Is it ok to ask a musilm if they are sunni or shia.?

Question

Yes I know the difference well; as far as a christian does.
That is NOT my question.
I have an excellent working relationship with a collegue. I know she is Musilm and was just wondering what type she is. I don't care what she is just idle curiosity. She is the only Musilm I know, so don't know if this would be an acceptable question to ask. I do not wish to offend her.

Answer 1

I'm a Sunni Muslim and i know many of Muslims sisters(shia) in my collage . we are always welcome you to ask us anything about Islam .

its not a private thing that she cannot tell you if she is a shia's follower .

they are so proud to be shia as Sunni Muslims does also :)

we are all same so whether she was a shia'h or a Sunni we have the same believes .

go ahead and good luck ^_^

Answer 2

Speaking as a muslim woman, I would say it's fine. Just be prepared for her to say what most true muslims who actually know what the Quran says will say. True muslims will say neither, that they follow the Quran and that the musings of men are not needed to understand it. Division is not acceptable in Islam, so to those "muslims" who claim one sect or another, their very doing so is sinning and creating trouble. It's not offensive of you to ask though. It's like somebody asking you which part of Christianity you are. I would hope it does not.

Answer 3

Yes, just ask her, "I was wondering if you are Sunni or Shia"



The Sunni means you follow the Sunnah (the sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh). She is most likely this type. The Prophet revealed to us this knowledge about sects 1400 years ago



[006:159] Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad [Peace Be Upon Him]) have no concern with them in the least. Their affair is only with God, Who then will tell them what they used to do.



(V.6:159) It is said that the Prophet [Peace Be Upon Him] recited this Verse and said: "These people are those who invent new things (Bid'ah) in religion and the followers of the vain desires of this Muslim nation, and their repentance will not be accepted by God." (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi)

[It has been narrated in the Hadîth Books (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Mâjah and Abu Dâwûd) that the Prophet [Peace Be Upon Him] said: "The Jews and the Christians will be divided into seventy-one or seventy-two religious sects and this nation will be divided into seventy-three religious sects, all in Hell, except one, and that one is: on which I and my Companions are today, i.e. following the Qur'ân and the Prophet's Sunnah (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements)."]



Peace Be With You

Answer 4

The sunni Shia split within muslims came only after prophet. So there are people (like me) who consider themselves as Muslims only. Anyway, I am sure that she will not find the question offensive.

Answer 5

Probably. I know I wouldn't be offended by the question, but keep in mind that many Muslims have lived under oppression for their beliefs, and may be reluctant to answer, and many more prefer to downplay the division between the denominations for the sake of Muslim unity. If you know your colleague well enough, and the question is asked respectfully, I don't see why asking would be a problem, but don't press if she seems reluctant to answer.

Answer 6

Yes, and you might even ask her to explain the difference and her take on what is going on over there. She might be willing to tell you, especially if she understands that you are not asking out of fear or hatred. Not every muslim is Al Quaeda or Mahdi Militia, any more than every Christian is KKK or Westboro Baptist.

Answer 7

No my friend, I dont think it would offend her. Be it sunni or shia muslims, we still believe that there is no god but The God (Allah), Muhammad (peace be upon him) is God's messenger.



God knows best



Peace and Love.

Answer 8

I'm sure it would be ok as long as u explain to her that it makes no difference which she is and that u r just curious..

I expect she would be happy to talk about it

Answer 9

is that makes any different with u ???? what's Ur point here u can ask here freely it is OK.

we are all Muslims we all believe in one god " Allah" and all prophets including Jesus and prophet Mohamed ... the only difference between shiah and sona is shiah believe the imam Ali should be he prince of believers instead of ABO BAKER ... that's all .. in the End we have one believe heart



Muslim

Answer 10

I'm sure she would be happy to talk to you as not many ppl would bother to ask about her religion in a positive light.

Answer 11

simply ask about 12th imam

if she described in detail then she must be shia otherwise sunni



simple

Answer 12

Sure it's always ok to ask questions if done tactfully and politely.

Answer 13

Don't worry if u ask her she will think u r intresting to learn about islam.

they always do.

Answer 14

Good luck you've a lost a friend forever.

Answer 15

ask away .. but .. don insult them upon that

Answer 16

Sure, it's no problem at all.