Introduction

One of the sensitive and often misunderstood issues in Muslim relations is the Shi‘a view regarding the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The authentic Shi‘a school of thought, based on the Qur’an, the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and the rulings of its leading scholars, emphasizes respect, ethical discourse, and the preservation of unity within the Muslim Ummah. Clarifying this position plays an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and unity between Shi‘a and Sunni Muslims.

Main Body

From the Shi‘a perspective, the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) hold an important place in Islamic history, and many of them made great sacrifices in the path of Islam. The general principle in Shi‘a theology is respect for the Companions and rejection of insult or abuse.

The Holy Qur’an explicitly forbids insulting others, stating:

Arabic:

﴿وَلَا تَسُبُّوا الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللَّهَ عَدْوًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ﴾

(سورة الأنعام، آية 108)

English Translation:

“And do not insult those they invoke besides Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge.”

(Qur’an 6:108)

This verse establishes a fundamental Islamic ethic: avoiding verbal abuse even toward those with whom one disagrees. Therefore, insulting respected figures of fellow Muslims is clearly against Qur’anic teachings.

This approach is also evident in the conduct of Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). During the Battle of Siffin, when some of his followers began to verbally abuse the opposing side, Imam Ali strongly discouraged this behavior.

Arabic narration:

«إِنِّي أَكْرَهُ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَكُونُوا سَبَّابِينَ»

English Translation:

“Indeed, I dislike that you should be abusive and insulting.”

Source:

Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 206

Imam Ali (AS) further advised his followers to describe wrongdoing with justice and to speak with wisdom rather than resorting to insults—setting a lasting moral guideline for Shi‘a conduct.

In line with this tradition, prominent Shi‘a scholars in the contemporary era have issued clear religious rulings (fatwas) stating that insulting the sanctities of Sunni Muslims—including the wives and Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)—is strictly forbidden (haram). These rulings demonstrate that the official and mainstream Shi‘a position is rooted in respect, restraint, and Islamic unity.

At the same time, it must be clarified that a very small number of individuals may engage in provocative or offensive speech while falsely claiming to represent Shi‘ism. These so-called “Shi‘a-like” or “British Shi‘a” groups are widely recognized as tools of hostile forces seeking to divide Muslims. They represent only a tiny minority and have no connection to the broader Shi‘a community or its religious authorities. Their actions are part of a deliberate project to sow discord between Sunni and Shi‘a Muslims.

Conclusion

In conclusion, authentic Shi‘ism—grounded in the Qur’an, the teachings of Imam Ali (AS), and the fatwas of its scholars—respects the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH), rejects insult and abuse, and considers Islamic unity a religious obligation. Distinguishing this principled stance from the behavior of marginal, divisive groups is essential for strengthening brotherhood, coexistence, and collective strength within the Muslim Ummah in the face of shared challenges and enemies.