A Critical Study of the Views of Sunni Opponents of the Ashura Uprising

The issue of the Ashura uprising, including its inception, underlying causes, and objectives, evokes diverse viewpoints among Sunni scholars. These perspectives can generally be categorized into three distinct approaches: opposition, agreement, and non-partialism towards the event. Research indicates that the opposition to the Ashura uprising is primarily espoused by a minority within the Sunni community. This minority perceives the uprising through the lens of Yazīd's caliphate legitimacy, contending that since he was the recognized caliph, the Imam's initiation of the uprising lacked legitimacy. They argue that the Imam's actions led to divisions and discord among Muslims, contrary to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad's companions. Furthermore, they interpret hadiths forbidding uprisings as evidence of the illegitimacy of the Imam's actions. This study critically examines and scrutinizes the oppositional stance towards the Ashura uprising. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, we demonstrate that this viewpoint is divergent and held by a minority within the Sunni tradition.