Islam is a religion built upon the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah, upheld by the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, who preserved and transmitted the message of Islam. However, not everyone has remained upon this path.
One of the most dangerous sects that has deviated from Islam is the Shia. While many assume that they are simply another group within Islam, the reality is far more serious. Their beliefs contradict the Qur'an, their teachings slander the Prophet’s companions, and their political and religious agenda works against the unity of Muslims.
This article explores some critical facts about the Shia that every Muslim must know to avoid their deception and to safeguard their faith.
1. The Shia Belief System Was Created by a Jew
Unlike Ahlus Sunnah, whose beliefs are based on the Qur'an and Sunnah, Shia doctrine originates from a Jewish figure named Abdullah ibn Saba.
This individual was a Jew from Yemen who pretended to embrace Islam but worked to corrupt the religion from within.
Sunni and Shia sources confirm:
- He introduced the idea that Ali ibn Abi Talib was divinely appointed as the Prophet’s successor.
- He fabricated the belief that the Qur'an was incomplete.
- He started the practice of cursing Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (رضي الله عنهم).
Even Shia historians acknowledge this fact. Al-Hasan ibn Musa al-Nubakhti, a major Shia historian, writes in Firaq al-Shia (p. 22):
"Abdullah ibn Saba was a Jew who converted to Islam and exaggerated in his love for Ali, making claims about him that even Ali himself rejected."
Ibn Asakir mentions in Tarikh Dimashq (vol. 29, p. 9):
"When the news reached Ali that Abdullah ibn Saba was making such claims, he ordered him to be brought and interrogated. Upon confirming his statements, Ali sentenced him to death, but some interceded for him, so Ali exiled him to Madain."
Key Takeaway:
The foundation of Shia belief stems from the teachings of a Jewish infiltrator, which is why their core doctrines differ entirely from mainstream Islam.
2. The Shia Believe the Qur'an Is Incomplete
One of the most dangerous beliefs of the Shia is their claim that the Qur'an has been altered.
Shia scholar Al-Kulayni writes in Al-Kafi (vol. 1, p. 228):
"The Qur'an we have today is incomplete, and parts of it have been removed that mention the Imams."
This contradicts Allah’s promise in the Qur'an:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ"
Indeed, We have sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will preserve it." (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)
Ahlus Sunnah believes that the Qur'an is the divine, unchanged word of Allah, while the Shia claim that it was manipulated to remove verses about their Imams—a belief that directly contradicts the fundamentals of Islam.
Key Takeaway:
Anyone who believes the Qur'an is incomplete has left the fold of Islam, as they reject Allah’s promise of its preservation.
3. The Shia Declare the Sahabah as Disbelievers
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ were the best of people, chosen by Allah to preserve Islam and spread it to the world. However, the Shia openly curse and declare them apostates.
Shia scholar Al-Kulayni states in Al-Kafi (vol. 8, p. 245):
"All the people became apostates after the death of the Prophet except three: Miqdad, Abu Dharr, and Salman."
This means that the Shia believe that nearly all the Sahabah—including Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman—left Islam!
Yet, the Qur'an explicitly praises the Sahabah:
وَالسَّابِقُونَ ٱلأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُهَٰجِرِينَ وَٱلْأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَٰنٍ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ"
And the first forerunners among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them in goodness—Allah is pleased with them." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:100)
If Allah is pleased with the Sahabah, how can the Shia claim that they became apostates?
Key Takeaway:
Cursing and rejecting the Sahabah is a direct contradiction of the Qur'an and is a sign of misguidance and hypocrisy.
4. The Shia Promote Taqiyyah (Deception and Lying About Their Beliefs)
One of the most dangerous aspects of Shia belief is Taqiyyah, which permits lying to non-Shia to conceal their true beliefs.
Shia scholar Al-Kulayni states in Al-Kafi (vol. 2, p. 217):
"Taqiyyah is my religion and the religion of my forefathers. Whoever does not practice Taqiyyah has no faith."
This means that a Shia may pretend to respect Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman in front of Sunnis, while cursing them in private.
Key Takeaway:
Shia scholars actively teach their followers to lie about their beliefs, making it difficult to trust anything they say publicly.
Final Thoughts
The Shia sect is not just another Islamic group—it is a completely different religion that distorts the Qur'an, curses the Sahabah, and promotes falsehood. Their goal is to replace Islam with their version of faith, even if it means allying with disbelievers.
🔹 The Qur'an is complete.
🔹 The Sahabah were righteous.
🔹 Islam is not a political ideology—it is the truth.
May Allah guide those who are sincere and protect the Ummah from harm. Ameen.
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