Is it necessary to demonize the Shiites?

I have to admit that I might not have enough knowledge to scholarly conclude whether Shiites are Muslims, pseudo-Muslims or outrightkafirs. However, is it necessary to go all out, guns blazing, on Shiites?

Imran Hakim

What do Shiites and final exams have in common?

They are the two most popular topics as I scrolled down my Twitter timeline for the past week.

Although I am supposed to be studying for my Environmental and Resources Economics final tomorrow, I can’t help but to be bothered by the constant attacks and demonization of the Shiites by some Malaysians.

“Syiah Musuh Islam”

“Syiah Itu Yahudi”

“Syiah Bunuh Sunni”

And many other similar rhetorics that somehow managed to appear on my timeline (I guess I need to recheck who I am following on Twitter).

I have to admit that I might not have enough knowledge to scholarly conclude whether Shiites are Muslims, pseudo-Muslims or outright kafirs. However, is it necessary to go all out, guns blazing, on Shiites?

The “rightful” Sunnis are worried that Muslims will be deceived by the Shiites, into praising Saidina Ali over Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The “rightful” Sunnis are worried that Muslims will be deceived into cursing the Sahabahs of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the zen-like Shiite prayers.

The “rightful” Sunnis are worried that Muslims will be deceived into hurting themselves during Asyura’.

The “rightful” Sunnis are worried that Muslims will be deceived into the control of the Jews, through the Shiites.

and so on.

Aren’t the “rightful” Sunnis worried about the extremism that they are portraying and its effect on the Muslim society? How would that translate to non-Muslims? “Don’t mind us, we’re just cleaning up Islam, the religion of peace – by a massive witch-hunting, filled with hatred, on the Shiites.”

Even if the Shiites are indeed kafir, why do some people see hatred as the only way out? Shouldn’t we, as the real Muslims, be more compassionate? We should at least try to bring the Shiites back to the real path, if they are not on one, through education. If indeed Shiites are wrong, at least guide their followers to the right path. We shouldn’t be too quick to judge and punish. If we really want to emulate the Islam that our Prophet Muhammad led, we should follow his lead, and not be too hasty with the sword.

I mean, sure, some might disagree and say there is no tolerance in religion and all deviant teachings must be eliminated for the sake of the Muslim unity. But maybe they should sit back and take a look at the bigger picture. If they go on an all-out, state-sponsored war (be it figuratively or literally) on the Shiites, wouldn’t it cause more conflict between Sunnis and Shiites? Do you think that some Shiites would just keep quiet and let themselves be trampled upon and demonized? I am sure that some would fight back when pushed too much. Such a conflict would definitely weaken the whole Muslim community, making them vulnerable to the Americans, the Jews, the Israelis, the Zionists, the communists, the liberals, the homosexuals, the Chinese, the Illuminatis, the Freemasons, etc. Maybe they should spread the real Islam, instead of pushing each other towards a societal collapse, or even worse, a civil war.

Educate, instead of hate.