Ask Those Who Know

Ask Those Who Know is a theological work by Muhammad al-Tijani al-Samawi that chronicles his spiritual journey from Sunni to Shia Islam. The book details his research, conversations with scholars, and examination of historical texts as he explores differences between the two main branches of Islam. Throughout the text, al-Tijani presents arguments about early Islamic history and succession after Prophet Muhammad through analysis of hadith collections and classical sources. He engages with various Islamic scholars and thinkers while investigating key theological disputes and historical events that shaped the Sunni-Shia divide. The narrative follows al-Tijani's visits to religious centers in Iraq, Iran, and other locations as he conducts his research and meets with religious authorities. His methodical documentation includes extensive citations and references to support his findings. The work raises fundamental questions about religious authority, interpretation of sacred texts, and the relationship between faith and historical inquiry. These themes resonate beyond Islamic discourse into broader discussions about religious scholarship and the pursuit of truth.

Many readers describe this as an account of the author's conversion from Sunni to Shia Islam, with some appreciating the clear presentation of historical arguments and evidence. Readers who favor the book point to: - Well-organized citations from Islamic sources - Personal narrative style that makes complex topics accessible - Detailed examination of historical events Common criticisms include: - Claims of selective use of sources to support conclusions - Writing comes across as polemical rather than objective - Some factual disputes about historical interpretations Limited reviews are available online. On Goodreads, the book has 4.3/5 stars from 126 ratings. One reader noted "thought-provoking research and argumentation" while another felt it "oversimplifies complex theological matters." Amazon reviews are minimal with only a few ratings. Several readers said the book requires background knowledge of Islamic history and sectarian differences to fully engage with the material.

Then I Was Guided by Muhammad al-Tijani al-Samawi A personal journey of a Sunni scholar's investigation into Shia Islam and his subsequent conversion.

The Origin of Shi'ite Islam and its Principles by Muhammad Hussein Kashif al-Ghita A historical examination of Shia Islam's development from its roots to established theological principles.

Peshawar Nights by Sultan al-Wa'izin Shirazi Transcripts of debates between Sunni and Shia scholars discussing foundational Islamic beliefs and interpretations.

The Right Path by Sayed Sharafuddin al-Musawi Correspondence between a Sunni scholar and Shia scholar exploring differences in Islamic jurisprudence and doctrine.

Al-Muraja'at: A Shi'i-Sunni Dialogue by Abdul Hussain Sharafuddin al-Musawi Letters between two Islamic scholars examining theological differences between Sunni and Shia perspectives through scriptural evidence.

🕌 Muhammad al-Tijani al-Samawi wrote this book after converting from Sunni to Shia Islam, documenting his spiritual journey and theological research. 📚 The book specifically examines historical events after Prophet Muhammad's death, particularly focusing on the succession dispute between Abu Bakr and Ali ibn Abi Talib. 🌟 Originally written in Arabic ("Fas'aloo Ahla al-Dhikr"), the book has been translated into multiple languages including English, Urdu, and Persian. 🤝 The author spent years traveling between Tunisia, Egypt, and Iraq to conduct research and meet with both Sunni and Shia scholars before writing the book. 📖 The title "Ask Those Who Know" comes from a Quranic verse (16:43) that encourages believers to seek knowledge from those who possess it, which the author uses as a framework for his investigation.