The issue of the disbelief (Kufr) of the Shia's opposition (Mukhaalif) has been raised in many Shiite traditions, based on which, some Imami scholars considered the mukhaalif to be disbeliever (kaafir) and out of the realm of Islam. In terms of the meaning of mukhaalif,
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The issue of the disbelief (Kufr) of the Shia's opposition (Mukhaalif) has been raised in many Shiite traditions, based on which, some Imami scholars considered the mukhaalif to be disbeliever (kaafir) and out of the realm of Islam. In terms of the meaning of mukhaalif, Shiite narrations and the writings of Shi'ite scholars convey that mukhaalif includes all Muslims other than twelver Shiites. Though opposing (mukhaalafah) can be in various fields, such as believing in anthropomorphism (tajsim), materialization of Allah (tashbih), predestination (jabr) or delegation (tafwid), however, the most striking instance of opposing is the rejection of the Imamate and leadership of the twelve Imams. On the other hand, many traditions explicitly affirm that anyone who accepts the belief of the unity of God (tawhid) and the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (s), is considered as a Muslim and all of the rulings of a Muslim are applicable to him/ her. The analysis of these two groups of traditions and referring to the other relevant traditions and the writings of Shiite scholars indicate that neither of Islam and kufr can be proved for the mukhaalif in an absolute manner, nevertheless, a separation between the various meanings of kufr and the different types of mukhaalif is necessary. What can be certainly proved is that kufr, in the sense of being out of the realm of Islam, is only applicable to the prejudiced mukhaalif, and the other two types of mukhaalif, being ignorant and denier, are considered Muslims. However, the inclusiveness of some traditions to all types of mukhaalif, and categorizing them as disbelievers is justified by the different levels and degrees of belief and disbelief.
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