The Conduct of Imam Sadiq (as) in Interacting with Followers of Other Intellectual Schools and Religions

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

On the occasion of the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet (sa) and Imam Sadiq (as), and in recognition of Islamic Unity Week, this week’s article will examine the conduct of Imam Sadiq (as) in interacting with followers of other religions and sects. Without a doubt, many solutions have been presented by the intellectuals and well-wishers of the Islamic community to achieve unity within the Islamic Ummah, and numerous exemplary behaviours have been introduced. Among all these models, the one that stands out the most is the conduct of the Ahl al-Bayt (as) particularly that of Imam Sadiq (as), who’s significant engagement with followers of various intellectual schools, especially Sunni scholars, is of particular importance.

The Importance of Islamic Unity

Before delving into examples of Imam Sadiq’s unifying behaviour and interaction with others, it is essential to briefly touch upon the importance and necessity of Islamic unity as a preliminary point.

Unity among Muslims is one of the most crucial factors for the strength, vitality, and dignity of the Islamic Ummah, whereas division and discord only lead to defeat and the squandering of the Ummah’s resources. The Holy Qur’an refers to Muslims as a “one community” and calls believers “brothers of one another,” urging them to “unite and avoid division.” It also warns that division weakens the power of the Islamic Ummah.

The conduct of the Infallible Imams (as) further emphasizes this importance and necessity, demonstrating how vital it is to preserve the unity and integrity of the Islamic community. Imam Ali’s (as) silence for twenty-five years, Imam Hassan’s (as) peace treaty, and Imam Reza’s (as) acceptance of the position of Crown Prince are all examples of actions taken to maintain the unity and cohesion of Muslims.

Some mistakenly believe that unity between Shia and Sunni is merely a superficial matter, claiming that friendly interactions between them are impossible. However, Islam goes further by urging Muslims to engage even with followers of other religions, emphasizing the commonalities between them. Therefore, our duty toward our Muslim brothers is clear.

Examples of the Unifying Conduct of Imam Sadiq (as)

A study of Imam Sadiq’s (as) life reveals that he always paid attention to interacting with Muslims at all levels of life, never considering Shia as a sect separate from the Islamic community.

He viewed all Muslims as children of Islam and brothers of one another, treating Sunni Muslims with brotherhood and advising the Shia to do the same.

Imam Sadiq’s (as) home was a place where prominent Sunni scholars regularly visited, and he was regarded as a reference for solving their problems.

In one narration, the Imam tells one of his companions: “Look at your leaders and behave with others (non-Shia) as your leaders do.” He also encouraged Shia to participate in Sunni congregational prayers, attend their funerals, and fulfill their rights. Such noble behaviours would lead people to recognize the Shia as followers of Imam Sadiq (as).

Interaction with Sunni Scholars

It is a well-established historical fact that Sunni leaders and scholars sat with Imam Sadiq (as) and studied under him. Imam Sadiq (as) treated Sunni scholars in such a way that they never felt they were dealing with someone from an opposing sect. Many prominent Sunni figures, such as Abu Hanifa and Malik ibn Anas, benefited from Imam’s (as) scholarly teachings and proudly considered them his students.

Abu Hanifa, who attended Imam Sadiq’s (as) lessons for two years, famously stated: “Had it not been for those two years, Nu’man (Abu Hanifa) would have perished.” Malik ibn Anas similarly said about Imam Sadiq (as): “No eye has seen, and no ear has heard, anyone more knowledgeable, virtuous, and devout than Imam Sadiq.”

Participation in Muslim Worship Gatherings

The Shiite Imams always emphasized the participation of Shia in Muslim worship gatherings. In one narration, Imam Sadiq (as) said: “The reward for praying with the Sunnis is equal to the reward of praying with the Messenger of God (sa) or striving in the way of God.” Ishaq ibn Ammar narrates that Imam advised him to pray with non-Shia in the mosque, as the person praying in the first row is like one who has drawn his sword in the way of God.

Ayatollah Khu’i, after reviewing these narrations, explains that such instructions were not based on dissimulation (taqiyya) or fear of harm, as Imam’s companions were well-known at that time. Instead, these behaviours were for the sake of maintaining the interests of the Muslim community and promoting unity. Such actions were intended to display good character and avoid prejudice, so that people would say, “God bless Ja’far al-Sadiq, who trained such fine students.”

A Scientific Approach Free from Insults

The approach of the Shiite Imams was always grounded in reason and evidence, never resorting to insults or vulgarity. Many narrations emphasize that the Imams (as) warned their followers against enmity and hostility in religion. Imam Sadiq (as), upon hearing of a person insulting his opponents in the mosque, forbade him from doing so, explaining that such actions would create a negative impression of the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

Tolerance and Forbearance

Today, it is also the duty of the Shia to follow the example of the Ahl al-Bayt (as). As the Supreme Leader of Iran has said: “The various groups of the Islamic Ummah must cooperate to elevate Islamic knowledge. This requires setting aside enmity and hostility between Muslim sects.”

In conclusion, the conduct of Imam Sadiq (as) in interacting with Sunni Muslims and other intellectual schools serves as a clear model for unity and rapprochement among Muslims. His tolerant, scholarly, and prejudice-free behaviour is a valuable legacy for achieving Islamic unity in the modern era.