GEORGETOWN: The fatwa or edict which established Syiah as a devious teaching could be reviewed, based on the argument that the previous consensus only stated that it was against the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Islamic (Sunni) sect.
Penang mufti Datuk Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, said the review could be done by taking into consideration the fact that Syiah was still in line with Islamic teaching and that Sunni Islam did not represent Muslims as a whole.
He however said Syiah teaching must be practised discreetly because it contradicted Sunni, apart from fear that it would cause unrest and division among Muslims.
“We could review and acknowledge Syiah, although there are several groups in the mazhab (school of thought) that deviated from Islam. It (review) should be carried out based on texts (Al-Quran and hadith) and rationally.
“We can’t decide on the law based on our desires; it must be done based on dalil (facts) and hujah (arguments). As long as Syiah upholds rukun Iman (the pillars of faith), they are rightfully Muslims and their arguments on fiqh (theory of Islamic law) are made was grounded by their (religious) faith.
“Saudi Arabia (for instance), allows Syiah followers from Iran and Syria to perform haj. This means they (Syiah) are recognised as Muslims and are brothers (in Islam), despite the differences in practice of religious deeds and law,” he said when contacted on Monday.
This was following calls by several quarters for the revocation of the edict identifying Syiah as a devious teaching which was gazetted in 1996.
He said such review would create tension among Muslims in the country and could be addressed through series of effective explanations by the authorities.
“All parties must play a role (in this matter). We understand that the review would cause tension because it would be impossible to get each Muslim to agree on all matters (discussed).
“Nevertheless, the review is aimed at preventing the enemies an opportunity to exploit the differences among Muslims. Syiah could be recognised, but not to be practised openly,” he said.