Rethinking the Fault-line |
At a time when the Muslim world faces mounting external pressures and internal fragility, a quiet but significant shift is visible: a growing sense of solidarity between Sunni and Shia Muslims in different parts of the world. Though still tentative, this trend offers a rare opportunity to correct a historical imbalance that has long weakened the Ummah.
The Sunni–Shia divide traces back to the question of succession after the demise of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Whether leadership rightfully belonged to Abu Bakr or Ali ibn Abi Talib ( May Allah be pleased with them) became the basis of a divergence that later evolved into theological distinctions.
The events that followed, particularly the tragedy of the Battle of Karbala, occupy a central place in Muslim memory. However, it must be clearly understood that Karbala was not a sectarian war between Sunnis and Shias as it is often portrayed........