Beyond Sectarianism: The Reality of Shiaphobia

Religious intolerance remains a significant issue within the Muslim community, particularly towards Shia Muslims. This article explores the roots and consequences of Shiaphobia, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding.

In my childhood, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children from Shia Muslim backgrounds due to what can be called “Shiaphobia” in schools.

Kids who were misinformed about Shia Muslims often mocked their Shia peers, made fun of their religious practices, and unfairly judged their level of faith. The question arises: from where do non-Shia children learn these misconceptions? Obviously, these misconceptions are often learned from their surroundings.

I’m not targeting the entire non-Shia community for this. There are many people who believe in coexistence and have friends from other schools of thought. I’m talking about some individuals and groups who propagate negative stereotypes and baseless criticisms against Shia Muslims.

I once heard a religious scholar recount an experience he had at a barber’s shop. There, he witnessed a heated debate between two Sunni individuals. One person was speaking ill of Shia Muslims, while the other countered, stating that it’s wrong to speak ill of Shias. The latter individual shared his personal experiences, saying that he has interacted with numerous Shia individuals and found them to be good Muslims. Unfortunately, there are many people like the first individual who harbor hatred towards Shia Muslims based on misconceptions and the influence of religious extremists’ views. These extremists often spread false information and foster division within the Muslim community. 

This phenomenon reflects a broader issue of religious intolerance and misinformation. Throughout history and even today, Shia Muslims face discrimination and hostility rooted in sectarian divides. 

In the month of Muharram, we observe these groups becoming more active. We witness how certain groups spend the entire month spreading venom against Shia Muslims, criticizing every aspect of their beliefs and practices without thoughtful consideration. The motive behind their actions remains unclear, yet their behavior unjustly fuels hatred towards Shia people.

In our judgmental society, these groups ignite flames of hatred. Consequently, even discerning non-Shia individuals unknowingly align themselves with these sentiments without fully understanding Shia Muslims. Criticism without knowledge is ignorance.

Despite the advancements and the widespread access to information via the internet, misconceptions about Shia Muslims remain prevalent. Questions like, “Don’t you believe in Allah and the Prophet (SAWW)?” or “Don’t you think your beliefs are contradicting the teachings of Islam?” reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the Shia faith, which adheres to the same Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).

Misconceptions about the concept of Imamat, the belief in the occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s), and the practices of Ashura and mourning Imam Hussain (a.s) often lead to accusations of innovation or extremism, when in fact these practices are not innovations but a continuation of a historical and spiritual tradition commemorating Imam Hussain’s martyrdom and the broader struggle for justice.

Some also erroneously believe Shia Muslims worship Imams and shrines, when in fact they revere these figures similarly to how other religious traditions honor their saints. Additionally, inquiries like, “Are you a Sunni or a Shia?” imply that Shia Islam is not a legitimate branch, despite its rich history and theology. Few people are aware that Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah were students of Imam Baqir (a.s) and Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (a.s), emphasizing shared roots and scholarly connections. 

Practices such as praying on a stone or slight variations in prayer methods are often misunderstood, as is the claim that Shia Muslims use a different Quran. Concerns about disrespecting the Sahaba and the Prophet’s wives overlook the respectful theological differences within Islam. Lastly, the notion that Shia Muslims seek to separate themselves from other Muslims is unfounded, as they strive for unity within the broader Islamic community.

We’re living in the 21st century, an age of internet and information, yet we still see many people judging Shia Muslims based on misconceptions they’ve learned from their ignorant surroundings. Sadly, they pass on this misinformation to their children, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and dividing the Muslim community.

As a result, these children often view Shia Muslims as fundamentally different. It’s all too common that when these children encounter a peer from a Shia background, they resort to harassing them with derogatory remarks, unknowingly causing emotional harm. Ironically, they remain oblivious to the impact of their behavior. This isn’t mere speculation; many people have witnessed such incidents firsthand.

In the Middle East, Shia Muslim individuals have frequently endured such treatment from their peers of other sects during their early school years. It’s important not to solely blame these school children for their actions — they are simply reflecting what they’ve absorbed from their environment.

Unfortunately, misinformed adults are unaware of how they’re instilling sectarian biases in the minds of innocent children, which can have far reaching consequences  such as heightened hatred and intolerance within Muslim society.

Without verifying the facts, people often accept these misconceptions, resulting in prejudice and discrimination against Shia Muslim communities.

Do you understand the impact of misconceptions and hatred on Shia Muslims? What starts as hate speech often escalates into violence, leading to widespread persecution and even genocidal acts against Shia communities.

Over the centuries, Shia Muslims have often been marginalized and oppressed, especially in regions where they are a minority: 

• During the regime of Saddam Hussein, Shia Muslims faced severe repression, including mass executions and the destruction of their religious sites. 
• Groups like ISIS targeting Shias in bombings and massacres.
• In Kabul, Afghanistan, and Parachinar, Pakistan, Shia Muslims, particularly Hazara Shias, have faced persistent targeted violence and persecution for decades. The Hazara community, predominantly Shia, has been subjected to massacres, bombings of mosques, and systematic discrimination by extremist groups such as the Taliban, ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These groups often target Shia processions, mosques, and gatherings, resulting in significant loss of life.
• Syria’s civil war has seen Shia Muslims and Alawites, an offshoot of Shia Islam, targeted by Sunni extremist factions like ISIS and Al-Nusra Front.
• Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province witnesses ongoing discrimination and occasional violent crackdowns against its Shia minority. Meanwhile, Yemen’s conflict sees Houthi rebels, primarily Zaydi Shias, facing aggression from a Saudi-led coalition, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that disproportionately affects Shia civilians.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has strongly condemned sectarian divisions and the desecration of Sunni figures, emphasizing the imperative of unity and mutual respect among Muslims:

“Do not incite emotions of the Sunni community. Some people feel that, in order to prove themselves as Shia, they need to insult Sunni figures. This goes against the mannerisms of the infallible imams. The fact that there are TV stations launched to insult (Sunni figures) well, makes it crystal clear that they are funded by the British Treasury; this is British Shiism. This game of insults will have a contrary function. When you insult others, the words of truth won’t be heard. Inciting emotions among other branches of Islam, in the name of Shiism, is actually the approach of ‘British Shi’ism’ – whose outcome would be the emergence of vicious groups and mercenaries from the U.S., and the U.K’s intelligence services, such as ISIS, Al-Nusra Front, and terrorist groups – who have committed multiple crimes and destruction in the region.”

Instead of harboring hatred towards Shia Muslims, people should learn from them. Who are the Shia Muslims? They are those who rejoice in the happiness of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and mourn in their sorrow. Their devotion to the Prophet Muhammad(SAWW)’s family is central to their faith and practices. Shia Muslims commemorate events like Ashura to honor the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS), who stood against tyranny and injustice. This commemoration is not merely a ritual but a powerful reminder of the values of courage, resistance against oppression, and standing for justice. Such values are universal and can inspire all people, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Shia Muslim teachings emphasize compassion, justice, and the importance of community. They advocate for social justice, charitable acts, and support for the oppressed. These principles align closely with the broader Islamic teachings of peace, compassion, and unity.

By understanding these aspects of Shia Islam, one can see that the differences within the Muslim community are not a cause for division but an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing diversity within Islam can lead to a stronger, more united community that stands together against hatred and violence. Moreover, fostering dialogue and understanding can help dispel the misconceptions that fuel sectarianism.

Education about Shia beliefs and practices can bridge gaps and build empathy. It’s essential for all Muslims to recognize that despite theological differences, they share a common foundation of faith in Allah SWT and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).

In a world where extremist ideologies seek to divide, the Muslim community must work towards unity and mutual respect. By learning from each other and standing together, they can counteract the narratives of hate and violence that threaten to tear them apart.