On 9/2/05, Scott Saylors <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > Yes, at each juncture there has been a falling away from the message. This
> > is not unique to the Baha`i Faith either.
> >
Agreed.
Scott:
> > When Shi'ih and Sunni began their tragic split, this was just such a
> > "falling away". I am not going to venture an opinion as to which was the
> > true path of Islam, but I must note that the "falling away" left two very
> > strong and numerous groups, each claiming the distinction of being the
> > "true" Islam.
>
Gilberto:
> Perhaps you as an individual don't have an opinion (which is fine). It
> is my understanding that the Bahai faith teaches that Shiis are more
> correct. But I wouldn't speak about the split in the way you do. At
> least from Sunni scholars who I would respect, Shiis! for the most part
> are *actually* Muslim.
>
Scott:
> I doubt you could find a Shi'ih who does not accept that Sunni are muslims.
> They feel them misguided, and perhaps less "orthodox", but MUSLIMS anyway.
> Same goes for Sunni muslims, they will accept that a Shi'ih muslims is a
> believer in the prophet and the Qur'an, even if they think he is misguided
> and mistaken. Same goes for Sufi, Shaykhi, Seveners, Eleveners, Fivers,
> etc., etc.
Actually, I know there are people who would call themselves Sunnis who
think that Shiis aren't Muslim. I don't know specifically of an
example for the reverse position but I would also be surprised if
there weren't at least one somewhere. Similarly, there are Protestants
who will not recognize that Catholics are Christians. (even though
they are the majority of self-identified Christians) . But in these
examples, I'm fairly certain that the mainstream knowledgable orthodox
perspectives are more inclusive and are more tolerant of difference.
> I would never say that anyone who professes the Prophethood of Muhammed and
> the Truth of the Qur'an to be a muslim, even if he has a few things
> "squirrely" from my point of view.
>
> I consider Juan Cole to be a Baha`i, even though he has splintered himself
> off of the body of the faith.
Wow. I'm actually impressed. In the past I've found Bahais who would
not say he was one of their number.
He professes the Prophethood of Baha`u'llah
> and the Writings as the Truth.
Yes.
> Personally, I believe that putting my own ego
> ahead of unity is wrong, but that is for me to say only about myself.
Actually I read that he "voluntarily" removed himself from the Bahais
in order to not be divisive.
Peace
Gilberto
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