Anti-Shi'ism SYED MAQBOAL HUSSAIN The word "shia" is an Arabic word which has been derived from word "Shaya'ah" whose meaning is to 'love, follow and help'. The literal meaning of word "shia" is "follower" which has been used for the four prominent followers of Prophet SAW and ALIA.S: Abu Zarr Ghafari, Salman Farsi, Miqdad bin Aswad Kindi, and Ammar Yasir. But the term Shia became common for the followers of Alias from the time of Prophet SAW. It was the prophet himself who used the word shia for the followers of Ali. So the followers of Ali are being known by the term Shillatu IAl?. According to an Alhe Sunni Ulma Firuzabadi the word Shia is commonly used for the followers and lovers of Ali.1 (see- Qamusu'l-Lughat: Firuzabadi). After the death of ProphetSAW there arose differences between the followers of Ali and Umayid dynasty and they came to be known as Shias and Sunnis respectively. The followers of Ali believe that Prophet himself had chosen his successor on the will of God. It was on the 18th of Zil Hijah of 10th AH in the Islamic calendar that the Prophet called for a very large gathering, of Muslims came from different places, after his last pilgrimage at the pond of Khum; at a place named Gadeer Khum which is located near the city of al-Juhfah, Saudi Arabia and it is on that very occasion when prophet nominated Ali as his successor. Prophet Muhammad there stated: "Munkuntum mawla fahaza Aliyun Mawla" Oh people! Reflect on the Quran and comprehend its verses. Look into its clear verses and do not follow its ambiguous parts, for by Allah, none shall be able to explain to you its warnings and its mysteries, nor shall anyone clarify its
Anti-Shi'ism SYED MAQBOAL HUSSAIN interpretation, other than the one that I have grasped his hand, brought up beside myself, and lifted his arm, the one about whom I inform you that whomever I am his master (Mawla)), then Ali is his master (Mawla); and he is Ali Ibn Abi Talib, my brother, the executor of my will (Wasiyyi), whose appointment as your guardian and leader has been sent down to me from Allah, the mighty and the majestic. When Prophet Mohammad passed away, Ali had performed his all the last ceremonies, made the funeral arrangements while on the other side a body had been prepared during that time and election was organized in that Abu Bakr was elected as the Caliph. With this society Muslims got almost divided and followers of Ali were against this but Ali accepted it for the sake of unity among Muslims. The Shias believe that God is only one who is all just there is no partner of God and Prophet Mohammad is his Messenger and representative on earth and Ali is the successor (WASI) of Prophet. They believe on twelve Imams being known as Shia Ithna Ashri (followers of twelve imams). Islam is the religion and Quran is the holy book