Thumma Absartu al-Haqiqa
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- Thumma Absartu al-Haqiqa
Thumma Absartu al-Haqiqa (Then I Saw the Truth), fully titled Thumma Absartu al-Haqiqa: Dirasa Mawdu‘iyya li-Abraz Nuqat al-Khilaf al-Sunni al-Shi‘i (An Objective Study of the Prominent Points of Sunni-Shi'i Disagreement), is a book on sectarian polemics and dialogue by the Kuwaiti writer Muhammad Salim al-Khidr .
Background and Purpose
The book arose from the author's personal experiences growing up in an environment composed of both Sunnis and Twelver Shi'is . These encounters prompted questions regarding the reality of the theological disputes between the two traditions, leading him to research the subject and express his reflections in a literary style that conveys his personal emotions and motivations . The author dedicated the work to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family (Ahl al-Bayt), the Companions (Sahaba), his parents, his critics and advisers, and every Muslim who seeks truth while rejecting religious exploitation and sectarianism .
Structure and Contents
The work opens with an introduction and is arranged into thematic chapters addressing core areas of theological dispute:
- Chapter One: Steps Forward (Khutuwat ila al-Amam): Serves as a personal prelude in which the author recounts life events, discussions on sectarian unity, heritage, and the ethics of dialogue for uncovering truth .
- Chapter Two: On the Love of the Prophet's Household (Fi Hubb Ahl al-Bayt): Examines the definition and status of Ahl al-Bayt, critiques forms of theological exaggeration (ghuluww) in major Shi'i texts, and evaluates the views of leading Shi'i jurists, including Ruhollah Khomeini, Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, Mirza Jawad al-Tabrizi, and Muhammad al-Husayni al-Shirazi .
- Chapter Three: The Imamate (al-Imama): Analyzes the Shi'i doctrine of divine Imamate through the Quran, Hadith, and Nahj al-Balagha . It assesses traditional proof-texts used by Twelver Shi'is, including the verses of al-Wilaya, al-Tathir, and al-Mubahala, as well as narrations such as Hadith Ghadir Khumm, Hadith al-Manzila (the appointment over Medina), Hadith al-Tayr, Hadith al-Dar, and reports regarding the Twelve Imams .
- Chapter Four: With the Companions of the Messenger of God (Ma‘a Sahabat Rasul Allah): Defends the virtues and collective uprightness (‘adala) of the Sahaba . It refutes accusations directed against prominent figures such as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Aisha bint Abi Bakr, drawing on historical reports as well as statements attributed to early members of Ahl al-Bayt .
Publication and Reception
The book was published in Kuwait by the Ansar Ahl al-Bayt Network (شبكة أنصار أهل البيت), with its second edition appearing in 1428 AH / 2007 CE . It has been cited and commended by contemporary Sunni researchers writing on Sunni-Shi'i polemics, including Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Abbad, who highlighted it in his annotations on the works of Muhammad Rashid Rida .
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