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Revision as of 06:21, 5 September 2005 by Muslimunity (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Al-Ahbash is a sunni Islamic group and non-political party in Lebanon; alternative names are : The Ahbash, Habashis, al Habashiyyin, and Jam'iyyat al- Mashari' al-Khayriyya al-Islamiyya (in English, Association of Islamic Charitable Projects - AICP).
It follows the Shafi`i Sunni teachings through the guidance of Shaykh Abdallah ibn Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Harari al-Shibi al- Abdari, also known as al-Habashi ("the Ethiopian"). The group follows Sunni theology with Sufism. It advocates co-existence with non-Muslims, and an opposition to political activism and violence (its slogan is "the resounding voice of moderation"). It also promotes its beliefs internationally through a major Web presence and regional offices, notably in the United States.
It is highly controversial within some extremists circles for its religious stance against Wahhabism, and its conciliatory and diplomatic position with governments (notably Syria and Western governments).
Sheikh al-Harari who is a Muhaddith of Prophetic traditions has played a vital role in helping the Sunni community of Lebanon mold its Islamic Sunni identity post the Second World War in the Levant (East Mediterranean).
Although Sheikh al-Harari is a Shafi`i scholar, he promotes all four Sunni madhhabs in practice namely that of ash-Shafi`i, Malik, Ahmad and abu-Hanifah. Theologically in matters of creed, the Sheikh promotes the Sunni madhhabs of Imam al-Ash`ari and Imam al-Maturidi.
His students (aka al-Ahbash; Ethiopians) are renowned for their attentive scrupulousness and their articulation of the way of ahlus-Sunnah based on the Qur'an, the Hadith and the Ijma` of the Muslim scholars.
Al-Ahbash specialise in the dissemination of Islamic knowledge based on the methodology of the righteous Salaf and Khalaf; namely that of ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah.