The concept of apostasy refers to the act of renouncing or abandoning a religious or political belief or allegiance. Throughout history, there have been instances of nations or empires experiencing apostasy in various forms. Here are a few examples:
1. Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, there were periods of religious and political apostasy. During the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century CE, the Roman Empire officially embraced Christianity, marking a significant shift away from the traditional Roman polytheistic religion. This change had profound implications for the empire's religious landscape and eventually led to the decline and fall of the Roman state.
2. Byzantine Empire: The Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, underwent a major religious apostasy known as the Byzantine Iconoclasm. This period, which occurred during the 8th and 9th centuries CE, involved the destruction and removal of religious icons and other religious images. It was driven by a theological dispute within the Byzantine Church, resulting in widespread religious and political turmoil.
3. French Revolution: The French Revolution, which began in 1789, witnessed a dramatic apostasy from the monarchy and the established social and political order in France. The revolutionaries sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republican government based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This marked a significant break from the traditional monarchy and the power of the Catholic Church, leading to far-reaching political and societal changes
4. Soviet Union: The establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922 brought about a form of apostasy from traditional religious beliefs and practices. The communist regime under leaders like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin promoted atheism and sought to eradicate religion, viewing it as an oppressive force that hindered the progress of the socialist state. Religious institutions were suppressed, and many believers faced persecution.
5. Cultural Revolution in China: From 1966 to 1976, China experienced a period of intense political and cultural upheaval known as the Cultural Revolution. During this time, there was a widespread apostasy from traditional Chinese culture, values, and beliefs. Mao Zedong, the Chairman of the Communist Party, encouraged young people to challenge and rebel against the "Four Olds" (old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas), leading to the destruction of historical artefacts, temples, and the suppression of traditional practices
Whilst the term "apostasy" may not always be applicable to these historical events in the strict religious sense, it can be used to describe the abandonment or rejection of established beliefs, systems, or practices by nations or societies.
As such, various forms of apostasy have occurred in societies. When a statement references apostasy occurring at a particular point in history it is therefore imperative to understand precisely what is being referenced. Without an understanding of the context a statement can be misconstrued that can bring with it serious ramifications. This is important when one considers this narration that Nawasib enjoy quoting:
Maktabat Minhaaj Al Sunnah stated:
“According to Imami Shi’a doctrine, the vast majority of the Sahaba were liars and apostates” One of the leading scholars of the Shi’a, al-Kashshi, reported that Abu Ja’far said: “The people (including the Sahaba) all became apostates after the Prophet’s death except for three.” When asked who they were, he replied, “Al-Miqdad ibn Aswad, Abu Dharr, and Salman as mentioned in the verse, ‘If he (Muhammad) dies or is killed, will you then turn on your heels.’” (Rijal al-Kashshi pp12-13)”.
For Nawasib this is the equivalent of finding Kryptonite with which to kill Superman. Never has a Shi'a narration been referenced more to propagate Shi'a hatred than this one. When discussing any topic with our opponents you will often see this narration being thrown into the mix as a classic example of whataboutery. It is used to trap into the emotions of the Sunni person who have been raised on a stable diet that all the Sahaba should be revered on account of:
their close association with the Prophet (s) and their contributions / sacrifices to the early development of Islam.
the pivotal role they played in preserving the teachings of Islam and spreading the message of the Prophet Muhammad (s) .
With that in mind, can it therefore be believed that this same group of individuals deviated and worse still apostated en masse following the death of Rasulullah (s)?
This article will inshallah seek to analyse the narration looking at its true meaning and its historical context to better understand why these words were used. It is based on two excellent Urdu articles on this subject written by Abdullah al Imami and Khair al Talib. Whilst both articles formed the basis for the response for have updated and strengthened the arguments even further.
May Allah forgive our errors, and accept our intention, and bless Prophet Muhammad (s) and his immaculate household.