(SHI’ITE RAFIDHAH IN THE POETRY OF IMAM SHAFI’I R.H.M)

Diwan al-Shafi’i is an antology of Imam al-Shafi’i’s poetries with variety of themes and issues implemented. The diwan contains not more than 150 poems presented his ideas and thoughts. This paper discusses the Shi’ite Rafidhah in the poetry of Imam al-Shafi’i r.h.m (150H-204H) and his attention to Saidina Ali r.a. The discussion is so important as it tends to clarify Imam al-Shafi’i’s stance in regards to Shi’ite issues. Imam al-Shafi’i’s poems might be misinterpreted because the expressions of his poetry seemed to support Shi’ite Rafidhah. Using textual analysis approach and interpretation, the study attempts to analyze the meaning of his expression. The study shows that the expressions of Imam al-Shafi’i poetry about Shi’ite Rafidhah do not indicate his support to Shi’ite. Rather, his expression indicates his love to all Prophet’s family (ah l-Bayt) and companions including Saidina Ali r.a and this is in line with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh).