The leader of the Sadrist movement in Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr, has called for an end to the dispute over the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. He stressed that both Sunni and Shiite sects agree that the companions are not infallible and cited the position of the “Nawasib,” who are hostile to Ali bin Abi Talib according to some Shiite groups. In a statement posted on Twitter, al-Sadr urged followers to avoid insulting or mocking other sects or their followers, even if they disagree with them. He suggested instead that constructive historical criticism and open dialogue could end the dispute about the Companions. Both Sunni and Shia agree that the Companions are not infallible, but differ in their interpretation of this principle.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The leader of the Shiite Sadrist movement in Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr, called for a dialogue aimed at ending the dispute over the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, stressing that the Sunni and Shiite sects are unanimous on the lack of infallibility of the companions, citing the position of the “Nawasib” (the term Those who are hostile to Ali bin Abi Talib are called Sunnis, according to some Shiite groups).
This came in a statement by al-Sadr, which he posted on his Twitter page, in which he said: “Our fathers taught us that if we disagree with another sect and know its lapses – so to speak – this does not mean the freedom to insult, insult and severely mock their sect or the people who followed them throughout history. The masters of the Nasibis are from the Umayyads and Kharijites, and if they insult the infallible guardian, we do not meet them with their morals and to this day..and they do not represent the moderates among the Sunnis.
And he added: “Our morals are higher and greater, and what we are polite about prevents us from imitating them and imitating the Nasibis is forbidden, and from here laws were enacted in order to arrest those who insulted and mocked, and there is no objection to that .. But the door should not be opened wide, because constructive historical criticism, even if it is harsh, or if the facts are reported. And opinions, even if it does not fit with the minds of some, then such things must continue without insulting, cursing and obscene words..”
And he continued: “And I see it as an urgent interest to open a serious and purposeful dialogue and with continuous sessions to end the dispute regarding the Companions .. The Sunnis and Shiites are unanimous on the infallibility of the Companions. Or those who clearly slipped away from the Muhammadan foundations and its blessed Sunnah and the like, or as the al-Zanim (Taha al-Dulaimi) clarified about the permissibility of killing the grandson of the Messenger by Yazid al-Umayyad.
In conclusion, Muqtada al-Sadr’s call for a dialogue aimed at ending the dispute over the companions of the Prophet Muhammad is a positive step towards promoting unity and understanding between the Sunni and Shiite sects in Iraq. His emphasis on respectful discourse and the importance of constructive historical criticism without insults or obscene words is a valuable reminder for all parties involved in these discussions. Hopefully, this dialogue will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the shared beliefs and values between the two sects and ultimately contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society.