Expert: Muhammad Omer Iqbal - 6/30/2004

Question
Salam Alaikum,


my christian friend is discussing the beliefs of the Mutazalites and the Asharites, and it seems like they have some believes that for me as a Sunni do not go right with Islam believes, please tell me what Islam believes of these two sects and if we should count them as true muslims, cause my friend is using some of what they believe as if it is true in Islam!and i dont know what to answer.

Answer
Wa aleikum us salaam,

The important principle to understand in this regard is that the actions or beliefs of a set of Muslims are not necessarily what Islam preaches, and in many cases they may be contrary to Islam. Whether their beliefs are according to Quran and Sunnah or not is something that each individual must decide after studying the Quran. In my opinion, many of their beliefs were contrary to Quran and therefore whether they believed them or not does not make any difference to what Islam preaches.

The fact whether they should be considered a part of the Muslim community or not is not decided by an individual, rather by the Muslim community as a whole. Therefore, my opinion on this matter does not matter.

However, you should look at your friends arguments and see if it makes sense. If an argument makes sense we should accept it. However, before we accept anything, we must thoroughly investigate and find out what the truth is. Therefore, I will request you to look at his arguments and study the Quran and points of views of the scholars on the issues, only then you should make up your mind as to which opinion seems most strong and then accept it until you find a more convincing arguments.

Knowledge, my friend, is also a test of life as action of an individual is. And we must try to succeed in both.

I hope this answers your question. If it does not, please write back to me.

If you will like to discuss the specific arguments, do write to me and I will try to help you out.

Best Regards,
Muhammad Omer Iqbal
www.omeriqbal.com