Mubaje: Theological differences do not exclude Shias from Islam

By Ahmed Idriss

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has dismissed assertions that Shias are not Muslims, stressing that they remain part of the wider Muslim Ummah despite theological differences.

Speaking on March 28, during memorial prayers for the late Sheikh Ishaq Yusuf Naminya, a former member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Shuurah Committee, held at Busowa in Bugiri district, Sheikh Mubaje said both Shias and Sunnis uphold the core tenets of Islam, including belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“I want to assure you, fellow Muslims, that Iranians are our Muslim brothers. It is true we have our theological differences, but they testify to the oneness of Allah and to Prophet Muhammad as His Messenger; therefore, you cannot exclude them from Islam,” he said.

The Mufti explained that the Sunni–Shia divide stems from a historical disagreement over the succession of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), rather than from differences in the fundamental beliefs of Islam.

“After the death of the Prophet, one group held that leadership should remain within his household, while another believed any of his companions could assume leadership,” he noted.

He cautioned Muslims against deepening divisions rooted in what he described as political differences.

“It is politics that has led us here, and we have simply followed along. If they are non-Muslims, why do they perform Hajj? How is it that those who claim Shias are not Muslims still allow them to undertake the pilgrimage?” he wondered.

Sheikh Mubaje added that while Shias maintain that leadership should come from the Prophet’s lineage, Sunnis hold a different position.

“They appear organised and have a global Shia leader, whereas we maintain our position but do not have a single unified head of Sunni Muslims today,” he said.

In recent weeks, several sheikhs associated with the Jamu‑iyyah Da‑awah Tabligh As‑Salafiyyah have recorded and circulated video messages on social media asserting that Shias are not genuine Muslims and urging Ugandan Muslims not to support Iran amid the ongoing US‑Israeli military actions against the Gulf nation.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, the Mufti described the situation as part of a broader geopolitical and religious struggle.

“Iran has faced prolonged sanctions over many years. This is a religious war, and we cannot side with the oppressors,” he said.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen attacks on Iranian leadership and military installations, followed by retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and United States bases in the Gulf, further escalating tensions in the region.