Tuan Guru Bajang Clarifies: Defending Iran Does Not Mean Being Pro-Shia

In a recent statement, Muhammad Zainul Majdi, widely known as Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB), provided a firm clarification regarding his frequent defence of Iran. TGB stressed that supporting Iran does not automatically make someone pro-Shia or signify a conversion to Shia beliefs. According to him, these are two fundamentally different matters.

Tuan Guru explained his position as a Sunni with deep argumentation. He stated that spiritually, being a Sunni provides complete blessings because it encompasses both love for the Ahlul Bait (the Prophet’s family) and love for the Prophet’s companions (hubbu sahabah).

He elaborated that in the Sunni view, respect is given comprehensively to both the family and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Conversely, he assessed that in the Shia tradition, affection for the companions tends to be selective. Therefore, he felt there is no reason for a Sunni to change their faith.

“For me as a Sunni, once you are Sunni, it is a loss to become Shia. Because as a Sunni, you get the love of Ahlul Bait and you also get the love of the companions, so it is complete,” he stated.

Despite the theological differences, Tuan Guru reminded that Shia adherents remain fellow Muslim brothers as long as they uphold the creed of La ilaha illallah. Quoting the Qur’anic verse, “Innamal mu’minuna ikhwah” (Indeed, the believers are brothers), he called on the community to see the bigger picture of the Islamic struggle on the global stage.

He expressed appreciation for the courage of Iran and Shia groups in defending the dignity of Islam amidst the phenomenon of wahn (love of the world and fear of death) that has begun to spread in parts of the Sunni world. According to him, the spirit of martyrdom (ruhu syahadah) they demonstrate represents the self-respect of the Muslim community today.

Concluding his explanation, Tuan Guru invited Muslims to strengthen prayers for protection from trials, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to seek refuge from the torment of hell, the torment of the grave, the trials of life and death, and the trial of Al-Masihid Dajjal.

This clarification is expected to quell negative speculation and strengthen Islamic brotherhood amidst the increasingly heated global geopolitical situation. Unity is the key to maintaining the sovereignty of the community.

“Do not let anyone divide you. The community of Muhammad is one,” he asserted.