How to present the peculiarities of the Imāmiyyah to the Wahhābīs?
Having finished the stage on “The proper methods of discussion with the Wahhābīs”, it is time we began the section on “Peculiarities of Shī‘ism” and consider the following three points:
1. Since the peculiarities of the Shī‘ism cannot be perceived unless the realities of this school of thought are known, these have received priority in our discussion.
2. The Shī‘ah and Sunnī scholars have undividedly mentioned certain characteristics for Islam, whereas the Wahhābīs have conceived certain others. Mingling of the two characteristics and confusing the principles of Islam with the Wahhābī dogmas has caused the Wahhābīs problems and pushed them to bring a charge against other schools of thought.
3. It is clear that the Wahhābīs make no distinction between the Imāmiyyah traits and those of the Extremism, taking some of the latter’s characteristics as belonging to the Imāmiyyah. We have enumerated the Shī‘ah traits in our book Rihlatī min al-Wahhābiyyah. Of these, three are listed below:
a. Observing a positive golden mean as regards the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet, peace be upon them;
b. A realistic view of the Companions;
c. The issue of the occultation of the Twelfth Imām, may Allah hasten his glorious advent.
