Question

Jamal Harwood, United Caliphate- what a load of claptrap! Even centuries ago the Muslim world didn't agree over succession. Thus the Suni/Shia split, which still encourages so-called "Muslims" to murder each other today in Iraq and elsewhere. But, since you know you're "right", I suppose your solution to dissent is to convince or, only if necessary, murder those who are "wrong"?
Asked by rezashah on Aug 17 2007 3:07:01 PM and supported by 30 members MORE!

Answer

Shia/Sunni are differing schools of thought in Islam, there is nothing inherent in the teachings of either school encouraging Muslims to kill those from other schools of thought – quite the contrary – this is expressly forbidden. The current invasion of Iraq and division of regions along sectarian lines by the occupying forces has engendered mass violence including Shia/Sunni, but most of the attacks are against the coalition occupying forces and there is also significant Shia upon Shia violence. This was never historically the case, either in the past century or during the centuries of the Caliphate. There will always be political and theological differences in any state. This violence, which we witness today ,was brought on by occupation and is exacerbated by plans to divide the country.

1 comment

rezashah at Sep 24 2007 12:00:00 AM : Thankyou for your answers, Mr. Harwood. While I agree with you that the disastrous and immoral invasion of Iraq has sadly exacerbated the mistrust between many Sunnis and Shias (and Christians), I believe it was largely a simmering problem which would have inevitably boiled over, sooner or later, anyway. You rightly mention the growing Shia infighting. But let us not forget the growing Sunni infighting, which stems from the difference between those Sunnis who wish to try and stabalize their ravaged country (eg. recently murdered Sheik Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha) and the blood-thirsty madmen who support Al Quaida and its intolerance to anyone who isn't Sunni and supports them.

What is Yoosk?

Yoosk is an interactive interview magazine
which enables you to participate in the
news gathering process by putting your
questions to politicians & celebrities
Six ways to do it
1.Put your questions directly to public figures
2.Get votes for them by mailing & bookmarking
3.Vote for other users’ questions
4.View answers & say what you think of them
5.Join a community of news enthusiasts
6.Submit your own ideas for interview features

Editors, reporters and bloggers
Use our software to set up your own Yoosk
Use our widget to collect your users’ questions
Public figures
Get closer to constituents, fans and customers
Answer their questions directly to webcam

Topics you are talking about:

People you are asking:
James Purnell Margaret Curran John Mason Ian Levitt Ian Robertson Paul Hudson Tom Watson MP Boris Johnson Denis MacShane Lynne Featherstone Angelina Jolie Amanda Coulson Davena Rankin Simon Bradshaw Alex Salmond