Criticism and Study of Reasons for Ritual Impurity of the People of the Sacred Book

In the modern era - is called communication time - symbiosis, interaction and experience exchange among human beings are vital and necessary. Islam deems necessary the multilateral presence of religion in diverse fields of life, one of which is connections of Muslims with others. Relationships with nonMuslims have been brought up in the Qur’an from different aspect and with various criterions. In the same way, efficient answering to questions concerning human relationships, interaction and symbiosis with the followers of other religions is expected from Islamic Jurisprudence. Certainly previous jurists have provided some answers in this ground, but nowadays in the light of new requirements, these answers need further study. Therefore, this paper has noticed the verdict of ritual impurity of the people of the sacred book. Although some jurists like Vahid Behbahani has said this verdict has turned to emblem of Shi’a and despite the statement of author of Madarek: “ Shi’a is known with the verdict”, but modern researchers and jurists express serious hesitation about reasons of this judgment which is also one of controversial matters between sunnism and shi’ism.  In this article, the four proofs (two verses from Holy Qur’an: 28 of Toba and 125 Anaam; traditions and consensus) of this verdict have been reviewed and their inaccuracy proved.