Why do Shi'as and Sunnis fight?

Disclaimer: This is a dummy's guide. I am in no a way knowledgeable of either Shi'aism or Sunniism. I do not intend to disrespect the intricate technicalities of both faiths. My intention is to explain and inshaAllah reduce the tension between Shi'as and Sunnis in the most simple manner possible. 


Originally I wanted to title this article, "International Peace Month".  From the 12 lunar months in the Islamic calendar, four are sacred (see, Qur'an, 9:36). Of them is the first month of Islam, Muharram. There are many great things about Muharram. For instance, the word Muharram is from the root ha-ra-ma which gives the meaning of sacred, forbidden, worthy of reverence and piety. Allah specifically instructs us not to commit any injustice: فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ here can mean anything from فُسُوقَ to جِدَالَ so like no obscenity, wickedness, wrangling, fighting or war is impermissible at any time (unless dire circumstances necessitating it), but especially even more-so in Muharram. Muharram is a month of bequeathing exceptional sanctity and honour to all life forms and property. So Muharram is like International Peace Month - total cease fire, no grudges, bruises or damages, only friendship and brotherhood. We also fast in Muharram. The Prophet (s.aw.) said, "The most excellent fasts after the fasts of Ramadan in the sight of Allah, are the fasts of the month of Muharram" [Muslim]. Why? The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "I believe that Allah will forgive the sins of the past year in return for the fast of Ashura - 10th of Muharram" [Muslim]. However the Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged us to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, so as not to resemble the People of the Book. The Jews fast on the 10th of Muharram because Allah freed the Bani Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh and split River Nile to save them.


So what does Muharram have to do with Shi'a and Sunni fighting? Muharram was suppose to be about universal serenity, solidarity, and self-control right?
Now come to think of it, Muslims have successfully converted many holy months, into months for fighting. Ramadan is the month of moon fighting. Rabi' al Awwal is for birthday beats - literally. Yes, we love the Prophet (s.a.w) so much that we cannot resist clobber the month into looking like the Islamazied version of Christmas. From decorating our Masajid with bells and lights and caroling na'aats to making Arab/Desi versions of mince meat pies, plum puddings, emailing milaad greeting cards and going to Mass - every night. Mass? Well, the Christians begin Mass with the sign of the cross, then they sing the Gloria, followed by responsorial Psalm and reading from the Gospel. Muslims begin their Milaad Mass with the Durood, then they sing Qasida Burda 'sharif', followed by Naats, Qawwalis and reading of absolutely fabricated hadith narrations. This is NOT Islam! If we really love the Prophet (s.a.w), we should follow HIS example (s.a.w) - and not that of Christians.
Then there is Rajab, the month of meals mania. We use this month to make (and molest our health with) really oily, buttery purriyan; spicy chickpeas and milky, sugary kheer and halwa. You would think the month is about binge eating and not really commemorating the Prophet (s.a.w)'s ascension to and tour of Heaven and Hellfire. If we really knew that the Prophet (s.a.w) saw backbiters digging into their faces and tearing their skin off, adulterers fumigated and cooked in ovens blasting with hellish flames and  interest consumers drowning in blood, asphyxiated with large crushing boulders - then we wouldn't have the heart to even think about food. We would sit all day and cry. And of course, who can forget the punching and shouting during Dhul Hijjah, at the time tawwaf and sa'i. 


I wonder why we fight so much? I thought Islam was peace, just and kind religion. Then why can't Muslims reciprocate these virtues in our daily lives?  You see, Allah's forgiveness, mercy and help is with the Muslims who follow the Qur'an [5:12]. Allah's wrath is upon us because we think that the Qur'an is too unimportant to be worth our time. Without the Qur'an, our hearts have become hard, we have distorted Islam and our practices are based deceit and desires  [5:13]. As a punishment for abandoning the Qur'an, Allah has caused animosity and hatred amongst us [5:14], so no matter what the Islamic occasion, the Muslims just don't get along. 


Take the example of Shi'as and Sunnis - we fight primarily over the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) and the month of Muharram. But if we calmed down a bit and read the Qur'an, inshaAllah we'll see that the fuss is just an honest misunderstanding.


Khilafah
Khaleef means successor and Khalifah means the succession of rule. 
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first successor to the Prophet (s.a.w) in Islamic rule; Ali (r.a) was the fourth. Neither Abu Bakr nor Ali (r.a) were divine or infallible. They did not receive revelation from Allah nor did they perform any miracles.
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first man to accept Islam and the first companion to give his daughter to the Prophet (s.a.w) in marriage. He alone financed the Prophet's emigration (s.a.w) to Medinah and accompanied him. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "the sun never rose on anyone better than Abu Bakr, except for the Prophets. He donated his entire wealth - all of his property, belongings and life savings to finance the Battle of Tabuk. The Prophet (s.a.w) said that "the wealth of Abu Bakr proved more useful to me than the wealth of anybody else." From amongst the men, the Prophet loved Abu Bakr the most and from the women, he (s.a.w) loved his daughter - Aisha (r.a) the most. (Bukhari 1523). The Prophet (s..a.w) said, "Allah sent me as a Prophet to you people but you said me, 'you are telling a lie,' while Abu Bakr believed in me and said to the people, 'he (s.a.w) has said the truth.' Abu Bakr consoled me with himself and his money. Won't you then give up harming my companion? Won't you then give up harming my companion?" (Bukhari 1522).
Ali (r.a) once asked the people during his khilafah who they thought was the most brave and courageous. Then Ali (r.a) said, "Abu Bakr is the most valiant. On the day of Badr we had erected a hut for the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). We then asked each other as to who will accompany the Prophet to save him from Qureyshi onslaught. By Allah none of us had the guts to offer his services. But Abu Bakr stood alone drawing his sword and allowed no one to draw near the Prophet (s.a.w). Whoever attempted to attack, came under the fierce retaliation of Abu Bakr. Then there was also a time in Makkah when the Qureysh surrounded  the Prophet (s.a.w). They abused him and pulled his neck with a thick cloth when Abu Bakr intervened.  They beat him instead until his hair fell and he fainted." Saying this, Ali (r.a) burst into tears. He said many times that the Abu Bakr (r.a) was the best companion of the Prophet (s.a.w) and that he would beat any person who held him superior to Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a).


The Prophet (s.a.w) told a woman that, 'after my death, find Abu Bakr (r.a)' (Bukhar 1520). At the end of his time, the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered Abu Bakr (r.a) to offer Salah in the Masjid. Abu Bakr (r.a) led 13  prayers. During his illness, Prophet (s.a.w) said (and ordered this statement to be written down), "Forgive the Ansar for their mistakes and treat them with kindness. Consider non superior to Abu Bakr in your assemblies." Thus, it is clear that it was the Will of Allah and inclination of Prophet (s.a.w) that Abu Bakr (r.a) should have the authority to enforce religious legislation and lead acts of worship after him. Imaam Shafi'i said, "Abu Bakr was unanimously chosen as calip for a better man was not available on earth." Muawiyah bin Qurrah said, "The companions never expressed any doublt regarding the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and they always addressed him as Khaleef al Rasool Allah (s.a.w). The companions can never reach a consensus on a misdeed."


However, the Shi'a insist that Abu Bakr (r.a) tricked the Muslims into making him the Khaleef and that it was really Ali's right to rule. Little do they know that Abu Bakr (r.a) was forced by the companions (r.a) to accept this position and Ali (r.a) of his foremost supporters.
After the death of Prophet (s.a.w),  the companions (r.a)  gathering in the Hall of Banu Sa'idah to choose an Ameer. Because Ali (r.a) was busy with the burial and the family, Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) rushed to the scene. It was the most crucial in Islamic history; without the guidance of Prophet (s.a.w), there was nothing binding the Muhajireen and Ansaar. Their unity was at the brink of destruction. The Ansar were further weakened by an internal divide between the Aus and Khazraj tribes. Had Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) not arrived quickly,  the Muslim Ummah may have been disarrayed.
After much dispute, Umar (r.a) said to the congregation, "You remember very well that the Prophet (s.a.w) exhorted the Muhajirin to take care of the Ansar and did not ask the Ansar to make concessions to the Muhajirin. This will of the Prophet (s.a.w) goes in favour of the Muhajirin to be at the helm of affairs." He was followed by Bashir Bin An Numan bin Ka'b Ansari (r.a) who got up and said, "The Prophet (s.a.w) certainly belonged to the Qurayesh tribe so the people of Qurayesh alone deserve the Khilafah. We, no doubt, lent our help and support to Islam, but our efforts were meant solely for seeking the Pleasure of Allah, and we don't want its compensation in this world nor do we want to pick a quarrel with the Muhajirin....I heard the Prophet (s.a.w) said that Imams will come from the Qurayesh." The believers were satisfied with these reminders so Abu Bakr (r.a) requested them to choose anyone between Umar or Abu Ubaydah (r.a) as the Khaleef. But Umar (r.a) quickly stretched his hand and gave Bai'ah (allegiance) to Abu Bakr (r.a) saying, "Abu Bakr is the most excellent amongst the Muhajirin." Abu Ubaidah and Bashir bin Sa'd voiced the same fact  and pledged their Bai'ah followed by all the believers in the hall.
Because Ali (r.a) was away with due to burial responsibilities, he was unable to give his oath immediately. However Ali (r.a) said to Abu Bakr (r.a), "I do not refuse to admit that your virtues entitle you the Khilafah. Had I been at Saqifah, I would have taken Bai'ah at your hand ahead of everyone." Thereafter, Ali (r.a) took his oath before a large congregation in the Masjid. To this, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, "If I do good work it is incumbent on you to extend your help and support to me; if I go wrong it is your duty to put me on the right path....Obey me while I keep obeying Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w); renounce me when I disobey Allah and HIs Messenger (s.a.w)."


In spite of Ali's (r.a) open and voluntary Bi'ah to Abu Bakr (r.a), the Shi'i stress that since Ali (r.a) was from the Prophet's household (s.a.w), he was more deserving to become the first Khaleef. 
Indeed the household of the Prophet (s.a.w) enjoys a lofty status. Ibn Umar (r.a) narrated, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, ارقبوا محمدا صلي الله عليه وسلم في اهل بيته  "Show reverence to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) by honouring the members of his family" - Al Bukhari (text from Riyadh al Saliheen, vol. 1, ch 43, hadith # 347) ارقبوا means راعوه واحترموه واكرموه -  take care of the Prophet (s.a.w) by honouring and respecting his family, looking after their needs and treating them with kindness. Hence, Abu Bakr (r.a) found it more dearer and desirable to him to treat the Prophet's household (s.a.w) better than his own relatives. Umar (r.a), used to grant pensions to every member of the Prophet's household (s.a.w), during his Khilafah, and bear all the personal expenses (including Hajj) of all of the Prophet's wives (s.a.w). Notwithstanding, the Shi'i content that we must follow the Ahl al Bayt, merely being kind to them is not sufficient. If this was true, then certainly, the Prophet (s.a.w) would have commanded us to do so. But the Prophet (s.a.w) explicitly emphasized three times in one hadith, that we should فخذوا / واستمسكوا /  take the Qur'an, firmly, follow it, hold on to it and live by it. فحث means to urge. The Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged, implored and pleaded us to علي كتاب الله be with the Qur'an, heed it and abide by it. Thereafter, only once the Prophet (s.a.w) alluded to be gentle to his family. He (s.a.w), said, 

الا ايها الناس فانما انا بشر يوشك ان ياتي رسول ربي فاجيب, وانا تارك فيكم ثقلين اولهما كتاب الله  فيه الهدي والنور  

فخذوا بكتاب الله واستمسكوا به فحث علي كتاب الله, ورغب فيه ثم قال واهل بيتي اذكركم الله في اهل بيتي اذكركم الله في اهل بيتي 

"O people, I am a human being. I am about to receive a messenger (angel of death) from my Rabb and I will respond to Allah's call. But I am leaving with you two weighty things: the first is the Book of Allah, in which there is right guidance and light, so hold fast to the Book of Allah and adhere to it. The second thing is the members of my household, I remind you to be kind to the members of my family. I remind you to be kind to the members of my family" - Muslim (text taken from Riyadh al Saliheen, ch. 43 hadith # 346). 

So how can the Qur'an and the Prophet's Household (s.a.w) be the same? How can the Shi'i ever substitute the Qur'an for the Prophet's family (s.a.w)? When Allah did not allow the Prophet (s.a.w) to replace a single verse of the Qur'an (66:1) then how can the Shi'i assume that it is enough to follow the Ahl al Bayt as an alternative to the Qur'an? The Qur'an is Furqaan, the criterion and standard by which we ought to live our life (25:1). The Qur'an is Dhikr, remembrance of Allah, the purpose of creation, the history of past nations and descriptions of the Hereafter (43:33). The Qur'an is Allah's extra favour and mercy (10:58). Anas (r.a) reported the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Verily Allah has chosen people amongst mankind. The People of the Qur'an - they are the People of Allah, and His Chosen ones" (an Nasaae'ee).  Ibn Mas'ood (r.a) said, the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Whoever wishes to love Allah and His Messenger, let him read the mus-haf" (Ibn Nu'aym in Hilya). 

This is not to say that one should follow the Qur'an and disrespect the Prophet's household (s.a.w). Ali (r.a), had devouted his entire life to the Qur'an.  Ali (r.a) said, "The Book of Allah - it has the tidings of those before you, and the news of those after you' it is the Judge between you; it is the Criterion; it cannot be taken lightly. Whoever abandons it due to arrogance will be destroyed by Allah, and whoever seeks guidance by other than it will be misled by Allah. It is Allah's strong rope; it is the Wise Remembrance; it is the Straight Path. It is not strayed by desires, nor are the tongues confused by it. Its wonders never cease, and the scholars never satisfy themselves of it. Whoever speaks with it has spoken the truth; whoever works upon it will be rewarded; whoever judges according to it will be just; and whoever calls to it will be guided to the Straight Path" (Tirmidhi). Another member of the Prophet's family (s.a.w), Ibn Abbas (r.a) held the position of Tarjuman al Qur'an - authority on the exegesis of Qur'an amongst all the companions. 

Why be arrogant and vain in demanding to follow the Prophet's household (s.a.w)  when true glory is only in following the Qur'an? The Prophet (s.a.w), "Indeed, Allah will raise and honour people by this Book, and He will debase others by it" (Muslim). Islam abolished allegiance and obedience on the basis of asabiyah (family relations). The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Whomever calls for asabiyah is not from among us, whomever fights for asabiyah is not from among us, and whomever dies for asabiyah is not from among us." Eminence from Allah and amity with the Prophet (s.a.w) is in following the Qur'an, not people and their families, even if they were the Prophet's family (s.a.w). 

Let's not forget that the Prophet (s.a.w) said said to Fatimah, "O daughter of Muhammad, rescue yourself from the Fire, for I have no power to protect you form Allah in anything except that I would sustain relationship with you [in this world]" - Muslim. If she was infallible, why would the Prophet (s.a.w) warn her about Hellfire with the rest of his household? The Prophet (s.a.w) unequivocally said he cannot help anyone, including his own daughter on the Day of Judgment if they disobey Allah. But if the Prophet's family (s.a.w) were divinely inspired by Allah, then why would they need to worry about answering to Allah for their actions? Why did the Prophet (s.a.w) say to Fatimah that he could only give her the rights of a father but nothing more? Because the Prophet's household (s.a.w) has no claim to being holy pietistic or sanctified. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Keep me away from praising me beyond a limit like the Christians who crossed all limits in adoring Esa bin Maryam. I am one of the slaves of Allah, so call me Abdullah (slave of Allah)." Therefore, the Prophet's household (s.a.w) are also slaves of Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w) said about Fatimah (r.a) that if she committed theft, her hand would be amputated like any other person committing the same crime. So you see, the Prophet's household (s.a.w) too was subjected the Qur'an. They are not better than Allah's Book. There were no special laws for his family nor did they create special commands for themselves and others to follow. 

As for Khalifah, the the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "O people! If an ordinary Abyssinian slave is made your ruler or Khaleef, then you must accept his authority." Easily, the Prophet (s.a.w) could have said to accept the authority of only his household. So evidently, Islam does not give legislative/judicial, political or even military leadership on the basis of family relations. Just as it was the will of Allah to chose the Muhammad (s.a.w) as His final Prophet and Messenger, it was the will of Allah chose Abu Bakr (r.a) as the successor to His Prophet. 

Muharram 
From here, things get a little political. 
Most of the Shi'i and Sunni fights happen in Muharram. Shi'i commemorate Hussain's (r.a) martyrdom in this month and flagellant themselves in grief of his loss (? am not really sure). In Islam, we are suppose to love the Prophet (s.a.w) more than our own family, our wealth and our lives. Any loss to the Prophet, in his honour and/or person (s.a.w) is a terrible blow for all of us. I cannot think of anyone who does not ache and wince when remembering Karbala and the death of the Prophet's grandson (s.a.w). The incident was really shocking and tragic but it was also an honest misunderstanding. 


See what really happened was that when Amir Muawiya fell ill, he made his son, Yazid - heir-apparent. After Muawiya's death, when Yazid sent his ministers from Syria to Hejaz to take Bi'ah, many companions turned him down. Of these companions were Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a), Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) and Hussain bin Ali (r.a). Yazeed issued an arrest warrant against ibn Zubair and it was anticipated that he would do something equally offensive against Hussain (r.a). At the same time, the people of Kufa were writing to Hussain (r.a) to visit them and take their Bi'ah. The people of Kufa claimed to be loyal to Ali (r.a) and they wanted to give their allegiance to his son, al Hussain. Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil were the main supporters of Hussain in Kufa. They promised him the help of 12,000 men. Because Hussain (r.a) believed trusted them, he wanted to go to Kufa and claim his position as Khaleef. 
First Abdur Rahman bin Harith requested  Hussain (r.a) not to go. He said that the people of Kufa were greedy and that they would never fight to defend him against Yazeed and his army. Then came Abdullah bin Umar (r.a). He cried before Hussain (r.a) and said, "Don't go out of Makkah to take Bi'ah and leadership, Allah gave the Prophet (s.a.w) the option to select either this world or the Hereafter. He chose the Hereafter. You also belong to the family of the Prophet (s.a.w). Don't yearn after this world. Don't let yourself be contaminated with worldly filth." Even Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) reminded Hussain that the people of Kufa mistreated his father and martyred him. They robbed Hassan and ultimately martyred him too. Ibn Abbas tried to convince Hussain (r.a) to at least delay his trip till after Hajj or leave the women and children behind in Makkah where they would be safe. It just wasn't wise to risk everything a few letters.  On top of that, Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a) promised to give his pledge to Hussain (r.a) and make him governor of in Makkah and subsequently all of Hejaz if he stayed. But Hussain (r.a) had made up his mind so he left for Kufa.  


Somehow, Yazeed got wind of Hussain's plans (r.a).  Immediately, he promised Obaidullah bin Zeyad governorship of Kufa and Basra in exchange for capturing the supporters of Hussain (r.a). Not only did Obaidullah bin Zeyad execute Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil publically but he also threatened to make a similar example of their 12,000 supporters. Thereafter, Obaidullah began scheming to take Hussain (r.a) life. 
Abdullah bin Jafaar wrote to Hussain (r.a) and requested him to return for the sake of Allah and come settle in Medina instead. Abdullah bin Mutie plainly warned Hussain (r.a) that taking the Khilafah from Banu Umayyah (the family tribe of Mua'wiyah and Yazid) would result in his instant death, death of every Hashimi, and Qurayeshi man. By doing this, Hussain would dishonor Muslims and Islam. But Hussain (r.a) refused to listen and ignored all counsel.
Meanwhile, Obaidullah bin Zeyad had paid thousands of soldiers to block all routes to Kufa. So when Hussain (r.a) reached Saraf, the army of Hur intercepted him and forbade him from entering the city. Hussain fell back and traveled north to Qadisiya where he was met by an army under Amr bin Sad. He left Qadisiya to cover 10 miles and halted in Karbala. Hur and Amr bin Sad approached Hussain (r.a) in Karbala with their militia to arrest him. Hussain (r.a) requested to be returned to Makkah with safety or allowed to meet Yazeed in peace. Amr bin Sad conveyed this message to Obaidullah bin Zeyad who, on the advise of Shmir Dhul Jaushan, ordered that Hussain (r.a) give his allegiance to Yazid before his release. In response, Hussain (r.a) said that he would rather die than give his Bi'ah. 
Amr bin Sad spent a week trying to reconcile between Obaidullah and Hussain (r.a). Amr bin Sad used to camp, eat with and pray behind Hussain (r.a). They both were friends until Obaidullah sent Shmir himself to finish the job. Shmir arrived at Karbala, cut Hussain's (r.a) water supply. The next day, he battled the Prophet's beloved grandson and martyred him with a spear.


In all of this Shmir was the bad guy. Actually he was a monster! And he was an Iranian. Are all Iranians bad guys? Lets just say in the early history of Islam, the Muslims have not suffered at the hands of anyone except two groups: the Jews and the Iranians. It was a Jewish man who did magic on the Prophet (s.a.w) and he fell sick. Again, it were the Jews who gathered a confederation of tribes against the Prophet (s.a.w) in the battle of Ahzab. Yes, Abdullah bin Saba was also a Jew, the first to poison Muslim Aqeedah against Allah and the first fabricate hadith. Before him, there was no shirk or political disunity amongst the Muslims. He pit Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) until some Muslims were confused. He is essentially the creator the of Shi'i faith.
Next in line of bad guys is Abu lulu al Majusi, an Iranian who martyred Umar (r.a). But this coward committed suicide. He was not man enough to fight. He stabbed Umar (r.a) by surprise and got all scared so he stabbed himself too. What a loser! Finally, this Shmir was a piece of art. He martyred Hussain (r.a). Shmir's sister, Umm Lambeen bint Haram was Ali's (r.a) second wife. She bore four sons, his nephews, Obaidullah, Jafar, Uthman and Abbas. When Shmir went to battle Hussain (r.a), he called  his nephews to the side and gave them Amaan (protection). 
Can you imagine the nerve of this Iranian pericyte? Hussain (r.a) was the son of his brother-in-law too! His step-nephew! But he mutilates and beheads Hussain (r.a), then tramples him with his horse! Why? For power? Out of jealous hatred for the Arabs? With what audacity do the Shi'i, Iranians claim that they are more loyal to Ali (r.a) and his progeny when it was their guy who martyred Hussain (r.a)! And these Iranians dare abuse Abu Bakr and Aisha (r.a) with their filthy, filthy, filthy mouths??? Laa howlaa quwatta bilAllah! Fear Allah if you are Muslims! Aisha (r.a) was the most beloved to the Prophet (s.a.w). She is our mother and university of Islam. To disrespect her is ignorance, a disservice to one's faith and dishonouring the Prophet (s.a.w) himself. The Prophet (s.a.w) died in her arms was buried in her apartment. Have some shame.


See I told you, when it comes to Muharram, its all politics. For centuries the Shi'i and Sunni have argued and assassinated each other when it was all an honest misunderstanding to begin with. Some Jewish and Iranian people came between us and played us good. ربَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ - "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful" (59:10) - Aameen.
There have been many honest misunderstandings and tragedies in the Muslim history, the Shi'i and Sunni fighting is one of them. The past is with Allah. Let Allah deal with Abdullah bin Saba and  Shmir. Allah says, تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ  - "those are nations that have passed. For them is what they have earned (with respect to the reward or punishment of their deeds) and for you are your wages (rewards and punishments). And you will not be asked concerning their actions"  (2:141).


I think Muslims should generally stop fighting. If there is something we don't agree with or don't understand, lets just look it up in the Qur'an and Bukhari? Still if something doesn't make sense then make du'aa to Allah for guidance but do not be harsh upon anyone. The Prophet said, "The most complete of believers in Imaan (faith) are those who are best in character" (Abu Dawood). The most heaviest deed on the scales on the Day of Judgment will be حسن الخلق - good character. حسن الخلق will weigh as much as fasting and praying! (Tirmidhi). So have lots of good character for the day we shall see Allah :) There is more hypocritical than an enlightened savage. 


With this, inshaAllah we end the fight :)
Truce :)