The Nonsensical Sufi-Salafi War By Saad Omar
Published by Saad Omar March 31st, 2007 in Islam, PersonalThe Salafis are the new Sufis. Fifty years ago, the Salafi’s were the Westerner’s best friend. Sufis were seen as political threats due to their heavy involvement in anti-colonial resistance and thus Salafis were supported and Sufis were bashed. Many of our parents grew up overseas with these anti-Sufi sentiments. 50 years later, “Salafis” are suddenly the “evil group” and once again the Muslim community has joined in the bandwagon and demonized them. We must have a deeper understanding of history before we fall into simplistic polemic arguments!
Our house is under vicious attack. The roof is on fire and the windows have been broken into. Enemies have surrounded the perimeter and day and night launch their most destructive firepower on the existing foundation.
Inside, we stand in the kitchen arguing about who is going to do the dishes…
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf’s powerful analogy over seven years ago really fits well with the current situation of so-called ideological divides in the Muslim American community.
I consider myself a vagabond. At different points in my life I have identified with different groups, depending on my needs during that stage. As I would enter one “camp” I would immediately notice the animosity that was brewing against every group that identified themselves with a slightly different ideological perspective.
In Indiana a certain group claiming to follow the so-called Salafi movement was bashing Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Zaytuna, Sufism, and everything else that they could think of that identified with what they considered the “deviant sect”
When I was around students of the “traditional Islam” camp, there was frequent “Salafi” and “Al-Maghrib” bashing. (it is not accurate the equate the two)
We are truly arguing over dishes.
Each and every one of us has different needs. Lets not forget that a Bedouin came to the Prophet (S) and asked him if he only performed his prayers, fasted, and gave Zakat, would he be fine on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (S) said that if he is true in fulfilling these mandatory pillar properly, he will be fine.
Maybe we have this strange idea that we will start a movement or organization and every Muslim will perfectly fit into it. Maybe we look at the Seerah and the companions of Medina as having this solidarity.
There were companions who converted to Islam and returned back to their tribes and never even saw the Muslims of Medina again. There were approximately 100,000 Sahabis in the farewell pilgrimage of the Prophet (S). The most well educated in Islamic history could probably only list 500-1000 Sahabis by name. What about the other 99,000? It seems that we expect our Muslim community to live up to the expectations of only Omar (R) and Aisha (R) and even with these core companions there were FUNDAMENTAL differences of opinion.
The point is, we must stop thinking that our little organizations are the “saved-sect” and every other group is one of the 70 “astray groups” that will be formed in the end of time.
Like I said in an earlier article:
I have learned the Islamic sciences from the so-called traditionalist.
I have learned activism and “living as a comprehensive Muslim” from the so-called Jamaaties and Ikwaniis.
I have learned to be sensitive to innovation from the so-called Salafis.
I have learned to have a deep and profound love for the Prophet’s family from my Shiate brothers and sisters.
I have learned to be critical and ask the right questions from the so-called liberals.
I have learned invaluable lessons on manners and human kindness from non-Muslim neighbors.
I see all of these Muslim organizations as a harmonious orchestra, not a cacophonous mix of instruments. There are times when I NEED to hear a Dr. Muneer Fareed lecture and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf won’t do. On another day, I am in the mood for Imam Sirraj Wahhaj.
And in the end of the day, I think Imam Muhammad Shareef from the Al-Maghrib Institute is the greatest example of organizational genius in our community and I look to him and his organization for inspiration in many of my endevours.
When the Sufis call me “Kinda Salafi” and the Salafis call me “kinda Sufi,” I know I’m alright.
We certainly have much more pressing matters at hand. I am not saying that there are not valid differences of opinion or even healthy debates that should occur between groups but rather that we have to have a sense of priorities and also not a skewed utopian view of Seerah where all the Companions were part of a monolithic way of thinking. There was NO Sahabi Institute that everyone was a member of with their own website, t-shirts, conferences, and favorite group of speakers.
Much love for Zaytuna, ALIM, Al-Maghrib, MAS, and ISNA. Even so-called liberal groups should not be completely discredited. We take the good from all and many times these groups ask excellent questions and make present critiques that we may not have otherwise seen.
26 Responses to “The Nonsensical Sufi-Salafi War By Saad Omar”
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I think he’s on to something. This reminds me of the Amman Message.
Salaams Saad!
We miss you and your wisdom!
I do think there is a sort of utopianism in each of these thought currents, which makes the members of these groups pretty insensitive to people who aren’t on board their boat that is supposedly sailing to temporal and eternal bliss. Everyone seems to think they have it all figured out and if everyone else would just believe it too we would all be “saved” not only in the next life, but almost more importantly in this one too.
But this boils down to the deeply fragmented state of the Islamic sciences and Muslim pedagogy. Many of us who are insecure like myself “hang on to the coat tails” of scholars who we believe “get it” and are “rightly guided” and completely dismiss those that “don’t” afraid that if we take anything from them we’ll deviate.
But I think it should be pointed out that it’s really not he scholars who perpetuate this rift but many overzealous students who have a fire in their belly that is “roaring too loud for them to hear anyone else.”
As-salamu ‘alaykum,
Alhamdulilah you spoke my mind. One should be at least be open-minded enough to tolerate the differences and if you don’t agree with the other person just take the good and leave rest.
Sometimes I wonder how one can be so peaceful with non-Muslims and not with their own Muslim brethren
“Shaytan will always try to incite hatered and enmity between Muslims (Jabir (RA), Muslim). It is therefore, important to restrain our tongues and our hands, and suppress bad emotions and desires such as anger, bitterness or spite. Failure to do so gives victory to shaytan and earns Allah
’s displeasure. it will also increase our bad deeds on the Day of Judgment. “If we want to save ourselves from the Fire and attain entry into the Garden we should treat others, as we would want to be treated in return”(Muslim)”
-taken from The Importance of Sisterhood in Islam by Ruqaiyah Abdullah
A few hadiths and Qur’anic ayats to keep in mind:
“Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than sadaqa followed by insulting words. (Surat al-Baqrah 2:263)
To harbour good thoughts is part of well conducted worship (Abu Hurairah (RA), Abu Dawud, Vol III, p1389, No.4975)
“Allah
will not show mercy to those who do not show mercy to others” (Bukhari, Muslim)
“Let no man accuse another of unrighteousness or kufr, lest, should he be mistaken, that he himself, is as he says. (Bukhari)
Some people asked the Allah
’s Messenger (pbuh) “Whose Islam is the best?” He replied, “One who avoids hamring the Muslims with his tongue and hands” (Bukhari)
Upon seeing two men arguing with each other about an ayah of the Qur’an, The Prophet (pbuh) was clearly angered saying “The people before you were ruined because of their disputation about the Book,” he also warned: “The most desipicable amongst men to Allah
is that vehment disputer” (Muslim)
“The mu’min are brothers, so make peace between brothers and have taqwa of Allah
so that hopefully you will gain mercy” (Surat al-Hujurat)
Two beauitful Prophetic dua’s:
“O Allah
! If I should hurt somebody, let it be a means of purificaton and mercy for him”
“O Allah
! If I should ever abuse a mu’min, please let that be a means of bringing him near to You on the Day of Rising”
Fee Amaanillah Ameen
br. saad, where can i get some ‘t-shits’?
thanks haroon
haha…
thank God not too many ppl have linked to this article
-saad
as salam `alaykum
There is a factual error in the article. The movement that the British sided with is NOT the current day Salafi movement, but the original Salafi Modernist movement of Jamal al Din al Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, Muhammad Rashid Rida, Mahmud Shaltut.
And with all due respect due brother Saad Umar using “When the Sufis call me “Kinda Salafi” and the Salafis call me “kinda Sufi,” I know I’m alright” as a basis for truth is not very objective and principled. One needs to go back to the sources to see if they’re “alright.”
yeah but he is still trying to make a point.
Take from the good and dont focus on teh differences.
And thanks for pointing out what you said Ahsan Irfan
However, he is statement that when salafees say I am kinda sufi and vice versa.
I think he means, he takes good from whereever it comes, offcoures based on sources.
I think I agree about half way. I think generally people don’t mind the other “camp” (if that’s what it’s all been reduced to, but that’s another matter). I think these things occur only a certain context and that is mainly in some study circles (depending on the issue being discussed) and in certain discussions. Generally, the Sufi brother doesn’t mind hanging out or going to lunch with his Salafi brother though.
Regarding those contexts, I think the issue isn’t so much Sufis just hate Salafis or vice versa, and Jordan alludes to this, but we have students and laypeople who delve into matters that do no not concern them. You have people who argue for or against x practice when they don’t know all the proofs and opinions.
Also, some of the points you bring up don’t really help your argument, such as Imam Muhammad Shareef’s organizational skills. I agree he is very good, masha’Allah
, but what does that really have to do with the “Sufi-Salafi” war? I know you might say we could use minds like him, but you’re talking about his business/organizational mind. That’s just irrelevant.
Anyways, I don’t disagree with your conclusion, but I think we need to delve deeper in the problem and take more than a superficial brush it so we can find an appropriate solution.
There’s more I can say, but then I’d just be ranting
Masha’Allah
the views expressed here by Br. Saad are the kind we need more of if we are to move beyond viewing each other in tribal ways. Unfortunately, it’s become like we all go to Ummah High or something with the amount of “cliques” we have. But I’m optimistic -as we listen more and more to each other - that we’ll all graduate someday to find ourselves at the university of brotherhood, insha’Allah 
.
Oh thank you! This brother have also expressed me own thoughts…and I really like the whole “WHat I’ve learned” from each “group” part..thats just how I feel too, masha’Allah
…and how I live my life. I believe Allah 
gave me a brain, and as long as I am clear on major aspects of Aqeedah, then I can begin to listen to the different voices out there, and try to live my life the best I can accoding to our Shari’ah and the Book of Allah 
. I leave that which is doubtful, for that which isn’t. Such a simple path 
But I have to admit, it did take me some years to get to this point…I was a bit over the top for awhile..a convert “Zealous” stage…
Now, alhamdulellah, I’m so much more balanced, slightly wiser (hehe), and have the ability to see people for who they are, not just what they appear to be. And I am more patient in learning my Deen. I don’t show up at a lecture with a “full cup,” if you know what I mean..
So, as an AlMaghirb student, who also listens to everyone Zaytuna, and Sheikh Mokhtar Maghroui (awesome masha’Allah
!!), Imam Siraj (a classic, come on!!) Aminah Assilmi, Dr. Umar, and so on…I find that in all these speakers, everything gets covered in the deen! I hope our new, “Blended” concept can become a “trend.”
salam
danya, u should know me a little better than to think that i’m attempting to take a “superficial brush” at the topic..and not the comment about Muhammad Shareef is no “irrelevant” as you put it..
the sufi-salafi war has created a culture where we cannot benefit from the two groups, it is not simply based on factual differences between the groups but a climate where organizations cannot benefit from one another and their wisdom because of name calling.
as far as the comment that was also mentioned about the “factual error,” i was not claiming that the british supported the current salafi movement, i am rather talking about the labels and the label throwing, not the actual nature of the groups. thats not the point of this article.
the point of this article is the this heated pointless argumentation must stop so we can even have decent and constructive discussions on these issues so to people who thinking this is a superficial look, this is not meant to be the article that sets these issues straight but rather one that says that we all need to relax so that we can talk.
anyways..i wish people would ask questions before making superficial critiques…
-saad
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,
Alhamdulillah, I am pleased to read many of my brother is State is soo interesting in studying our deen. yet, sometimes still blur and in a way of searching the thruth from our deen.
Here I am in Indonesia, have the same phase to evaluate ourselves and avoiding the burden coming from so many aspect influence the concept of our deen.
Dealing with salafi firtly we should to know what it’s mean literally. as-salaf mean our formers/our forefather in deen. and then we should to know shalih which is mean good deed. All to gether mean our old generation who have good deed in islam. Simply Rasululloh pbuh said “The best generation is my generation, and then the generation after that and then the generation after that”. And Simply by logic think we can say “The best people after Muhammad is sahabah” as how jews said “The best people after Musa is his companion” and as how christian said “The best people after Isa is his compaion”. And that why we should follow our study and our way to study the deen is by follow the the best generation. They are who the best undestanding Al qur’an, the “asbabun nuzul”, the relathing story, and the explanation followed - ahadist, and they live with our prophet in who guided them, warned then, and correct them in time they in false.
And then we should to learn “Al-manhaj As salafush salih” means the way / the method of understanding ad deen by follow the undestanding “as-salafus salih”.
Why we should choose this way? verily Alloh said “Al yauma akmaltu lakum dinukum, wa atmamtu nikmatii, wa radhitulakum deenakum islaama deenan” means “Today I have perfect your deen for you all, and I have complete my giving (islam), and I accept (ridha) islam to be your deen”. And since that should be no other perfection and searching for perfection or deletion or deterioration in deen.
Then prophet said “The best speech is Alloh speech, the guidance is Muhammad’s (pbuh)guidance, the worst speech is the new words (in deen), every new words (in deen) is inovation (bid’ah) and every inovation is lost way, and every lost way is in hell”
And who make inovation is who break Alloh deen. verily Alloh said “And hold tighly all of you to the rope (deen) Alloh and don’t you split al the way” (Ali Imran:103) and other ayah “Don’t make you be part of people who make companion for Alloh,that is peoples who devide apart their religion and they devide to be some sect. every sect proud theirselves with all they have” وَلَا تَكُونُوا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعاً كُلُّ حِزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ (Ar Rum: 31-32).
Exactly who they are make inovation is who break the rope (deen) Alloh. This deen is Alloh have, then why we should feel hate if our brother is warn us or correct us?
Deeply Rasulullah said “I guide to you to be affraid to Alloh, abey and diciplin, event who order you is a Habsy slave. Cause who live (long) amongs of you surely will see so many deviation (unfavorable), therefore, hold tigth to my sunnah and sunnah of qulafaur rashidin (the four khalifah) “refer to sahabah as salih” who they get guidance. Hold it strong as you can. And be carefull to the new (in deen), cause every new (in deen)is inovation…. as above”.
٦٥. فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجاً مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيماً
“Then for you God, truely they are not in faith till they make you judge in their case which they deviate, and then they don’t feel objection in their heart to your decision, and they accept fully” (An-nisa:65).
O brother, you know “Exactly islam is strange in the inception time and will be back strange as how in the inception time. then, be worth to the stranger people, that is peoples who have good deed in time human already in false.” Then, the best friend is who they warn us if we wrong and help us when we falls and make us back the right way”. The right way is what Alloh said in Qur’an and what have Rasululloh explain. The right way is not the same with kidness, because kindness is have own perpestive to who have interest. Inovation coming from the perspective of some peoples who claim a thing from side view of good or bad. But the right people always have a view from right or wrong. Then we should becarefull to the information of kindness thing in such of inovation.
And then they who refer to Alloh speech and sunnah rasululloh and with perspective of understanding from sahabah warn to their brother not to let them selves lost in way not to hold tight in rope (deen) Alloh, and correct their brother who in way od bid’ah and devide to many sect cause of bidah.
They are the safe group, not so many, but always there and exist all the time till come up the decision from Alloh.
(all ahadist above choosed from Bukhari, Muslim and Other…please assist me to give the number of those ahadist).
Perhaps my brothers all have enlightment in way purify and searching the truth coming from Alloh and sunnah Rasululloh with honest heart. For the God who up side and down our heart, make strong point to our heart in your deen.
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,
Choirul Anwar, Jakarta
Wow Saad, that was a rather biting response.
Firstly then, I would like to apologize. Since I started law school, I have noticed an unconscious shift in my writing and I’ve realized it comes off as somewhat harsh when that not my intention. Insha’Allah
I will work on that problem of mine.
Also please do not take this as some kind of personal attack. Yes, we’ve had some lengthy conversations. Let me then rephrase my thoughts… you are not giving a superficial brush, but I do feel that this particular piece then does not convey that fact.
And fair enough that you do think the Imam Muhammad al-Shareef comment is relevant, but could you please explain how? Perhaps I missed it…
Anyways you don’t have to answer me here, perhaps we can catch each other online or something and once again, please do forgive me if I came off harshly.
Lastly, I will write about this on my blog insha’Allah
… hopefully before finals, but Allah 
knows.
its all gravy danya… these are blog arguments…its all chill
-saad
One more Salafi apologist who is now warming up to his “Mushrik” Sufis now that they are the favorites of the white masters …..
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I pray that you are in the best of health & imaan.
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Wa’salam
Our Lord states, ‘and co-operate in birr and taqwaa - and do not co-operate in ithm and ‘udwaan’.
I wonder if our brother Sa’ad is restricting his labelling of “Salafi” and “Sufi” to contemporary definitions. I mean by that, are you referring to the pseudo-salafis, who declare the creed of Muqaatil? Are you talking about the salafi jihaadis such as Ayman Ath-Thawaahiri? Or how about the Najdi-Salafi-Wahhabis that follow Sulaymaan in their stances accepting the validity of the Turuq of Tasawwuf, especially the tareeqah adopted by the Hanaabilah - mainly Abdul Qaadir Al Jilaani, Ibn Qudaamah, Bahaa’ud-Deen Al Maqdisi, and some even state Ibn Taymiyyah?
And which “sufi” are you talking about? Are you talking of the Senegalese Tijaaniyyah? The Shaadhiliyyah of the Jazaa’ir or the chistiyyah of India? Or of the Chechen Naqshabandiyyah? Or of the old school; ex: Abu Bakr Al-Kalaabaadhi?
And of the Shi’aah, whom do you speak; the Imaamiyyah who revile Sayyidati ‘Aa’ishah, or the Haadiwiyyah - Qaasimiyyah? Do you include the Isma’ilis or the Syrian ‘Alawis in your article? Or even the splinter Faatimidiyyah?
The problem that I am facing with your article, akhil habeeb, is that there is no definitive monolithic manhaj in any of these ’sects’. To use these labels with exclusive meaning is flawed, especially in our times.
It is my view that the solution is within the Turuq of the 4 A’immah, and their students’ approach. I see no need, nor cause, to “benefit” from the Imaamiyyah. You stated about the shi’ah:
The first thought emerging from my encephalon is why would you have to learn this from the shi’aah? And the same for every other issue. All of the fadhaa’il mentioned our found in the orthodox tradition of our forefathers. A simple read of the books of Sunni doctrine would have lead you to such benefit.
The second thought that came to my mind was why did you not mention Shayton? I mean the Sahabah learned from Shayton benefit as well (the athar of Aayatul Kursi) ! Shall we ignore all of the deviance, vice, and fitnah Shayton places upon us simply because he spoke the truth once? I say this only out of worry that by mentioning benefits you personally gained from certain unorthodox movements, you have failed to mention the misguidance some of these groups have imparted upon the ignorant and layman Muslims.
The “war”, as you deem it, between the salafis and sufis is not a contemporary fad dear brother. The arguments, mainly in creed, have been fought out amongst the Hanbalis for generations. That is a topic for another day.
I hope I get to hear from you again.
wow…is this ata from back in the MTI days?? haha great to hear from you bro..
i think u make good points, but my point is not the nature of these groups or the validity of these groups, its rather moving to healthy discussion and not unproductive name calling. the point that i was making does not relate to the “true nature” or positions of any of these groups that why i did not need to specify which “safafis” or “sufis” i’m talking about because i’m speaking of the connotations that the layman puts to these terms not the reality of these groups.
as far as your point of the deviances that these groups have led to, i completely agree with you, many of these groups have led to much deviance but the point i was trying to make is, we are forced to live together so might as well move towards healthy discussion as opposed to harmful polemics.. thats was my only point.
but great to hear from you ata..def been a LONG time
-saad
Jazaaka Allahu Khairan Akhi Saad. ’tis I!
It is true that we must live side by side. I however contend that things do not have to be blissful. If you look upon our rich history, you will find that the early Hanbalis deemed Muhammad ibn Isma’il Al-Bukhaari a Mubtadi’, leaving only Imaam Muslim at his feet. The same goes with many of the different “people of bida’ah”. Disliking or even hating your brother because you feel there is “an evil heresy” within him, does not mean that you are going to kill him, or that you will not fight along side him in times of dire need. I suppose a relative example of this can be found in the story of Ka’ab ibn Maalik. He was abandoned by the mass of the Muslims save Mu’adh and a couple of other companions. They still recognized him as Muslim, but believed that in him was evil, that as you know was dispelled by revelation. Another example from the time of the Sahaabah is that Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) abandoning his son for refusing to implement the hadith ‘do not forbid the hand-maidens of Allah
from Allah 
’s masjids’. He never spoke to him again, though his son was still Muslim.
The point that I am making is that absolute harmony will not be attained in this world amongst Muslims. There are hypocrites, deviants, perverts, and crazy crack head wackos amongst us. The prophetic guidance, as well as the method of the Sahaabah, show us that at times boycotting, disdain for vice or deviance, is necessary and will cause division amongst Muslims. It is inevitable. To believe, or rather dream, that this Ummah will somehow re-arrange itself into one group and not 73 is simply wishful thinking. The only reasonable hope, I think, for Muslims is they do not kill one another. Let them call each other names, as that will never end, let them boycott or bash, slander, backbite etc; just as long as they don’t take each others lives, there is hope. But you have to remember our history. Never has there been complete harmony, even amongst the most righteous of generations.
I just think that what you are implying is wishful thinking. As a realist, I don’t see anything changing. It is human to error. To expect no error from mankind is naive. And really, do you believe that someone who curses your Mother ‘Aa’ishah or prostitutes their daughters under the guise of legal Muta’ah, deserve respect and compassion? Do you believe that a pedophile “Muslim” deserves kindness after molesting a little child?
Some people deserve harshness, while others deserve patience and kindness. I suppose that is one of the reasons for the legislation of “hijrah” from individuals. What harsher treatment than to cut off a man from the community and place upon him the scorn of Rasulullah (saaws) and his disciples?
I could be wrong though. It is just how I see things.
I wholeheartedly agree. That is why I have bought The Masnevi, and Sheikh Hamza Yusuf’s “Agenda to change our circumstances”, even though I’m “salafi”.
You see its all okay and I understand we should take the good from everyone.
But the point to remember is some of these groups especially the salafis if the ummah at large is not careful they are there to disunite the ummmah, their effort is breaking the ummah up. If the ummah is broken then we as muslims are weak and easily walked over.
I always think to myself and ponder who really is behind the salafi movement. whose idea and agenda do they fit perfectly into when it comes to demonising muslims?
to said it is wishful thinking and dream never come true to complete harmonize mankind is true..but let not this “negative” mentality to lead our way of life..we must try harder, the best that we can give to somewhat remind to our brothers as many as possible..both current sufi and salafi as general make mistakes to blame each other and not thinking to unity..this is human error..to forever think he is on the right track..and blaming with stereotype manner to other brothers..lets not give the name and stereotype in our ummah..this main disease and main reason is due to muqallidun..those who blind imitate others..i do think this is the deception made by dajjal to further sectionalized muslim as our knowledge on islam is reduced due to the death of ulama as promised by Allah
..Thus we must neutral in both way..following the true sunnah of prophet and salafus saleh, and daily purify our soul reminding ourselves is mere slave of Allah 
and fighting riya’ and other mazmumah..without modification of Prophets ibadah..He himself make tahajjud every night until his legs become swollen,but we hardly to follow, yet we creating new ibadah, claiming to show love Allah 
and prophet?
Shame on ours..we should start to do tahajjud first until our legs become swollen and see whether we able to create other ways..
my link above is not my youtube account but bro noreagaaa from lubnan..and he make very beautiful video..preparing ourselves to the end of the day..
Assalaamu alaikum,
Personally I agree with your former peers comments whole heartedly. I’m a layman I won’t attempt to go into depth but InshaAllah maybe give something to this seemingly productive discussion.
I still believe in the Amman Message however some things I’ve noticed - not from books or Ulama directly - from my own life experience.
Can we really have brotherly unity with Shia who make disgusting comments about our mother Aisha (RA), and Umar (RA)?
Can we have let our children learn at the Salafi and Deobandi (I’ve personally heard a Deo Alim say this) madrassa that Allah
has a body, sits on a throne, and is up above us?
Can we let our children attend Barelvi gatherings that use instruments in Nasheeds?
Can we let our familys join ‘progressive’ muslim Jama’ats that have a women as Imam?
I honestly sympathize with your desire for unity but some differences are very serious. I’ve personally met the kinds of extreme prejudice Sunni-sufis and Salafis you’v e written about, my Islamic teacher teaches similar views to you however he draws the line when seriously deviant beliefs are taught.