There are some real concrete steps that both sunnis and shias can take to promote unity. Both sides need to accept a level of criticism of their differences. Why? Because a difference of opinion does not take someone out of the fold of Islam.
Here are some steps Shias can take today:
- Shias need to stop and renounce all cursing of all sahaba (companions of the prophet).
- Shias should respect all sahaba and wives of the prophet, except for Mu’awyia who is a disputed figure. But they should not curse him.
- Shias need to renounce calling out in duaas, prayers, or help of anyone other than Allah swt.
Here are some steps Sunnis can take today:
- Sunnis should renounce the logic that any “bad muslims” or disbelievers should and need to be killed.
- Sunnis should recognize the crime of Karbala, and promote the memory of Imam Hussein, and ahlul bayt.
- Sunnis need to ignore the alternate version of history that many shias have promoted, even if you do not agree with it (such as the alleged martyrdom of Fatima as). So long as shias do not curse the sahaba.
If we can accomplish this, we are still left with many differences. However, this should have taken care of the biggest problems we have.
Further, all sects should reaffirm the clear orders of Allah swt in the Quran:
- Killing one innocent life, is the same as killing all of mankind.
- Only Allah can judge our differences in aqeeda and fiqh. We need to be tolerant of our muslim brothers.
- The wives of the prophet are the mothers of the believers.
- Unity among muslims is required and sects are haram.
- Muslims are required to defend each other and their land.
- Muslims are not permitted to call out to any except Allah swt.
- None of our personal feelings permit us to go against the directives of Allah swt.
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