Q: Recently I met up with a friend and started having the discussion about Islam. My friend identifies as a Shi'a and myself as a Sunni. During this discussion there has been some questions that have been bothering me. (Note: We weren't yelling or arguing with each other, we were discussing our viewpoints on certain topics and we were able to talk to each other respectfully.)
1. If Allah states in the Qur'an if you divide the religion of Islam then you have nothing to do with the prophet (6:156), then how are we suppose to decide how to follow our religion? Is it wrong to identify as a sunni or shia? Is it wrong to follow the practices our Imams showed us?
2. The significance of Hz Omar (RA) that lead to the modern day Sunnis. Does his changes in Islamic practice permissible or sinful? (i.e. changing how we pray and tarawih prayer)
3. Whats the importance of tarawih prayer?
4. What is the Sunni perspective of the 12 Imams (the descendants of our Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)?
5. There's a Hadith/Qur'an verse regarding the ablution and a word that says 'wipe' instead of wash our feet. Does that mean washing our feet mean we are performing ablution wrong?
6. Why Shi'a Muslims dislike the other three companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)?
7. Was Hz Ali (RA) literate?
