A Deliberation on the Concept of Heresy (Rafḍ) and the Blasphemy (Kufr) of the Heretic (Rāfiḍī)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Maḥmūd Tawakkuliyān Akbarī
• Muḥammad Taqī Fakhla‘ī
• Ḥusayn Ṣābirī

10.22067/history.v0i0.20573

Abstract

Recognition of the accurate concept of rafḍ (heresy), its characteristics, and its precise and fair definitions is of high importance, especially given that the Sunnī jurists have stipulated critical consequences and rulings such as blasphemy on rāfiḍī. Entering into the field of jurisprudential discourse, this article analyzes various opinions on the concept of rāfiḍī and the most
significant evidences of the Sunnī jurists concerning the excommunication of rāfiḍī and draws the conclusion that rafḍ is a historical appellation on a group of Muslims who had taken a challenging position against what happened in the event of the Prophet’s succession. The blasphemy of rāfiḍī is also lacking in foundation and is rooted in religious enmities.

Keywords

• rafḍ
• rāfiḍī
• blasphemy of rāfiḍī
• Shī‘ism
• repudiation of the Caliphs
• insulting the companions (of the Prophet)

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