The AMI Podcast

The discussion ended with an interactive Q&A session allowing all scholars and attendees present to take part and iron out any issues or concerns they may have had.   In conclusion, the scholars all accepted and agreed on the following statements;  – Taqiyyah and Ikrah are synonymous terms from the same origin and are denoted by the Quran on an equal basis.  – Taqiyyah is not a new invention in Shi’ism and its terminology is derived from the holy Qur’an making it justifiable in Islam.  – Taqiyyah can only be practised in genuine life or death circumstances similar to Idtirar and anything relating to worldly benefits is strictly forbidden and deceptive.  – The ulama of both schools of thought have to educate their communities about the true concept and application of Taqiyyah to dissipate the misconceptions around the issue. (Part 3 or 3)

Shaykh Abdul Hadi al-Omri presented the Quranic concept of Idtirar and  Ikrah (extraneous circumstances) based on the teachings of the Sunni school of thought. He explored the state of idtirar (helplessness) and its applications and conditions concerning human life. And, ended by also admitting of the misuse of this Quranic principle by the people of various Hiyal (tricks) for the sake of their worldly desires. (Part 2 or  3)

In his presentation, Shaykh Ayub Rashid examined the concept of Taqiyyah from the perspective of the Shi’i school of thought by using the Holy  Qur’an, the Prophet’s sunnah, and hadith to illustrate to shed light on the topic. He explained that taqiyyah was not a new invention, rather it dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet and has a direct link with specific verses of the Holy Qur’an i.e. Sura al Imran (3: 28) and Sura al-Nahl (16:106); where a believer is permitted to conceal his real faith and utter something which contradicts his faith for the sake of his own life or the people around him. He explained that Taqiyyah was used as the shield from the severe persecution of Shias at the hands of the Umayyad and Abbasid rulers. He also acknowledged that the notion of  Taqiyyah has been misused by the people inclined to their vested interests which have caused a lot of misunderstandings but have no concern with the proper teachings of the Shia Imamiyah school of thought. (Video Part 1 of 3)

Finally, the Shia Sunni panel discussion about holy Quran concluded with an interactive Q&A session allowing the audience to input their knowledge and ask the scholars  their questions.

Quran: In the Light of Sunni and Shia Perspectives Shia presentation by AMI’s Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain elaborated on the divine credibility of the Quran; which has maintained its authenticity since its revelation onto the holy Prophet. He also shed light on the narrations regarding the completion and compilation of the Holy Quran to  clear any related misunderstandings.

The first presentation by Hafiz Mohammad Saeed validated the authenticity of the revelation of the Quran and refuted the allegations and misconceptions  regarding the revelation and compilation of the Quran emanating from certain traditions.