The AMI Podcast

Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Shia Sunni scholars discuss various points of view. The discussion prompted further questions around the topic of Khaṭaʾ Ijtihadī (mistakes in interpretation); a notion which would see the wrongs of the companions reduced to a mere error in their judgement, whilst them still being considered worthy of reward due to their effort in the issue. This naturally led to the discussion as to whether Muawiya could be considered a rebel (bāghi), something considered a grave sin by some Muslim jurists, to which the Sunni ulema  in the discussion agreed that he, and for that matter, anyone who revolted against Ali, would fall into the category of a rebel. The reverence of Muawiya amongst Sunnis was also discussed, to which some  Sunni scholars present made the claim that this is a modern influence of  Nasibis on the Sunni community.  Syed Fadlallah wrapped up the discussion quoting Quranic verses 2:134  and 12:111, which highlight the importance of taking lessons from such events in history as opposed to it merely being a point of difference. (Part 3 of 3 videos)

Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Shia view presentation by Dr Sayyid Jaafar Fadlallah. Syed Fadlallah presented a summary of his detailed  Arabic paper on the topic. He broached the subject by looking at historical sources to deduce the motives held by Ali and Muawiya leading up to the battle. These motives are important in trying to figure out which side was in line with Islamic values. He also briefly outlined the approaches that influence one’s reading of this and for that matter any historical event. (Part 2 of 3 videos)

Understanding the stand of Imam Ali and those who opposed him at the battle of Siffin. Sunni view presentation by Syed  Naveed Shah. Syed Naveed’s presentation, which was a historical account of the events, outlined the events leading up to and including the battle of Siffin from Sunni sources. From his reading of these historical accounts, he concluded that Ali was appointed as caliph in a  rightful manner and that Muawiya’s uprising against him was unjustified. (Part 1 of 3 videos)

Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain, who after acknowledging that this was a sensitive and polarising event for the Muslims, went on to ask whether it was befitting for Lady Aisha to rise up and in the process oppose the Qur’anic commands[3], in addition to rising up against a legitimate caliph. During the discussion, further questions were also raised such as whether those who rose up were considered rebels (baghi) to which  Qari Zahiruddin outlined a Sunni stance that during the battle they were considered rebels, however after the battle they repented and were thus exonerated from being considered rebels. In addition to this, the question was raised as to why the fighters against the first two caliphs were considered abandoning the religion (murtad) whilst the fighters against Ali were let off so easily? Also mentioned during the discussion was how this political incident has led to theological implications, and how the Sunni may have to reconcile the notion of the companions being just & right (Adool) whilst them fighting each other?  It was concluded that the event did cause tensions in the community,  however, the actions of Ali ibn Abi Talib in dealing with Lady Aisha showed that he did so with utmost respect despite the far-reaching consequences of her actions. This is a learning point for us in emulating his character and learning from history.

CIMS Presentation on the Shia perspective by Prof. Liyakat Takim on the  Battle of Jamal. Professor Takim briefly recapped the historical narrative, outlined by Qari Zahiruddin, confirming that these details were largely agreed upon by both Shia and Sunni. He then went on to mention certain points raised by Shia scholars such as Lady Aisha’s attack on Basra, which resulted in many lives being lost, despite the killers of Uthman being in Medina and not in Basra. Furthermore, he mentioned the incident of the dogs barking at a place called Hawab, at which point  Lady Aisha wanted to turn back as she remembered the Prophet warning his wives of the barking dogs of Hawab. However, members from her army  came together and bore witness that the place they were at was not  Hawab, to which some Shia scholars point out that this was a mass false testimony if not the first one in Muslim history. The battle of Jamal was a dark time for the Muslim community and it is at this point in history according to Prof. Takim that a concretised notion of identity formed in the community where the label of either a follower of  Ali or a follower of Uthman came into existence. (Part 2 of 3)

CIMS Presentation on the Sunni perspective by Qari Zahirrudin Tahir at the  Battle of Jamal. Quoting early historical historians such as al-Tabari,  al-Baladhuri and others, Qari Zahiruddin outlined the events after the death of Uthman, the reluctance of Ali to take the office of the caliphate, and his subsequent taking of office due to insistence by the people. Despite initially giving allegiance, Talha and Zubair defected and ended up joining Lady Aisha to muster an army rallying in the name of avenging Uthman’s blood. After outlining the events leading up to the battle of Jamal, Qari went on to describe the specifics of the battle which included the retreat of Talha & Zubayr out of remorse, and their subsequent killings. The battle was eventually won by Ali, after which he sent off Lady Aisha back to Medina with dignity and respect.  Citing narrations in Sunni hadith books such as Bukhari, and referencing  Sunni Scholar’s views such as Shaykh Albani, Qari mentioned that Lady  Aisha was in error, however, she was remorseful and repented, and this is testified by her unwillingness to be buried next to the Prophet, in addition to her silence during the remainder of her life in respect to any opposition to Imam Ali. (Part 1 of 3)

CIMS Panel discussion on The Door of Fatima: The controversy over the violation of the House of Sayyeda Fatima (as) by companions, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (s).

CIMS Presentation on the Sunni perspective by Shaykh Umar Ramadhan on  The Door of Fatima: The controversy over the violation of the House of  Sayyeda Fatima (as) by companions, after the death of the Prophet  Muhammad (s). (Part 2 of 3)

CIMS presentation on Shia perspective by Shaykh Vinay Khetia on 'The  Door of Fatima: The controversy over the violation of the House of  Sayyeda Fatima (as) by companions, after the death of the Prophet  Muhammad (s)'. (Part 1 of 3)

Q&A and Shia Sunni panel discussion on the topic of the relationship between Lady Fatima al-Zahra and the Khulafa after the death of the Prophet in light of the dispute over Fadak. (Part 3 of 3)