The Sunni-Shia Dispute
During a recent Jumu’ah khutbah, the Imam remarked that Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) is the greatest man after the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When questioned about this, he replied by asking, “Are you Shia?”
This was the first time someone asked me that. It made me pause and really think: How do I identify myself, and why?
After some thought, I realised I am comfortable calling myself a Muslim, following the Ḥanafī madhab, and trying to walk the spiritual path of Tasawwuf in the Chishtī tradition.
These paths don’t divide people — they help us grow in our connection to Allah SWT. For example, Ḥanafīs and Shāfiʿīs may follow different rulings, but they still accept and respect one another.
What’s more, in a Chisti qawali gathering, a song on “bare Pir” or Hazrath Gaus Paak RA would always be sung, even before a song of their own founder of the Chistia Sisila. This attitude is the finest example of how we should respect others.
But when it comes to the Sunni–Shia divide, things become very different. Some Shias place Hazrat Ali (RA) above all other companions and, in extreme cases, speak badly about Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrath Ayesha Siddiqa RA. This goes against what the Qur’an and the Prophet ﷺ taught us. On the other side, some Sunni’s react in a similar way — by not giving enough respect to Hazrat Ali (RA) and the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet ﷺ).
This kind of thinking makes people feel like they have to choose one side and hold back their respect or appreciation for the other.
It makes us feel like we must pick between two people who were both loved by the Prophet ﷺ. One is his father-in-law and the other is his cousin and son-in-law. This just does not make sense.
After the Prophet ﷺ passed away, there was a difficult question of who would lead the Muslims. This is something that has happened in many communities throughout history. But the matter was settled — Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen as the first Caliph by the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and Hazrat Ali (RA) later accepted this too. It’s over. It’s history, and we should not be dwelling over this anymore.
Just some points showing how special each of them is; The Prophet ﷺ said: “If I were to take a khalīl (close friend) other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr.” – Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3656
He also chose Hazrath Abu Bakr (RA) to lead the prayer during his final illness — which was a clear sign of trust and leadership.
At the same time, Hazrat Ali (RA) held a unique and deeply spiritual role in the life of the Prophet ﷺ. His family, the Ahl al-Bayt, make up the twelve Imaams and this family made the ultimate sacrifices for Islam — especially at Karbala. Many of the deep teachings of the Prophet ﷺ were passed through him.
The Prophet ﷺ gave Hazrat Ali (RA) special titles that he gave to no one else. For example, when the Muslims were struggling to win the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Tomorrow I shall give the banner to one who is loved by Allah and His Messenger.” – Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2404. That person was Hazrat Ali (RA), and he won the battle.
The Prophet ﷺ also said: “Whoever I am the mawla (patron, protector) of — Ali is his mawla.” – Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 22995; al-Tirmidhi, 3713
And: “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” – al-Hakim in Mustadrak, Vol. 3, p. 126 (sahih)
These are strong statements that show that Hazrath Ali (RA) had a special place in the spiritual side of Islam.
Both were loved by the Prophet ﷺ. Both were close to him. Both served Islam in great and different ways.
Practically today, we see that there exists the ‘Qadria’, ‘Shorwardia’ and Chistia’ spiritual orders which have their roots from Hazrath Ali RA and the ‘Naqsha Bandia’ spiritual order which has come down through Hazrath Abu Bakar RA.
As a Muslim, I see no conflict in accepting Hazrath Abu Bakr (RA) as the first Caliph and at the same time seeing Hazrath Ali (RA) as the spiritual gate to deeper knowledge.
As someone following the path of Tasawwuf, I feel it important to be iniated into one of these spiritual orders to interact with Allah’s Chosen Ones so as to experience love and to learn to practice respect, humility and submission. These are not ideological issues (like who was more important 1500 years ago) but rather important, realistic, practical goals that have a deep bearing on my faith, character and eventual outcome in the hereafter.
End.
Author: Mohammed Hassan Gaffoor.
You can contact him on WhatsApp: +27 84 910 1486
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