The Examination of the Sunni Perspective on the Occultation of the Imam of the Time from the Viewpoint of Shia Imamism

A jurisprudential issue addressed by both Shiite and Sunni scholars is whether it is permissible or not to backbite against one’s denominational opponent behind their back. This article adopts the descriptive-analytic method to study the Sunni perspective on the permissibility or impermissibility of backbiting against Shia individuals. Those who permit such backbiting believe that Shias are considered disbelievers due to their denial of the caliphate of the first three caliphs and their cursing and excommunication of the Prophet’s companions. Therefore, since it is permissible to backbite against disbelievers, it is permissible to backbite against Shia individuals. In contrast, those who reject the permissibility of such backbiting rely on the following assumptions: Shias are considered Muslims, those who curse the Prophet’s companions do not necessarily qualify as disbelievers, a general ruling does not necessarily apply to each and every individual, we lack knowledge of the inner states of each individual, it is permissible to perform prayers behind a Shiite imam of congregational prayers, it is impermissible to curse a fellow Muslim, and it is necessary to adhere to moral principles.