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.

2 comments

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.

keithwhu at Oct 04 2007 12:00:00 AM : The most recent Lancet survey on Iraqi casualties estimates that 69% of them have been caused by Iraqis - and as a conservative estimate of casualties to date is in the region of 400,000 and the total number of Coalition Service Casualties is 4,000 , I don't see how you can claim that "most attacks are against coalition occupying forces".

What is Yoosk?

Yoosk is a news interplay magazine and community where you, the members are the reporters. Put your questions directly to politicians and celebrities and watch those questions gain support as other Yoosk members vote for them. Our pledge to you is that any question which reaches 100 votes will be submitted by us to the person involved and we will do our best to get an answer. You can comment on the answers, submit follow-up questions and rate each public figure’s performance on their personal page. And you can do much more…have a look round, join the site, and become part of the future of reporting!!

Topics you are talking about:

People you are asking:
All London Mayoral Candidates Boris Johnson Siân Berry William Hague Gordon Brown Brian Paddick Denis MacShane John Redwood Lindsey German Gisela Stuart Neil O'Brien Ken Livingstone David Cameron Mark Meredith David Miliband