Why do some Islamic sects see Twelver Shias as kafirs, while they don’t have the same idea about other Shia sects? - Questions Archive - IslamQuest is a reference for Islamic questions on the internet

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Last Updated: 2010/03/20

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Summary of question

Why do some Islamic sects see Twelver Shias as kafirs, while they don’t have the same idea about other Shia sects?

question

The Shia Ishna Asheri, follower of the 12 progeny of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.S), are usually referred by certain religious fanatics, as KAFIR - INFIDELS. On what basis are they referred as thus. What about the Shia Imami Ismaili who do not follow the tenets of Islam but still call themselves as MUSLIMS ? I wish to have an unbiased reply to this Question, Thanks.

Concise answer

First we must pay attention that neither the Twelver Shia consider other Islamic sects as kafirs, nor do the majority of the Sunnis accuse the Twelver Shia of kufr, and if it is ever said so, it is by small extremist groups such as the Wahabis who hold no significant status amongst Muslims, not even the Sunnis.

Twelver Shias, as a result of their strong ability of argumentation and great scholars, have backed and confirmed their beliefs through sources that those opposing the Shia see as authentic and have also challenged the beliefs of others, thus becoming subject to the animosity and anger of extremists. At the same time, such a high ability of scholarly dialogue and level of confidence is devoid of in other Shia sects such as the Isma’iliyyah, not making them threats to extremists. Consequently, hostilities are much less here and efforts are made to prevent their assimilation into the majority of the Shia (which are Twelvers) through appropriate attitudes towards them.