the viewpoints of SuShis was, ‘is the difference between Sunni and Shi'a even worth shouting over?’ I struggle to fathom how anyone can ignore the events in the past, as these heavily contribute in shaping a Muslim’s beliefs. When the very essence of being a Shi’a is loving the Ahlul Bayt (as) and accepting the Wilayah of Ameerul Mu’mineen, Ali ibn Abu Talib (as), it is impossible to even be ‘part Shia’ if this is something that you do not subscribe to with full commitment. Following the death of RasulAllah (SAW), Imam Ali (as) is either the first successor, or the fourth. There is absolutely no middle ground.  Moreover, you either testify to the superiority of some companions over the others, or you believe they are equal in status. These are but a few examples on the flaws that being impartial can cause. 

Therefore, I would urge every SuShi to pick a side. As the saying goes, sitting on the fence causes a sore backside. The ideology of a SuShi causes me far greater pain than that. 

Hijab - The Beauty of the Hidden Beauty

Beyond the piece of fabric is an invaluable gem, a pearl, an exclusive diamond gifted to us by our beautiful religion. Hijab fascinates me. I am fascinated by its concept; its meaning and the lasting effect it has. It may seem odd that I am writing this. After all, I am male (unless this is all one big lie) and the Hijab is commonly associated with females. Granted, male hijab exists, but I thought it may be interesting for me to discuss the female hijab from a guy’s perspective.

Many people look beyond the physical piece of cloth, claiming that this is merely the foundations of the concept and while this may be true, the covering itself is remarkable. In a culture where the aesthetic appearance of a woman is of utmost significance – often for women and most definitely for men – I find it startling, amazing, and inspiring to see so many of my sisters in faith give up all of this, simply to follow God’s command. I cannot salute them enough. We live in a society where if females want the best jobs, their physical appearance needs to be in total shape, but a man can be butt-ugly and be a CEO of a multi-national company. The fact that society sees nothing wrong in this absolutely disgusts me. I once saw an advert where a guy gladly offers a chocolate to an attractive looking woman, and as soon as he exchanges it, the woman becomes ugly and he retracts the bar. I think I was meant to find that funny – you know, because injustice, objectification, and bullying are so comical. Yeaaaaaaah, no. I was seething.

I have heard all sorts of analogies regarding the Hijab; the view that Hijabis are lollipops baffles me. By attempting to remove the notion of objectification, you label them a sweet? To me, it is far simpler than that; it embodies modesty, dignity and self-respect. As a man, I can promise you that Hijab serves its multi-dimensional purpose. The majority of men’s’ first reaction when they see a non-hijabi woman is their physical appearance. I stress that this does not mean lust; it’s simply the first noticeable aspect. However, the rule changes for Hijabis. Every day when I spot a Hijabi on the train or at university itself, my initial reaction is literally admiration. This act of modesty just commands respect from others, particularly men, and I am sure most Hijabis would agree that they notice this. They say Hijab is oppression and a violation of freedom yet I can’t fathom how Hijab is anything but freedom. Freedom from thirsty guys making moves on you. Freedom from conforming to today’s derogatory norms. Freedom from being judged on the outside rather than the all-important inside.

The lack of modesty that we see on a daily basis is a major contributor in a number of vile crimes, be it prostitution, rape, gender inequality or unfair treatment of women at work. It would be ridiculous to blame women for some of these issues; of course men are at fault. But prevention is the best cure, right? If you are ill, you take medication to stop the microbes from spreading. If you are cold, you wear a jacket to keep warm. Likewise, this form of self-respect – that you are worth more than your exterior self – is a powerful message that is a protector from such vices. A common response to this would probably be, ‘why should women have to suffer for men’s evil intentions?’ but that’s the beauty of hijab; it is not a punishment, but rather a source of identity and modesty.

‘Verily, every religion has a natural disposition and the natural disposition of Islam is modesty’ ~ Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

One thing that hurts me is to see those who acknowledge that Hijab is the right course of action, but abstain from it due to fear. Not only does Hijab define self-empowerment but ask yourself, would Allah give you anything to fear after this pure sacrifice? Give in the way of Allah and he will return to you so much more.  

‘If you knew the worth of Allah’s mercy, you would rely solely on that.’ ~ Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

It is ironic to me that women either refrain from wearing the Hijab or even remove it in search of more beauty. Quite frankly, I have not seen anything more beautiful than Hijab.