Written by: Shaykh Abū Bakr Jābir al-Jazāʾirī
Compiled by: Tauheed.com❖ Introduction
All praise is due to Allah and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.
I wish to share a reality that I myself remained unaware of for a long time. Initially, I did not know that among the Shia, there are individuals who claim exclusive affiliation with Ahl al-Bayt. I assumed they were simply a group that expressed excessive love for the Prophet ﷺ and, as a result of this extremism, differed with Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.
However, this divergence is so intense that many Shias regard Sunnis as fāsiq (open sinners), or worse, as people with no relation to Islam — a deeply distressing matter. For one Muslim brother to label another as outside the religion is a dangerous path leading to deviation from Islam itself.
Yet this misunderstanding did not persist for long. Upon the advice of some sincere brothers, I turned to the core texts of the Shia faith, most notably “Al-Kāfī” by al-Kulaynī — a foundational book for the Shia. After studying it, I came to know many crucial facts and apologized to those who had earlier criticized my leniency toward the Shia, recognizing that my perception had stemmed from incomplete understanding.
I had previously thought that perhaps Ahl al-Sunnah were being unjust to the Shia. But through objective study, it became clear that Shia doctrine is fundamentally flawed.
I now wish to present references and conclusions from the Shia's own core text, “Al-Kāfī,” so that those who are sincere may consider these points with an open heart and reflect deeply. If, after examining these, they still insist their path is correct, then at least let them acknowledge the real content of their own beliefs.
We pray that Allah opens their hearts to the truth, so that they may repent from their erroneous path and acknowledge the correctness of the way of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.
❖ Ahl al-Kāfī: 7 Key Doctrinal Errors in Light of Shia Sources
① Claim of Sufficiency Without the Qur’an
According to Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 207), the Imams have complete knowledge of all divine scriptures and are thereby independent of the Qur’an.
This belief implies:– That earlier scriptures suffice for guidance over the Qur’an,
– That one can detach from the Qur’an while still being rightly guided.
Critical Analysis:– This is a direct contradiction of Islam, as no one can be independent of the Qur’an.
– Anyone who denies the necessity of the Qur’an exits the fold of Islam.
– This belief falsely attributes deficiencies to Ahl al-Bayt, who were always true adherents of the Qur’an.
– The Prophet ﷺ himself objected when ʿUmar (RA) once read a page from the Torah, highlighting the exclusive sufficiency of the Qur’an.
② Denial of Qur’anic Compilation by the Companions
Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 26) claims only ʿAlī (RA) and subsequent Imams compiled the full Qur’an — no other companion did.
Critical Analysis:– This contradicts historical fact, as companions like Zayd ibn Thābit, Ubayy ibn Kaʿb, Ibn Masʿūd, and others were renowned memorizers and compilers of the Qur’an.
– To label them as liars is to undermine the entire foundation of Islam, as the Qur’an and Sunnah reached us through them.
– Such a belief also denies the promise of Allah in:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Dhikr, and indeed We will guard it.” (Al-Ḥijr: 9)– Claiming only the Shia possess the “real Qur’an” is baseless, as no Shia can present a single extra verse unknown to the rest of the Muslim Ummah.
③ Attributing Prophetic Miracles to the Imams
Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 227) narrates that ʿAlī (RA) had the staff of Mūsā, the ring of Sulaymān, and Adam’s shirt, and that Imām Jaʿfar possessed these and other miraculous items.
Critical Analysis:– This ascribes divine miracles to human beings, which elevates the Imams to prophetic or even divine ranks.
– ʿAlī (RA) himself clearly stated: “We have nothing special besides the Book of Allah and a few legal notes.”
– Had these miracles existed, why were they never used in moments of dire persecution faced by Ahl al-Bayt?
– These claims are fabrications to promote sectarian supremacy.
④ Belief That the Imams Possess All Prophetic Knowledge
Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 138) claims:
– The Prophet ﷺ taught ʿAlī (RA) 1000 doors of knowledge, each opening 1000 further.
– The Imams possess al-Jāmiʿah, ʿIlm al-Jafr, and Muṣḥaf Fāṭimah — all secret divine knowledge.
– One narration claims Muṣḥaf Fāṭimah is three times the size of the Qur’an and contains not a single verse from it.
Critical Analysis:– These views suggest detachment from the Qur’an, which is kufr.
– The notion that only the Imams possess these divine sciences is a clear accusation against the Prophet ﷺ, implying he concealed knowledge from his Ummah.
– ʿAlī (RA) denied possessing any special scripture.
– Associating hidden knowledge and esoteric scriptures with Fāṭimah (RA) is a baseless and insulting claim.
⑤ The Sacrificial Theory of Imām Mūsā al-Kāẓim
Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 260) narrates that Imām Mūsā al-Kāẓim gave his life to save the Shia from Allah’s wrath.
Critical Analysis:– This parallels the Christian concept of atonement, where ʿĪsā (AS) sacrificed himself for humanity’s sins.
– Such beliefs conflict with Tawheed and the finality of Prophethood.
– The idea that Imams could bargain with Allah on behalf of followers is baseless and blasphemous.
⑥ Claim That the Imams Are Infallible and Receive Revelation
Al-Kāfī (Kitāb al-Ḥujjah, p. 229) states:
– Imams are like Prophets and receive divine inspiration (waḥy), just not about marriage matters.
– Obedience to them is obligatory like that to a Prophet.
Critical Analysis:– This clearly violates the finality of Prophethood.
– Such beliefs detach Shia entirely from the Qur’an and Sunnah, making Imams supreme authorities above the Prophet ﷺ.
– Claiming that waḥy continues after the Prophet ﷺ is outright disbelief.
⑦ Declaring the Sahabah Apostates
Al-Kāfī attributes statements to Abū Jaʿfar (RA) declaring Abū Bakr and ʿUmar (RA) as apostates and cursed.
Critical Analysis:– The Qur’an declares that Allah is pleased with the Companions.
– Accusing them of apostasy is an attack on Islam’s foundational transmitters.
– These are the very men who spread Islam across the globe.
– Such beliefs are the result of Jewish and Magian conspiracies — promoted by ʿAbdullāh ibn Sabaʾ, a key instigator of Shia doctrine.
❖ Conclusion
– These beliefs from Al-Kāfī demonstrate that Shia Islam is a distinct religion, with its own understanding of revelation, Prophethood, and succession.
– By elevating Imams to prophetic or divine status, they depart from the path of Islam.
☑ Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah remains the true representative of Islam — loving both the Companions and Ahl al-Bayt, respecting the Prophet ﷺ, and adhering solely to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
❖ Final Advice
O Shia brethren! The above evidences were presented directly from your own most authentic book, Al-Kāfī.
Examine them sincerely with a clear heart. Reflect on:
✔ Your personal faith and that of your family,
✔ The path of the Qur’an and Sunnah,
✔ The harm in these extremist, deviated beliefs.
Pray to Allah for guidance, and let us unite around the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ, not sectarian dogma.
وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلِينَ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ